latimes--2020-07-07--Riverside County surpasses 20,000 coronavirus cases. That wasn't supposed to happen yet

Even as fireworks exploded into celebratory lights on the Fourth of July , news from Riverside County ’ s coronavirus test sites put a damper on the holiday : The county surpassed 20,000 detected coronavirus cases on Saturday , a few days before it was expected .
By Tuesday , the number had jumped to 21,101 cases , adding 546 cases and 20 new deaths that day alone .
Christine Langenwalter , chief quality officer at the Desert Regional Medical Center , attributes much of the case jump to summer gatherings and festivities that occurred before last weekend ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first holidays , but we were all sheltering in place .
We had masks , and we didn ’ t see too much of a bump at all .
Mother ’ s Day , we saw more of a more mild incline .
But what really hit us hard is after Memorial Day , ” she said .
After some Riverside County residents had gathered with friends for Memorial Day , the socializing phenomenon seemed to domino : case counts continued to rise in connection to Father ’ s Day gatherings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t all .
Throughout late May and June , nail salons , houses of worship , indoor dining and gyms began to open , said county spokeswoman Brooke Federico .
“ People are just going out to more places in the community , whether that ’ s parks or businesses or other types of community events , ” Federico said , noting that the behavior made the county a prime spot for contagion .
Now , Riverside County ’ s total cases are second to only Los Angeles County , with about 870 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Riverside .
Those statistics gained Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s attention , resulting in his July 2 order that shuttered all Riverside County bars for both indoor and outdoor guests .
The order , which applies until at least July 22 , also banned indoor operations at all restaurants , movie theaters and museums .
Hospitals in the county hit 99 % capacity in their intensive care units at their peak in late June , remaining in the 90 percentile range throughout early July .
Though hospitals reported they could accommodate some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that staffing would be too thin to accommodate many more .
State-mandated nursing ratios allow for no more than two ICU patients to each nurse .
The Desert Regional Medical Center , which usually employs just under 1,000 full- and part-time nurses , has called in 50 to 60 additional traveling nurses to augment its staff in the next couple weeks .
“ We are consistently at about 120 % of our ICU capacity .
That just means that we ’ ve gone into some overflow areas , ” Langenwalter said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — depending on the level of care the patient needs , we ’ re constantly moving people around to congregate them in the best place.
” Hospital officials worry that cases connected to Fourth of July celebrations will add an extreme burden to hospitals .
Due to the COVID-19 incubation period , Langenwalter said the holiday ’ s impact will be drawn out over the next 14 days .
“ My concern is that in the past couple weeks , we ’ ve seen a pretty significant spike in the number of hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reflection of what ’ s going on in the community .
You add that on top of a holiday weekend and family gatherings or festivities and things like that , ” she said .
“ We may see another trend even higher than what we ’ re feeling right now.
” Her concern isn ’ t just for the near future : “ Anyone in healthcare is kind of wondering what ’ s going to happen in the fall when the influenza bug collides with the coronavirus bug , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties and other socializing events , the average coronavirus patient has gotten younger and younger .
While the majority of infected people had previously been in the 40-and-above age category , Federico said the county now tallies more cases from patients between 18 and 39 .
An increase in cross-household social gatherings may contribute to the trend , she said .
Though many young patients without preexisting conditions recover easily , the average hospitalization age is decreasing , too .
Langenwalter has been watching the average inpatient age throughout the pandemic , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 60 in May and June .
During the first few days of July , the average age has dropped again to 58 .
“ In March , when this started , I did not have any [ inpatients ] that were in their teens or 20s .
Just one in their 30s , ” she said .
But in June , the hospital treated 21 coronavirus patients in their teens and 20s .
The coronavirus has also been most devastating to the Latino community in Riverside County .
About 70 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus were Latino , when considering the test takers that reported ethnicity .
In the county as a whole , 50 % of residents are Latino .
Federico said county officials have been running bilingual education and advertising campaigns to try to decrease the spread of the coronavirus among the Latino community .
As coronavirus cases continue to mount , Federico stresses that people must continue to take safety measures .
“ Additional research has come out [ showing ] that three simple behaviors — wearing a face covering , washing hands frequently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people we don ’ t live with — can reduce the spread of the disease by 95 % , ” she said .

A patient is removed from Magnolia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Riverside after 39 people tested positive for coronavirus in April.
Even as fireworks exploded into celebratory lights on the Fourth of July, news from Riverside County’s coronavirus test sites put a damper on the holiday: The county surpassed 20,000 detected coronavirus cases on Saturday, a few days before it was expected.
By Tuesday, the number had jumped to 21,101 cases, adding 546 cases and 20 new deaths that day alone.
Christine Langenwalter, chief quality officer at Desert Regional Medical Center, attributes much of the case jump to summer gatherings and festivities that occurred before last weekend’s holiday.
Advertisement
“Easter was one of the first holidays, but we were all sheltering in place. We had masks, and we didn’t see too much of a bump at all. Mother’s Day, we saw more of a more mild incline. But what really hit us hard is after Memorial Day,” she said.
After some Riverside County residents had gathered with friends for Memorial Day, the socializing phenomenon seemed to domino: case counts continued to rise in connection to Father’s Day gatherings and graduation ceremonies.
But that wasn’t all. Throughout late May and June, nail salons, houses of worship, indoor dining and gyms began to open, said county spokeswoman Brooke Federico.
“People are just going out to more places in the community, whether that’s parks or businesses or other types of community events,” Federico said, noting that the behavior made the county a prime spot for contagion.
Now, Riverside County’s total cases are second to only Los Angeles County, with about 870 in 100,000 people having been infected in Riverside.
Those statistics gained Gov. Gavin Newsom’s attention, resulting in his July 2 order that shuttered all Riverside County bars for both indoor and outdoor guests. The order, which applies until at least July 22, also banned indoor operations at all restaurants, movie theaters and museums.
Advertisement
Hospitals in the county hit 99% capacity in their intensive care units at their peak in late June, remaining in the 90 percentile range throughout early July. Though hospitals reported they could accommodate some patients in surge bedding, they worried that staffing would be too thin to accommodate many more. State-mandated nursing ratios allow for no more than two ICU patients to each nurse.
Desert Regional Medical Center, which usually employs just under 1,000 full- and part-time nurses, has called in 50 to 60 additional traveling nurses to augment its staff in the next couple weeks.
“We are consistently at about 120% of our ICU capacity. That just means that we’ve gone into some overflow areas,” Langenwalter said. “It’s like a gigantic chessboard — depending on the level of care the patient needs, we’re constantly moving people around to congregate them in the best place.”
Hospital officials worry that cases connected to Fourth of July celebrations will add an extreme burden to hospitals. Due to the COVID-19 incubation period, Langenwalter said the holiday’s impact will be drawn out over the next 14 days.
“My concern is that in the past couple weeks, we’ve seen a pretty significant spike in the number of hospitalized patients. And that’s just a reflection of what’s going on in the community. You add that on top of a holiday weekend and family gatherings or festivities and things like that,” she said. “We may see another trend even higher than what we’re feeling right now.”
Her concern isn’t just for the near future: “Anyone in healthcare is kind of wondering what’s going to happen in the fall when the influenza bug collides with the coronavirus bug,” she said.
As people have gotten infected at parties and other socializing events, the average coronavirus patient has gotten younger and younger. While the majority of infected people had previously been in the 40-and-above age category, Federico said the county now tallies more cases from patients between 18 and 39. An increase in cross-household social gatherings may contribute to the trend, she said.
Though many young patients without preexisting conditions recover easily, the average hospitalization age is decreasing, too. Langenwalter has been watching the average inpatient age throughout the pandemic, which went from 64 in March and April to 60 in May and June. During the first few days of July, the average age has dropped again to 58.
“In March, when this started, I did not have any [inpatients] that were in their teens or 20s. Just one in their 30s,” she said. But in June, the hospital treated 21 coronavirus patients in their teens and 20s.
The coronavirus has also been most devastating to the Latino community in Riverside County. About 70% of the people who tested positive for the coronavirus were Latino, when considering the test takers that reported ethnicity. In the county as a whole, 50% of residents are Latino.
Federico said county officials have been running bilingual education and advertising campaigns to try to decrease the spread of the coronavirus among the Latino community.
As coronavirus cases continue to mount, Federico stresses that people must continue to take safety measures.
“Additional research has come out [showing] that three simple behaviors — wearing a face covering, washing hands frequently and keeping six feet of distance from people we don’t live with — can reduce the spread of the disease by 95%,” she said.


latimes--2020-07-07--LAPD investigates 'Blue Flu' claims after officers call in sick over July 4 holiday

