latimes--2020-06-11--UC chief Napolitano risked losing her job amid scandals. But she leaves office with a repaired legac

UC chief Napolitano risked losing her job amid scandals. But she leaves office with a repaired legacy

Seven years ago , Janet Napolitano charged into the top office of the nation ’ s top public research university system with big ideas , a resume of powerful jobs and weighty political connections — including then-President Obama , who had appointed her as U.S .
Homeland Security secretary .
But the new University of California president had no experience in academic leadership .
Her top-down managerial style quickly alienated many chancellors and faculty leaders .
Students protested her record as “ deporter in chief ” under Obama , as well as her plans to raise tuition .
She was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sacramento , deepening tensions after the Board of Regents hired her in part to win allies and more funding for the UC system .
And midway through her tenure , she risked losing her job when scandal erupted over interference by Napolitano ’ s aides in a state audit into her office ’ s operations .
But that low point in 2017 marked the start of a major reset .
As Napolitano prepares to step down next month , she leaves with a better ending than beginning , as fans and foes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They credit her with championing immigrant students and survivors of sexual misconduct , pushing forward initiatives on climate change and opening the UC system to many more California students .
“ What I saw over time was the transition to a much more effective leadership model by the office of the president , ” said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block .
Rigel Robinson , a Berkeley City Council member who was a student activist at UC Berkeley during Napolitano ’ s tenure , said her unprecedented outreach to students changed his mind about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those students in 2014 who called for her removal and chanted , ‘ Dammit Janet , ’ ” he said .
“ But now , after seven years , I ’ m sad to see her go.
” Napolitano , for her part , acknowledged the transformative impact of the scandal ’ s fallout .
“ When you make a mistake , you have to acknowledge it , you have to fix it and own it , ” she said in an interview this week .
“ What came out of that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the desire for more consultation and participation by different stakeholders in decisions as they were being made , as opposed to being announced .
That , frankly , is a different style of leadership than I was used to .
“ I think I was called upon to make that adjustment , and I think I made it and we continue to move the university forward.
” Regents are planning to select Napolitano ’ s successor this month or next before she steps down July 31 .
Napolitano , 62 , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex university system in the nation — a $ 39.8-billion operation of 10 campuses , five medical centers , three national laboratories and global research .
At the time , the UC system was being pummeled by financial pressures and political criticism that its costs were too high and its admission policies too skewed in favor of out-of-state students over Californians .
Regents hoped her national stature , fresh perspective and political skills as a successful Democratic governor in the red state of Arizona would help UC find a way forward , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ search committee then .
Napolitano , who assumed office in September 2013 , took an initial listening tour at the campuses .
The visits helped her set early priorities : increase access to a UC education and harness the campuses ’ enormous brainpower into a systemwide effort to address sweeping issues .
She translated those ideas into quick action .
At her first major speech , that October , she announced $ 15 million in funding to support students who are undocumented and those pursuing graduate degrees and postdoctoral research opportunities .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase California community college students transferring to UC , speed the development of UC research into profitable products and make the UC system a zero net energy user by 2025 .
Napolitano called climate change “ the existential issue of our time.
” The efforts , she said , have produced research on scalable solutions to climate change and an online curriculum ; UC also has purchased solar farms outside Fresno and its own electric utility plant that supplies renewable energy to several campuses .
But some of her initiatives , while praised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many campus leaders and faculty complained that Napolitano failed to consult them , encroaching on work already being done .
Still , Napolitano ’ s vision and energy inspired some UC members .
“ The University of California has these extraordinary individual campuses doing world-class research , ” said Monica Lozano , a former board chair .
“ How do you take the collective strength of these institutions and mold them into something that benefits society at a much higher scale ?
She was able to do that in ways I hadn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political troubles began in 2014 , when she proposed a five-year plan to increase tuition to provide more funds if Sacramento failed to do so .
The proposal angered Gov .
Jerry Brown and other state political leaders who served as ex officio regents and opposed the tuition plan .
A board majority , however , passed it .
After that , Brown zeroed out a planned funding increase for UC and the battle was on .
Brown and Napolitano subsequently formed their so-called Committee of Two to hash out a compromise and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding increases in exchange for a two-year tuition freeze and other items .
Some UC leaders praised Napolitano for extracting more money from Brown , but others saw it as a disaster that would lock campuses into financial shortfalls by freezing tuition while requiring them to enroll more Californians and limit nonresidents who pay higher fees .
From a national standpoint , Napolitano ’ s leadership appeared to help California outperform many other states in increasing funding for higher education after the 2008 recession , according to Ted Mitchell , president of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made clear that the University of California was a long-term treasure in the state and underfunding it would jeopardize the university and the state , ” he said .
Napolitano was circumspect about her negotiations with Brown , who declined to comment .
“ I think it ’ s fair to say we did not see eye to eye on everything , ” she said .
The political problems deepened in 2016 , when Napolitano blasted a state audit ’ s conclusion that UC was harming Californians by admitting too many nonresident students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what some saw as political hardball .
The worst moments came in 2017 , when a state audit found that her office had not only amassed a $ 175-million undisclosed surplus but also interfered with efforts by auditors surveying campuses about Napolitano ’ s office services .
State Auditor Elaine Howle said she found “ nothing nefarious ” in the amassed surplus but offered several recommendations to make the budget more transparent , which the university has adopted .
Still , lawmakers have seized more control over the president ’ s purse strings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The furor over “ Surveygate , ” as the scandal came to be called , sparked calls for Napolitano to step down .
Many regents were outraged and some faculty members debated pushing a vote of no confidence .
The president apologized , however , and committed to change .
At the time , Napolitano was not only battling fallout over the audit .
Her cancer returned in 2016 and led to grueling sessions of chemotherapy and radiation , sometimes six hours long .
“ The year 2016-17 was not a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , managing a laugh .
“ Sometimes it was very tough .
But I am totally clear now ” of cancer .
Napolitano ’ s troubles marked a major turning point .
Academic Senate leaders , for instance , had been upset by her lack of consultation before announcing pledges to guarantee UC admission to qualified community college transfer students and reform the employee pension system .
But after the audit scandal , the chastened president agreed to appoint a faculty advisor , include the provost in all major decisions and invite Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think everybody ’ s opinion since Surveygate is that in the last two years , she was a much more successful and effective president than she had been before , ” said Robert May , a UC Davis professor .
Assemblyman Kevin McCarty ( D-Sacramento ) , one of the more critical legislators on UC issues , credited Napolitano for “ weathering the storm ” and moving past tensions over out-of-state students and other conflicts .
“ We were able to work together to dramatically expand enrollment of California kids , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue my constituents care about most.
” Napolitano is widely praised for her support of undocumented students , including start-up funding for free legal services for them .
She and the Board of Regents also filed the nation ’ s first lawsuit challenging the Trump administration ’ s efforts to end protections for students brought to the country illegally as children , granted under a program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — which Napolitano started as Homeland Security secretary .
Napolitano has not won over all undocumented students .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she has set a new standard in access to students as the first president to hold regular meetings with them .
Napolitano also made a mark in directing efforts to overhaul the UC system ’ s Title IX processes and procedures and crafting a compromise plan to phase out the SAT and ACT , which regents unanimously passed last month amid criticism that the tests are biased against disadvantaged students .
“ She ’ s been an extraordinary leader , ” Lansing said .
“ She ’ s unflappable .
She ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides but then she ’ s decisive and gets things done.
” Despite the at-times rocky road , Napolitano said the ride has been well worth it .
“ The position of president of the University of California is a great platform to address some of the larger public issues of the day , from DACA to climate change to sexual harassment to racism , ” she said .
“ It ’ s a tough job and a complicated job , but I ’ m very glad I took it.
” The UC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then join the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy .
She has not ruled out a run for political office , a Cabinet post — or an appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court .
“ I look good in black , ” she joked .

