latimes--2020-07-29--L.A. County shuts down three food businesses over unreported COVID-19 outbreaks

Los Angeles County public health officials , in a move that could signal tougher enforcement of coronavirus reporting rules , ordered the closure this week of three food distribution facilities that they say failed to report outbreaks that sickened more than 140 employees .
The action highlights the Department of Public Health ’ s new enforcement measures , announced last week , which include fines as well as closures of businesses as a surge of infections intensifies across the county .
The companies targeted this week are S & S Foods in Azusa , with 58 confirmed cases ; Golden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases ; and Mission Foods Corp. in Commerce , with 40 cases , according to the county Department of Public Health .
“ They have significant outbreaks amongst their employees , ” said Barbara Ferrer , director of the health department , during a news conference Monday .
“ We were not notified — as we ’ re required to be notified once they had their three cases — and our inspectors have asked them to make some modifications to really enhance their infection control protocols at all three sites.
” Golden State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after it complied with county requirements .
Mission Foods has submitted required information to the Health Department , which was reviewing it as of Tuesday night .
S & S Foods remains closed .
Representatives at S & S Foods and Mission Foods did not respond to requests for comment .
The heightened enforcement comes as the pandemic intensifies across Los Angeles County .
At least 246 businesses , restaurants , colleges and government offices in L.A. County have seen three or more confirmed COVID-19 cases among their employees since the outbreak began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at these sites had confirmed cases of COVID-19 , according to the health department .
This includes large outbreaks at L.A. Apparel , where more than 384 workers have been sickened at three sites in Florence , and at the Farmer John plant , a division of Smithfield Foods that produces Dodger Dogs and other pork products , where 220 workers in Vernon have been confirmed to have COVID-19 .
The companies cited for closure failed to follow a rule requiring them to notify the county of three or more infections among workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they weren ’ t aware of the rule , which has been in place since at least June 11 .
All three facilities ’ outbreaks were reported through the public health department ’ s anonymous complaint line .
In late August , the county Department of Public Health will start issuing noncompliant businesses with fines ranging from $ 100 for the first offense to $ 500 for additional offenses — and a 30-day permit suspension after multiple offenses .
Supervisor Hilda Solis , whose 1st District includes all three businesses , urged companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Essential workers keep our economy moving , our shelves stocked with food , our hospitals clean — and they continue to do honorable work , ” Solis said in a statement .
“ I urge employers to review guidance from the Department of Public Health so they can fulfill their duty to their workers to keep them safe and healthy.
” Brian Dick , executive vice president and chief operating officer for Golden State Foods , said the company was unaware of the county ’ s requirement that outbreaks of three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county public health officials did a routine inspection of the plant on Friday .
After the company met the specific reporting requirements , county public health officials lifted the order that had closed the plant .
The 450 workers at the facility — who make sauces , dressings , syrups , condiments and toppings for major fast-food restaurants including McDonald ’ s — are required to wear protective masks , have their temperature checked and answer a questionnaire about any possible contact they ’ ve had with the virus before entering , among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not required to be within six feet of each other , with many of them operating robots as opposed to working side-by-side , Dick said .
He said the company doesn ’ t believe the outbreak necessarily had anything to do with the way the facility is run because there were no clusters of cases among people who work closely together .
The cases were spread across people with varying jobs , Dick said .
Employees receive sick leave and paid time off are encouraged to notify the company if they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , he said .
“ Golden State Foods is not the kind of company that would think any less of anybody who is either staying home because they ’ re sick , because there ’ s a family member who ’ s been sick , or just as a precautionary measure , ” Dick said .
There were no fatalities among the 43 people who tested positive for the virus , he said .
S & S Foods , which produces meat and other food products for large-scale food service companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beef after an E. coli outbreak in 2008 .
The company ’ s parent , CTI Foods , says it specializes in “ custom processing of value-added protein products ” including taco meat and pizza toppings .
Mission Foods is a leading distributor of tortillas , chips and salsas sold in grocery stores .
Times staff writers Colleen Shalby and Soumya Karlamangla contributed to this report .

Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, gives her daily coronavirus update Tuesday.
Los Angeles County public health officials, in a move that could signal tougher enforcement of coronavirus reporting rules, ordered the closure this week of three food distribution facilities that they say failed to report outbreaks that sickened more than 140 employees.
The action highlights the Department of Public Health’s new enforcement measures, announced last week, which include fines as well as closures of businesses as a surge of infections intensifies across the county.
For the record: A previous version of this article misstated the date Los Angeles County started requiring businesses to report when three or more employees had tested positive for COVID-19. The requirement was implemented for food manufacturing businesses in mid-July, not June 11.
The companies targeted this week are S&S Foods in Azusa, with 58 confirmed cases; Golden State Foods Corp. in Industry with 43 cases; and Mission Foods Corp. in Commerce, with 40 cases, according to the county Department of Public Health.
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“They have significant outbreaks amongst their employees,” said Barbara Ferrer, director of the health department, during a news conference Monday. “We were not notified — as we’re required to be notified once they had their three cases — and our inspectors have asked them to make some modifications to really enhance their infection control protocols at all three sites.”
Golden State Foods was allowed to open Monday night after it complied with county requirements. Mission Foods has submitted required information to the Health Department, which was reviewing it as of Tuesday night. S&S Foods remains closed.
Representatives at S&S Foods and Mission Foods did not respond to requests for comment.
The heightened enforcement comes as the pandemic intensifies across Los Angeles County. At least 246 businesses, restaurants, colleges and government offices in L.A. County have seen three or more confirmed COVID-19 cases among their employees since the outbreak began. As of Tuesday, 3,119 employees at these sites had confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to the health department.
This includes large outbreaks at L.A. Apparel, where more than 384 workers have been sickened at three sites in Florence, and at the Farmer John plant, a division of Smithfield Foods that produces Dodger Dogs and other pork products, where 220 workers in Vernon have been confirmed to have COVID-19.
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The companies cited for closure failed to follow a rule requiring them to notify the county of three or more infections among workers, but some companies have complained that they weren’t aware of the rule, which has been in place since mid-July. All three facilities’ outbreaks were reported through the public health department’s anonymous complaint line.
In late August, the county Department of Public Health will start issuing noncompliant businesses with fines ranging from $100 for the first offense to $500 for additional offenses — and a 30-day permit suspension after multiple offenses.
Supervisor Hilda Solis, whose 1st District includes all three businesses, urged companies countywide to comply with the new rules.
“Essential workers keep our economy moving, our shelves stocked with food, our hospitals clean — and they continue to do honorable work,” Solis said in a statement. “I urge employers to review guidance from the Department of Public Health so they can fulfill their duty to their workers to keep them safe and healthy.”
California Workers vanished as coronavirus swept through L.A. Apparel. Colleagues struggled for answers Advocates and people who have worked at Los Angeles Apparel have claimed the company did not consistently inform its workers about coronavirus cases, creating a climate of fear.
Brian Dick, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Golden State Foods, said the company was unaware of the county’s requirement that outbreaks of three or more cases must be reported until county public health officials did a routine inspection of the plant on Friday. After the company met the specific reporting requirements, county public health officials lifted the order that had closed the plant.
The 450 workers at the facility — who make sauces, dressings, syrups, condiments and toppings for major fast-food restaurants including McDonald’s — are required to wear protective masks, have their temperature checked and answer a questionnaire about any possible contact they’ve had with the virus before entering, among other precautions. Workers in the factory are not required to be within six feet of each other, with many of them operating robots as opposed to working side-by-side, Dick said.
He said the company doesn’t believe the outbreak necessarily had anything to do with the way the facility is run because there were no clusters of cases among people who work closely together. The cases were spread across people with varying jobs, Dick said.
Employees receive sick leave and paid time off are encouraged to notify the company if they’ve been in contact with someone with the virus, he said.
“Golden State Foods is not the kind of company that would think any less of anybody who is either staying home because they’re sick, because there’s a family member who’s been sick, or just as a precautionary measure,” Dick said.
There were no fatalities among the 43 people who tested positive for the virus, he said.
S&S Foods, which produces meat and other food products for large-scale food service companies, recalled 153,630 pounds of frozen ground beef after an E. coli outbreak in 2008.
The company’s parent, CTI Foods, says it specializes in “custom processing of value-added protein products” including taco meat and pizza toppings.
Mission Foods is a leading distributor of tortillas, chips and salsas sold in grocery stores.
Times staff writers Colleen Shalby and Soumya Karlamangla contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-07-29--Column One: Less stress, better grades: With schools closed, some kids thrive