An unsigned letter circulated among the Los Angeles Police Department rank and file last week , encouraging officers to call in sick to protect their own interests .
It had been been a month of upheaval for police , with unprecedented protests over police killings of Black people and the Los Angeles City Council agreeing to cut the LAPD ’ s budget by $ 150 million amid calls for sweeping reforms .
“ They succeeded in defunding the police ; what do you think is next ?
Our pay ?
Our benefits ?
Our pensions ?
You ’ re God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jeopardy now , ” read the letter , which was obtained by The Times .
“ We have to send the city a clear message that we are not expendable and we are not going to take this crap anymore.
” Now , LAPD commanders are investigating whether an unusual spike in officers calling in sick over the July 4 weekend was the result of an orchestrated protest or labor action , which would be illegal .
Sources in the department told The Times up to 300 officers called in sick in what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Blue Flu.
” It came on a weekend with an unusually high number of homicides and shootings and as residents complained of illegal fireworks exploding all across the city .
In certain anti-gang units , everyone or nearly everyone called in sick at once , sources said .
LAPD Chief Michel Moore said there could be several reasons why officers called in sick , particularly given rising COVID-19 cases within the force and throughout Los Angeles County .
But he also acknowledged signs that certain officers and units called in as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowingly participated in such an effort would be guilty of misconduct and punished , Moore said , but he did not have a timeline for when the internal probe would wrap up .
As of Tuesday , he was still talking to front-line supervisors like sergeants and lieutenants about the pattern and any justifications they may know of , including any coronavirus concerns among officers and their families .
“ Rather than jumping to conclusions and indicting and impugning the integrity of our rank and file , I ’ m asking that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We want to find the facts out before we start making sweeping judgments.
” The move comes just weeks after LAPD officers called in absent for nearly 700 shifts on Los Angeles County ’ s transit system after Moore temporarily froze overtime pay .
But major coordinated sick-calls are not common in the LAPD .
More common are actions in which officers report for duty , but are intentionally less proactive .
Najee Ali , a longtime civil rights activist in South L.A. , where many of the call-ins occurred , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists for demanding police funding be reallocated elsewhere , and should be a huge cause for concern to top officials .
“ It has not gone unnoticed by the residents , ” Ali said .
“ It highlights the lack of character and integrity of those who are supposed to serve the community .
They are the ones jeopardizing public safety.
” The department has specific protocols for officers to report COVID-19 symptoms or exposure , which Moore said would help them determine what role the virus played in reducing weekend staffing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Tuesday , Moore said 323 employees had tested positive for COVID-19 , with another 231 awaiting results .
A total of 250 personnel , including 160 sworn officers and 90 civilian employees , were under quarantine , representing a three-fold increase in the number of sworn officers in quarantine compared to this time last month .
At least one officer has died .
Moore said the department staffed up heavily before the holiday weekend based on high call volumes in past years , including for fireworks , and was able to divert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that patrol shifts were fully staffed throughout the weekend .
He said he was aware of the calls for an orchestrated “ Blue Flu ” — both in Los Angeles and across the country — but that they were not the motivation for the increased weekend staffing .
The Los Angeles Police Protective League , which represents rank-and-file officers on labor issues , said it was not behind the effort .
In fact , the union sent an email to its members discouraging them from participating .
“ We have heard some unsubstantiated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ where officers would coordinate to call in sick for the same day .
We urge you to not take this action , ” the LAPPL wrote .
“ The Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Police Protective League unequivocally condemns any attempt to engage in a ‘ Blue Flu.
’ It is wrong , it is illegal , and it is contrary to the oath we all took as police officers to protect our community.
” Because of the danger to public safety , it is illegal under state law for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Still , according to a source with knowledge of the situation , at least 91 officers called in sick in Southeast Division alone , with another 31 doing so in the Southwest Division .
There were also greater than normal call-ins in the 77th Division and in the Foothill Division .
Anti-gang units in Foothill , Southeast and Southwest all called in sick , the source said .
Moore said he did not know how many officers in each division called in and could not provide a total figure , but collecting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Certainly it was higher than normal , and we ’ re trying to figure it out , ” he said .
Both Moore and Josh Rubenstein , a police spokesman , said the “ vast majority ” of officers who were scheduled to work showed up for their shifts .
Craig Lally , president of the union , agreed , and said commanders won ’ t know why officers called in sick until they talk to them to determine “ whether it was a sick-out or COVID or they had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LAPPL board member who still advises many officers , said he discouraged officers from calling in sick because he believed it would alienate city residents and lead to officers being retaliated against or disciplined by the department .
Instead , Gordon is encouraging officers to participate in a “ LAPD Appreciation Rally ” at police headquarters on Saturday , where he said they can channel their frustration with city and police officials not standing up for them or the progress the department has made in recent years .
Police and city officials have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets with declines in violent crime , though criminal justice reform groups have questioned the correlation .
The City Council ’ s recent cut to the LAPD budget is based in part on the premise that funds typically allocated to police would be better spent on mental health clinicians and other first responders who are trained to treat people in crises rather than arrest them .
No one has suggested that officers calling in sick over the weekend caused crime to spike .
However , certain crimes — namely homicides and shootings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were 19 homicides in the city from June 21 to July 5 , compared to nine during the same period last year , according to Capt .
Paul Vernon .
There were six between Friday and Sunday alone .
Moore said violent crime remains down overall , on a year-over-year basis , but homicides are up and shootings are surging , particularly in South L.A .
He said it is not exactly clear what is driving the violence , which has been seen in other cities as well , but it appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual disputes , heat , economic uncertainty amid the pandemic and gang violence .
“ We ’ re watching it very closely .
It ’ s a hot summer and I ’ m very concerned .
This is a unique time with this pandemic and the economic impact of unemployment and loss of jobs and of people ’ s livelihoods , ” Moore said .
“ It ’ s a very unique time in American history , and how it is impacting us in street violence and crime in our neighborhoods is something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answers for .
”

Kevin Rector, Richard Winton, Cindy Chang

The LAPD is investigating whether officers called in sick over the July 4 weekend as part of a protest or political statement.
An unsigned letter circulated among the Los Angeles Police Department rank and file last week, encouraging officers to call in sick to protect their own interests.
It had been a month of upheaval for police, with unprecedented protests over police killings of Black people and the Los Angeles City Council agreeing to cut the LAPD’s budget by $150 million amid calls for sweeping reforms.
“They succeeded in defunding the police; what do you think is next? Our pay? Our benefits? Our pensions? You’re God Damn right all those things are in jeopardy now,” read the letter, which was obtained by The Times. “We have to send the city a clear message that we are not expendable and we are not going to take this crap anymore.”
Now, LAPD commanders are investigating whether an unusual spike in officers calling in sick over the July 4 weekend was the result of an orchestrated protest or labor action, which would be illegal. Sources in the department told The Times up to 300 officers called in sick in what many in the department suspect was a “blue flu.”
Advertisement
It came on a weekend with an unusually high number of homicides and shootings and as residents complained of illegal fireworks exploding all across the city.
In certain anti-gang units, everyone or nearly everyone called in sick at once, sources said.
LAPD Chief Michel Moore said there could be several reasons why officers called in sick, particularly given rising COVID-19 cases within the force and throughout Los Angeles County. But he also acknowledged signs that certain officers and units called in as part of a concerted action.
Officers who knowingly participated in such an effort would be guilty of misconduct and punished, Moore said, but he did not have a timeline for when the internal probe would wrap up. As of Tuesday, he was still talking to front-line supervisors like sergeants and lieutenants about the pattern and any justifications they may know of, including any coronavirus concerns among officers and their families.
“Rather than jumping to conclusions and indicting and impugning the integrity of our rank and file, I’m asking that we explore this,” Moore said. “We want to find the facts out before we start making sweeping judgments.”
The move comes just weeks after LAPD officers called in absent for nearly 700 shifts on Los Angeles County’s transit system after Moore temporarily froze overtime pay. But major coordinated sick calls are not common in the LAPD. More common are actions in which officers report for duty, but are intentionally less proactive.
Najee Ali, a longtime civil rights activist in South L.A., where many of the sick calls occurred, said the effort was clearly intended to punish activists for demanding police funding be reallocated elsewhere, and should be a huge cause for concern to top officials.
“It has not gone unnoticed by the residents,” Ali said. “It highlights the lack of character and integrity of those who are supposed to serve the community. They are the ones jeopardizing public safety.”
Advertisement
The department has specific protocols for officers to report COVID-19 symptoms or exposure, which Moore said would help them determine what role the virus played in reducing weekend staffing.
It certainly played some role. As of Tuesday, Moore said 323 employees had tested positive for COVID-19, with another 231 awaiting results. A total of 250 personnel, including 160 sworn officers and 90 civilian employees, were under quarantine, representing a threefold increase in the number of sworn officers in quarantine compared to this time last month. At least one officer has died.
Moore said the department staffed up heavily before the holiday weekend based on high call volumes in past years, including for fireworks, and was able to divert officers as sick calls rolled in to ensure that patrol shifts were fully staffed throughout the weekend.
He said he was aware of the calls for an orchestrated “blue flu” — both in Los Angeles and across the country — but that they were not the motivation for the increased weekend staffing.
The Los Angeles Police Protective League, which represents rank-and-file officers on labor issues, said it was not behind the effort. In fact, the union sent an email to its members discouraging them from participating.
“We have heard some unsubstantiated rumors of a potential ‘Blue Flu’ where officers would coordinate to call in sick for the same day. We urge you to not take this action,” the LAPPL wrote. “The Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Police Protective League unequivocally condemns any attempt to engage in a ‘Blue Flu.’ It is wrong, it is illegal, and it is contrary to the oath we all took as police officers to protect our community.”
Because of the danger to public safety, it is illegal under state law for police officers to go on strike.
Still, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, at least 91 officers called in sick in the Southeast Division alone, with another 31 doing so in the Southwest Division. There were also greater than normal sick calls in the 77th Division and in the Foothill Division. Anti-gang units in Foothill, Southeast and Southwest all called in sick, the source said.
Moore said he did not know how many officers in each division called in and could not provide a total figure, but collecting that data would be part of the review.
“Certainly it was higher than normal, and we’re trying to figure it out,” he said.
Both Moore and Josh Rubenstein, a police spokesman, said the “vast majority” of officers who were scheduled to work showed up for their shifts.
Craig Lally, president of the union, agreed, and said commanders won’t know why officers called in sick until they talk to them to determine “whether it was a sickout or COVID or they had a headache.”
Steve Gordon, a former LAPPL board member who still advises many officers, said he discouraged officers from calling in sick because he believed it would alienate city residents and lead to officers being retaliated against or disciplined by the department.
Instead, Gordon is encouraging officers to participate in a “LAPD Appreciation Rally” at police headquarters on Saturday, where he said they can channel their frustration with city and police officials not standing up for them or the progress the department has made in recent years.
Police and city officials have long equated robust staffing of police on the streets with declines in violent crime, though criminal justice reform groups have questioned the correlation. The City Council’s recent cut to the LAPD budget is based in part on the premise that funds typically allocated to police would be better spent on mental health clinicians and other first responders who are trained to treat people in crises rather than arrest them.
No one has suggested that officers calling in sick over the weekend caused crime to spike. However, certain crimes — namely homicides and shootings — have been on the rise.
There were 19 homicides in the city from June 21 to July 5, compared to nine during the same period last year, according to Capt. Paul Vernon. There were six between Friday and Sunday alone.
Moore said violent crime remains down overall, on a year-over-year basis, but homicides are up and shootings are surging, particularly in South L.A. He said it is not exactly clear what is driving the violence, which has been seen in other cities as well, but it appears to be a mix of factors including individual disputes, heat, economic uncertainty amid the pandemic and gang violence.
“We’re watching it very closely. It’s a hot summer and I’m very concerned. This is a unique time with this pandemic and the economic impact of unemployment and loss of jobs and of people’s livelihoods,” Moore said. “It’s a very unique time in American history, and how it is impacting us in street violence and crime in our neighborhoods is something we don’t have all the answers for.”