Janet Napolitano is stepping down as University of California president. “It’s a tough job and a complicated job, but I’m very glad I took it,” she said.
Seven years ago, Janet Napolitano charged into the top office of the nation’s top public research university system with big ideas, a resume of powerful jobs and weighty political connections — including then-President Obama, who had appointed her as U.S. Homeland Security secretary.
But the new University of California president had no experience in academic leadership. Her top-down managerial style annoyed many chancellors and faculty leaders. Students protested her record as “deporter in chief” under Obama. She struggled to manage political relations in Sacramento, although the Board of Regents hired her in part to improve them.
And midway through her tenure, scandal erupted over interference by Napolitano’s aides in a state audit into her office’s operations.
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But that low point in 2017 marked the start of a major reset.
As Napolitano prepares to step down August 1, she leaves with a better ending than beginning, as fans and foes largely agree she learned from her mistakes. They credit her with championing immigrant students and survivors of sexual misconduct, pushing forward initiatives on climate change and opening the UC system to many more California students.
“What I saw over time was the transition to a much more effective leadership model by the office of the president,” said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block.
Rigel Robinson, a Berkeley City Council member who was a student activist at UC Berkeley during Napolitano’s tenure, said her unprecedented outreach to students changed his mind about her.
“I was one of those students in 2014 who called for her removal and chanted, ‘Dammit Janet,’” he said. “But now, after seven years, I’m sad to see her go.”
Napolitano, for her part, acknowledged the transformative impact of the scandal’s fallout.
“When you make a mistake, you have to acknowledge it, you have to fix it and own it,” she said in an interview this week. “What came out of that was there was a better understanding by me of the desire for more consultation and participation by different stakeholders in decisions as they were being made, as opposed to being announced. That, frankly, is a different style of leadership than I was used to.
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“I think I was called upon to make that adjustment, and I think I made it and we continue to move the university forward.”
Regents are planning to select Napolitano’s successor this month or next before she steps down August 1.
Napolitano, 62, was an unconventional choice to head the most complex university system in the nation — a $39.8-billion operation of 10 campuses, five medical centers, three national laboratories and global research.
At the time, the UC system was being pummeled by financial pressures and political criticism that its costs were too high and its admission policies too skewed in favor of out-of-state students over Californians. Regents hoped her national stature, fresh perspective and political skills as a successful Democratic governor in the red state of Arizona would help UC find a way forward, said Regent Sherry Lansing, who headed the search committee then.
Napolitano, who assumed office in September 2013, took an initial listening tour at the campuses. The visits helped her set early priorities: increase access to a UC education and harness the campuses’ enormous brainpower into a systemwide effort to address sweeping issues.
“When you make a mistake, you have to acknowledge it, you have to fix it and own it,” UC President Janet Napolitano said. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
She translated those ideas into quick action. At her first major speech, that October, she announced $15 million in funding to support students who are undocumented and those pursuing graduate degrees and postdoctoral research opportunities.
The next month, Napolitano announced initiatives to increase California community college students transferring to UC, speed the development of UC research into profitable products and make the UC system a zero net energy user by 2025.
Napolitano called climate change “the existential issue of our time.” The efforts, she said, have produced research on scalable solutions to climate change and an online curriculum; UC also has purchased solar farms outside Fresno and its own electric utility plant that supplies renewable energy to several campuses.
But some of her initiatives, while praised for good intentions, caused consternation. Many campus leaders and faculty complained that Napolitano failed to consult them, encroaching on work already being done.
Still, Napolitano’s vision and energy inspired some UC members.
“The University of California has these extraordinary individual campuses doing world-class research,” said Monica Lozano, a former board chair. “How do you take the collective strength of these institutions and mold them into something that benefits society at a much higher scale? She was able to do that in ways I hadn’t seen other presidents do.”
Her political troubles began in 2014, when she proposed a five-year plan to increase tuition to provide more funds if Sacramento failed to do so. The proposal angered Gov. Jerry Brown and other state political leaders who served as ex officio regents and opposed the tuition plan. A board majority, however, passed it. After that, Brown zeroed out a planned funding increase for UC and the battle was on.
Brown and Napolitano subsequently formed their so-called Committee of Two to hash out a compromise and ultimately agreed on a multiyear plan for funding increases in exchange for a two-year tuition freeze and other items.
From a national standpoint, Napolitano’s leadership appeared to help California outperform many other states in increasing funding for higher education after the 2008 recession, according to Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education.
“She made clear that the University of California was a long-term treasure in the state and underfunding it would jeopardize the university and the state,” he said.
Napolitano was circumspect about her negotiations with Brown, who declined to comment. “I think it’s fair to say we did not see eye to eye on everything,” she said.
Her worst moments came in 2017, when a state audit found that her office had not only amassed a $175-million undisclosed surplus but also interfered with efforts by auditors surveying campuses about Napolitano’s office services. State Auditor Elaine Howle said she found “nothing nefarious” in the amassed surplus but offered several recommendations to make the budget more transparent, which the university has adopted.
At the time, Napolitano was not only battling fallout over the audit. Her cancer returned in 2016 and led to grueling sessions of chemotherapy and radiation, sometimes six hours long.
“The year 2016-17 was not a good year for me,” Napolitano said, managing a laugh. “Sometimes it was very tough. But I am totally clear now” of cancer.
Napolitano’s troubles marked a major turning point. After the audit scandal, she apologized and became more consultative — deepening ties, for instance, with the Academic Senate by agreeing to appoint a faculty advisor, include the provost in all major decisions and invite Senate leadership into her advisory group.
“In the last two years, she was a much more successful and effective president than she had been before,” said Robert May, a UC Davis professor and former Senate chair.
Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), one of the more critical legislators on UC issues, credited Napolitano for “weathering the storm” and moving forward. “We were able to work together to dramatically expand enrollment of California kids,” he said. “That’s the issue my constituents care about most.”
Napolitano is widely praised for her support of undocumented students, including start-up funding for free legal services for them. She and the Board of Regents also filed the nation’s first lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to end protections for students brought to the country illegally as children, granted under a program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — which Napolitano started as Homeland Security secretary.
Napolitano has not won over all undocumented students. But UC Student Assn. President Varsha Sarveshwar said she has set a new standard in access to students as the first president to hold regular meetings with them.
Napolitano also made a mark in directing efforts to overhaul the UC system’s Title IX processes and crafting a compromise plan to phase out the SAT and ACT, which regents unanimously passed last month amid criticism that the tests are biased against disadvantaged students.
“She’s been an extraordinary leader,” Lansing said. “She’s unflappable. She’s thoughtful. She listens to both sides but then she’s decisive and gets things done.”
Despite the at-times rocky road, Napolitano said the ride has been well worth it.
“The position of president of the University of California is a great platform to address some of the larger public issues of the day, from DACA to climate change to sexual harassment to racism,” she said. “It’s a tough job and a complicated job, but I’m very glad I took it.”
The UC chief plans to take a yearlong sabbatical, then join the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy. She has not ruled out a run for political office, a Cabinet post — or an appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“I look good in black,” she joked.


latimes--2020-06-11--As millions protest systemic racism, Californians could soon have chance to restore affirmative acti

As millions protest systemic racism, Californians could soon have chance to restore affirmative action

The Black Lives Matter movement , galvanized by the police killing of George Floyd , is propelling the once volatile issue of affirmative action onto the November ballot .
California voters will likely again be asked , as they were a generation ago , to answer this question : Is affirmative action necessary to attack racial and gender discrimination — or is it itself discriminatory ?
The Legislature may have placed the proposed state constitutional amendment on the ballot anyway .
But when a white Minneapolis cop crushed the life out of a handcuffed Black man by kneeling on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the state Capitol .
The legislation , ACA 5 , would repeal Proposition 209 , a citizens ’ initiative that was approved by a comfortable 9-percentage-point margin after a bitterly fought campaign in 1996 .
This was the text of Proposition 209 : “ The state shall not discriminate against , or grant preferential treatment to , any individual or group on the base of race , sex , color , ethnicity , or national origin in the operation of public employment , public education or public contracting.
” But that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see a window this year to restore affirmative action in public university admissions , hiring and contracting .
ACA 5 is “ going to be awfully tough to beat , ” says Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez ( D-San Diego ) , an outspoken supporter , referring not only to its prospects in the Legislature but on the ballot .
Gonzalez , chairwoman of the Legislative Latino Caucus , recently tweeted this strong message to other lawmakers : “ I don ’ t want to see a single one of my fellow legislators post about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ACA5… .
Black lives matter in government contracting and college admissions , too.
” Assemblywoman Shirley Weber ( D-San Diego ) , chairwoman of the Legislative Black Caucus , is the principal author of ACA 5 .
What Floyd ’ s killing and resulting nationwide protests against police brutality have done , she says , is awaken many white people to racism .
“ People look at me and say , ‘ There ’ s no racism , ’ ” she says .
“ ’ Everyone is equal.
’ And maybe Black people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good lives .
Racism is dismissed as not valid .
‘ It was a long time ago and doesn ’ t apply today.
’ “ At least with the George Floyd incident , people have a chance to see the brutality .
It has made people stop and think .
I now don ’ t have the same tough job trying to convince them .
It should help me get this out ” of the Legislature .
Both legislative leaders — Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon ( D-Lakewood ) and Senate President Pro Tem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are pushing the proposal .
“ I absolutely support giving California voters the opportunity to right this historical wrong , ” Atkins emailed me .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom also has embraced the measure .
But the only role he has in the fight is to lobby for legislative votes , which he apparently hasn ’ t done .
Proposed constitutional amendments require a two-thirds vote of each legislative house , but not a governor ’ s signature .
The Assembly overwhelmingly passed the measure Wednesday and sent it to the Senate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ women ’ s , Jewish and LGBTQ caucuses all advocated its passage , denouncing Proposition 209 .
Weber contended Proposition 209 has “ deprived women and people of color of a level playing field ” and fostered racial inequality .
Like some other Asian Americans , Assemblyman Steven Choi ( R-Irvine ) supports 209 and opposes ACA 5 .
“ Is it right to earn a job just because you ’ re white or Black or yellow ?
” Choi asked during the Assembly debate .
“ We ’ re talking about legalizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country to get away from reasoning like that.
” But support for ACA 5 dominated the lengthy debate .
Another Asian American , Assemblyman David Chiu ( D-San Francisco ) , supported the measure .
He pointed out that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled racial quotas in university admissions — feared by many affirmative action opponents — unconstitutional .
In 1996 , the campaign for and against Proposition 209 got very ugly .
There was an ugly mood anyway , coming just two years after voters approved Proposition 187 , which sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country illegally .
Proposition 187 passed in a landslide but was tossed out by a court .
Proposition 209 survived all court tests .
Republicans tried to use Proposition 209 to drive up the GOP vote for then-presidential nominee Bob Dole , irritating the measure ’ s backers .
The tactic failed .
On the other side , Proposition 209 opponents ran TV ads equating the measure ’ s backers with Klansmen in white robes and hoods .
That also backfired .
California ’ s political climate appears friendlier to affirmative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state has become even more diverse .
People of color now are the majority .
In 1996 , the racial mix was roughly 52 % white , 30 % Latino , 10 % Asian , 7 % Black , 1 % Native American .
Today , according to state population researchers , it ’ s 38.9 % Latino , 36.6 % white , 15.4 % Asian , 6 % black , 0.5 % Native American and 0.3 % Pacific Islander .
Proposition 209 ’ s effect on public university admissions has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ share of UC admissions has increased from roughly 14 % to 24 % , but their population numbers have significantly risen too .
The enrollment of Black students has remained virtually the same , around 4 % .
Asian admissions have dropped a tad to 30.5 % .
The chief defender of 209 is retired Sacramento land use consultant Ward Connerly , who is Black .
He orchestrated its passage in 1996 .
“ When you treat people differently based on their race , that ’ s a racial preference , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a hot item on the November ballot .
Let ’ s hope it doesn ’ t stir up ugly politics this time .

Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) is the principal author of a bill that would repeal a ban on affirmative action.
The Black Lives Matter movement, galvanized by the police killing of George Floyd, is propelling the once volatile issue of affirmative action onto the November ballot.
California voters will likely again be asked, as they were a generation ago, to answer this question: Is affirmative action necessary to attack racial and gender discrimination — or is it itself discriminatory?
The Legislature may have placed the proposed state constitutional amendment on the ballot anyway. But when a white Minneapolis cop crushed the life out of a handcuffed Black man by kneeling on his neck, the measure became practically unstoppable in the state Capitol.
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The legislation, ACA 5, would repeal Proposition 209, a citizens’ initiative that was approved by a comfortable 9-percentage-point margin after a bitterly fought campaign in 1996.
This was the text of Proposition 209:
“The state shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the base of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education or public contracting.”
But that was 24 years ago. Proposition 209 opponents see a window this year to restore affirmative action in public university admissions, hiring and contracting.
ACA 5 is “going to be awfully tough to beat,” says Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), an outspoken supporter, referring not only to its prospects in the Legislature but on the ballot.
Gonzalez, chairwoman of the Legislative Latino Caucus, recently tweeted this strong message to other lawmakers: “I don’t want to see a single one of my fellow legislators post about #blacklivesmatter but not vote on #ACA5…. Black lives matter in government contracting and college admissions, too.”
Advertisement
Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), chairwoman of the Legislative Black Caucus, is the principal author of ACA 5. What Floyd’s killing and resulting nationwide protests against police brutality have done, she says, is awaken many white people to racism.
“People look at me and say, ‘There’s no racism,’” she says. “’Everyone is equal.’ And maybe Black people they know are professionals who have pretty good lives. Racism is dismissed as not valid. ‘It was a long time ago and doesn’t apply today.’
“At least with the George Floyd incident, people have a chance to see the brutality. It has made people stop and think. I now don’t have the same tough job trying to convince them. It should help me get this out” of the Legislature.
Both legislative leaders — Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) and Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) — are pushing the proposal.
“I absolutely support giving California voters the opportunity to right this historical wrong,” Atkins emailed me.
Gov. Gavin Newsom also has embraced the measure. But the only role he has in the fight is to lobby for legislative votes, which he apparently hasn’t done. Proposed constitutional amendments require a two-thirds vote of each legislative house, but not a governor’s signature.
California Plan to restore affirmative action in California clears hurdle after emotional debate The plan would strike from California’s Constitution the rules imposed by Proposition 209, which prohibits government agencies and institutions from giving preferential treatment to individuals on the basis of race or sex
The Assembly overwhelmingly passed the measure Wednesday, 60-14, and sent it to the Senate. Representatives of the Black, Latino, women’s, Jewish and LGBTQ caucuses all advocated its passage, denouncing Proposition 209.
Weber contended Proposition 209 has “deprived women and people of color of a level playing field” and fostered racial inequality.
Like some other Asian Americans, Assemblyman Steven Choi (R-Irvine) supports 209 and opposes ACA 5.
“Is it right to earn a job just because you’re white or Black or yellow?” Choi asked during the Assembly debate. “We’re talking about legalizing racism and sexism… I came to this country to get away from reasoning like that.”
But support for ACA 5 dominated the lengthy debate.
Another Asian American, Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco), supported the measure. He pointed out that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled racial quotas in university admissions — feared by many affirmative action opponents — unconstitutional.
In 1996, the campaign for and against Proposition 209 got very ugly. There was an ugly mood anyway, coming just two years after voters approved Proposition 187, which sought to ban public services for immigrants living in the country illegally.
Proposition 187 passed in a landslide but was tossed out by a court. Proposition 209 survived all court tests.
Republicans tried to use Proposition 209 to drive up the GOP vote for then-presidential nominee Bob Dole, irritating the measure’s backers. The tactic failed.
On the other side, Proposition 209 opponents ran TV ads equating the measure’s backers with Klansmen in white robes and hoods. That also backfired.
California’s political climate appears friendlier to affirmative action today. For one thing, the state has become even more diverse. People of color now are the majority.
In 1996, the racial mix was roughly 52% white, 30% Latino, 10% Asian, 7% Black, 1% Native American. Today, according to state population researchers, it’s 38.9% Latino, 36.6% white, 15.4% Asian, 6% black, 0.5% Native American and 0.3% Pacific Islander.
Proposition 209’s effect on public university admissions has been much debated. Since 1996, Latinos’ share of UC admissions has increased from roughly 14% to 24%, but their population numbers have significantly risen too. The enrollment of Black students has remained virtually the same, around 4%. Asian admissions have dropped a tad to 30.5%.
The chief defender of 209 is retired Sacramento land use consultant Ward Connerly, who is Black. He orchestrated its passage in 1996.
“When you treat people differently based on their race, that’s a racial preference,” Connerly says.
This very likely will be a hot item on the November ballot. Let’s hope it doesn’t stir up ugly politics this time.


latimes--2020-06-11--Twin fires burn Ventura County hills, at least 450 acres in flames

Two fires have at least 450 acres of the hills and woods between Ventura and Santa Paula in flames as Ventura County firefighters are battling twin blazes known as the Lime and Elizabeth fires on Wednesday evening .
At least 75 firefighters have responded to the Lime fire , which according to county fire personnel , began about 5 p.m. and has consumed at least 200 acres , with the possibility of growing five times that size .
As of 7 p.m. the fire had no containment The fire began near Lake Piru , located about eight miles northeast of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
County officials believe the fire began near Lime Canyon .
The fire is primarily burning into the hilly terrain between the north end of the cities of Ventura and Santa Paula , said Natalie Hernandez , county assistant public information officer .
County fire officials have called for a mandatory evacuation of surrounding lands near Lake Piru , including the campgrounds .
About 25 structures are threatened by the blaze , including a few homes and U.S. Forest Service buildings .
Hernandez said the Ventura County Fire Department has no timetable on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several firefighters away from the Elizabeth fire to the Lime fire because of the threat of structural damage .
The Elizabeth fire had burned 250 acres as of the latest county update at 5:30 p.m. and was 20 % contained .
There was no timetable for its containment .
Hernandez said the fires are about 25 miles apart .
Two firefighters from the Elizabeth fire were removed from the lines suffering from general illness and exhaustion .
No update was given on their health .
The Elizabeth fire began at 10:33 a.m .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lynn fire , that popped up , but the one-acre blaze was quickly put down .

Two fires have burned at 450 acres between Ventura and Santa Paula. Above, firefighters in Ventura County in a file photo.
Two fires have at least 450 acres of the hills and woods between Ventura and Santa Paula in flames as Ventura County firefighters are battling twin blazes known as the Lime and Elizabeth fires on Wednesday evening.
At least 75 firefighters have responded to the Lime fire, which according to county fire personnel, began about 5 p.m. and has consumed at least 200 acres, with the possibility of growing five times that size.
As of 7 p.m. the fire had no containment
The fire began near Lake Piru, located about eight miles northeast of the small Ventura County town of Piru. County officials believe the fire began near Lime Canyon.
The fire is primarily burning into the hilly terrain between the north end of the cities of Ventura and Santa Paula, said Natalie Hernandez, county assistant public information officer.
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County fire officials have called for a mandatory evacuation of surrounding lands near Lake Piru, including the campgrounds. About 25 structures are threatened by the blaze, including a few homes and U.S. Forest Service buildings.
Hernandez said the Ventura County Fire Department has no timetable on containment and has shifted its priority and several firefighters away from the Elizabeth fire to the Lime fire because of the threat of structural damage.
The Elizabeth fire had burned 250 acres as of the latest county update at 5:30 p.m. and was 20% contained. There was no timetable for its containment.
Hernandez said the fires are about 25 miles apart.
Two firefighters from the Elizabeth fire were removed from the lines suffering from general illness and exhaustion. No update was given on their health.
The Elizabeth fire began at 10:33 a.m.
There was a third blaze, the Lynn fire, that popped up, but the one-acre blaze was quickly put down.


latimes--2020-06-10--Woman fatally shot outside Orange County hotel, likely by man she knew

A woman in her 40s was shot to death , allegedly by a man she likely knew , Wednesday afternoon in the parking lot outside the lobby of the Hilton Garden Inn in Lake Forest , an Orange County Sheriff ’ s official said .
The woman , whose name was not released , was shot multiple times about 1:15 p.m. in the 23000 block of Lake Center Drive .
Sheriff ’ s deputies who responded to a 911 call found and detained a man in his 60s believed to be the shooter .
“ The man was pointed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s spokeswoman Carrie Braun .
The gravely injured woman was taken to a hospital , where she died one hour later .
Braun said the man “ complied with commands ” from deputies and no use of force was needed .
But before he could be arrested , Braun said the suspect complained of “ an unrelated health issue ” and was taken to a hospital .
The arrested man is receiving treatment but is still being detained by the department .
Braun said the exact nature of the relationship between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed the pair knew each other .
“ We do not believe this was a random incident and do not believe there are any other outstanding suspects or cause for concern for the community , ” Braun said .
A handgun was located at the scene and will be tested to verify if the weapon was used in the shooting .
It is unknown if the male or female were hotel guests or arrived together .