Those annoying puffy spots under the eyes of eighth-grader Natalie Alvarez began to disappear , followed by the 10 a.m. hunger bouts and the midafternoon yawns — much to the Carson girl ’ s delight and surprise .
At first , Natalie , 14 , had resisted the distance learning thrust upon her when schools closed amid the coronavirus emergency .
“ I was worried about the distractions of being home with my mom and my sister and doing extra chores , ” Natalie said .
“ But then things changed.
” Things changed , too , for Marcos Adame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend more time on problematic subjects .
They changed for Sebastian Hernandez , 15 , who has more energy , and for 10-year-old Jacob Lalin , who discovered he could mix schoolwork with Lego .
At a time when many of their peers struggle with isolation , uneven online teaching or lack of access to computers , a fraction of students have discovered that distance learning can offer a unique kind of relief — and they have thrived .
Educators and school psychologists stress that campus closures and the suspension of in-class learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who are not fortunate enough to have a quiet , comfortable study space or whose families are coping with deep hardships and illness brought on by the pandemic .
Natalie , Marcos and and others have adapted well in part because their schools were experienced with online learning , and they had home support to help them .
Josephine Kim , a Harvard University lecturer and licensed mental health counselor , said children can be surprisingly adaptable and hardy .
“ There are intrinsic characteristics that may allow a child to thrive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
Children who are introverted or those “ who process information internally and gain energy from time and space for introspection ” would likely fare well .
Los Angeles Unified School District Supt .
Austin Beutner agreed that some students , especially adolescents navigating middle school , have excelled at home , away from the pressures of school and a strict routine .
He praised Natalie ’ s school , the Harry Bridges Span School in Wilmington , as an example of one doing “ extraordinary work ” with online learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard from middle-schoolers ; some students who felt they ’ d been bullied or were having trouble socially in the melting pot that ’ s middle school are actually liking a little bit of space and enjoying study more , ” Beutner said .
“ And so there are some for whom being in this environment has actually benefited .
We ’ ve heard all kinds of anecdotes.
” Natalie said she felt more relaxed despite what she considered an increased workload .
She ate healthier , slept longer , rushed less .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stayed connected with friends through texts .
Steve Skrumbis , principal at Harry Bridges , said his school had an online component to its instruction before the spread of COVID-19 , giving his staff and students a head start when schools closed in mid-March .
Before then , Natalie ’ s mornings consisted of 6:30 wake-up calls , half-consumed breakfast shakes , rushing out of the house at 7:55 and a tense ride to school , worried that she ’ d be late for first period at 8:15 .
“ I just barely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ Sometimes those first classes were the toughest , because you ’ re just trying to wake up and focus.
” With online learning , Natalie could roll out of bed at 9 a.m. , which gave her enough time to prepare a bowl of Chobani Greek yogurt and fruit before her first online period at 9:30 .
That extra sleep , endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics , paid dividends in multiple ways for Natalie and others .
Most of their online classes were asynchronous , meaning teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ videos ahead of time for students through the school ’ s platforms , such as Schoology and Google Classroom .
Instructors did not require students to turn on their computers ’ cameras , meaning Natalie and others could take notes , listen in and ask questions while eating — even in the comfort of their pajamas .
“ Everyone had their cameras off , ” Natalie said , “ which was great for me .
I didn ’ t have to worry about how I looked .
I could just focus on class.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ A ’ s , ” she said .
Marcos , who will attend Banning High School in August , had often been a C student , but last semester he got all B ’ s and A ’ s .
He said he benefited from the ability to email his eighth-grade teachers as many questions as he liked without fear of bullying .
“ I didn ’ t know what to think at first , but it seemed to work out , ” said Marcos , who is considering a career in architecture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m a natural introvert.
” Natalie , who considers herself an extrovert , said she wants to go back when campuses reopen .
She ’ ll be starting at the California Academy of Mathematics and Science in Carson and realizes the difficulty of making new friends “ when you ’ re not at school.
” However , the girl who dreams of becoming an FBI forensic scientist also said that the last three months of the academic year should serve as a wake-up call to schools .
“ If you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , “ you ’ re not helping your students.
” On the other side of Los Angeles County , Sebastian , a sophomore at Loyola High School from East L.A. , said he feels like he has come into his own — while on his own .
He used to carry a lot of anxiety , Sebastian said — worries over being late to school , of getting snarky looks when he ’ d raise his hand in class again and again .
His classes , which included Honors English , Spanish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world history , were still challenging , he said , but “ breathable.
” Sebastian also attends the Neighborhood Music School in Boyle Heights and said he has not only “ gotten used to ” piano lessons at home but has enjoyed the stress-free environment of his living room .
“ Honestly , it is nice being home , ” said the teen , who aspires to become an engineer .
“ It ’ s a lot less stressful and easier to keep up with the work .
Plus , with two hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much more energized.
” His 12-year-old brother , Benjamin , also thrived at home .
He and classmates teamed up to check each other ’ s work and complete assignments on time , thus leaving more time for video games .
“ It ’ s a good way to keep your friends motivated , because everyone wants to play , ” he said .
The surprising gains have been a relief to parents , but they now worry those advancements could be lost when campuses reopen .
Margaret Hernandez , Sebastian ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routines will be challenging .
“ My sons do miss being out with their friends , but I don ’ t know if they can also go back to normal , ” she said .
“ They ’ ve changed during this time.
” Her husband , Alex Hernandez , worries about kids missing out on social interaction .
“ It ’ s great my sons and others are doing well online , but this is a generation that struggles communicating outside of gadgets and the internet , ” he said .
Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones , school at home works .
Jacob Lalin , a 10-year-old fourth-grader from San Gabriel , said he was “ so much more happy ” at home .
Jacob , who attends Washington Elementary School and the Neighborhood Music School , discovered he could spend more time with the classes he loves : math and science .
And if he got bored ?
The solution was something he could never do at school .
“ When I would get tired with school , I ’ d go build with my Legos or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I get a lot of breaks , and then I come back and do school .
”

Those annoying puffy spots under the eyes of eighth-grader Natalie Alvarez began to disappear, followed by the 10 a.m. hunger bouts and the midafternoon yawns — much to the Carson girl’s delight and surprise.
At first, Natalie, 14, had resisted the distance learning thrust upon her when schools closed amid the coronavirus emergency.
“I was worried about the distractions of being home with my mom and my sister and doing extra chores,” Natalie said. “But then things changed.”
Things changed, too, for Marcos Adame, whose grades improved because he could spend more time on problematic subjects. They changed for Sebastian Hernandez, 15, who has more energy, and for 10-year-old Jacob Lalin, who discovered he could mix schoolwork with Lego.
At a time when many of their peers struggle with isolation, uneven online teaching or lack of access to computers, a fraction of students have discovered that distance learning can offer a unique kind of relief — and they have thrived.
Educators and school psychologists stress that campus closures and the suspension of in-class learning have exacted harm on children, especially those who are not fortunate enough to have a quiet, comfortable study space or whose families are coping with deep hardships and illness brought on by the pandemic.
Advertisement
Natalie, Marcos and and others have adapted well in part because their schools were experienced with online learning, and they had home support to help them.
Josephine Kim, a Harvard University lecturer and licensed mental health counselor, said children can be surprisingly adaptable and hardy.
“There are intrinsic characteristics that may allow a child to thrive more under the current circumstances,” she said. Children who are introverted or those “who process information internally and gain energy from time and space for introspection” would likely fare well.
“If you’re not embracing technology, you’re not helping your students.” — Natalie Alvarez, 14
Los Angeles Unified School District Supt. Austin Beutner agreed that some students, especially adolescents navigating middle school, have excelled at home, away from the pressures of school and a strict routine. He praised Natalie’s school, the Harry Bridges Span School in Wilmington, as an example of one doing “extraordinary work” with online learning.
“Actually, we’ve heard from middle-schoolers; some students who felt they’d been bullied or were having trouble socially in the melting pot that’s middle school are actually liking a little bit of space and enjoying study more,” Beutner said. “And so there are some for whom being in this environment has actually benefited. We’ve heard all kinds of anecdotes.”
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Natalie said she felt more relaxed despite what she considered an increased workload. She ate healthier, slept longer, rushed less. She spent more time on projects and stayed connected with friends through texts.
Steve Skrumbis, principal at Harry Bridges, said his school had an online component to its instruction before the spread of COVID-19, giving his staff and students a head start when schools closed in mid-March.
Column One A showcase for compelling storytelling from the Los Angeles Times. More stories
Before then, Natalie’s mornings consisted of 6:30 wake-up calls, half-consumed breakfast shakes, rushing out of the house at 7:55 and a tense ride to school, worried that she’d be late for first period at 8:15.
“I just barely made it a few times,” she said. “Sometimes those first classes were the toughest, because you’re just trying to wake up and focus.”
With online learning, Natalie could roll out of bed at 9 a.m., which gave her enough time to prepare a bowl of Chobani Greek yogurt and fruit before her first online period at 9:30.
That extra sleep, endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, paid dividends in multiple ways for Natalie and others.
Most of their online classes were asynchronous, meaning teachers would leave assignments, lesson plans and videos ahead of time for students through the school’s platforms, such as Schoology and Google Classroom.
Instructors did not require students to turn on their computers’ cameras, meaning Natalie and others could take notes, listen in and ask questions while eating — even in the comfort of their pajamas.
Benjamin and Sebastian Hernandez at home with parents Margaret and Alex. Many children have felt stressed, bored or isolated during the pandemic, but the Hernandez brothers have relished the opportunity to slow down. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
“Everyone had their cameras off,” Natalie said, “which was great for me. I didn’t have to worry about how I looked. I could just focus on class.”
And her grades? “Straight A’s,” she said.
Marcos, who will attend Banning High School in August, had often been a C student, but last semester he got all B’s and A’s. He said he benefited from the ability to email his eighth-grade teachers as many questions as he liked without fear of bullying.
“I didn’t know what to think at first, but it seemed to work out,” said Marcos, who is considering a career in architecture. “Maybe it’s because I’m a natural introvert.”
Natalie, who considers herself an extrovert, said she wants to go back when campuses reopen. She’ll be starting at the California Academy of Mathematics and Science in Carson and realizes the difficulty of making new friends “when you’re not at school.”
However, the girl who dreams of becoming an FBI forensic scientist also said that the last three months of the academic year should serve as a wake-up call to schools.
“If you’re not embracing technology,” she said, “you’re not helping your students.”
On the other side of Los Angeles County, Sebastian, a sophomore at Loyola High School from East L.A., said he feels like he has come into his own — while on his own.
He used to carry a lot of anxiety, Sebastian said — worries over being late to school, of getting snarky looks when he’d raise his hand in class again and again.
His classes, which included Honors English, Spanish and chemistry, along with Advanced Placement world history, were still challenging, he said, but “breathable.” Sebastian also attends the Neighborhood Music School in Boyle Heights and said he has not only “gotten used to” piano lessons at home but has enjoyed the stress-free environment of his living room.
“Honestly, it is nice being home,” said the teen, who aspires to become an engineer. “It’s a lot less stressful and easier to keep up with the work. Plus, with two hours of extra sleep, I’m much more energized.”
His 12-year-old brother, Benjamin, also thrived at home. He and classmates teamed up to check each other’s work and complete assignments on time, thus leaving more time for video games.
“It’s a good way to keep your friends motivated, because everyone wants to play,” he said.
The surprising gains have been a relief to parents, but they now worry those advancements could be lost when campuses reopen.
Margaret Hernandez, Sebastian’s mother, said going back to past routines will be challenging.
“My sons do miss being out with their friends, but I don’t know if they can also go back to normal,” she said. “They’ve changed during this time.”
Her husband, Alex Hernandez, worries about kids missing out on social interaction. “It’s great my sons and others are doing well online, but this is a generation that struggles communicating outside of gadgets and the internet,” he said.
Still, for some kids, even younger ones, school at home works.
Jacob Lalin, a 10-year-old fourth-grader from San Gabriel, said he was “so much more happy” at home. Jacob, who attends Washington Elementary School and the Neighborhood Music School, discovered he could spend more time with the classes he loves: math and science.
And if he got bored? The solution was something he could never do at school.
“When I would get tired with school, I’d go build with my Legos or go outside and play,” Jacob said. “I get a lot of breaks, and then I come back and do school.”