latimes--2020-07-07--Michael V. Drake named new UC president, first Black leader in system's 152-year history

Michael V. Drake , a national champion for access and equity who previously headed Ohio State University and UC Irvine , was selected Tuesday as the new president of the University of California and first Black leader in the system ’ s 152-year history .
The UC Board of Regents unanimously approved Drake ’ s selection , seizing a historic opportunity to hire a person of color to head a system whose 285,000 students are now majority nonwhite as the nation grapples with a sweeping racial reckoning .
He will succeed President Janet Napolitano , who will step down Aug.1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the vote , Drake thanked his supporters , expressed excitement at returning to his “ UC family ” and said he looked forward to working with UC colleagues to meet such major challenges as the global pandemic , climate change and “ the yawning wounds of social injustice.
” “ I am excited and ready to go , ” Drake said .
Drake , who will turn 70 on Thursday , would bring leadership experience , academic credentials , political savvy and personal qualities to that position at a time of deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would oversee the nation ’ s most complex public research university system — a $ 39.8-billion operation of 10 campuses , five medical centers and three national laboratories — as it confronts a global pandemic , financial uncertainty and demands to further diversify campuses and defund UC police .
“ Michael Drake is a spectacular choice for the University of California , ” said Ted Mitchell , president of the American Council on Education , which represents more than 1,700 colleges and universities .
“ He has proven himself to be a visionary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s taken on , from the University of California to Ohio State to national roles in leading associations , including the NCAA.
” Unlike Napolitano , a former Homeland Security secretary and Arizona governor who came to the job with no UC or academic leadership experience , Drake has spent nearly four decades in the California university system .
He earned his medical degree in ophthalmology at UC San Francisco , joined the faculty in 1979 and became the UC vice president for health affairs in 2000 .
He was named UC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for nine years before heading to Ohio State in 2014 .
At the same time , Drake has served as board chairman for the NCAA , the Assn .
of American Universities and the Assn .
of Public and Land-Grant Universities .
Drake emerged as a rumored top candidate immediately after Napolitano announced she was stepping down .
Many UC veterans supported the idea , believing he could both reassert the university ’ s national leadership role and attend to its particular issues , in partnership with the system ’ s uniquely empowered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as anyone can be to be successful , ” said George Blumenthal , a former UC Santa Cruz chancellor who now heads the UC Berkeley Center for Studies in Higher Education .
“ He ’ s been around the block .
He knows higher education well and the UC system well.
” A hallmark of Drake ’ s long career has been widening access to higher education for students from diverse racial , ethnic and economic backgrounds .
As vice president for UC health affairs , he increased the diversity of newly minted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incentives for them to work in underserved communities .
He also worked with UC Irvine to launch a groundbreaking program offering a joint medical degree and master ’ s in public health or other fields to develop a pipeline of “ physician leaders ” to serve the unique health needs of the Latino community .
Under his Irvine chancellorship , Drake laid the groundwork for the campus to become a Hispanic Serving Institution , qualifying it for federal grants to support Latino students .
Irvine is now the top UC choice for Latino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to diversity at Ohio State .
Under his tenure , the university boosted the number of students who are low-income , underrepresented minorities and the first in their families to attend college .
Black students , however , remain underrepresented at Ohio State , accounting for 6.8 % of enrolled students in a state where Black residents make up 13 % of the population .
That ’ s a larger gap than at UC campuses , where Black students account for about 4 % of enrollment compared with the state ’ s proportion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At Ohio State , Drake also worked to lower the cost of attendance and increase financial aid — issues that loom large for UC students .
He introduced a financial model that raises costs for tuition , mandatory fees , housing and dining once for incoming freshmen , then locks them in for four years .
Under his tenure , Ohio State boosted financial aid to low- and moderate-income Ohioans by more than $ 200 million since 2015 , twice his initial target , and increased grants and scholarships .
He is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highs in applications , graduation rates and sponsored research awards .
Last year , he announced a $ 4.5-billion fundraising campaign , the largest goal in the school ’ s history .
While some faculty at both Ohio State and UC Irvine said he was not the most visible or hands-on academic leader , he was popular with students .
Alexis Gomes , an incoming fifth-year Ohio State student in neuroscience , said students appreciated his initiatives to cut fees , lower textbook costs and provide all students with an iPad , Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps into the top UC job at a time of financial distress .
The COVID-19 pandemic has cost the university system $ 1.2 billion in increased costs and lost revenues from March to the end of April , and faces potential state budget cuts .
At the same time , UC regents have pulled a proposal for now to raise tuition in light of pandemic-caused economic distress .
UC veterans are hopeful his political savvy and personable manner will help secure more funding and improve relations with Sacramento , and they point to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UC Irvine law school in 2007 after a two-decade battle .
They also say his success at mending fences with Erwin Chemerinsky over the law school deanship — Drake offered him the job , withdrew the offer , then restored it amid a national political furor — illustrates his ability to recognize his mistakes , apologize and move on .
Chemerinsky went on to co-teach a UC Irvine undergraduate class with Drake on civil rights , music and the U.S. Supreme Court .
He said he would be “ thrilled ” with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wonderful combination of warmth and rigor , ” said Chemerinsky , who now heads UC Berkeley ’ s law school .
“ All of the skills that you would want in a university president , he has them.
” Drake weathered controversies at Ohio State as well , including the firing of a popular marching band director over what a university investigation found to be the band ’ s “ sexualized culture.
” At UC , other top issues Drake will immediately face include managing campus fall reopenings during the pandemic , rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to better support Black students triggered by the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer .
The president-elect , who will take the helm by August 15 , will be paid a base annual salary of $ 890,000 — a significant boost from Napolitano ’ s $ 570,000 but slightly less than his Ohio State salary .
He agreed to a 10 % pay cut through next June , as other UC leaders have done in light of pandemic-related fiscal challenges .
Drake was born in New York City and raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son of a doctor and a social worker .
He attended Stanford University before moving to UC San Francisco for medical school .
A music fan , he plays the guitar and is an avid cyclist .
He is married to Brenda Drake , an attorney , and has two sons and four grandchildren .