A woman in her 40s was shot to death, allegedly by a man she likely knew, Wednesday afternoon in the parking lot outside the lobby of the Hilton Garden Inn in Lake Forest, an Orange County Sheriff’s official said.
The woman, whose name was not released, was shot multiple times about 1:15 p.m. in the 23000 block of Lake Center Drive. Sheriff’s deputies who responded to a 911 call found and detained a man in his 60s believed to be the shooter.
“The man was pointed out by several witnesses,” said sheriff’s spokeswoman Carrie Braun.
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The gravely injured woman was taken to a hospital, where she died one hour later.
Braun said the man “complied with commands” from deputies and no use of force was needed. But before he could be arrested, Braun said the suspect complained of “an unrelated health issue” and was taken to a hospital.
What are the chances the time I visit #orangecounty we stay at a hotel with an active shooter #hiltongardeninn pic.twitter.com/2X68XcumK1 — Nathan Ochoa (@NathanDOchoa) June 10, 2020
The arrested man is receiving treatment but is still being detained by the department.
Braun said the exact nature of the relationship between the two was unknown, but it was believed the pair knew each other.
“We do not believe this was a random incident and do not believe there are any other outstanding suspects or cause for concern for the community,” Braun said.
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A handgun was located at the scene and will be tested to verify if the weapon was used in the shooting.
It is unknown if the male or female were hotel guests or arrived together.


latimes--2020-06-10--L.A. officials want more money for community policing. Activists say it misses the point

Two members of the Los Angeles City Council are calling for finding savings from the police budget — and plugging that money back into expanding a community policing program across the city .
Los Angeles City Councilmen Joe Buscaino and Marqueece Harris-Dawson declared in their proposal that “ it is time to expand the Community Safety Partnership program within LAPD and begin to transform the department into one based upon community policing , ” citing a recent study that found that residents in the targeted areas felt safer .
But the move was met with disdain by Black Lives Matter-Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called to dramatically defund the Police Department and reinvest the money in other services to address community needs .
“ It ’ s a ruse , ” said Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles organizer Paula Minor , complaining that the move would simply put money back into the Police Department , instead of funding programs better suited to help the community .
“ This is another example of our society giving everything to the police — and the police can not handle all social problems.
” The new proposal from Buscaino and Harris-Dawson comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials , including Council President Nury Martinez , have called for reinvesting up to $ 150 million pulled from the LAPD budget into programs serving communities of color — a much smaller shift than protesters and activists have called for .
Buscaino and Harris-Dawson did not specify how much money they were seeking to redirect to the program , but Buscaino said their motion was “ not inconsistent ” with Martinez ’ proposal .
The push to overhaul policing has gained new momentum amid ongoing protests in L.A. and nationwide over police brutality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differ sharply over what kind of change is needed .
The Community Safety Partnership , which was launched nearly a decade ago in Jordan Downs and other L.A. housing developments and expanded over time , has been promoted as a more holistic approach to public safety .
Police officers apply for the program and commit to stay in the same areas for several years , working with residents on youth programs , job training and other initiatives .
In a recent op-ed for The Times , civil rights attorney and CSP program co-founder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guardian-style approach that rewards problem-solving engagement between officers and the communities they protect , ” needed to replace a “ warrior enforcement culture.
” A UCLA study released in March , whose funders included the Ballmer Group and the Caruso real estate company , found that the CSP had prevented crime and made residents feel safer .
The councilmen are not the only people advocating to expand the program : Garcetti called it “ highly successful ” last week and expressed hope that the state and federal government would help fund its expansion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Police Commission President Eileen Decker said the city was committed to adding more CSP sites .
Buscaino , an LAPD reserve officer who sat on a UCLA research and evaluation advisory committee for the CSP program , said the city has “ quantifiable proof ” that the program works .
He credited CSP with reducing homicides and assaults , saying that “ homicide numbers don ’ t lie , ” and praised the model for instilling trust between police and the community .
“ I don ’ t believe defunding is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when asked about the criticism from activists .
“ Reform and reorganization is the way to move forward.
” Local activists pushing to defund the police department excoriated the idea .
Hamid Khan , coordinator of the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition , complained that “ the underlying message remains that they continue to police their way out of the problem , ” arguing that money should instead go to youth development or other programs to address community needs .
Khan also pointed to a different study , undertaken by the nonprofit Urban Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the City of Los Angeles , which found that residents didn ’ t necessarily attribute the decreased crime in their areas to the CSP program and “ generally do not trust the police and expressed concerns about mistreatment.
” Harris-Dawson was not available Wednesday for an interview , according to his spokesman .
The proposal to expand the CSP was seconded by Councilman John Lee .

Two members of the Los Angeles City Council are calling for finding savings from the police budget — and plugging that money back into expanding a community policing program across the city.
Los Angeles City Councilmen Joe Buscaino and Marqueece Harris-Dawson declared in their proposal that “it is time to expand the Community Safety Partnership program within LAPD and begin to transform the department into one based upon community policing,” citing a recent study that found that residents in the targeted areas felt safer.
But the move was met with disdain by Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles and other activist groups that have called to dramatically defund the Police Department and reinvest the money in other services to address community needs.
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“It’s a ruse,” said Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles organizer Paula Minor, complaining that the move would simply put money back into the Police Department, instead of funding programs better suited to help the community. “This is another example of our society giving everything to the police — and the police cannot handle all social problems.”
The new proposal from Buscaino and Harris-Dawson comes as Mayor Eric Garcetti and other city officials, including Council President Nury Martinez, have called for reinvesting up to $150 million pulled from the LAPD budget into programs serving communities of color — a much smaller shift than protesters and activists have called for.
Buscaino and Harris-Dawson did not specify how much money they were seeking to redirect to the program, but Buscaino said their motion was “not inconsistent” with Martinez’ proposal.
The push to overhaul policing has gained new momentum amid ongoing protests in L.A. and nationwide over police brutality. But many L.A. politicians and activists differ sharply over what kind of change is needed.
The Community Safety Partnership, which was launched nearly a decade ago in Jordan Downs and other L.A. housing developments and expanded over time, has been promoted as a more holistic approach to public safety.
Advertisement
Police officers apply for the program and commit to stay in the same areas for several years, working with residents on youth programs, job training and other initiatives.
In a recent op-ed for The Times, civil rights attorney and CSP program co-founder Connie Rice described it as a “guardian-style approach that rewards problem-solving engagement between officers and the communities they protect,” needed to replace a “warrior enforcement culture.”
A UCLA study released in March, whose funders included the Ballmer Group and the Caruso real estate company, found that the CSP had prevented crime and made residents feel safer.
The councilmen are not the only people advocating to expand the program: Garcetti called it “highly successful” last week and expressed hope that the state and federal government would help fund its expansion. At a press conference following protests, Police Commission President Eileen Decker said the city was committed to adding more CSP sites.
Buscaino, an LAPD reserve officer who sat on a UCLA research and evaluation advisory committee for the CSP program, said the city has “quantifiable proof” that the program works. He credited CSP with reducing homicides and assaults, saying that “homicide numbers don’t lie,” and praised the model for instilling trust between police and the community.
“I don’t believe defunding is the right answer,” Buscaino said, when asked about the criticism from activists. “Reform and reorganization is the way to move forward.”
Local activists pushing to defund the police department excoriated the idea. Hamid Khan, coordinator of the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition, complained that “the underlying message remains that they continue to police their way out of the problem,” arguing that money should instead go to youth development or other programs to address community needs.
Khan also pointed to a different study, undertaken by the nonprofit Urban Institute and funded by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, which found that residents didn’t necessarily attribute the decreased crime in their areas to the CSP program and “generally do not trust the police and expressed concerns about mistreatment.”
Harris-Dawson was not available Wednesday for an interview, according to his spokesman. The proposal to expand the CSP was seconded by Councilman John Lee.


latimes--2020-06-10--Plan to restore affirmative action in California clears hurdle after emotional debate