latimes--2020-07-29--California fires prompt evacuations as they explode in size and threaten homes

Residents in a rural area of San Luis Obispo County have been evacuated as a brush fire exploded and burned at least one structure Tuesday afternoon .
The Branch fire was initially reported as a 40-acre brush fire in the area off of Highway 58 and Soda Lake Road in the California Valley at about 2 p.m. By 9 p.m. , the fire was nearly 3,000 acres and 30 % contained , according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection .
Additional structures and Pacific Gas & Electric Co. power lines are threatened , Cal Fire officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trail have been evacuated , and a part of Highway 58 has been closed , according to San Luis Obispo County sheriff ’ s officials .
In Northern California , the Gold fire , which has been burning for a week near Highway 139 and County Road A-2 , has grown to almost 22,000 acres and is 65 % contained .
Several roads near the fire are closed , and fire officials have ordered multiple evacuations in the area .
The fire “ continues to burn in areas that include private residences as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Several cultural and sensitive resources remain threatened , ” Cal Fire said in an incident report .
Firefighters in Lassen County have also made progress in containing the Hog fire , which also led to road closures and evacuations near the Hog Flat Reservoir , west of Susanville .
The nearly 10,000-acre fire is now 72 % contained , Cal Fire officials said .
The evacuation orders and road closures have since been lifted , but the area is still under an evacuation warning .
Officials say changing weather conditions could lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any time .

The Branch fire in San Luis Obispo County grew to nearly 3,000 acres on Tuesday evening, threatening structures in the rural area.
Residents in a rural area of San Luis Obispo County have been evacuated as a brush fire exploded and burned at least one structure Tuesday afternoon.
The Branch fire was initially reported as a 40-acre brush fire in the area off of Highway 58 and Soda Lake Road in the California Valley at about 2 p.m. By 9 p.m., the fire was nearly 3,000 acres and 30% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Additional structures and Pacific Gas & Electric Co. power lines are threatened, Cal Fire officials said.
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Residents in the area surrounding Belmont Trail have been evacuated, and a part of Highway 58 has been closed, according to San Luis Obispo County sheriff’s officials.
In Northern California, the Gold fire, which has been burning for a week near Highway 139 and County Road A-2, has grown to almost 22,000 acres and is 65% contained.
Several roads near the fire are closed, and fire officials have ordered multiple evacuations in the area.
The fire “continues to burn in areas that include private residences as well as ranch and commercial operations. Several cultural and sensitive resources remain threatened,” Cal Fire said in an incident report.
Firefighters in Lassen County have also made progress in containing the Hog fire, which also led to road closures and evacuations near the Hog Flat Reservoir, west of Susanville. The nearly 10,000-acre fire is now 72% contained, Cal Fire officials said.
The evacuation orders and road closures have since been lifted, but the area is still under an evacuation warning. Officials say changing weather conditions could lead to another evacuation order for the area at any time.


latimes--2020-07-28--Former L.A. County Assessor John Noguez again faces corruption charges

The Los Angeles County district attorney ’ s office has refiled charges against former county Assessor John Noguez , reviving the long-running bribery and public corruption case after an appellate court ordered its dismissal on a technical violation .
In a criminal complaint filed Monday , prosecutors accused Noguez along with Mark McNeil , a top official in the assessor ’ s office , and Arizona tax consultant Ramin Salari of participating in a scheme in which Noguez would accept bribes to illegally lower the values of properties across greater L.A. so that Salari ’ s clients would pay less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2012 and accused of accepting a $ 185,000 bribe , but the case was marked by delays owing in part to the tens of thousands of pages of evidence collected by investigators .
At a preliminary hearing in the summer of 2018 , a judge found sufficient evidence for the trio to stand trial .
However , the L.A. County district attorney ’ s office did not file a charging document within 15 days of the preliminary hearing .
In May , the 2nd District Court of Appeals ordered all charges against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline , although the ruling did not prohibit Dist .
Atty .
Jackie Lacey ’ s office from rebooting .
“ The prosecution refiling the case was completely expected , ” said Noguez ’ s defense attorney , Anthony Falangetti .
“ Mr .
Noguez has always maintained that he ’ s innocent , and he continues to maintain he ’ s innocent .
He intends to fight this.
” Stephen G. Larson , Salari ’ s defense attorney , who is also a former federal judge , said the charges were “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ I ’ m disappointed in the DA ’ s office .
I don ’ t think they thought this through , ” Larson added .
“ They should have used [ the appellate ruling ] as a time-out to reevaluate the evidence .
This case is going to be driven into a brick wall .
It ’ s really problematic on many levels.
” Larson said the case was flawed because it relied “ on a highly unreliable witness ” and because the lower tax assessments sought by Salari — brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aftermath of the Great Recession — were agreed upon and validated by the county ’ s assessment appeals board , a quasi-judicial body .
“ We are very convinced that if this case goes to trial , we are confident the evidence will establish [ Salari ’ s ] innocence , ” Larson added .
Noguez , a longtime Huntington Park city councilman who was elected in 2010 to serve as L.A. County ’ s tax assessor , was first led out of his home in handcuffs in 2012 .
Then-Dist .
Atty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most significant public corruption cases in county government in decades .
“ Residents must have confidence that their government is not for sale to the highest bidder or the highest briber , ” Cooley said at the time .
Prosecutors allege that McNeil ’ s role was to help obtain the tax reductions for Salari ’ s clients .
Among the properties that received the reductions : The site of the shuttered Old Spaghetti Factory in Hollywood , a grocery store in Torrance and a seven-bedroom mansion in Bel-Air , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Santa Monica , Hermosa Beach and Beverly Hills also benefited from the breaks .
Some refunds reached into six figures , according to court records , including two neighboring apartment complexes in Hermosa Beach , with refunds totaling more than $ 560,000 .
Over the years , the case was amended several times , with the number of charges against Noguez fluctuating from 24 to 36 to 25 .
The latest complaint against him has 39 counts , including perjury , embezzlement , accepting a bribe , grand theft , misappropriation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theft .
Noguez faces a maximum sentence of 36 years in prison if convicted as charged .
Salari faces 59 years in prison and McNeil , 22 years .
Marilyn Bednarski , the defense attorney representing McNeil , said in a statement that her client will prove his innocence in court .
“ We believe it is a flawed circumstantial case based on the District Attorney ’ s Office misunderstanding of the laws applicable to tax laws , ” Bednarski said .