Michael V. Drake, a national champion for access and equity who previously headed The Ohio State University and UC Irvine, was selected Tuesday as the new president of the University of California and first Black leader in the system’s 152-year history.
The UC Board of Regents unanimously approved Drake’s selection, seizing a historic opportunity to hire a person of color to head a system whose 285,000 students are now majority nonwhite as the nation grapples with a sweeping racial reckoning. He will succeed President Janet Napolitano, who will step down Aug.1 after seven years.
In brief remarks after the vote, Drake thanked his supporters and said he looked forward to working with UC colleagues to meet such major challenges as the global pandemic, climate change and “the yawning wounds of social injustice.”
Advertisement
He said he changed his plans to retire when he was presented with the chance to return to the university that transformed his life.
“Thinking about the trajectory of the country ... the place that the university was and the chance that perhaps there might be a way to contribute further to the future really became a compelling opportunity,” Drake said.
Board Chairman John A. Pérez said Drake emerged from the 10-month search process as the candidate of choice not only because of his vast experience but also because he reflects UC values to support the “whole student,” faculty and staff and understands the university’s “transformative power.”
“We’re just lucky to get him to dedicate these next years to continuing to move the university, to fulfill that public mission, to serve the totality of the state of California in a meaningful way,” Pérez said.
Drake, who will turn 70 on Thursday, would bring leadership experience, academic credentials, political savvy and personal qualities to that position at a time of deep challenges facing the UC system.
California UC chief Janet Napolitano leaving office with a mended legacy Janet Napolitano took the helm of the University of California seven years ago and initially stumbled. But she leaves UC with advances on many causes.
He would oversee the nation’s most complex public research university system — a $39.8-billion operation of 10 campuses, five medical centers and three national laboratories — as it confronts a global pandemic, financial uncertainty and demands to further diversify campuses and defund UC police.
“Michael Drake is a spectacular choice for the University of California,” said Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, which represents more than 1,700 colleges and universities. “He has proven himself to be a visionary and effective leader in every role he’s taken on, from the University of California to Ohio State to national roles in leading associations, including the NCAA.”
Advertisement
Unlike Napolitano, a former Homeland Security secretary and Arizona governor who came to the job with no UC or academic leadership experience, Drake has spent nearly four decades in the California university system. He earned his medical degree in ophthalmology at UC San Francisco, joined the faculty in 1979 and became the UC vice president for health affairs in 2000. He was named UC Irvine chancellor in 2005 and served there for nine years before heading to Ohio State in 2014.
At the same time, Drake has served as board chairman for the NCAA, the Assn. of American Universities and the Assn. of Public and Land-Grant Universities.
California UC Irvine chancellor named new Ohio State president UC Irvine chancellor named new Ohio State president
Drake emerged as a rumored top candidate immediately after Napolitano announced she was stepping down. Many UC veterans believed he could both reassert the university’s national leadership role and attend to its particular issues, in partnership with the system’s uniquely empowered faculty.
“Michael is as poised as anyone can be to be successful,” said George Blumenthal, a former UC Santa Cruz chancellor who now heads the UC Berkeley Center for Studies in Higher Education. “He’s been around the block. He knows higher education well and the UC system well.”
A hallmark of Drake’s long career has been widening access to higher education for students from diverse racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds. As vice president for UC health affairs, he increased the diversity of newly minted medical professionals through a program that offered incentives for them to work in underserved communities. He also worked with UC Irvine to launch a groundbreaking program to develop a pipeline of “physician leaders” to serve the unique health needs of the Latino community.
Under his Irvine chancellorship, Drake laid the groundwork for the campus to become a Hispanic Serving Institution, qualifying it for federal grants to support Latino students. Irvine is now the top UC choice for Latino freshman applicants.
Drake continued his commitment to diversity at Ohio State. Under his tenure, the university boosted the number of students who are low-income, underrepresented minorities and the first in their families to attend college. Black students, however, remain underrepresented at Ohio State, accounting for 6.8% of enrolled students in a state where Black residents make up 13% of the population. That’s a larger gap than at UC campuses, where Black students account for about 4% of enrollment compared with the state’s proportion of Black residents at 6%.
At Ohio State, Drake also worked to lower the cost of attendance and increase financial aid. He introduced a financial model that raises costs for tuition, mandatory fees, housing and dining once for incoming freshmen, then locks them in for four years. Under his tenure, Ohio State boosted financial aid by more than $200 million since 2015, twice his initial target, and increased grants and scholarships.
He is also credited with helping Ohio State hit record highs in applications, graduation rates and sponsored research awards. Last year, he announced a $4.5-billion fundraising campaign, the largest goal in the school’s history.
While some faculty at both Ohio State and UC Irvine said he was not the most visible or hands-on academic leader, he was popular with students. Alexis Gomes, an incoming fifth-year Ohio State student in neuroscience, said students appreciated his initiatives to cut fees, lower textbook costs and provide all students with an iPad, Apple pencil and a notetaking app.
Drake steps into the top UC job at a time of financial distress. The COVID-19 pandemic has cost the university system $1.2 billion in increased costs and lost revenues from March to the end of April, and faces potential state budget cuts. At the same time, UC regents have pulled a proposal for now to raise tuition in light of pandemic-caused economic distress.
California UC reels under staggering coronavirus costs; ‘the worst impacts ... all at once’ The University of California was hit with $558 million in unanticipated costs in March alone due to the coronavirus, a staggering sum as students canceled housing and dining contracts, medical centers paused elective surgeries and costs to gear up online learning soared.
UC veterans are hopeful his political savvy and personable manner will help secure more funding and improve relations with Sacramento, and they point to his success in winning approval for a UC Irvine law school in 2007 after a two-decade battle. They also say his success at mending fences with Erwin Chemerinsky over the law school deanship — Drake offered him the job, withdrew the offer, then restored it amid a national political furor — illustrates his ability to recognize his mistakes, apologize and move on.
Chemerinsky went on to co-teach a UC Irvine undergraduate class with Drake on civil rights, music and the U.S. Supreme Court. He said he would be “thrilled” with a Drake presidency.
“He has a wonderful combination of warmth and rigor,” said Chemerinsky, who now heads UC Berkeley’s law school. “All of the skills that you would want in a university president, he has them.”
Drake weathered controversies at Ohio State as well, including the firing of a popular marching band director over what a university investigation found to be the band’s “sexualized culture.”
At UC, other top issues Drake will immediately face include managing campus fall reopenings during the pandemic, rising demands to defund campus police and calls to better support Black students triggered by the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.
The president-elect, who will take the helm by Aug. 15, will be paid a base annual salary of $890,000 — a significant boost from Napolitano’s $570,000 but slightly less than his Ohio State salary. He agreed to a 10% pay cut through next June, as other UC leaders have done in light of pandemic-related fiscal challenges.
Drake was born in New York City and raised in New Jersey and Sacramento as the son of a doctor and a social worker. He attended Stanford University before moving to UC San Francisco for medical school. A music fan, he plays the guitar and is an avid cyclist. He is married to Brenda Drake, an attorney, and has two sons and four grandchildren.


latimes--2020-07-07--Coronavirus testing shortages worsen across L.A.

After going to a socially distanced gathering late last month , Harrison Faigen wanted to get a coronavirus test .
He waited about a week after the June 26 party , knowing that officials have said it takes time for a viral load to appear in a person ’ s system after potential exposure .
Faigen tried for two days over the weekend to land an appointment , which he eventually secured for Monday .
He was luckier than a lot of residents in Los Angeles County , where the requests for testing have been greater than the availability .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing capacity is expanding , limited availability has stymied those seeking to be tested for weeks .
“ There continues to be high demand for testing services , ” Los Angeles County Health Services Director Dr. Christina Ghaly said Monday .
The site of the county ’ s largest COVID-19 testing facility in Los Angeles County — Dodger Stadium — resumed testing Tuesday after a four-day closure during the July Fourth holiday .
But same-day and next-day appointments are currently unavailable .
That ’ s also the case at city- and county-run testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venues , such as CVS pharmacies , which are now listed on the county ’ s website but do not have availability for individuals who are asymptomatic , those without underlying health conditions or those who don ’ t work in high-risk environments .
On Tuesday , Los Angeles County announced that it is committing $ 400,000 to support staffing-related costs at testing sites operated by the nonprofit organization Community Organized Relief Effort .
The group , known as CORE and founded by actor Sean Penn , has been working with L.A. officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing facilities since April .
CORE conducts testing at Dodger Stadium and five other sites in the city .
It costs $ 600,000 to $ 800,000 for the company to operate those facilities each month , CORE co-founder Ann Lee said .
Lee said the demand for testing noticeably increased around Memorial Day .
She believes that ’ s largely due to the expanded communication about testing .
“ Testing has become more normalized .
Initially , there was a lot of mistrust around it , ” she said .
“ I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has meant that more people are interested in getting tested.
” In response to the high demand for testing , CORE and testing company Curative are partnering to implement a new system that will be less reliant on government funds and the city ’ s limited budget .
Curative will allow insurance companies to be billed for COVID-19 testing , while ensuring that residents being tested don ’ t have to pay out of pocket .
According to CORE , those who are uninsured would be covered by the city of Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation would still work with the city and the Los Angeles Fire Department , which will have a continued presence at testing sites .
On Monday , the city administered 2,800 tests , according to Andrea Garcia , Mayor Eric Garcetti ’ s press secretary .
Some 80,000 will be provided throughout the week , she said .
The county is currently able to test 26,000 people per day .
County officials said Monday that they are looking to add five to 10 more testing sites and that additional slots are planned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s unclear how many .
Lee said it can take about two weeks to launch a new testing site capable of serving 2,500 people .
The process would require a city or county to procure and lease a location .
A company such as CORE would then have to hire and train people to conduct tests , and obtain enough personal protective equipment .
“ It ’ s a function of staffing up , ” she said .
The surge in coronavirus testing requests comes largely at the behest of public health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing if individuals have attended social gatherings or protests and have cautioned that asymptomatic carriers of the virus could be super-spreaders .
Faigen , 28 , isn ’ t showing any symptoms and doesn ’ t think he was exposed to the virus at the gathering he attended .
Still , he wanted to err on the side of caution .
But after he was tested , an attendant told him it would take seven to 10 days for his results — more than two weeks after a possible infection .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind , ” he said .
“ But it ’ s kind of useless at this point .
“ I ’ m luckier than most in that I work remotely and am able to self-quarantine right now .
Thankfully I ’ m not in a position where I have to interact with people who are at risk.
” The delay it takes for many people to get results may be of particular concern as officials have estimated that 1 in 140 people in L.A. County are unknowingly infected with the virus .
Test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have for understanding changes in the rate of the virus ’ transmission .
In L.A. County , infection numbers have surged .
Health officials on Tuesday reported 4,015 additional cases , the highest number of infections the county has recorded in a single day .
The number is based largely on roughly 2,000 test results that were backlogged from July 2 to July 5 .
The additions bring the number of cases in L.A. County to more than 120,000 , nearly half the state ’ s total .
The seven-day average for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who test positive for the virus — has also climbed to 11.6 % .
On Monday , it was just below 10 % .
Although the number of infections is continuing to surge in California , backlogged test results have resulted in some of the high numbers reported over the past few days .
On Sunday , Los Angeles County officials announced a total of 7,232 new COVID-19 cases from Thursday , Friday and Saturday , after a delay in records .
Friday previously marked the highest single-day total of new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported on any given day account for virus exposure occurring roughly two weeks prior .
Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said it would take about two weeks to know how Fourth of July celebrations affected the spread .
“ We won ’ t know for another 14 days what the impact of the holiday weekend is , ” Ferrer said , noting that extensive gatherings over the Memorial Day holiday led to an increase in infections two weeks later .