California voters would be asked to erase the state ’ s 24-year ban on affirmative action in November under a proposal approved Wednesday by the state Assembly , with supporters arguing their effort is more important than ever amid nationwide protests for racial equality and justice .
The plan would strike from California ’ s Constitution the rules imposed by Proposition 209 , which prohibits government agencies and institutions from giving preferential treatment to individuals on the basis of race or sex .
The ballot measure sparked a fierce political and cultural debate in 1996 , much of which focused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s affirmative action policies for admission to the state ’ s colleges and universities .
Although subsequent legal challenges left Proposition 209 on the books , opponents have argued the law has preserved and deepened the inequities in education and government contracting opportunities for a generation of Black and Latino Californians — a reality the bill ’ s supporters said has never been more clear .
“ The ongoing pandemic , as well as recent tragedies of police violence , is forcing Californians to acknowledge the deep-seated inequality and far-reaching institutional failures that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter , ” said Assemblywoman Shirley Weber ( D-San Diego ) , the author of the bill , Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 .
ACA 5 now moves to the state Senate , where it must be ratified by June 25 in order to be placed on the Nov. 3 statewide ballot .
The lengthy discussion of the proposed ballot measure included only two dissenting voices , both Republican lawmakers .
Irvine Republican Assemblyman Steven Choi said that “ giving special or preferential treatment to someone based on their race is racism itself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assemblyman James Gallagher ( R-Yuba City ) argued ACA 5 would not end racial discrimination in California ’ s education system , insisting that ineffective teachers in low-income communities are kept there by tenure rules that are demanded by teachers unions .
“ You can talk about admissions and using , bringing back affirmative action , but what are we doing to ensure that Black and brown students graduate and get that education ?
” Gallagher said .
“ That ’ s a conversation that we need to be having .
We need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than two dozen Assembly members who spoke during Wednesday ’ s debate said the 1996 law is antiquated , as is its promise to voters in the 1996 campaign to help create a “ colorblind ” society .
“ Systematic racism didn ’ t stop because of [ Prop . ]
209 , ” said Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez ( D-San Diego ) , who noted she had benefited from affirmative action as a law student in the ‘ 90s .
“ And so what we ’ ve seen over these generations is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our communities who haven ’ t had the benefit that we all had.
” The overwhelming support for asking voters to reconsider affirmative action stood in stark contrast to 2014 , when a similar effort in the state Capitol to send the issue of affirmative action back to voters roiled the Legislature .
Several lawmakers at the time abandoned the effort after advocacy groups warned that reinstatement of affirmative action would limit college admissions for Asian American students .
But those old wounds resurfaced late in the debate Wednesday that lasted more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D-Campbell ) said that far more constituents calling his office asked him to vote against ACA 5 than those asking him to support it .
He said Chinese Americans , in particular , “ believe that if you do the hard work as you ’ re told , they will have their chance too.
” Others said the topic wasn ’ t so clear in the Asian American community .
“ Some of the opposition want you to believe that Asian Americans unilaterally oppose affirmative action , ” Assemblyman David Chiu ( D-San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate .
“ That is simply not true .
...
I hear all the time that my Asian American constituents want more teachers who look like us , more principals , university presidents , more first responders , firefighters , bilingual police officers .
Current law prevents that.
” In 2017 , the issue surfaced again when caucuses representing Asian American legislators asked candidates for governor , including Gov .
Gavin Newsom , to weigh in on whether race should be used in college and university admissions .
Newsom and his Democratic challengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican candidates didn ’ t respond to the question .
Few topics have been more consistently debated in California , where a clash over UC Davis ’ affirmative action policy resulted in a landmark 1978 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding it .
By 1995 , conservative activists believed the state ’ s electorate would overturn such policies and drafted a ballot measure to enshrine a ban in the state Constitution .
Proposition 209 barred any attempt to “ grant preferential treatment ” based on gender or race and passed on Nov. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 55 % of voters .
Numerous studies have since dissected its impact , and opponents have stood firm that the constitutional amendment has done nothing to limit racial , gender and economic discrimination .
Weber , a Democratic lawmaker who has championed a number of bills she believes would root out systemic inequality , has argued that California was making consistent progress in the early 1990s in helping nonwhite entrepreneurs and businesses owned by women — an upward trajectory , she said , that came to an end with the passage of Proposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] 209 will not solve all of the problems , ” she said on Wednesday .
“ But it ’ s one of the many tools that we have to have in California , to say California is the land of great opportunity .
”

A proposed ballot measure by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) to repeal California’s 1996 ban on affirmative action, was approved by the state Assembly on Wednesday.
California voters would be asked to erase the state’s 24-year ban on affirmative action in November under a proposal approved Wednesday by the state Assembly, with supporters arguing their effort is more important than ever amid nationwide protests for racial equality and justice.
The plan would strike from California’s Constitution the rules imposed by Proposition 209, which prohibits government agencies and institutions from giving preferential treatment to individuals on the basis of race or sex. The ballot measure sparked a fierce political and cultural debate in 1996, much of which focused on the impact of the era’s affirmative action policies for admission to the state’s colleges and universities.
Although subsequent legal challenges left Proposition 209 on the books, opponents have argued the law has preserved and deepened the inequities in education and government contracting opportunities for a generation of Black and Latino Californians — a reality the bill’s supporters said has never been more clear.
“The ongoing pandemic, as well as recent tragedies of police violence, is forcing Californians to acknowledge the deep-seated inequality and far-reaching institutional failures that show that your race and gender still matter,” said Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), the author of the bill, Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5.
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ACA 5 now moves to the state Senate, where it must be ratified by June 25 in order to be placed on the Nov. 3 statewide ballot.
The lengthy discussion of the proposed ballot measure included only two dissenting voices, both Republican lawmakers.
Irvine Republican Assemblyman Steven Choi said that “giving special or preferential treatment to someone based on their race is racism itself, or on their sex is sexism.”
Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) argued ACA 5 would not end racial discrimination in California’s education system, insisting that ineffective teachers in low-income communities are kept there by tenure rules that are demanded by teachers unions.
“You can talk about admissions and using, bringing back affirmative action, but what are we doing to ensure that Black and brown students graduate and get that education?” Gallagher said. “That’s a conversation that we need to be having. We need to go even deeper.”
But more than two dozen Assembly members who spoke during Wednesday’s debate said the 1996 law is antiquated, as is its promise to voters in the 1996 campaign to help create a “colorblind” society.
“Systematic racism didn’t stop because of [Prop.] 209,” said Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), who noted she had benefited from affirmative action as a law student in the ‘90s. “And so what we’ve seen over these generations is the missed opportunity of so many kids in our communities who haven’t had the benefit that we all had.”
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The overwhelming support for asking voters to reconsider affirmative action stood in stark contrast to 2014, when a similar effort in the state Capitol to send the issue of affirmative action back to voters roiled the Legislature. Several lawmakers at the time abandoned the effort after advocacy groups warned that reinstatement of affirmative action would limit college admissions for Asian American students.
But those old wounds resurfaced late in the debate Wednesday that lasted more than two hours. Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell) said that far more constituents calling his office asked him to vote against ACA 5 than those asking him to support it. He said Chinese Americans, in particular, “believe that if you do the hard work as you’re told, they will have their chance too.”
Others said the topic wasn’t so clear in the Asian American community.
“Some of the opposition want you to believe that Asian Americans unilaterally oppose affirmative action,” Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco) said during Wednesday’s debate. “That is simply not true. ... I hear all the time that my Asian American constituents want more teachers who look like us, more principals, university presidents, more first responders, firefighters, bilingual police officers. Current law prevents that.”
In 2017, the issue surfaced again when caucuses representing Asian American legislators asked candidates for governor, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, to weigh in on whether race should be used in college and university admissions. Newsom and his Democratic challengers voiced support for affirmative action; the Republican candidates didn’t respond to the question.
Few topics have been more consistently debated in California, where a clash over UC Davis’ affirmative action policy resulted in a landmark 1978 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding it. By 1995, conservative activists believed the state’s electorate would overturn such policies and drafted a ballot measure to enshrine a ban in the state Constitution.
Proposition 209 barred any attempt to “grant preferential treatment” based on gender or race and passed on Nov. 5, 1996, with support from 55% of voters. Numerous studies have since dissected its impact, and opponents have stood firm that the constitutional amendment has done nothing to limit racial, gender and economic discrimination.
Weber, a Democratic lawmaker who has championed a number of bills she believes would root out systemic inequality, has argued that California was making consistent progress in the early 1990s in helping nonwhite entrepreneurs and businesses owned by women — an upward trajectory, she said, that came to an end with the passage of Proposition 209.
“Removing [Prop.] 209 will not solve all of the problems,” she said on Wednesday. “But it’s one of the many tools that we have to have in California, to say California is the land of great opportunity.”


latimes--2020-06-10--Judicial leaders amend coronavirus order on bail, postpone vote on evictions, foreclosures

California ’ s judicial leaders on Wednesday rescinded an emergency coronavirus order that set bail at zero for defendants accused of low-level crimes .
But a vote on whether to resume eviction and foreclosure court proceedings was suspended after Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye spoke with Gov .
Gavin Newsom , legislators and other judicial leaders .
The Judicial Council , which Canti-Sakauye heads , voted 17-2 by email to rescind an emergency order on June 20 that required bail be set at zero for people accused of lower-level crimes .
Judges will still have the flexibility to grant zero bail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s action better reflects the current needs of our state , which has different health concerns and restrictions county-to-county based on the threat posed by COVID-19 , ” said Court of Appeal Justice Marsha Slough , a member of the council .
“ We urge local courts to continue to use the emergency COVID-19 bail schedule where necessary to protect the health of the community , the courts , and the incarcerated.
” The council , the rule-making body for the California court system , had also been scheduled to vote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceedings to resume on August 4 .
The proposal had been criticized by a San Francisco state legislator and a poverty law group .
Assemblyman David Chiu ( D-San Francisco ) announced legislation Wednesday to bar evictions for nonpayment of rent for 90 days after state and local coronavirus emergency orders end .
The bill would give renters an additional year before landlords could file civil suits to collect unpaid rent .
Tenants would have to pay rent during that year , however .
Chiu had criticized the council for planning to restart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had time to pass new rules .
Cantil-Sakauye said her conversations with lawmakers and other judges persuaded her that it was too soon to resume the court proceedings .
“ I believe the executive and legislative branches will need more time to sort through various policy proposals , ” she said .
Cantil-Sakauye also decided Wednesday to rescind an emergency order that gave courts up to seven days to arraign a defendant after an arrest .
Once again , arrestees will have to be arraigned within 48 hours .
The Judicial Council passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try to reduce jail populations , keep the coronavirus from spreading in courtrooms and spare courts from having to hear non-urgent civil cases during the pandemic .
Now that the state is reopening , the courts are following suit , though often by remote appearances .
The need to reduce jail populations is no longer as urgent .
Prisons are expected to allow convicted inmates to move from jails to prisons in all 58 countries by June 19 , a move that will lower the number of people in county jails .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower-level offenses already have been released from California ’ s jails since the start of the pandemic .