The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office has refiled charges against former county Assessor John Noguez, reviving the long-running bribery and public corruption case after an appellate court ordered its dismissal on a technical violation.
In a criminal complaint filed Monday, prosecutors accused Noguez along with Mark McNeil, a top official in the assessor’s office, and Arizona tax consultant Ramin Salari of participating in a scheme in which Noguez would accept bribes to illegally lower the values of properties across greater L.A. so that Salari’s clients would pay less in taxes.
Noguez was first arrested in 2012 and accused of accepting a $185,000 bribe, but the case was marked by delays owing in part to the tens of thousands of pages of evidence collected by investigators. At a preliminary hearing in the summer of 2018, a judge found sufficient evidence for the trio to stand trial.
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However, the L.A. County district attorney’s office did not file a charging document within 15 days of the preliminary hearing.
In May, the 2nd District Court of Appeals ordered all charges against the trio dismissed because of the missed deadline, although the ruling did not prohibit Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey’s office from rebooting.
“The prosecution refiling the case was completely expected,” said Noguez’s defense attorney, Anthony Falangetti. “Mr. Noguez has always maintained that he’s innocent, and he continues to maintain he’s innocent. He intends to fight this.”
Stephen G. Larson, Salari’s defense attorney, who is also a former federal judge, said the charges were “completely meritless, both legally and factually.”
“I’m disappointed in the DA’s office. I don’t think they thought this through,” Larson added. “They should have used [the appellate ruling] as a time-out to reevaluate the evidence. This case is going to be driven into a brick wall. It’s really problematic on many levels.”
Larson said the case was flawed because it relied “on a highly unreliable witness” and because the lower tax assessments sought by Salari — brought about by lower property values in the aftermath of the Great Recession — were agreed upon and validated by the county’s assessment appeals board, a quasi-judicial body.
“We are very convinced that if this case goes to trial, we are confident the evidence will establish [Salari’s] innocence,” Larson added.
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Noguez, a longtime Huntington Park city councilman who was elected in 2010 to serve as L.A. County’s tax assessor, was first led out of his home in handcuffs in 2012. Then-Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley described it as one of the most significant public corruption cases in county government in decades.
“Residents must have confidence that their government is not for sale to the highest bidder or the highest briber,” Cooley said at the time.
Prosecutors allege that McNeil’s role was to help obtain the tax reductions for Salari’s clients. Among the properties that received the reductions: The site of the shuttered Old Spaghetti Factory in Hollywood, a grocery store in Torrance and a seven-bedroom mansion in Bel-Air, according to court documents. Owners of parcels in Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach and Beverly Hills also benefited from the breaks.
Some refunds reached into six figures, according to court records, including two neighboring apartment complexes in Hermosa Beach, with refunds totaling more than $560,000.
Over the years, the case was amended several times, with the number of charges against Noguez fluctuating from 24 to 36 to 25. The latest complaint against him has 39 counts, including perjury, embezzlement, accepting a bribe, grand theft, misappropriation of public funds and conspiracy to commit grand theft.
Noguez faces a maximum sentence of 36 years in prison if convicted as charged. Salari faces 59 years in prison and McNeil, 22 years.
Marilyn Bednarski, the defense attorney representing McNeil, said in a statement that her client will prove his innocence in court.
“We believe it is a flawed circumstantial case based on the District Attorney’s Office misunderstanding of the laws applicable to tax laws,” Bednarski said.


latimes--2020-07-29--Union representing father of Andres Guardado  calls on sheriff to resign

The union that represents the father of Andres Guardado and several advocacy groups are calling on Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva to resign , saying he mishandled the investigation into the 18-year-old ’ s death and has resisted accountability and oversight during his term .
The organizations sent a letter to Villanueva on Wednesday afternoon citing his rehiring of a deputy fired for misconduct , the harassment of families who ’ ve lost loved ones at the hands of deputies , and the failure to disclose records of deputy misconduct and comply with subpoenas issued by the Sheriff ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have utterly failed to fulfill your campaign promises to reform the department ” the letter said .
“ You have dramatically exacerbated its problems by undermining basic mechanisms of accountability and civilian oversight at every turn .
This historic moment demands that you recognize when it is time for you to go — and the time is now.
” It was signed by Unite Here Local 11 , the labor union that represents Cristobal Guardado , as well as Black Lives Matter Los Angeles , Check the Sheriff , Justice L.A. , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice .
Unite Here represents workers in hotels , restaurants , airports and other venues .
In a statement , Villanueva said he empathized with and extended his deepest condolences to Guardado ’ s family .
He said that the FBI ’ s Civil Rights Division had already met with homicide investigators to begin reviewing the shooting investigation .
“ We have invited the California attorney general and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to examine the facts of the case , ” he said in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has concluded the investigation , we are unable to provide further commentary regarding the facts of the case.
” The groups calling for his resignation planned a car caravan to the Hall of Justice in downtown L.A. on Thursday to deliver the letter .
Villanueva has said that little information has been released about the Guardado case , because the investigation is ongoing .
The teenager was shot and killed by a deputy June 18 in Gardena in a case that generated national attention and large protests .
Investigators said two deputies saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocking the entrance to a body shop on West Redondo Beach Boulevard .
They said deputies saw a gun and gave chase when he ran away .
When they caught up , one deputy fired , according to the police account .
They said a firearm was recovered from the scene .
The Los Angeles County coroner and an independent autopsy found that Guardado was shot five times in the back .
Guardado ’ s family has said he was working as a security guard at a nearby auto body shop at the @ @

Hundreds of people rallied and marched outside the Compton sheriff’s station to protest the shooting of Andres Guardado.
The union that represents the father of Andres Guardado and several advocacy groups are calling on Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva to resign, saying he mishandled the investigation into the 18-year-old’s killing and has resisted accountability and oversight during his term.
The organizations sent a letter to Villanueva on Wednesday afternoon citing his rehiring of a deputy fired for misconduct, the harassment of families who’ve lost loved ones at the hands of deputies, and the failure to disclose records of deputy misconduct and comply with subpoenas issued by the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission.
“You have utterly failed to fulfill your campaign promises to reform the department,” the letter said. “You have dramatically exacerbated its problems by undermining basic mechanisms of accountability and civilian oversight at every turn. This historic moment demands that you recognize when it is time for you to go — and the time is now.”
It was signed by Unite Here Local 11, the labor union that represents Cristobal Guardado, as well as more than 60 activist groups and labor unions, including Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, Check the Sheriff, Justice L.A., the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice. Unite Here represents workers in hotels, restaurants, airports and other venues.
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In a statement, Villanueva said he empathized with and extended his deepest condolences to Guardado’s family. He said the FBI’s Civil Rights Division had already met with homicide investigators to begin reviewing the Sheriff’s Department’s shooting investigation.
“We have invited the California attorney general and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to examine the facts of the case,” he said in the statement. “Until the Homicide Bureau has concluded the investigation, we are unable to provide further commentary regarding the facts of the case.”
The groups calling for his resignation showed up at the Hall of Justice in downtown L.A. on Thursday to deliver the letter.
Unite Here said it also led the “Adios Arpaio” campaign in Arizona to unseat Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who called himself “America’s toughest sheriff” and was convicted of defying a judge’s order to stop racially profiling Latinos during patrols and turning them over to federal immigration authorities. He was pardoned by President Trump soon after.
Villanueva has said little information has been released about the Guardado case because the investigation is ongoing. The teenager was shot and killed by a deputy June 18 in Gardena in a case that generated national attention and large protests.
Investigators said two deputies saw Guardado speaking to someone in a car blocking the entrance to a body shop on West Redondo Beach Boulevard. They said deputies saw a gun and gave chase when he ran away. When they caught up, one deputy fired, according to the Sheriff’s Department account. Investigators said a firearm was recovered from the scene.
The Los Angeles County coroner and an independent autopsy found that Guardado was shot five times in the back.
Guardado’s family has said he was working as a security guard at a nearby auto body shop at the time.


latimes--2020-07-29--California considers strict 'George Floyd' law to punish police who fail to intervene

Outraged that Minneapolis officers stood by while their colleague killed George Floyd , California lawmakers are considering a tough law to punish police who fail to intervene when witnessing potential excessive force — including possible criminal charges and being banned from law enforcement .
If enacted , the proposed law would put California at the forefront of legal efforts to criminalize the “ blue code of silence ” that many say contributed to Floyd ’ s death .
But the bill , authored by Assemblyman Chris Holden ( D-Pasadena ) , has set off a fight with law enforcement agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is largely redundant but places a criminal penalty on officers during situations that often involve split-second decisions .
Floyd , a Black man , was killed on May 25 by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin , who placed his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for almost eight minutes , until Floyd became unresponsive .
Three other officers at the scene failed to stop Chauvin , though Floyd said he could not breathe .
“ It shattered my heart , ” said Holden .
“ It was the inaction of the other officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never tried to stop it.
” Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder , second-degree murder and manslaughter .
His three colleagues , Thomas Lane , Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng , have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter .
Holden ’ s bill would make bystander officers an accessory to any crime committed by the officer using undo force if they failed to take action .
Holden said that despite current mandates and policies that give officers a duty to intervene , his measure is needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers should be trained .
It would also provide whistleblower protections to officers who report excessive force , and prohibit a person from remaining an officer if they were found to have used excessive force unnecessarily that resulted to great bodily injury or death , or failed to intervene in that situation .
“ There needs to be physical intervention , ” he said .
“ There also needs to be making sure that the body camera is on , that there is an effort to deescalate the situation.
” But law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers because it doesn ’ t take into account that the Floyd case , in which officers had time to react , is an anomaly .
They said that most use-of-force happens quickly , and often in chaotic situations , and that holding officers to an inflexible duty to intervene is not practical or fair .
“ This misguided proposal criminalizes officers who may not have a complete understanding of the incident and have different viewpoints .
Strong policies , robust training and fair discipline is far more appropriate than criminal sanctions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Los Angeles Police Protective League in a statement .
Ed Obayashi , a statewide police trainer , said that measure was “ impractical ” and presented a broad solution to a narrow problem .
Obayashi said that a situation like Floyd ’ s death , where other officers are present but not actively taking part , is rare , and legislating for it could create confusion in more common situations .
He gave the example of recent protests where the use of rubber bullets and other projectiles have been questioned as excessive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been difficult for other officers present in those situations to determine if the force was warranted and if they had a duty to intervene .
“ It ’ s a slippery slope because what are you going to say , that you ’ ve got 30 officers in a skirmish line and one deploys a projectile and it hits someone in the head .
What are the other officers supposed to do ?
” he asked .
The proposal also drew the ire of law enforcement for language that would have upended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assembly Bill 392 , which revamped California ’ s use of force law .
That contentious measure brought weeks of emotional protests to the Capitol in the wake of the shooting of Stephon Clark by Sacramento police who mistook his cellphone for a gun .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom engineered a last-minute compromise between law enforcement and reform advocates that convinced police to end the opposition to the measure , but softened some of its language .
That deal largely centered on the definition , or lack of it , of a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted a clear definition that deadly force could only be used when other options had been exhausted .
Law enforcement argued successfully that the strict definition was not always possible .
The word was ultimately left in the law , but its meaning left to the discretion of prosecutors and courts .
Earlier this week , a definition of what “ necessary ” means was added to both Holden ’ s bill and another by the author of AB 392 , Shirley Weber ( D-San Diego ) .
Law enforcement lobbyists were angered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undo the deal brokered by Newsom .
The Weber bill , AB 1709 , will not move forward this year .
Holden said Wednesday he was unaware of the significance of the language , and is in the process of removing that portion of the bill .
He said it was “ recently brought to our attention that this was part of the governor ’ s negotiation with law enforcement with [ AB ] 392 '' and it was not his intent to change the state ’ s use of force law again @