After going to a socially distanced gathering late last month, Harrison Faigen wanted to get a coronavirus test.
He waited about a week after the June 26 party, knowing that officials have said it takes time for a viral load to appear in a person’s system after potential exposure.
Faigen tried for two days over the weekend to land an appointment, which he eventually secured for Monday. He was luckier than a lot of residents in Los Angeles County, where the requests for testing have been greater than the availability.
Although public health officials have said that testing capacity is expanding, limited availability has stymied those seeking to be tested for weeks.
Advertisement
“There continues to be high demand for testing services,” Los Angeles County Health Services Director Dr. Christina Ghaly said Monday.
The site of the county’s largest COVID-19 testing facility in Los Angeles County — Dodger Stadium — resumed testing Tuesday after a four-day closure during the July Fourth holiday. But same-day and next-day appointments are currently unavailable.
That’s also the case at city- and county-run testing sites throughout the area and at other venues, such as CVS pharmacies, which are now listed on the county’s website but do not have availability for individuals who are asymptomatic, those without underlying health conditions or those who don’t work in high-risk environments.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles County announced that it is committing $400,000 to support staffing-related costs at testing sites operated by the nonprofit organization Community Organized Relief Effort. The group, known as CORE and founded by actor Sean Penn, has been working with L.A. officials to run operations at some coronavirus drive-through testing facilities since April.
CORE conducts testing at Dodger Stadium and five other sites in the city. It costs $600,000 to $800,000 for the company to operate those facilities each month, CORE co-founder Ann Lee said.
Lee said the demand for testing noticeably increased around Memorial Day. She believes that’s largely due to the expanded communication about testing.
Advertisement
“Testing has become more normalized. Initially, there was a lot of mistrust around it,” she said. “I do think the increase in positive communication around it has meant that more people are interested in getting tested.”
In response to the high demand for testing, CORE and testing company Curative are partnering to implement a new system that will be less reliant on government funds and the city’s limited budget. Curative will allow insurance companies to be billed for COVID-19 testing, while ensuring that residents being tested don’t have to pay out of pocket. According to CORE, those who are uninsured would be covered by the city of Los Angeles and the CARES Act.
The operation would still work with the city and the Los Angeles Fire Department, which will have a continued presence at testing sites.
California Reopening L.A. economy improved mental health, but coronavirus fears persist, survey finds The results of a survey by the USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research were revealed Monday amid a major increase in new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.
On Monday, the city administered 2,800 tests, according to Andrea Garcia, Mayor Eric Garcetti’s press secretary. Some 80,000 will be provided throughout the week, she said.
The county is currently able to test 26,000 people per day. County officials said Monday that they are looking to add five to 10 more testing sites and that additional slots are planned to open this week, though it’s unclear how many.
Lee said it can take about two weeks to launch a new testing site capable of serving 2,500 people. The process would require a city or county to procure and lease a location. A company such as CORE would then have to hire and train people to conduct tests, and obtain enough personal protective equipment.
“It’s a function of staffing up,” she said.
The surge in coronavirus testing requests comes largely at the behest of public health officials, who have stressed the need for testing if individuals have attended social gatherings or protests and have cautioned that asymptomatic carriers of the virus could be super-spreaders.
Faigen, 28, isn’t showing any symptoms and doesn’t think he was exposed to the virus at the gathering he attended. Still, he wanted to err on the side of caution.
But after he was tested, an attendant told him it would take seven to 10 days for his results — more than two weeks after a possible infection.
“It’ll be good for peace of mind,” he said. “But it’s kind of useless at this point.
“I’m luckier than most in that I work remotely and am able to self-quarantine right now. Thankfully I’m not in a position where I have to interact with people who are at risk.”
The delay it takes for many people to get results may be of particular concern as officials have estimated that 1 in 140 people in L.A. County are unknowingly infected with the virus.
Test results are the only true barometer officials have for understanding changes in the rate of the virus’ transmission.
In L.A. County, infection numbers have surged. Health officials on Tuesday reported 4,015 additional cases, the highest number of infections the county has recorded in a single day. The number is based largely on roughly 2,000 test results that were backlogged from July 2 to July 5. The additions bring the number of cases in L.A. County to more than 120,000, nearly half the state’s total.
The seven-day average for the county’s daily positivity rate — those who test positive for the virus — has also climbed to 11.6%. On Monday, it was just below 10%.
Although the number of infections is continuing to surge in California, backlogged test results have resulted in some of the high numbers reported over the past few days. On Sunday, Los Angeles County officials announced a total of 7,232 new COVID-19 cases from Thursday, Friday and Saturday, after a delay in records. Friday previously marked the highest single-day total of new cases in the county: 3,187.
Results reported on any given day account for virus exposure occurring roughly two weeks prior. Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said it would take about two weeks to know how Fourth of July celebrations affected the spread.
“We won’t know for another 14 days what the impact of the holiday weekend is,” Ferrer said, noting that extensive gatherings over the Memorial Day holiday led to an increase in infections two weeks later.


latimes--2020-07-07--L.A. County coronavirus surge worsens with 4,000 new cases, higher infection rate

Coronavirus conditions in Los Angeles County continued to deteriorate on Tuesday as officials released numbers that marked another new record for daily new cases and the inflection rate continued to surge .
Officials confirmed 46 more coronavirus-related deaths and 4,015 additional cases Tuesday — the highest number of infections the county has reported in a single day .
That ’ s largely due to the roughly 2,000 test results that were backlogged from July 2 to July 5 .
The seven-day average for the county ’ s daily positivity rate — those who test positive for the virus — has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was just below 10 % .
There are currently 1,969 people hospitalized for COVID-19 — 27 % of whom are in intensive care .
The number of hospitalizations started to rise beyond 1,900 on July 1 .
That number is noticeably higher than the 1,350 to 1,450 daily hospitalizations seen about three weeks ago .
Officials have previously warned of the possible limitation in hospital capacity if patients with the coronavirus have to start competing with others without , but there is currently not a depletion in the county .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now over 120,500 — the bulk of the state ’ s total .
While the number of cases continues to spike throughout California as the virus spreads , backlogged test results have also resulted in recent high reported numbers .
On Sunday , county officials reported a total of 7,232 new COVID-19 cases from Thursday , Friday and Saturday , after a delay .
Friday marked the highest single-day total of new cases in the county : 3,187 .
On Monday , Orange County reported 1,028 additional cases , 1,013 of which were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 3 ; the others were collected before June 19 .
The coronavirus surged across California with the reopening of the economy last month .
A survey by USC this week found L.A. County residents are increasingly concerned that California is lifting restrictions on public activity due to the pandemic too quickly .
While 75 % of survey respondents expressed such worry in early May , 79 % did so in mid-June .
L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Monday that it ’ s obvious people fed up with the stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-pandemic way of life are a big reason behind the increased spread of disease .
“ It ’ s clear that after months of quarantine , combined with the reopening of many sectors in the span of several weeks , we ’ ve had a lot of people disregard the very practices that allowed us to slow the spread , ” Ferrer said .
“ Our inability to follow the most basic infection control and distancing directives leads to serious illness , and even the death of the people we love.
” Ferrer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extraordinarily tired , and they ’ re tired of having to deal with this virus.
” But she added that “ the sooner we get back to creating a new normal ” — avoiding crowds , confined spaces , close contact ; and always wearing masks and staying physically distant from those not in our household — the sooner we can return to school and work and seeing friends and family .