California’s judicial leaders on Wednesday rescinded an emergency coronavirus order that set bail at zero for defendants accused of low-level crimes.
But a vote on whether to resume eviction and foreclosure court proceedings was suspended after Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye spoke with Gov. Gavin Newsom, legislators and other judicial leaders.
The Judicial Council, which Canti-Sakauye heads, voted 17-2 by email to rescind an emergency order on June 20 that required bail be set at zero for people accused of lower-level crimes. Judges will still have the flexibility to grant zero bail, however.
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“The Judicial Council’s action better reflects the current needs of our state, which has different health concerns and restrictions county-to-county based on the threat posed by COVID-19,” said Court of Appeal Justice Marsha Slough, a member of the council. “We urge local courts to continue to use the emergency COVID-19 bail schedule where necessary to protect the health of the community, the courts, and the incarcerated.”
The council, the rule-making body for the California court system, had also been scheduled to vote on a proposal to allow eviction and foreclosure proceedings to resume on August 4. The proposal had been criticized by a San Francisco state legislator and a poverty law group.
Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco) announced legislation Wednesday to bar evictions for nonpayment of rent for 90 days after state and local coronavirus emergency orders end. The bill would give renters an additional year before landlords could file civil suits to collect unpaid rent. Tenants would have to pay rent during that year, however.
Chiu had criticized the council for planning to restart eviction and foreclosure proceedings before the Legislature had time to pass new rules.
Cantil-Sakauye said her conversations with lawmakers and other judges persuaded her that it was too soon to resume the court proceedings.
“I believe the executive and legislative branches will need more time to sort through various policy proposals,” she said.
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Cantil-Sakauye also decided Wednesday to rescind an emergency order that gave courts up to seven days to arraign a defendant after an arrest. Once again, arrestees will have to be arraigned within 48 hours.
The Judicial Council passed the emergency rules early in the pandemic to try to reduce jail populations, keep the coronavirus from spreading in courtrooms and spare courts from having to hear non-urgent civil cases during the pandemic.
Now that the state is reopening, the courts are following suit, though often by remote appearances.
The need to reduce jail populations is no longer as urgent. Prisons are expected to allow convicted inmates to move from jails to prisons in all 58 countries by June 19, a move that will lower the number of people in county jails.
More than 20,000 defendants facing trials for lower-level offenses already have been released from California’s jails since the start of the pandemic.


latimes--2020-06-10--Officials say no turning back on reopening even as coronavirus cases rise

California officials remain confident about the rapid reopening of the economy even as coronavirus deaths and new cases continue to rise , saying they have no plans now to slow the efforts .
They said they expected cases to tick upward as businesses reopened but stressed the overall metrics still support the reopening strategy , which took another major step forward on Wednesday .
Los Angeles County announced that gyms and fitness facilities , pro-league arenas without audiences , day camps , museums , galleries , zoos , aquariums , campgrounds , outdoor recreational areas and hotels for leisure travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nail salons , tattoo shops , bars and wineries , movie theaters , live performance theaters , entertainment centers , concert halls and venues , stadiums , arenas , gaming facilities , theme parks and festivals are still closed in the county .
The further reopening comes as 1,275 new cases and an additional 61 deaths linked to COVID-19 were reported by L.A. County public health officials .
Despite lifted restrictions , parties , gatherings and mixing of households are still not allowed .
“ No , we are completely not out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the middle of the woods and we still have a lot of risk , ” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said .
“ I know how desperate people are to get be able to get back to events but that is not in our health officer order nor is it in the state health officer order.
” On Tuesday , for the second day in a row , the state reported more than 3,000 cases , bringing the total number of infections to over 137,000 .
The bulk of cases are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trajectory of cases and a growing death toll , there are no plans to reverse course , officials said .
“ As we phase in , in a responsible way , a reopening of the economy , we ’ ve made it abundantly clear that we anticipate an increase in the total number of positive cases , ” Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Tuesday while speaking with Oakland community leaders .
“ But we ’ ve also made it abundantly clear the concurrent recognition and commitment that we are in a substantially different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have hundreds of millions of masks now in our possession.
” The governor pointed to the state ’ s increased testing ability , hospital capacity and an available supply of ventilators — key metrics in the decision to ease statewide modifications — as reasoning for pressing ahead .
Ten counties — Fresno , Imperial , Kings , Tulare , San Bernardino , San Joaquin , Los Angeles , Santa Clara , Sacramento and Ventura — are currently being monitored for an increase in the number of transmissions or hospitalizations .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreaks in jails , prisons and skilled nursing facilities as well as informal and formal gatherings over the past two weeks , according to the California Department of Public Health .
As restrictions have been lifted after nearly three months of quarantine , personal reunions have begun , despite an ongoing prohibition of gatherings beyond political protests or worship services .
In Sacramento County , a surge in hospitalizations over the past weekend were linked to members of the same household who gathered recently for birthday parties and a funeral .
Dr. Olivia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer , said many people think “ we ’ re out of the woods , ” despite the reality .
Ventura County , among the first to ease coronavirus restrictions in Southern California , saw a similar spike in hospitalizations over the weekend , from 21 Friday to 43 on Monday .
There are currently 39 individuals who are hospitalized , 12 of whom are in intensive care .
The statewide surge in the number of COVID-19 cases does not include any potential spread from protests in the aftermath of George Floyd ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus can take up to 14 days .
But officials fear the demonstrations will lead to another spike in case count .
While many at the protests have worn face coverings , it is near impossible to keep a six-foot distance in the crowds .
Officials are encouraging anyone who participated to get tested and to self-quarantine if they were potentially exposed to someone who is infected .
State officials are working with county leaders to assess whether their jurisdictions are ready to move further into the reopening stage .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most populous , officials are monitoring the positivity rate to spot signs of an increase in transmission .
Additionally , state officials are providing more resources and personal protective equipment to the county ’ s 235 skilled nursing facilities , where the testing of staff and residents has become a priority after prior scrutiny .

Traffic flows once again into the Dodgers Stadium parking lot for a free drive-up test for COVID-19 in Los Angeles on June 9, 2020.
California officials remain confident about the rapid reopening of the economy even as coronavirus deaths and new cases continue to rise, saying they have no plans now to slow the efforts.
They said they expected cases to tick upward as businesses reopened but stressed the overall metrics still support the reopening strategy, which took another major step forward on Wednesday.
Los Angeles County announced that gyms and fitness facilities, pro-league arenas without audiences, day camps, museums, galleries, zoos, aquariums, campgrounds, outdoor recreational areas and hotels for leisure travel will be allowed to reopen Friday.
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Nail salons, tattoo shops, bars and wineries, movie theaters, live performance theaters, entertainment centers, concert halls and venues, stadiums, arenas, gaming facilities, theme parks and festivals are still closed in the county.
The further reopening comes as 1,275 new cases and an additional 61 deaths linked to COVID-19 were reported by L.A. County public health officials.
Despite lifted restrictions, parties, gatherings and mixing of households are still not allowed.
“No, we are completely not out of the woods, we are still in in the middle of the woods and we still have a lot of risk,” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said. “I know how desperate people are to get be able to get back to events but that is not in our health officer order nor is it in the state health officer order.”
On Tuesday, for the second day in a row, the state reported more than 3,000 cases, bringing the total number of infections to over 137,000. The bulk of cases are still in L.A County.
Despite the upward trajectory of cases and a growing death toll, there are no plans to reverse course, officials said.
“As we phase in, in a responsible way, a reopening of the economy, we’ve made it abundantly clear that we anticipate an increase in the total number of positive cases,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday while speaking with Oakland community leaders.
“But we’ve also made it abundantly clear the concurrent recognition and commitment that we are in a substantially different place than we were 90 days ago. We have hundreds of millions of masks now in our possession.”
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The governor pointed to the state’s increased testing ability, hospital capacity and an available supply of ventilators — key metrics in the decision to ease statewide modifications — as reasoning for pressing ahead.
Ten counties — Fresno, Imperial, Kings, Tulare, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Sacramento and Ventura — are currently being monitored for an increase in the number of transmissions or hospitalizations. A spike in numbers has been linked to outbreaks in jails, prisons and skilled nursing facilities as well as informal and formal gatherings over the past two weeks, according to the California Department of Public Health.
As restrictions have been lifted after nearly three months of quarantine, personal reunions have begun, despite an ongoing prohibition of gatherings beyond political protests or worship services.
In Sacramento County, a surge in hospitalizations over the past weekend were linked to members of the same household who gathered recently for birthday parties and a funeral. Dr. Olivia Kasirye, the county’s health officer, said many people think “we’re out of the woods,” despite the reality.
Ventura County, among the first to ease coronavirus restrictions in Southern California, saw a similar spike in hospitalizations over the weekend, from 21 Friday to 43 on Monday. There are currently 39 individuals who are hospitalized, 12 of whom are in intensive care.
The statewide surge in the number of COVID-19 cases does not include any potential spread from protests in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, as the incubation period for the virus can take up to 14 days. But officials fear the demonstrations will lead to another spike in case count.
While many at the protests have worn face coverings, it is near impossible to keep a six-foot distance in the crowds. Officials are encouraging anyone who participated to get tested and to self-quarantine if they were potentially exposed to someone who is infected.
California Who gets the blame if California sees major new coronavirus outbreaks with reopening? Though local officials point to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s guidelines as part of the reason they felt it was the right time to reopen their counties, time will tell if the pace is too fast.
State officials are working with county leaders to assess whether their jurisdictions are ready to move further into the reopening stage.
In L.A. County, the state’s most populous, officials are monitoring the positivity rate to spot signs of an increase in transmission. Additionally, state officials are providing more resources and personal protective equipment to the county’s 235 skilled nursing facilities, where the testing of staff and residents has become a priority after prior scrutiny.
Times staff writer Taryn Luna contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-06-10--Police say CHP killed Oakland man who rammed their vehicles; neighbors dispute that version