Protesters display four coffins in memory of George Floyd and others killed by police nationwide in downtown Los Angeles in June.
Outraged that Minneapolis officers stood by while their colleague killed George Floyd, California lawmakers are considering a tough law to punish police who fail to intervene when witnessing potential excessive force — including possible criminal charges and being banned from law enforcement.
If enacted, the proposed law would put California at the forefront of legal efforts to criminalize the “blue code of silence” that many say contributed to Floyd’s death.
But the bill, authored by Assemblyman Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), has set off a fight with law enforcement agencies around the state who contend the rule is largely redundant but places a criminal penalty on officers during situations that often involve split-second decisions.
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Floyd, a Black man, was killed on May 25 by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who placed his knee on Floyd’s neck for almost eight minutes, until Floyd became unresponsive. Three other officers at the scene failed to stop Chauvin, though Floyd said he could not breathe.
“It shattered my heart,” said Holden. “It was the inaction of the other officers that caused a real concern because they never tried to stop it.”
Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder, second-degree murder and manslaughter. His three colleagues, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng, have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter.
Holden’s bill would make bystander officers an accessory to any crime committed by the officer using undue force if they failed to take action.
Holden said that despite current mandates and policies that give officers a duty to intervene, his measure is needed to clarify what that action means and how officers should be trained. It would also provide whistleblower protections to officers who report excessive force, and prohibit a person from remaining an officer if they were found to have used excessive force unnecessarily that resulted to great bodily injury or death, or failed to intervene in that situation.
“There needs to be physical intervention,” he said. “There also needs to be making sure that the body camera is on, that there is an effort to deescalate the situation.”
But law enforcement officials said the bill is unfair to officers because it doesn’t take into account that the Floyd case, in which officers had time to react, is an anomaly. They said that most use-of-force happens quickly, and often in chaotic situations, and that holding officers to an inflexible duty to intervene is not practical or fair.
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“This misguided proposal criminalizes officers who may not have a complete understanding of the incident and have different viewpoints. Strong policies, robust training and fair discipline is far more appropriate than criminal sanctions,” said the board of directors of the Los Angeles Police Protective League in a statement.
Ed Obayashi, a statewide police trainer, said that measure was “impractical” and presented a broad solution to a narrow problem. Obayashi said that a situation like Floyd’s death, where other officers are present but not actively taking part, is rare, and legislating for it could create confusion in more common situations.
He gave the example of recent protests where the use of rubber bullets and other projectiles have been questioned as excessive force, pointing out that it would have been difficult for other officers present in those situations to determine if the force was warranted and if they had a duty to intervene.
“It’s a slippery slope because what are you going to say, that you’ve got 30 officers in a skirmish line and one deploys a projectile and it hits someone in the head. What are the other officers supposed to do?” he asked.
The proposal also drew the ire of law enforcement for language that would have upended a deal brokered last year to pass Assembly Bill 392, which revamped California’s use of force law. That contentious measure brought weeks of emotional protests to the Capitol in the wake of the shooting of Stephon Clark by Sacramento police who mistook his cellphone for a gun.
Gov. Gavin Newsom engineered a last-minute compromise between law enforcement and reform advocates that convinced police to end the opposition to the measure, but softened some of its language. That deal largely centered on the definition, or lack of it, of a single word: necessary.
Politics Why California’s proposed law on deadly police force isn’t as tough as it seems In the aftermath of several controversial police shootings in California, activists and victims’ families have hoped their anguish would lead to action.
Police reform advocates wanted a clear definition that deadly force could only be used when other options had been exhausted. Law enforcement argued successfully that the strict definition was not always possible. The word was ultimately left in the law, but its meaning left to the discretion of prosecutors and courts.
Earlier this week, a definition of what “necessary” means was added to both Holden’s bill and another by the author of AB 392, Shirley Weber (D-San Diego).
Law enforcement lobbyists were angered, considering it a backdoor measure to undo the deal brokered by Newsom.
The Weber bill, AB 1709, will not move forward this year.
Holden said Wednesday he was unaware of the significance of the language, and is in the process of removing that portion of the bill. He said it was “recently brought to our attention that this was part of the governor’s negotiation with law enforcement with [AB] 392” and it was not his intent to change the state’s use of force law again.


latimes--2020-07-29--Newsom announces 'strike team' for California's unemployment agency as 1 million await benefits

Facing a flood of complaints from jobless Californians who have been unable to obtain unemployment benefits , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he has formed a “ strike team ” to address issues with the system and will streamline the process for resolving claims .
The announcement came on the eve of a legislative hearing on problems in the unemployment insurance program at which department officials are expected to be grilled over complaints of computer glitches and clogged phone lines that are preventing claims from being filed .
“ There should be no barriers between Californians and the benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
“ Unprecedented demand due to job loss during this pandemic paired with an antiquated system have created an unacceptable backlog of claims .
Californians deserve better , and these reform efforts aim to move the [ Employment Development ] Department in that direction.
” The new strike team will be headed by Government Operations Agency Secretary Yolanda Richardson and Jennifer Pahlka , the founder of open-government group Code for America .
The team will draft a plan in 45 days for improvements at the state Employment Development Department , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems , Newsom said .
California has processed an unprecedented 8.7 million claims for unemployment benefits since March , when Newsom ordered Californians to stay at home to reduce the spread of COVID-19 .
That order shut down much of the state ’ s economy , putting millions out of work .
But many people who lost jobs or income say they have been unable to get the benefits for which they are eligible .
They said the EDD ’ s clogged phone lines have prevented them from reaching a live service representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims .
Others complain that the EDD ’ s old and inadequate computer system has prevented them from completing claims online .
The governor said Wednesday that the new efforts will focus efforts on nearly 1 million unpaid claims that may be eligible for payment but require more information .
Many claims are “ pending resolution ” because they have issues to resolve including verification of the identity of the filer .
Newsom said he hopes to eliminate the backlog by the end of September .
Assemblyman Jim Patterson ( R-Frenso ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was skeptical of the governor ’ s announcement .
“ Governor Newsom has become notorious for his words — not his actions , ” Patterson said in a statement in response to the announcement .
“ It ’ s our responsibility in the Legislature to not only hold the EDD accountable , but the Governor as well.
” The EDD has fallen behind as more claims have been filed , according to a report by agency Director Sharon Hilliard that was released Wednesday .
In March , 87.8 % of claims saw initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by June the number had dropped to 51.9 % , according to the report .
The state will prioritize the oldest claims first and is developing a more “ user-friendly ” process for notifying and communicating with customers , including updated interactive voice response automation that will route each caller to a representative who has specialized training with that specific issue .
California Labor Secretary Julie Su said her goal is to create a “ human-centered system ” that people can use during difficult times .
“ From the first contact to final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are committed to making the [ unemployment insurance ] experience better for Californians , ” Su said .
Administration officials are expect to convey the same message to frustrated and angry state lawmakers on Thursday , as an Assembly budget subcommittee on state administration convenes an oversight hearing on the agency .
Assemblyman David Chiu ( D-San Francisco ) is among those scheduled to attend the hearing .
He said he is glad the governor is working to address some of the issues raised but said the plan outlined “ only scratches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EDD.
” “ Despite months of good-faith efforts to work constructively with EDD leadership to solve the myriad of problems plaguing the agency , little to no progress has been made , ” Chiu said .
“ Waiting until late September to clear the backlog of unfulfilled claims and to devise a blueprint for web improvements feels inadequate given the number of people left without income since March .
”