Coronavirus conditions in Los Angeles County continued to deteriorate on Tuesday as officials released numbers that marked another new record for daily new cases and the inflection rate continued to surge.
Officials confirmed 46 more coronavirus-related deaths and 4,015 additional cases Tuesday — the highest number of infections the county has reported in a single day.
That’s largely due to the roughly 2,000 test results that were backlogged from July 2 to July 5.
Advertisement
The seven-day average for the county’s daily positivity rate — those who test positive for the virus — has climbed to 11.6%.
On Monday, it was just below 10%.
There are currently 1,969 people hospitalized for COVID-19 — 27% of whom are in intensive care. The number of hospitalizations started to rise beyond 1,900 on July 1. That number is noticeably higher than the 1,350 to 1,450 daily hospitalizations seen about three weeks ago.
Officials have previously warned of the possible limitation in hospital capacity if patients with the coronavirus have to start competing with others without, but there is currently not a depletion in the county.
The number of cases in L.A. County is now over 120,500 — the bulk of the state’s total. While the number of cases continues to spike throughout California as the virus spreads, backlogged test results have also resulted in recent high reported numbers.
On Sunday, county officials reported a total of 7,232 new COVID-19 cases from Thursday, Friday and Saturday, after a delay. Friday marked the highest single-day total of new cases in the county: 3,187.
On Monday, Orange County reported 1,028 additional cases, 1,013 of which were from specimens collected between June 20 and July 3; the others were collected before June 19.
The coronavirus surged across California with the reopening of the economy last month.
Advertisement
A survey by USC this week found L.A. County residents are increasingly concerned that California is lifting restrictions on public activity due to the pandemic too quickly. While 75% of survey respondents expressed such worry in early May, 79% did so in mid-June.
L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Monday that it’s obvious people fed up with the stay-at-home order and wanting to return to a pre-pandemic way of life are a big reason behind the increased spread of disease.
“It’s clear that after months of quarantine, combined with the reopening of many sectors in the span of several weeks, we’ve had a lot of people disregard the very practices that allowed us to slow the spread,” Ferrer said. “Our inability to follow the most basic infection control and distancing directives leads to serious illness, and even the death of the people we love.”
Ferrer said she understands that “everyone is extraordinarily tired, and they’re tired of having to deal with this virus.” But she added that “the sooner we get back to creating a new normal” — avoiding crowds, confined spaces, close contact; and always wearing masks and staying physically distant from those not in our household — the sooner we can return to school and work and seeing friends and family.


latimes--2020-07-07--Hot, windy weather ahead as Soledad fire mop-up continues

Firefighters continued to make progress Tuesday in their battle to contain a nearly 1,500-acre blaze in the Santa Clarita Valley , but officials are warning that hot and windy weather could create challenging conditions this week .
The Soledad fire , which has burned 1,498 acres , was 68 % contained as of 7 a.m. , according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department .
All fire-related evacuations were lifted Monday afternoon , and the 14 Freeway — which was temporarily shut down as crews worked to douse the flames — has fully reopened .
No structures have been damaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ containment figure has steadily climbed since the fire broke out in the area of Soledad Canyon Road and the 14 Freeway about 3:30 p.m. Sunday , officials warned that “ the combination of hot temperatures , low relative humidities , locally gusty winds and drying fuels will bring elevated fire weather conditions ” to the area Tuesday .
“ Crews will work through the day scouting for any potential flareups , while performing mop-up of hot spots and holding containment lines , ” fire officials wrote in an incident update .
While the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any formal fire weather watches for the area as of Tuesday morning , that could change later this week , according to Kathy Hoxsie , a meteorologist with the agency ’ s Oxnard office .
“ This time of year , and any time you have winds , hot weather and low humidity , there ’ s always what we call an elevated fire weather concern , ” she said .
“ And in particular , Friday through Sunday is what we ’ re most concerned about.
” Those days will likely see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 35 mph and reaching up to 45 mph in valleys , foothills and other inland areas of Los Angeles County — as well as warm temperatures that could push the mercury into triple digits in some places .
None of that is uncommon for July , Hoxsie said .
“ We ’ re coming into the hottest time of the year — late July , early August — but then August , September , October is considered the worst period for fires because , after that heat comes in and dries everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ precipitation ] , ” she said .
Hoxsie said low humidity and winds are among the primary factors that play into whether to issue an official fire weather watch or warning .
Forecasters also consider how long those conditions are expected to be present .
“ Wind and humidity are the two things , and then time , ” she said .
“ Really , you can ’ t overstate winds .
”

Los Angeles County firefighters Justin Corrales, left, and Jason Torres, right, worked with Capt. August Dougherty to extinguish flare-ups Monday along Agua Dulce Canyon Road.
Firefighters continued to make progress Tuesday in their battle to contain a nearly 1,500-acre blaze in the Santa Clarita Valley, but officials are warning that hot and windy weather could create challenging conditions this week.
The Soledad fire, which has burned 1,498 acres, was 87% contained as of 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
All fire-related evacuations were lifted Monday afternoon, and the 14 Freeway — which was temporarily shut down as crews worked to douse the flames — has fully reopened.
No structures have been damaged or are currently threatened.
Advertisement
While the containment figure has climbed steadily since the fire broke out around 3:30 p.m. Sunday in the area of Soledad Canyon Road and the 14 Freeway, officials warned that “the combination of hot temperatures, low relative humidities, locally gusty winds and drying fuels [would] bring elevated fire weather conditions” to the area Tuesday.
Fire officials said in an incident update that they would monitor the fire throughout the evening and continue to mop up and fully contain the fire on Wednesday.
California Soledad fire evacuations lifted as firefighters gain upper hand The fire that began around Soledad Canyon Road and the 14 Freeway on Sunday was about 30% contained as of 9 a.m., the L.A. County Fire Department said.
While the National Weather Service hadn’t issued a formal fire weather watch for the area as of Tuesday morning, that could change later this week, according to Kathy Hoxsie, a meteorologist with the agency’s Oxnard office.
“This time of year, and any time you have winds, hot weather and low humidity, there’s always what we call an elevated fire weather concern,” she said. “And in particular, Friday through Sunday is what we’re most concerned about.”
Those days will likely see stronger winds — with gusts between 25 and 35 mph and reaching up to 45 mph in valleys, foothills and other inland areas of Los Angeles County — as well as warm temperatures that could push the mercury into triple digits in some places.
Advertisement
None of that is uncommon for July, Hoxsie said.
“We’re coming into the hottest time of the year — late July, early August — but then August, September, October is considered the worst period for fires, because after that heat comes in and dries everything out, there’s really no [precipitation],” she said.
Hoxsie said low humidity and winds are among the primary factors that play into whether to issue an official fire weather watch or warning. Forecasters also consider how long those conditions are expected to be present.
“Wind and humidity are the two things, and then time,” she said. “Really, you can’t overstate winds.”


latimes--2020-07-07--A California sheriff mocked the state's stay-at-home order. He changed his tune when COVID-19 cases

A California sheriff mocked the state's stay-at-home order. He changed his tune when COVID-19 cases surged

In mid-May , Merced County Sheriff Vernon Warnke had a lot to say about California ’ s stay-at-home orders to slow the spread of the coronavirus , none of it good .
He posted a defiant message to Facebook saying he refused to enforce the state ’ s orders because they meant “ economic slaughter ” and he believed government had no right to tell him or anyone else it was too risky to get a haircut or dental checkup .
“ I truly believe that Governor Newsom ’ s motivation is to have the majority of the citizens ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] on governments assistance so he could maintain this control once this ‘ pandemic ’ is declared over , ” Warnke wrote .
Two months later , with cases spiking and Merced County now on the state ’ s coronavirus watch list , the sheriff has changed his tune : “ Wear your masks , do your social distancing , wash your hands .
...
Please take it seriously.
” Cases have more than quadrupled over the last month in Merced County , which reported 1,530 COVID-19 cases on Monday .
On June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 343 cases .
COVID-19 has killed 11 people in Merced County since the pandemic began .
Merced County , in the Central Valley , is one of 23 counties being monitored by the state for rising case counts and increased hospitalizations .
Local public health officials say they worry that hospitals soon will be overwhelmed .
“ The cases are rising coincident with opening businesses , the onset of the agricultural season , holidays , graduations , get-togethers and mixed messaging that existed from different sources , ” Dr. Salvador Sandoval , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an email Monday .
Among concerns cited by the state are household and workplace infection clusters in Merced County among Latinos — who , along with Black people , have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States , becoming infected and dying at disproportionately high rates .
Merced County is 61 % Latino , but that number swells during the agricultural season , Sandoval said .
Overcrowded agricultural worker housing , poverty , insufficient availability of health information in Spanish , and employment in service jobs that require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates among Latinos , Sandoval said .
In the Merced County city of Atwater , residents have had to navigate varying levels of restrictions at the state , county and city levels — which , county health officials said , has led to confusion .
In mid-May , the City Council in Atwater declared it a “ sanctuary city ” for business in defiance of the state ’ s stay-at-home orders .
City leaders said all businesses could reopen , regardless of state restrictions , without interference from local officials .
The politically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landed Mayor Paul Creighton on “ Fox & Friends , ” where he called California ’ s lockdown orders “ draconian , ” and the “ Glenn Beck Program.
” Politicians and police chiefs from across the U.S. reached out , saying they also wanted to create sanctuaries .
On June 3 , there were 27 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Atwater .
As of Monday , there were 209 cases in the city , Sandoval said .
Caleb Hampton , an Atwater resident who started a Change.org petition asking the City Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines for reopened businesses , said he and his wife were frustrated that the city has not changed course amid the spike in cases .
He noted that the city ’ s website no longer has a banner display touting the sanctuary city resolution .
“ To us , it seems like now that they ’ ve had their photo op and their Fox News appearance , they are just trying to sweep it under the rug , ” he said .
Atwater City Manager Lori Waterman told the Times on Tuesday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sanctuary city resolution .
“ The city still stands behind the business owners ’ rights to be socially responsible and maintain effective social distancing and health protocols as outlined by the governor and the health officer , ” Waterman said in an email .
City officials , she said , are working with Merced County to create and implement a self-certification process in which businesses receive a “ Ready2Open ” certificate they can post in their windows if they meet certain criteria .
To get the certificate , she said , businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post signage about COVID-19 restrictions for customers , enforce social distancing , sanitize regularly , monitor the health of employees and have them go through safety training .
Atwater Mayor Pro Tem Brian Raymond said a rise in cases was to be expected , “ with summer coming and the nature of our agricultural economy.
” Protecting from the coronavirus and reopening businesses , he said , are not mutually exclusive .
“ We can take the measure we all should be taking : wearing a mask , practicing good hygiene and social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Raymond said in an email .
“ Those that think it ’ s either or are treating our current situation like a political football and only taking a position that is advantageous to them and their particular political agenda.
” In a video message released last week , Warnke said he wanted to clarify that his previous , widely shared message about the pandemic “ did not mean that this disease is not serious .
It is very serious.
” Warnke , who also is the county coroner , highlighted two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who “ hemorrhaged to death ” and a man in his early 40s who had a sudden onset of symptoms , then quickly died of a stroke .
Imploring people to wear a mask , Warnke noted that he keeps one “ in my personal truck , my work truck , my cars ” and at home “ in case somebody comes over unexpectedly.
” The sheriff requested the closure of three parks before the Fourth of July weekend to prevent holiday gathering and said he would have deputies on scene to enforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be making anybody be responsible for your health , but it ’ s gon na get to that point where so many people are getting deadly sick and dying that something ’ s going to have to be done , ” Warnke said .
“ I ’ m not an advocate for any law enforcement personnel to enforce the face masks , I ’ m just not .
That ’ s why I ’ m counting on you to do your part .
”