Oakland police say California Highway Patrol officers shot and killed a man and wounded his pregnant girlfriend Saturday night after the man rammed CHP vehicles with a stolen Dodge Challenger Hellcat .
Yet some neighbors and at least one witness dispute that version of events , saying that 23-year old Eric Salgado was boxed in by CHP officers and had not taken actions that posed a threat to them .
According to some witnesses , CHP officers fired dozens of bullets into the body of Salgado and his girlfriend , Brianna Colombo .
The killing has prompted protests and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene , a palm-lined street in a multiethnic neighborhood in East Oakland .
“ Nobody deserves that , ” said one of Salgado ’ s friends , Andres Franco .
“ I don ’ t care if he took a car or stole money .
Nobody deserves to die like that.
” Video from the immediate aftermath of the incident was released Monday to Shane Bauer , an independent journalist , while security footage of the event was given to KTVU , the Bay Area ’ s Fox channel .
The videos show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are heard firing dozens of shots , then demanding that Salgado , likely dead at this point , raise his hands and turn off the engine .
Officers are heard demanding that Colombo , Salgado ’ s girlfriend , and mother of a 3-year-old child , exit the car as the woman wails in the background .
( The child was not with them . )
According to the video footage , nobody checked on her condition until roughly five minutes after the event .
Her father , Gary Colombo , said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of coronavirus restrictions .
He said she is still in the hospital , after suffering multiple gunshot wounds .
And he talks to her on the phone but has not brought up the incident because he doesn ’ t want to upset her .
“ She cries a lot , ” he said .
“ There ’ s no reason they had to shoot so many times .
No reason.
” The CHP redirected questions to the Oakland Police Department , which is investigating .
On Tuesday night , the department released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several CHP cars before the shooting began .
According to Bauer , the independent journalist , neighbors and witnesses reported Salgado drove onto the block and was boxed in by “ undercover police trucks .
Salgado then revved the engine and began spinning the tires , burning rubber.
” His engine popped , and it was at that point that two officers “ unloaded on him.
” Gabriel Rojas , who lives across the street from where Salgado was killed and witnessed the event , said police blocked the car from exiting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a 9-milimeter pistol , which killed him .
And it was as he was dying , or after he died , that his foot hit the pedal , accelerating the car into a parked , white Lincoln on the east side of the block .
Skid marks are visible on the street , as are two holes where the wheels spun into the pavement .
The rear driver ’ s side bumper of the Lincoln , which is still parked on the street , is completely crumpled in .
“ That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rojas , pointing at the Lincoln , adding that it was only after Salgado was incapacitated , or dead , that the police shot the 40 rounds .
He said that neither Salgado nor Colombo were armed .
No mention was made about whether they were carrying weapons in the Oakland Police report .
Neighbors , friends and family of Salgado have been holding regular memorials and protests at the site , with some questioning why officers had to open fire .
On Wednesday , several family members arrived at the site with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to be left alone while they lit votive candles , burned incense and prayed .
Along the sidewalk , a makeshift shrine has been built over the last few days .
Dozens of candles , left by friends and family , burned alongside empty bottles of Remy Martin 1738 Royal Cognac .
Flags and signs hung from a fence , with enlarged photos of Salgado , remembrances , and calls for action — including one brought by Franco , which said “ Abolish the KKKops.
” Ed Obayashi , a national use-of-force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal advisor , said that after reviewing videos , it was hard to tell exactly what happened .
But if Salgado was ramming CHP vehicles , as the Oakland police have reported , his actions would be considered assault with a deadly weapon , and the officers ’ response was appropriate , said Obayashi .
Ramming vehicles showed a “ total disregard for public safety ” and endangered not just the officers , but in a residential neighborhood , the public as well , he added .
According to the Oakland Police Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CHP officers were in East Oakland investigating a shooting that had taken place the night before on Interstate 580 .
While there , officers noted a 2018 red Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat driving recklessly .
A plate check indicated the car had been stolen ; the plate did not match the vehicle .
According to a news report from Berkeleyside , Lt. Ted Henderson of the San Leandro Police Department said the Hellcat was one of 80 vehicles stolen on May 31 from a San Leandro dealership .
He said he did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The CHP “ conducted a traffic enforcement stop ” after identifying the vehicle , according to Oakland police , “ at which time the driver of the Dodge Hellcat began ramming CHP vehicles.
” Three CHP officers started shooting .
Audio from video released by neighbors at the incident confirm dozens of shots were fired .
Roger and Minnie Lafleur , who also live on the block , were shocked by the amount of gunfire .
“ It ’ s not like he could have gone anywhere , ” said Roger Lafleur , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in.
” “ It ’ s just not OK , ” said Minnie Lafleur , who said her nephew was fatally shot four years ago by police in San Francisco , and that her grandson was stabbed through the heart by his girlfriend .
“ But the police never investigated .
They didn ’ t do a thing.
” “ It ’ s not about racism , really , ” said Roger Lafleur .
He said he and his neighbors , who are white , Latino and Asian , all get along .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is a police thing .
They kill these young men like they are dogs .
They shoot them like animals.
” Berkeleyside reports that court records show Salgado was arrested in 2018 for three separate vehicle thefts , and as recently as April 18 , he ’ d been jailed after being arrested in San Leandro for vehicle theft .
He also had “ several ” outstanding warrants for receiving stolen property , driving on a suspended license , and fleeing from police in Contra Costa County .

Friends and neighbors have created a memorial for Eric Salgado near where he was shot and killed by California Highway Patrol officers Saturday night.
Oakland police say California Highway Patrol officers shot and killed a man and wounded his girlfriend Saturday night after the man rammed CHP vehicles with a stolen Dodge Challenger Hellcat.
Yet some neighbors and at least one witness dispute that version of events, saying that 23-year old Eric Salgado was boxed in by CHP officers and had not taken actions that posed a threat to them.
For the record: An earlier version of this article said that Oakland police had stated that the wounded female passenger is pregnant. That information came from the woman’s father, not the police.
According to some witnesses, CHP officers fired dozens of bullets into the body of Salgado and his girlfriend, Brianna Colombo. Colombo is pregnant, according to her father.
The killing has prompted protests and a makeshift memorial for Salgado at the shooting scene, a palm-lined street in a multiethnic neighborhood in East Oakland.
“Nobody deserves that,” said one of Salgado’s friends, Andres Franco. “I don’t care if he took a car or stole money. Nobody deserves to die like that.”
Video from the immediate aftermath of the incident was released Monday to Shane Bauer, an independent journalist, while security footage of the event was given to KTVU, the Bay Area’s Fox channel.
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The videos show a chaotic scene in which CHP officials are heard firing dozens of shots, then demanding that Salgado, likely dead at this point, raise his hands and turn off the engine.
Officers are heard demanding that Colombo, Salgado’s girlfriend, and mother of a 3-year-old child, exit the car as the woman wails in the background. (The child was not with them.) According to the video footage, nobody checked on her condition until roughly five minutes after the event.
Her father, Gary Colombo, said he has been unable to visit his daughter because of coronavirus restrictions. He said she is still in the hospital, after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. And he talks to her on the phone but has not brought up the incident because he doesn’t want to upset her.
“She cries a lot,” he said. “There’s no reason they had to shoot so many times. No reason.”
The CHP redirected questions to the Oakland Police Department, which is investigating. On Tuesday night, the department released a statement alleging Salgado had rammed into several CHP cars before the shooting began.
According to Bauer, the independent journalist, neighbors and witnesses reported Salgado drove onto the block and was boxed in by “undercover police trucks. Salgado then revved the engine and began spinning the tires, burning rubber.” His engine popped, and it was at that point that two officers “unloaded on him.”
Gabriel Rojas, who lives across the street from where Salgado was killed and witnessed the event, said police blocked the car from exiting the street. He said Salgado was shot with a 9-milimeter pistol, which killed him. And it was as he was dying, or after he died, that his foot hit the pedal, accelerating the car into a parked, white Lincoln on the east side of the block.
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Skid marks are visible on the street, as are two holes where the wheels spun into the pavement. The rear driver’s side bumper of the Lincoln, which is still parked on the street, is completely crumpled in.
“That’s what he hit,” said Rojas, pointing at the Lincoln, adding that it was only after Salgado was incapacitated, or dead, that the police shot the 40 rounds.
He said that neither Salgado nor Colombo were armed. No mention was made about whether they were carrying weapons in the Oakland Police report.
Neighbors, friends and family of Salgado have been holding regular memorials and protests at the site, with some questioning why officers had to open fire.
On Wednesday, several family members arrived at the site with flowers to pay their respects. They asked to be left alone while they lit votive candles, burned incense and prayed.
Along the sidewalk, a makeshift shrine has been built over the last few days. Dozens of candles, left by friends and family, burned alongside empty bottles of Remy Martin 1738 Royal Cognac. Flags and signs hung from a fence, with enlarged photos of Salgado, remembrances, and calls for action — including one brought by Franco, which said “Abolish the KKKops.”
Ed Obayashi, a national use-of-force expert and Plumas County deputy sheriff and legal advisor, said that after reviewing videos, it was hard to tell exactly what happened.
But if Salgado was ramming CHP vehicles, as the Oakland police have reported, his actions would be considered assault with a deadly weapon, and the officers’ response was appropriate, said Obayashi.
Ramming vehicles showed a “total disregard for public safety” and endangered not just the officers, but in a residential neighborhood, the public as well, he added.
According to the Oakland Police Department, at roughly 10:46 p.m. Saturday, CHP officers were in East Oakland investigating a shooting that had taken place the night before on Interstate 580. While there, officers noted a 2018 red Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat driving recklessly.
A plate check indicated the car had been stolen; the plate did not match the vehicle.
According to a news report from Berkeleyside, Lt. Ted Henderson of the San Leandro Police Department said the Hellcat was one of 80 vehicles stolen on May 31 from a San Leandro dealership.
He said he did not know whether Salgado stole the vehicle.
The CHP “conducted a traffic enforcement stop” after identifying the vehicle, according to Oakland police, “at which time the driver of the Dodge Hellcat began ramming CHP vehicles.”
Three CHP officers started shooting. Audio from video released by neighbors at the incident confirm dozens of shots were fired.
Minnie and Roger LaFleur were stunned by the gunfire CHP officers unleashed on one of their Oakland neighbors, Eric Salgado, killing him Saturday.
(Susanne Rust/Los Angeles Times)
Roger and Minnie Lafleur, who also live on the block, were shocked by the amount of gunfire.
“It’s not like he could have gone anywhere,” said Roger Lafleur, 81. “He was totally blocked in.”
“It’s just not OK,” said Minnie Lafleur, who said her nephew was fatally shot four years ago by police in San Francisco, and that her grandson was stabbed through the heart by his girlfriend. “But the police never investigated. They didn’t do a thing.”
“It’s not about racism, really,” said Roger Lafleur. He said he and his neighbors, who are white, Latino and Asian, all get along. “It’s about the cops. This is a police thing. They kill these young men like they are dogs. They shoot them like animals.”
Berkeleyside reports that court records show Salgado was arrested in 2018 for three separate vehicle thefts, and as recently as April 18, he’d been jailed after being arrested in San Leandro for vehicle theft. He also had “several” outstanding warrants for receiving stolen property, driving on a suspended license, and fleeing from police in Contra Costa County.