Facing a flood of complaints from jobless Californians who have been unable to obtain unemployment benefits, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he has formed a “strike team” to address issues with the system and will streamline the process for resolving claims.
The announcement came on the eve of a legislative hearing on problems in the unemployment insurance program at which department officials are expected to be grilled over complaints of computer glitches and clogged phone lines that are preventing claims from being filed.
“There should be no barriers between Californians and the benefits they have earned,” Newsom said in a statement. “Unprecedented demand due to job loss during this pandemic paired with an antiquated system have created an unacceptable backlog of claims. Californians deserve better, and these reform efforts aim to move the [Employment Development] Department in that direction.”
The new strike team will be headed by Government Operations Agency Secretary Yolanda Richardson and Jennifer Pahlka, the founder of open-government group Code for America.
The team will draft a plan in 45 days for improvements at the state Employment Development Department, including an overhaul of its inefficient technology systems, Newsom said.
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California has processed an unprecedented 8.7 million claims for unemployment benefits since March, when Newsom ordered Californians to stay at home to reduce the spread of COVID-19. That order shut down much of the state’s economy, putting millions out of work.
But many people who lost jobs or income say they have been unable to get the benefits for which they are eligible. They said the EDD’s clogged phone lines have prevented them from reaching a live service representative who can help them resolve problems with claims.
Others complain that the EDD’s old and inadequate computer system has prevented them from completing claims online.
The governor said Wednesday that the new efforts will focus efforts on nearly 1 million unpaid claims that may be eligible for payment but require more information. Many claims are “pending resolution” because they have issues to resolve including verification of the identity of the filer. Newsom said he hopes to eliminate the backlog by the end of September.
Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Frenso), a leading critic of the EDD, was skeptical of the governor’s announcement.
“Governor Newsom has become notorious for his words — not his actions,” Patterson said in a statement in response to the announcement. “It’s our responsibility in the Legislature to not only hold the EDD accountable, but the Governor as well.”
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The EDD has fallen behind as more claims have been filed, according to a report by agency Director Sharon Hilliard that was released Wednesday.
In March, 87.8% of claims saw initial payments within 14 calendar days, but by June the number had dropped to 51.9%, according to the report.
The state will prioritize the oldest claims first and is developing a more “user-friendly” process for notifying and communicating with customers, including updated interactive voice response automation that will route each caller to a representative who has specialized training with that specific issue.
California Labor Secretary Julie Su said her goal is to create a “human-centered system” that people can use during difficult times.
“From the first contact to final resolution and all communication in between, we are committed to making the [unemployment insurance] experience better for Californians,” Su said.
Administration officials are expect to convey the same message to frustrated and angry state lawmakers on Thursday, as an Assembly budget subcommittee on state administration convenes an oversight hearing on the agency.
Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco) is among those scheduled to attend the hearing. He said he is glad the governor is working to address some of the issues raised but said the plan outlined “only scratches the surface of the disaster that is EDD.”
“Despite months of good-faith efforts to work constructively with EDD leadership to solve the myriad of problems plaguing the agency, little to no progress has been made,” Chiu said. “Waiting until late September to clear the backlog of unfulfilled claims and to devise a blueprint for web improvements feels inadequate given the number of people left without income since March.”


latimes--2020-07-29--O.C. Board of Education will sue Newsom to reopen schools

The Orange County Board of Education doubled down on its battle with California Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s coronavirus school closure orders , voting to sue the governor in an effort to open campuses across high-risk counties .
Law firm Tyler & Bursch , which is currently suing Newsom over another coronavirus rule temporarily banning singing in churches , announced Wednesday they will represent the county board pro-bono .
The decision to sue during a closed session vote Tuesday night comes after the board approved recommendations on July 13 calling for Orange County schools to teach students in-person and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing .
Four days later , Newsom issued new rules mandating schools in counties being monitored by the state for high COVID-19 spread remain closed , including those in Orange County .
The lawsuit decision was criticized as a political stunt by Orange County Superintendent Al Mijares , who oversees the county ’ s separate Department of Education .
“ I am disappointed by this latest legal action , but not surprised , ” Mijares said in a Wednesday statement .
“ This lawsuit continues the pattern of a highly litigious board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about diverting time , energy and financial resources from students and programs to satisfy their own ideological interests.
” Jesse Melgar , spokesperson for the governor , said Newsom ’ s decisions during the pandemic are driven by science .
“ Courts have repeatedly upheld the governor ’ s emergency authority to issue orders protecting public health in the face of this devastating virus , ” Melgar said .
“ We are confident that will again be the case here.
” Despite the board votes , the county education department will promote the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Nichole Pichardo , district spokesperson .
She pointed out that neither the board ’ s decision to file suit nor its recommendation to return children to schools without masks or social distancing sets policy for many school districts overseen by the board and Department of Education .
“ The board majority ’ s recommendations are not binding in any way .
Local school boards will play a role that is paramount to reopening the county ’ s 600 campuses safely and responsibly .
They will work with their superintendents , staff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific to their districts based on the needs of their schools and communities , ” she said .
Tyler & Bursch attorneys Robert Tyler and Jennifer Bursch suggested the impending lawsuit would argue that school closures violate California ’ s Constitution by disproportionately harming marginalized children .
“ California children have a constitutional right to both an education and equal protection under the law .
The governor denied them these rights and did so without adequately considering the disparate impact these restrictions would have on the disadvantaged , ” Bursch said .
Tyler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of thousands of kids to fall through the cracks and , in many cases , will be harmed for life.
” Across California , the coronavirus is disproportionately infecting and killing Black and Latino people .
The board ’ s fifth member , Beckie Gomez , was absent from the meeting .
Gomez was the only member to vote against the board ’ s controversial school reopening recommendations earlier in the month .
Law firm spokesperson Desaré Ferraro said board members who voted to file suit are not taking questions about their decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Member Tim Shaw argued the district ’ s many Spanish speaking parents may struggle to help students engaging with English materials if schools aren ’ t in session .
Lisa Sparks said not returning to school would take a toll on students ’ mental health .
Board President Ken Williams and Vice President Mari Barke cited community discussion , data review and consultation with experts to justify their votes , apparently referencing the controversial white paper the board published to recommend schools reopen in person , which was attached to the bottom of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the paper summarizes “ experts ’ testimony on the best and most efficacious ways to consider as we move toward reopening schools ” from a June panel discussion .
Some cited experts have denied or diminished their contribution to the report .
The Voice of OC reported that Dr. Steven Abelowitz , former pediatric chair at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presybterian , said he was not involved in writing or preparing the paper and asked that his name be removed .
He stated support for masks and social distancing .
Chapman professor Joel Kotkin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he “ had no idea about ” the “ white paper ” until his wife showed him an article that mentioned it .
“ I was shocked by the lack of precautions and no alternative for parents who understandably might not want to send their kids to school , ” Kotkin said .
Two more cited experts — Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner and health director Dr. Clayton Chau — said in a joint statement that they “ did not write , edit , or review the ‘ white paper ’ the Orange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the letter , Wagner and Chau showed support for the Department of Education ’ s plan , which aligned with the California Department of Public Health and stressed the importance of social distancing and face coverings when schools are able to offer in-person classes .
Abelowitz and Chau did not immediately respond to comment Wednesday .
Wagner offered support for in-person classes in a written statement .
“ The science says young children should be in school and teachers , like other essential workers , can implement protective measures , ” Wagner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protocols for individual schools rather than insisting on a top down , one-size-fits-all approach that the state currently dictates.
” Tyler & Bursch will bring the lawsuit with Advocates for Faith & Freedom , a nonprofit law firm that Tyler & Bursch supports financially and legally .
Ferraro said the firm expects to file the lawsuit next week , but added that it is unclear how long the suit will take to pass through the court system because of coronavirus slowdowns .