Atwater, in California’s Merced County, declared itself a “sanctuary city” from the state’s coronavirus stay-at-home orders. City Council members John Cale, left, Danny Ambriz, City Manager Lori Waterman and Mayor Pro Tem Brian Raymond bow their heads during the invocation at the start of a meeting on May 26.
In mid-May, Merced County Sheriff Vernon Warnke had a lot to say about California’s stay-at-home orders to slow the spread of the coronavirus, none of it good.
He posted a defiant message to Facebook saying he refused to enforce the state’s orders because they meant “economic slaughter” and he believed government had no right to tell him or anyone else it was too risky to get a haircut or dental checkup.
“I truly believe that Governor Newsom’s motivation is to have the majority of the citizens (and illegal residents) dependant [sic] on governments assistance so he could maintain this control once this ‘pandemic’ is declared over,” Warnke wrote.
Two months later, with cases spiking and Merced County now on the state’s coronavirus watch list, the sheriff has changed his tune: “Wear your masks, do your social distancing, wash your hands. ... Please take it seriously.”
Advertisement
Cases have more than quadrupled over the last month in Merced County, which reported 1,702 cases on Wednesday. On June 6, the county had reported just 343 cases.
COVID-19 has killed 12 people in Merced County since the pandemic began.
Merced County, in the Central Valley, is one of 23 counties being monitored by the state for rising case counts and increased hospitalizations. Local public health officials say they worry that hospitals soon will be overwhelmed.
“The cases are rising coincident with opening businesses, the onset of the agricultural season, holidays, graduations, get-togethers and mixed messaging that existed from different sources,” Dr. Salvador Sandoval, the county health officer, told The Times in an email Monday.
Reyna Bautista, 55, on her first day of reopening her embroidery shop, the Sewing Room, in Atwater, Calif., in May. “We need to work. We need to be open,” she said. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Among concerns cited by the state are household and workplace infection clusters in Merced County among Latinos — who, along with Black people, have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, becoming infected and dying at disproportionately high rates.
Merced County is 61% Latino, but that number swells during the agricultural season, Sandoval said. Overcrowded agricultural worker housing, poverty, insufficient availability of health information in Spanish, and employment in service jobs that require leaving home have contributed to high infection rates among Latinos, Sandoval said.
In the Merced County city of Atwater, residents have had to navigate varying levels of restrictions at the state, county and city levels — which, county health officials said, has led to confusion.
In mid-May, the City Council in Atwater declared it a “sanctuary city” for business in defiance of the state’s stay-at-home orders. City leaders said all businesses could reopen, regardless of state restrictions, without interference from local officials.
The politically potent “sanctuary city” label quickly landed Mayor Paul Creighton on “Fox & Friends,” where he called California’s lockdown orders “draconian,” and the “Glenn Beck Program.” Politicians and police chiefs from across the U.S. reached out, saying they also wanted to create sanctuaries.
On June 3, there were 27 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Atwater. As of Monday, there were 209 cases in the city, Sandoval said.
Advertisement
Randy Romero, one of the few in the audience wearing a mask, says the Pledge of Allegiance at the May 26 Atwater, Calif., City Council meeting. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Caleb Hampton, an Atwater resident who started a Change.org petition asking the City Council to pause reopening until it established safety guidelines for reopened businesses, said he and his wife were frustrated that the city has not changed course amid the spike in cases. He noted that the city’s website no longer has a banner display touting the sanctuary city resolution.
“To us, it seems like now that they’ve had their photo op and their Fox News appearance, they are just trying to sweep it under the rug,” he said.
Atwater City Manager Lori Waterman told the Times on Tuesday that the city had no plans to rescind the sanctuary city resolution.
“The city still stands behind the business owners’ rights to be socially responsible and maintain effective social distancing and health protocols as outlined by the governor and the health officer,” Waterman said in an email.
City officials, she said, are working with Merced County to create and implement a self-certification process in which businesses receive a “Ready2Open” certificate they can post in their windows if they meet certain criteria.
To get the certificate, she said, businesses will have to do the following: post signage about COVID-19 restrictions for customers, enforce social distancing, sanitize regularly, monitor the health of employees and have them go through safety training.
Atwater Mayor Pro Tem Brian Raymond said a rise in cases was to be expected, “with summer coming and the nature of our agricultural economy.” Protecting from the coronavirus and reopening businesses, he said, are not mutually exclusive.
“We can take the measure we all should be taking: wearing a mask, practicing good hygiene and social distancing, while still opening our economy,” Raymond said in an email. “Those that think it’s either or are treating our current situation like a political football and only taking a position that is advantageous to them and their particular political agenda.”
In a video message released last week, Warnke said he wanted to clarify that his previous, widely shared message about the pandemic “did not mean that this disease is not serious. It is very serious.”
Warnke, who also is the county coroner, highlighted two recent COVID-19 deaths: A 29-year-old man who “hemorrhaged to death” and a man in his early 40s who had a sudden onset of symptoms, then quickly died of a stroke.
Imploring people to wear a mask, Warnke noted that he keeps one “in my personal truck, my work truck, my cars” and at home “in case somebody comes over unexpectedly.”
The sheriff requested the closure of three parks before the Fourth of July weekend to prevent holiday gathering and said he would have deputies on scene to enforce closures.
“The government shouldn’t be making anybody be responsible for your health, but it’s gonna get to that point where so many people are getting deadly sick and dying that something’s going to have to be done,” Warnke said.
“I’m not an advocate for any law enforcement personnel to enforce the face masks, I’m just not. That’s why I’m counting on you to do your part.”


latimes--2020-07-07--Former L.A. Councilman Mitchell Englander pleads guilty in City Hall corruption case