latimes--2020-06-10--Body found in Paso Robles during manhunt for deputy's shooter

A man in his late 40s was found fatally shot in downtown Paso Robles during a widespread search for a gunman who opened fire at a police station and wounded a deputy early Wednesday .
The body was discovered near the Amtrak station at 8th and Pine streets .
The man , who has not been identified , was shot in the head at close range , said Tony Cipolla , a spokesman for the San Luis Obispo Sheriff ’ s Department .
Authorities think the homicide is related to an early morning shooting that prompted a massive law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The situation began about 3:45 a.m. Wednesday when the San Luis Obispo Sheriff ’ s Department and the California Highway Patrol responded to a call that a man was firing shots at a police station on Park Street .
One deputy , who has not been identified , was shot in the face , Sgt .
Steve Odom said .
The gunfire occurred over a span of several minutes .
After the deputy was wounded , his partner returned fire .
The deputy was taken to a hospital and was listed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The gunman , who fled the area , was identified as Mason James Lira , 26 , a transient from the Monterey area of the Central Coast , according to the Associated Press .
Surveillance camera photos from a downtown hotel and an ale house were released of the suspect .
It was not clear whether the shooter was struck .
Paso Robles Police Chief Ty Lewis urged family or friends to convince the gunman to surrender .
“ There ’ s no need for further bloodshed .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community , ” he said .
Residents in downtown Paso Robles were being asked to shelter in place as the SWAT team and dozens of law enforcement personnel spent nearly 10 hours searching the area .
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Paso Robles Police Department at ( 805 ) 237-6464 .

A man in his late 40s was found fatally shot in downtown Paso Robles during a widespread search for a gunman who opened fire at a police station and wounded a deputy early Wednesday.
The body was discovered near the Amtrak station at 8th and Pine streets. The man, who has not been identified, was shot in the head at close range, said Tony Cipolla, a spokesman for the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department.
Authorities think the homicide is related to an early morning shooting that prompted a massive law enforcement response in the downtown area, Cipolla said.
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The situation began about 3:45 a.m. Wednesday when the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department and the California Highway Patrol responded to a call that a man was firing shots at a police station on Park Street.
One deputy, who has not been identified, was shot in the face, Sgt. Steve Odom said.
The gunfire occurred over a span of several minutes. After the deputy was wounded, his partner returned fire.
The deputy was taken to a hospital and was listed in serious but stable condition, Cipolla said.
The gunman, who fled the area, was identified as Mason James Lira, 26, a transient from the Monterey area of the Central Coast, according to the Associated Press.
An image taken from a surveillance camera shows a suspected gunman. (San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office)
Surveillance camera photos from a downtown hotel and an ale house were released of the suspect. It was not clear whether the shooter was struck.
Paso Robles Police Chief Ty Lewis urged family or friends to convince the gunman to surrender.
“There’s no need for further bloodshed. There’s no need for further violence in our community,” he said.
Residents in downtown Paso Robles were being asked to shelter in place as the SWAT team and dozens of law enforcement personnel spent nearly 10 hours searching the area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Paso Robles Police Department at (805) 237-6464.


latimes--2020-06-11--Police detain Black man who was dancing in the street in Alameda

The city of Alameda has pledged an independent investigation after several police officers forced a Black resident to the ground and physically detained him after he was seen dancing in the street .
City Manager Eric Levitt announced the planned inquiry Friday , the same day Alameda officials released body camera footage of the May 23 incident — which also was captured on cellphone video that circulated widely on social media .
“ In Alameda , transparency is important , and we believe open lines of communication create trust with our community , ” Levitt said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will be having an independent investigation.
” City spokeswoman Sarah Henry said Wednesday that two officers “ are on leave pending the outside investigation.
” She said none of the officers involved in the incident have been publicly identified .
Alameda police responded to the 2000 block of Central Avenue at about 7:45 a.m. on May 23 after a woman called to report that a Black person was dancing in the middle of the street .
What happened next was documented in six body camera videos , all of which were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his vehicle and walking over to the man , one officer asks whether everything is OK .
The man responds that he lives in the area and is just getting some exercise .
The officer informs him of the call .
“ Just want to make sure where you ’ re at : Do you feel like hurting yourself today ?
” the officer asks .
“ Have a good day , gentlemen , ” the man responds to the first officer and another who had just arrived and was standing behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the man , “ At this point , you ’ re detained , understand ?
” After a brief verbal exchange , the man turns toward the center of the street , and the two officers grab his arms and eventually march him to the side of the road .
The man can be heard asking a woman who is not visible on the video to record what is happening .
“ I have the right to exercise on my street , ” the man tells the officers , demanding that they let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and four of them eventually take the man to the ground and handcuff him .
“ I have witnesses all up and down this block .
...
I was minding my business , ” the man says .
The officers eventually walk the man to a police vehicle and place him in the back .
Henry said the resident , identified as Mali Watkins in the police report , was cited with a single misdemeanor charge of resisting/delaying/obstructing and was released at the scene .
“ At this time , I do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approached the call the way they did , ” Levitt said in his statement .
“ I am hopeful that an investigation will provide better understanding to that question .
”

The city of Alameda has pledged an independent investigation after several police officers forced a Black resident to the ground and physically detained him after he was seen dancing in the street.
City Manager Eric Levitt announced the planned inquiry Friday, the same day Alameda officials released body camera footage of the May 23 incident — which also was captured on cellphone video that circulated widely on social media.
“In Alameda, transparency is important, and we believe open lines of communication create trust with our community,” Levitt said in a statement. “Due to concerns regarding the incident, we will be having an independent investigation.”
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City spokeswoman Sarah Henry said Wednesday that two officers “are on leave pending the outside investigation.” She said none of the officers involved in the incident have been publicly identified.
Alameda police responded to the 2000 block of Central Avenue at about 7:45 a.m. on May 23 after a woman called to report that a Black person was dancing in the middle of the street.
What happened next was documented in six body camera videos, all of which were released last week.
After getting out of his vehicle and walking over to the man, one officer asks whether everything is OK. The man responds that he lives in the area and is just getting some exercise.
The officer informs him of the call.
“Just want to make sure where you’re at: Do you feel like hurting yourself today?” the officer asks.
“Have a good day, gentlemen,” the man responds to the first officer and another who had just arrived and was standing behind him.
The first officer then tells the man, “At this point, you’re detained, understand?”
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After a brief verbal exchange, the man turns toward the center of the street, and the two officers grab his arms and eventually march him to the side of the road.
The man can be heard asking a woman who is not visible on the video to record what is happening.
“I have the right to exercise on my street,” the man tells the officers, demanding that they let him go.
Additional officers arrive, and four of them eventually take the man to the ground and handcuff him.
“I have witnesses all up and down this block. ... I was minding my business,” the man says.
The officers eventually walk the man to a police vehicle and place him in the back.
Henry said the resident, identified as Mali Watkins in the police report, was cited with a single misdemeanor charge of resisting/delaying/obstructing and was released at the scene.
“At this time, I do not know the reasons why the initial officers approached the call the way they did,” Levitt said in his statement. “I am hopeful that an investigation will provide better understanding to that question.”