Orange County’s Board of Education voted 4-0 to file a lawsuit against Gov. Gavin Newsom to reopen schools closed by mandate.
The Orange County Board of Education doubled down on its battle with California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s coronavirus school closure orders, voting to sue the governor in an effort to open campuses across high-risk counties.
Law firm Tyler & Bursch, which is currently suing Newsom over another coronavirus rule temporarily banning singing in churches, announced Wednesday it would represent the county board pro bono. The decision to sue during a closed session vote Tuesday night comes after the board approved recommendations on July 13 calling for Orange County schools to teach students in person and suggested guidelines against students wearing masks and social distancing.
Four days later, Newsom issued new rules mandating that schools in counties being monitored by the state for high COVID-19 spread remain closed, including those in Orange County.
The lawsuit decision was criticized as a political stunt by Orange County Supt. Al Mijares, who oversees the county’s separate Department of Education.
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“I am disappointed by this latest legal action, but not surprised,” Mijares said in a Wednesday statement. “This lawsuit continues the pattern of a highly litigious board majority that seems to have no qualms about diverting time, energy and financial resources from students and programs to satisfy their own ideological interests.”
Jesse Melgar, spokesperson for the governor, said Newsom’s decisions during the pandemic are driven by science.
“Courts have repeatedly upheld the governor’s emergency authority to issue orders protecting public health in the face of this devastating virus,” Melgar said. “We are confident that will again be the case here.”
Despite the board votes, the county education department will promote the governor’s school closure orders, said Nichole Pichardo, department spokesperson.
She pointed out that neither the board’s decision to file suit nor its recommendation to return children to schools without masks or social distancing sets policy for many school districts overseen by the board and Department of Education.
“The board majority’s recommendations are not binding in any way. Local school boards will play a role that is paramount to reopening the county’s 600 campuses safely and responsibly. They will work with their superintendents, staff and families to evaluate guidance and implement plans specific to their districts based on the needs of their schools and communities,” she said.
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Tyler & Bursch attorneys Robert Tyler and Jennifer Bursch suggested the impending lawsuit would argue that school closures violate California’s Constitution by disproportionately harming marginalized children.
“California children have a constitutional right to both an education and equal protection under the law. The governor denied them these rights and did so without adequately considering the disparate impact these restrictions would have on the disadvantaged,” Bursch said.
Tyler said the ban will “cause tens of thousands of kids to fall through the cracks and, in many cases, will be harmed for life.”
Across California, the coronavirus is disproportionately infecting and killing Black and Latino people.
The board’s fifth member, Beckie Gomez, was absent from the meeting. Gomez was the only member to vote against the board’s controversial school reopening recommendations earlier in the month.
Law firm spokesperson Desaré Ferraro said board members who voted to file suit were not taking questions about their decision but shared their written statements. Member Tim Shaw argued the district’s many Spanish speaking parents may struggle to help students engaging with English materials if schools aren’t in session. Lisa Sparks said not returning to school would take a toll on students’ mental health.
Board President Ken Williams and Vice President Mari Barke cited community discussion, data review and consultation with experts to justify their votes, apparently referencing the controversial white paper the board published to recommend schools reopen in person, which was attached to the bottom of the release.
A board statement said the paper summarizes “experts’ testimony on the best and most efficacious ways to consider as we move toward reopening schools” from a June panel discussion. Some of the experts cited have denied or downplayed their contributions to the report.
The Voice of OC reported that Dr. Steven Abelowitz, former pediatric chair at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, said he was not involved in writing or preparing the paper, asked that his name be removed and expressed support for masks and social distancing.
Chapman professor Joel Kotkin, also cited, told The Times he “had no idea about” the “white paper” until his wife showed him an article that mentioned it.
“I was shocked by the lack of precautions and no alternative for parents who understandably might not want to send their kids to school,” Kotkin said.
Two more experts cited — Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner and health director Dr. Clayton Chau — said in a joint statement that they “did not write, edit, or review the ‘white paper’ the Orange County Board of Education brought forward.”
In the letter, Wagner and Chau showed support for the Department of Education’s plan, which aligned with the California Department of Public Health and stressed the importance of social distancing and face coverings when schools are able to offer in-person classes.
Abelowitz and Chau did not immediately respond to comment Wednesday. Wagner offered support for in-person classes in a written statement.
“The science says young children should be in school and teachers, like other essential workers, can implement protective measures,” Wagner said. “We can create hygiene protocols for individual schools rather than insisting on a top down, one-size-fits-all approach that the state currently dictates.”
Tyler & Bursch will bring the lawsuit with Advocates for Faith & Freedom, a nonprofit law firm that Tyler & Bursch supports financially and legally. Ferraro said the firm expects to file the lawsuit next week, but added that it is unclear how long the suit will take to pass through the court system because of coronavirus slowdowns.


latimes--2020-07-29--L.A. to resume major cleanups near shelters. Critics say it puts homeless people at risk

Los Angeles will resume major cleanups around its “ bridge housing ” shelters , a step sharply opposed by local advocates who argue it will put homeless people at grave risk during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The City Council voted 10-4 on Wednesday to bring back “ comprehensive ” cleanups in designated zones around the sites .
Backers of the decision said it was needed to maintain cleanliness and keep promises that city leaders made to neighbors .
Councilman Bob Blumenfield , who voted for the plan , said that when shelter plans were unveiled , “ we made promises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not become magnets for more encampments and for the buildups of items and trash ” — a promise that L.A. needs to keep to reduce future resistance to homeless shelters and housing , he said .
The decision was opposed by Councilmen Mike Bonin , Marqueece Harris-Dawson , David Ryu and Herb Wesson .
Ryu said that public health experts have made it “ absolutely clear that encampment sweeps during a pandemic are a bad idea.
” “ Moving our unhoused neighbors around while they ’ re trying to stay safer at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the community , ” Ryu said .
The debate Wednesday was swamped with confusion over what , exactly , the city has been doing to clean up around encampments , how those practices have changed during the pandemic , and how the council decision would affect that .
Ahead of the vote , Bonin complained that , “ I ’ m still unclear on what the hell it is that we ’ re asking to be done.
” In March , council members voted to temporarily stop enforcing a law that requires tents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Letting people stay in their tents , they said , would reduce the risk of them being exposed to COVID-19 .
That vote did not halt cleanups , but sanitation officials said that in light of health guidelines issued during the pandemic , the city has held off on “ comprehensive ” cleanups that require people to move their tents .
Such cleanups can take anywhere from two hours to the entire day , one official told council members .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended to local governments that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to remain where they are , since “ clearing encampments can cause people to disperse throughout the community , ” which “ increases the potential for infectious disease spread.
” Councilman Joe Buscaino , who put forward the proposal to ramp up cleanups , argued that the city has been misinterpreting such guidance because the comprehensive cleanups require people only to leave temporarily .
During the meeting , the councilman displayed photos of large objects and clutter that he said were left behind after “ spot cleaning.
” “ This is clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buscaino said , arguing that debris could house rats or lead to fires .
He later added , “ All I ’ m asking is to simply clean up our streets .
Why is that not acceptable ?
” At one point , Buscaino compared the cleanups to street sweeping , which requires people to move their cars so that “ effective cleaning ” can occur .
Another councilman countered that there was a big difference .
“ It ’ s the difference between cars and people , ” Bonin said .
Buscaino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an April court decision that blocks the city from seizing and destroying bulky items such as mattresses based solely on their size .
That preliminary injunction still allows such items to be removed in other circumstances , however , such as when they are blocking the sidewalk or threaten public health .
The bridge housing sites are supposed to provide interim shelter for homeless people while they await permanent homes .
Among those pushing for the cleanups are Venice residents who have complained about encampments around one site .
“ The trash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sad and disgusting , ” Venice resident and neighborhood council member Soledad Ursua said .
“ We ’ re going to end up with the bubonic plague.
” Another Venice resident , Christina Tullock , said there had been “ a lot of broken promises to both the housed and the unhoused ” about how the site would operate .
Tullock said “ things aren ’ t being managed ” as the city had pledged .
Shayla Myers , an attorney with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles , said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made .
“ It is a waste of resources to do comprehensive cleanups based on these zones , rather than need , in the interest of placating the community , ” Myers said .
Many residents and activists phoned into the meeting to oppose the decision , arguing that such cleanups displace and harass homeless people and end up trashing crucial belongings , putting people at greater risk during the pandemic .
The existing shelters do not have enough room for all of the unhoused people on nearby streets , they pointed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people off the streets at the behest of NIMBYs who can only tolerate small shelters in their neighborhoods if the city can guarantee the remaining unhoused people will be pushed out of sight , ” said Miguel Camnitzer of the activist group Street Watch L.A. , who lives downtown near one of the shelter sites .
The Echo Park Neighborhood Council also formally opposed the move , arguing that “ displacing people who are simply trying to survive nearby and who do not have a bed available to them does nothing to solve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , actually worsens them.
” It also criticized spending on police overtime around bridge housing sites .
L.A. had planned to spend $ 8.6 million to ensure round-the-clock policing around the shelter sites , but budget reductions have changed those plans , LAPD Chief Michel Moore said at a news conference this week .
“ Frankly the city just simply does not have that money to provide this department ” and “ we don ’ t think that ’ s the best use of overtime , ” Moore said .
Ahead of Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tie resuming comprehensive cleanups to entering the next phase of reopening the economy during the pandemic .
That motion failed .
Councilman Mitch O ’ Farrell , in turn , amended the plan to include a report from city staffers on ensuring that the resumed cleanups include outreach and follow CDC guidelines , which he said would allow homeless people who say they are isolating themselves to avoid COVID-19 to be left alone during cleanups .