Former Los Angeles City Councilman Mitchell Englander pleaded guilty to a single felony charge Tuesday in the ongoing corruption probe of City Hall , admitting he schemed to prevent federal investigators from learning about cash and other freebies he received from a Southern California businessman .
Englander struck a plea deal nearly four months ago , acknowledging that he accepted cash in envelopes , a hotel stay and other gifts during trips to Las Vegas and the Palm Springs area , and then engaged in an effort to lie to investigators .
He pleaded guilty to one count of scheming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plea agreement , Englander admitted lying to FBI agents about the gifts he had received from a businessman .
He also admitted to advising that businessman , who was looking to sell home technology and high-end cabinets , to lie to FBI investigators and conceal key facts about the Vegas trip .
Englander , in a brief statement , said he accepts “ full responsibility ” for his conduct and is grateful to his friends and family for supporting him .
“ I look forward to continuing to contribute to my community and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councilman , who represented the northwest San Fernando Valley from 2011 to 2018 .
In some ways , Englander seemed like a politician who had wandered into the middle of someone else ’ s corruption probe .
Englander flew to Las Vegas in June 2017 with an assortment of city staffers and others at a time when FBI agents were looking into frequent visits to that city by Councilman Jose Huizar and one of his staffers , George Esparza .
By then , the FBI ’ s probe into Huizar and Esparza was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concluded that both men had been receiving an array of bribes , including more than a dozen trips to Vegas , from a Chinese billionaire seeking to develop a 77-story tower in downtown Los Angeles .
Both men are now facing racketeering charges .
While in Vegas , Englander accepted an envelope with $ 10,000 in cash from a businessman seeking to make connections with real estate developers in Los Angeles .
That businessman also provided an expensive dinner , bottle service at a nightclub and a hotel room , and at one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up at Englander ’ s room .
Esparza , the Huizar aide , went on the Vegas trip .
So did John Lee , who at the time was a high-level Englander aide .
Lee won Englander ’ s council seat in a special election last year and was reelected in March , roughly a week before Englander surrendered to authorities .
Protesters gathered outside the courthouse on Tuesday , calling on Lee to resign .
The indictment in the Englander case said a top Englander staffer — identified as “ City Staffer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same perks during the Vegas trip .
After being contacted by investigators , Englander sent the businessman backdated checks for himself and his aide , according to the indictment .
“ If John Lee is Staffer B , there ’ s absolutely no doubt that he assisted Mitch Englander in falsifying information and lying to the FBI , ” said Ina Morton , a member of the West Valley People ’ s Alliance , the group that staged the protest .
Lee has repeatedly declined to say whether he is City Staffer B @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he cooperated with investigators and did “ everything in my power to pay for and reimburse expenses related to this trip.
” Englander , 49 , also admitted in his plea agreement that he took an additional $ 5,000 in an envelope from the same businessman while in a bathroom at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa near Palm Springs .
A week later , Englander set up a lunch so that the businessman could pitch his company ’ s product to a local real estate developer , the agreement says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the judge indicated the matter would likely be postponed .
Under the plea agreement , the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office agreed not to seek a sentence of imprisonment of more than 36 months .
They also intend to dismiss the other six counts in the Englander indictment .
Sabrina Johnson , an activist on housing and homelessness , sat in the audience as Asst .
U.S. Atty .
Mack Jenkins recited the many details in the case , describing Englander ’ s secretly recorded conversations and his repeated use of a disappearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critic of City Hall , described the proceedings as “ the highlight of my week.
” “ It ’ s nice for the details of this come to light , ” she said .
Englander , who had been a reserve member of the Los Angeles Police Department , is the third figure to plead guilty in the sprawling City Hall corruption probe .
A former city planning commissioner who raised money for Huizar and a real estate consultant have done the same .
In recent weeks , prosecutors have charged Huizar and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had accepted casino trips , casino chips , private jet travel , cash and other bribes .
Esparza has reached a plea deal with prosecutors .
In a 116-page affidavit , prosecutors have portrayed Huizar as the head of a criminal enterprise , saying he squeezed developers and other businessmen for bribes and campaign donations in exchange for help with their real estate projects .
Huizar has not yet entered a plea and his lawyers have declined to discuss the allegations , saying they intend to represent their client in court , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nick Hanna said last month that the investigation is ongoing .

Former Los Angeles City Councilman Mitchell Englander arrives at the federal courthouse in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday with his wife, Jayne, and daughters Lauren, left, and Lindsey.
Former Los Angeles City Councilman Mitchell Englander pleaded guilty to a single felony charge Tuesday in the ongoing corruption probe of City Hall, admitting he schemed to prevent federal investigators from learning about cash and other freebies he received from a Southern California businessman.
Englander struck a plea deal nearly four months ago, acknowledging that he accepted cash in envelopes, a hotel stay and other gifts during trips to Las Vegas and the Palm Springs area, and then engaged in an effort to lie to investigators. He pleaded guilty to one count of scheming to falsify material facts.
In his plea agreement, Englander admitted lying to FBI agents about the gifts he had received from a businessman. He also admitted to advising that businessman, who was looking to sell home technology and high-end cabinets, to lie to FBI investigators and conceal key facts about the Vegas trip.
Englander, in a brief statement, said he accepts “full responsibility” for his conduct and is grateful to his friends and family for supporting him.
Advertisement
“I look forward to continuing to contribute to my community and helping others,” said the former councilman, who represented the northwest San Fernando Valley from 2011 to 2018.
In some ways, Englander seemed like a politician who had wandered into the middle of someone else’s corruption probe. Englander flew to Las Vegas in June 2017 with an assortment of city staffers and others at a time when FBI agents were looking into frequent visits to that city by Councilman Jose Huizar and one of his staffers, George Esparza.
By then, the FBI’s probe into Huizar and Esparza was nearly 2 years old. Investigators ultimately concluded that both men had been receiving an array of bribes, including more than a dozen trips to Vegas, from a Chinese billionaire seeking to develop a 77-story tower in downtown Los Angeles.
Both men are now facing racketeering charges.
While in Vegas, Englander accepted an envelope with $10,000 in cash from a businessman seeking to make connections with real estate developers in Los Angeles. That businessman also provided an expensive dinner, bottle service at a nightclub and a hotel room, and at one point instructed a female escort to show up at Englander’s room.
Esparza, the Huizar aide, went on the Vegas trip. So did John Lee, who at the time was a high-level Englander aide. Lee won Englander’s council seat in a special election last year and was reelected in March, roughly a week before Englander surrendered to authorities.
Pilar Schiavo, right, co-founder of West Valley People’s Alliance, and others protest outside the federal court in Los Angeles. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)
Protesters gathered outside the courthouse on Tuesday, calling on Lee to resign. The indictment in the Englander case said a top Englander staffer — identified as “City Staffer B” — received some of the same perks during the Vegas trip. After being contacted by investigators, Englander sent the businessman backdated checks for himself and his aide, according to the indictment.
Advertisement
“If John Lee is Staffer B, there’s absolutely no doubt that he assisted Mitch Englander in falsifying information and lying to the FBI,” said Ina Morton, a member of the West Valley People’s Alliance, the group that staged the protest.
Lee has repeatedly declined to say whether he is City Staffer B. In a previous statement, he said he cooperated with investigators and did “everything in my power to pay for and reimburse expenses related to this trip.”
Englander, 49, also admitted in his plea agreement that he took an additional $5,000 in an envelope from the same businessman while in a bathroom at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa near Palm Springs. A week later, Englander set up a lunch so that the businessman could pitch his company’s product to a local real estate developer, the agreement says.
Although sentencing is scheduled for September, the judge indicated the matter would likely be postponed. Under the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office agreed not to seek a sentence of imprisonment of more than 36 months. They also intend to dismiss the other six counts in the Englander indictment.
Sabrina Johnson, an activist on housing and homelessness, sat in the audience as Asst. U.S. Atty. Mack Jenkins recited the many details in the case, describing Englander’s secretly recorded conversations and his repeated use of a disappearing message app. Johnson, a vocal critic of City Hall, described the proceedings as “the highlight of my week.”
“It’s nice for the details of this come to light,” she said.
Englander, who had been a reserve member of the Los Angeles Police Department, is the third figure to plead guilty in the sprawling City Hall corruption probe. A former city planning commissioner who raised money for Huizar and a real estate consultant have done the same.
In recent weeks, prosecutors have charged Huizar and Esparza with racketeering, saying both men had accepted casino trips, casino chips, private jet travel, cash and other bribes. Esparza has reached a plea deal with prosecutors.
In a 116-page affidavit, prosecutors have portrayed Huizar as the head of a criminal enterprise, saying he squeezed developers and other businessmen for bribes and campaign donations in exchange for help with their real estate projects.
Huizar has not yet entered a plea and his lawyers have declined to discuss the allegations, saying they intend to represent their client in court, not in the media.
U.S. Atty. Nick Hanna said last month that the investigation is ongoing.


latimes--2020-07-07--Shelter-in-place order lifted at Twentynine Palms Marine Corps base after active shooter reports

Personnel at a U.S. Marine Corps base in Twentynine Palms were temporarily ordered to shelter in place Tuesday morning following reports of an active shooter .
One person suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound about 8:30 a.m. , but no other injuries have been reported at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center , officials said in a statement .
“ The individual is currently being treated and will be transported to a medical facility , ” the Marine Corps wrote on Twitter .
“ There are no other injuries reported at this time .
This incident is under investigation.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been lifted , officials said shortly before 9:30 a.m. Several calls to the base went unanswered Tuesday morning .
Details about the incident remain scant , but military police responded to reports of gunshots at about 6:30 a.m. and cordoned off the area , according to the Marine Corps .
The San Bernardino County Sheriff ’ s Department received word of some kind of incident at the base , but spokeswoman Cindy Bachman said she did not have additional details .
“ We have not been requested to assist them , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @

Personnel at a U.S. Marine Corps base in Twentynine Palms were temporarily ordered to shelter in place Tuesday morning following reports of an active shooter.
One person suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound about 8:30 a.m., but no other injuries have been reported at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, officials said in a statement.
“The individual is currently being treated and will be transported to a medical facility,” the Marine Corps wrote on Twitter. “There are no other injuries reported at this time. This incident is under investigation.”
Advertisement
The shelter-in-place order for the base has been lifted, officials said shortly before 9:30 a.m.
Several calls to the base went unanswered Tuesday morning.
#BREAKING: The shelter in place order for the installation has been lifted. An individual sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound at approximately 8:30 a.m. (1/2) — U.S. Marines (@USMC) July 7, 2020
Details about the incident remain scant, but military police responded to reports of gunshots at about 6:30 a.m. and cordoned off the area, according to the Marine Corps.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department received word of some kind of incident at the base, but spokeswoman Cindy Bachman said she did not have additional details.
“We have not been requested to assist them,” she said shortly before 8 a.m.