Homeless people pack up their belongings along 1st Street between Broadway and Spring Street in Los Angeles during a cleanup.
The Los Angeles City Council voted to resume major cleanups around its “bridge housing” shelters, a step sharply opposed by local advocates who argue it will put homeless people at grave risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council members voted 10-4 on Wednesday to bring back “comprehensive” cleanups in designated zones around the sites. Backers of the decision said it was needed to maintain cleanliness and keep promises that city leaders made to neighbors.
Councilman Bob Blumenfield, who voted for the plan, said that when shelter plans were unveiled, “we made promises to the community that those areas would not become magnets for more encampments and for the buildups of items and trash” — a promise that L.A. needs to keep to reduce future resistance to homeless shelters and housing, he said.
The decision was opposed by Councilmen Mike Bonin, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, David Ryu and Herb Wesson. Ryu said that public health experts have made it “absolutely clear that encampment sweeps during a pandemic are a bad idea.”
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“Moving our unhoused neighbors around while they’re trying to stay safer at home is unsafe for them and unsafe for the community,” Ryu said.
Despite the council vote to authorize the sanitation bureau to resume major cleanups in the shelter zones, Mayor Eric Garcetti said Wednesday evening that “that doesn’t mean that the city has announced we will do this.” The mayor said that a city direction to change its approach would require further consultation with public health officials.
The debate Wednesday was swamped with confusion over what, exactly, the city has been doing to clean up around encampments, how those practices have changed during the pandemic, and how the council decision would affect that. Ahead of the vote, Bonin complained that, “I’m still unclear on what the hell it is that we’re asking to be done.”
In March, council members voted to temporarily stop enforcing a law that requires tents to come down during daytime hours. Letting people stay in their tents, they said, would reduce the risk of them being exposed to COVID-19.
That vote did not halt cleanups, but sanitation officials said that in light of health guidelines issued during the pandemic, the city has held off on “comprehensive” cleanups that require people to move their tents. Such cleanups can take anywhere from two hours to the entire day, one official told council members.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended to local governments that people who live on the streets be allowed to remain where they are, since “clearing encampments can cause people to disperse throughout the community,” which “increases the potential for infectious disease spread.”
Councilman Joe Buscaino, who put forward the proposal to ramp up cleanups, argued that the city has been misinterpreting such guidance because the comprehensive cleanups require people only to leave temporarily. During the meeting, the councilman displayed photos of large objects and clutter that he said were left behind after “spot cleaning.”
“This is clearly junk, plain and simple,” Buscaino said, arguing that debris could house rats or lead to fires. He later added, “All I’m asking is to simply clean up our streets. Why is that not acceptable?”
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At one point, Buscaino compared the cleanups to street sweeping, which requires people to move their cars so that “effective cleaning” can occur. Another councilman countered that there was a big difference.
“It’s the difference between cars and people,” Bonin said.
Buscaino also attributed the pileup on city streets to an April court decision that blocks the city from seizing and destroying bulky items such as mattresses based solely on their size. That preliminary injunction still allows such items to be removed in other circumstances, however, such as when they are blocking the sidewalk or threaten public health.
The bridge housing sites are supposed to provide interim shelter for homeless people while they await permanent homes. Among those pushing for the cleanups are Venice residents who have complained about encampments around one site.
“The trash is overwhelming now. It’s sad and disgusting,” Venice resident and neighborhood council member Soledad Ursua said. “We’re going to end up with the bubonic plague.”
Another Venice resident, Christina Tullock, said there had been “a lot of broken promises to both the housed and the unhoused” about how the site would operate. Tullock said “things aren’t being managed” as the city had pledged.
Shayla Myers, an attorney with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, said it was a promise the city never should have made. “It is a waste of resources to do comprehensive cleanups based on these zones, rather than need, in the interest of placating the community,” Myers said.
Many residents and activists phoned into the meeting to oppose the decision, arguing that such cleanups displace and harass homeless people and end up trashing crucial belongings, putting people at greater risk during the pandemic. The existing shelters do not have enough room for all of the unhoused people on nearby streets, they pointed out.
The goal is to “erase people off the streets at the behest of NIMBYs who can only tolerate small shelters in their neighborhoods if the city can guarantee the remaining unhoused people will be pushed out of sight,” said Miguel Camnitzer of the activist group Street Watch L.A., who lives downtown near one of the shelter sites.
The Echo Park Neighborhood Council also formally opposed the move, arguing that “displacing people who are simply trying to survive nearby and who do not have a bed available to them does nothing to solve the underlying issues and, in fact, actually worsens them.” It also criticized spending on police overtime around bridge housing sites.
L.A. had planned to spend $8.6 million to ensure round-the-clock policing around the shelter sites, but budget reductions have changed those plans, LAPD Chief Michel Moore said at a news conference this week.
“Frankly the city just simply does not have that money to provide this department” and “we don’t think that’s the best use of overtime,” Moore said.
Ahead of Wednesday’s vote, Blumenfield sought unsuccessfully to tie resuming comprehensive cleanups to entering the next phase of reopening the economy during the pandemic. That motion failed.
Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, in turn, amended the plan to include a report from city staffers on ensuring that the resumed cleanups include outreach and follow CDC guidelines, which he said would allow homeless people who say they are isolating themselves to avoid COVID-19 to be left alone during cleanups.


latimes--2020-07-29--Missing a mask? One L.A. politician is ready to fine you $100

Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz called Wednesday for the city to issue financial penalties to those who fail to wear masks in public — starting with $ 100 for the first violation .
Koretz , who represents a district stretching from the Westside north to Encino , wants his colleagues to approve an ordinance imposing an escalating series of fines for those who fail to comply with Mayor Eric Garcetti ’ s three-month-old emergency mask order .
Under the proposal , those who are caught in public without a face covering a second time would be fined $ 250 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500 .
If the council signs on to the proposal , L.A. would join other Southern California cities who have already adopted financial penalties , including Manhattan Beach , West Hollywood and Beverly Hills .
Such strict enforcement is needed in L.A. , Koretz said , because many Angelenos still aren ’ t taking the risks of contracting coronavirus seriously .
“ At this point , it seems that issuing tickets might be the only way to save more lives , ” he said in a statement .
“ The soft consequence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid the very dangerous consequences of contracting COVID-19 .
Such a modest act would save thousands of lives and move us toward controlling this epidemic.
” Koretz ’ s motion was drafted one day after a high-level California health official said widespread mask wearing could cut coronavirus transmission in half .
“ Some studies show that , if we had 80 % compliance with masking , that we can reduce transmission somewhere between 50 % and 60 % , which is tremendous , ” said Dr. Mark Ghaly , the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 18 , Gov .
Gavin Newsom ordered California residents to wear face coverings while in public or in high-risk settings .
However , enforcement has been largely left up to local jurisdictions .
Koretz has pushed previously for a more aggressive approach to the city ’ s mask order but failed to gain traction , with some of his colleagues warning that enforcement by the Los Angeles Police Department could disproportionately affect Black and Latino residents .
Anti-poverty advocates have warned that homeless residents would have difficulty obtaining masks , unless government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for free .
Pastor Kathy Huck , executive director of About My Father ’ s Business , a homeless outreach ministry that serves the west San Fernando Valley , said city leaders should focus their efforts on getting face coverings , hand sanitizer and other medical supplies to low-income Angelenos — not new penalties .
Huck said she had spoken to one homeless person who was kicked out of a pharmacy for not wearing a mask , even though he was trying to buy some .
The penalty proposal is “ just another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminalize the poorest among us , and it ’ s not fair , ” she said .
“ Instead of fining them , let ’ s find them the masks .
Let ’ s find them the PPE.
” Garcetti said earlier this year that he was not looking to have people arrested and fined for failing to comply with his order .
The LAPD has avoided punishing people for flouting mask rules so far , and some in law enforcement circles are wary of relying on officers to take on such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with police and the public .
Police Chief Michel Moore told the civilian police commission this week that the LAPD has procured 50,000 masks for its officers to hand out when they encounter people who are without masks .

L.A. residents who go maskless could face an escalating system of fines under a proposal unveiled Wednesday.
Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz called Wednesday for the city to issue financial penalties to those who fail to wear masks in public — starting with $100 for the first violation.
Koretz, who represents a district stretching from the Westside north to Encino, wants the council to impose a series of escalating fines for those who fail to comply with Mayor Eric Garcetti’s three-month-old emergency mask order.
Under the proposal, those who are caught in public without a face covering a second time would be fined $250. A third violation would cost $500.
If Koretz’s colleagues sign on to the proposal, L.A. would join other Southern California cities who have already adopted financial penalties, including Manhattan Beach, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
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Such strict enforcement is needed in L.A., Koretz said, because many Angelenos still aren’t taking the city’s mask order seriously.
“At this point, it seems that issuing tickets might be the only way to save more lives,” he said in a statement. “The soft consequence of a ticket might be the key to avoid the very dangerous consequences of contracting COVID-19. Such a modest act would save thousands of lives and move us toward controlling this epidemic.”
Koretz’s proposal does not specify which city agency would be in charge of issuing tickets. He released it a day
after a high-level California health official said widespread mask wearing could cut coronavirus transmission in half.
“Some studies show that, if we had 80% compliance with masking, that we can reduce transmission somewhere between 50% and 60%, which is tremendous,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state’s Health and Human Services Secretary.
On June 18, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered California residents to wear face coverings while in public or in high-risk settings. However, enforcement has been largely left up to local elected officials.
Garcetti, who frequently talks up L.A.’s early emphasis on face coverings, said he does not support Koretz’s proposal at this point — but would be willing to take another look if COVID-19 cases increase significantly. A $100 penalty could be “pretty devastating” for some residents, he said.
“That’s a pretty steep ticket for folks that are struggling right now and don’t know if they’re going to have unemployment,” the mayor said. “I don’t see that as the best way to move forward. I want to still keep pushing on education.”
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Koretz has pushed previously for the city to take a more aggressive approach to its mask order. But he failed to gain traction, with some of his colleagues warning that enforcement by the Los Angeles Police Department could disproportionately affect Black and Latino residents.
Anti-poverty advocates also have warned that homeless residents would have difficulty complying unless government agencies and nonprofit organizations widely distributed masks for free.
Pastor Kathy Huck, executive director of About My Father’s Business, a homeless outreach ministry that serves the west San Fernando Valley, said city leaders should focus their efforts on providing face coverings, hand sanitizer and other medical supplies to low-income Angelenos — not new penalties.
Huck said she had spoken to one homeless person who was kicked out of a Canoga Park pharmacy for not wearing a mask, even though he was trying to buy some at the time.
The penalty proposal is “just another notch in the belt for how we criminalize the poorest among us, and it’s not fair,” she said. “Instead of fining them, let’s find them the masks. Let’s find them the PPE.”
The LAPD has avoided punishing people for flouting mask rules so far, and some in law enforcement are wary of relying on officers to take on such a task, particularly when activists are demanding fewer interactions with police and the public.
Police Chief Michel Moore told the civilian police commission this week that the LAPD has procured 50,000 masks for its officers to hand out when they encounter people who are without masks. Garcetti said such activities, not just by police but by various other city workers, would be preferable to tickets or fines.
“I don’t think our police officers want to become the mask police,” he said.
Times staff writer Kevin Rector contributed to this report