latimes--2020-03-24--Coronavirus forces some L.A. workers to choose between their health or a paycheck

Teresa Trejo has spent the last two decades shuttling between jobs at the L.A. Convention Center and Dodger Stadium .
Her work as a barista and a bartender serves as the main source of income for her family , which includes her 7-year-old son , whose fears around the coronavirus have steadily grown .
For Trejo , 46 , the effects of the outbreak hit swiftly two weeks ago , when both her workplaces shuttered and her hours were cut indefinitely , forcing her to file for unemployment .
Like other Americans who don ’ t have the luxury of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus will disproportionately affect those whose livelihoods depend on daily human interaction .
“ This is the first time in my life that I literally have no work , and I don ’ t know when I ’ m going back , ” she said .
Trejo ’ s family has some money in savings , but she doesn ’ t know how long that will last .
She ’ s hopeful that her union can assist .
Trejo , a lifelong Angeleno , and her family live in Inglewood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County ’ s implementation of a retroactive moratorium on no-fault evictions for residential and commercial buildings .
The measure is one of many meant to help alleviate the financial burden that the effects of the coronavirus outbreak will cause .
But for the immediate future , anxiety reigns .
Shows that were planned months in advance at downtown L.A. 's Convention Center have been canceled or suspended — a decision that creates a ripple effect on organizers , participants , vendors and workers like Trejo .
And with Major League Baseball delaying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least two weeks , it ’ s unclear when Dodger Stadium will reopen .
“ I don ’ t feel secure .
I don ’ t know for how long I ’ ll be able to survive.
” While workers like Trejo are losing jobs and hours , others face a different , dire challenge : Show up to work , but risk your health .
Laura Pozos , 58 , has worked at a McDonald ’ s in East Los Angeles for four years , her only source of income to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she ’ s also tasked with cleaning the restrooms .
Although she has been told to wash her hands after returning to the kitchen , gloves are not always provided , she said .
The restaurant directed questions to corporate McDonald ’ s , which was not immediately available for comment .
Last week , President Trump referred to fast-food employees as essential workers , as more Americans turn to at-home food delivery and fast-food options .
But a number of McDonald ’ s workers across the country , including Pozos , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect employees as fears over the virus grow .
Cooks and cashiers at two corporate McDonald ’ s stores in San Jose and Los Angeles went on strike last week after hours were cut and demands for health and safety protections , like supplying gloves and sanitizers , allegedly went ignored , the Fight for 15 group advocating for workers ’ protections said in a statement .
In a statement Friday , McDonald ’ s USA President Joe Erlinger said the company was working with franchisees to implement “ additional precautionary measures to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew and communities.
” That includes an increase of surface cleaning and sanitizing throughout the restaurant , Erlinger said .
In addition to the potential of lost wages , Pozos said her biggest fear is coming into contact with someone who may have the virus , contracting it herself and then passing it onto her family .
“ What would happen to the rest of us ?
” Many who fear for their health on the job must rely on their own judgment to protect themselves .
Linda Valdivia , a driver for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Los Angeles International Airport — a hotbed for potential risk .
As fears over the coronavirus have escalated in recent weeks , Valdivia hasn ’ t considered stopping work ; her ride fares are the sole source of her income , which often requires her to put in long hours .
She ’ s focused on how to protect herself , and her passengers , by purchasing disinfectant creams , wipes and sprays to clean her backseat .
The purchases come out of her own pocket , and aren ’ t reimbursed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d rather spend money than put herself in danger .
“ We ’ re taking extreme precautions every time we give a ride to a passenger , ” she said , as Lyft and Uber drivers throughout the country continue to demand better protections .
“ It ’ s not a secret we ’ re at a higher risk.
” Labor analysts say that , by straining the economy , the virus is exposing how vulnerable many workers are , and not only those who live paycheck to paycheck .
“ It really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how close to the bone everything is for people up and down the line , ” said Toby Higbie , a professor of labor studies at UCLA .
“ That work is not equally distributed across races and gender , ” Higbie added , stressing that it is often women and people of color who are most likely to bear the burden .
Three weeks before the president advised Americans to stay home as the coronavirus spread throughout the nation , and before Californians were explicitly instructed to do so , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a question to the public for the first time : What would it be like if you couldn ’ t go to work or school ?
How would you prepare for a life interrupted ?
But those questions hinged on people ’ s ability to telecommute in order to keep working and to carry on with life .
In the days before a new reality set in , workers who could not afford to stay home were seemingly exempt from the conversation and directives from on high .
A conducted March 13 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 % of adults surveyed already had been laid off or seen a reduction in work hours .
Among households earning less than $ 50,000 , 25 % saw hours cut or a job loss .
In California , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said the number of individuals filing for unemployment insurance had reached 80,000 in one day last week , an exponential increase from the previous daily average of roughly 2,000 .
Higbie points to the Great Depression of the 1930s and the Great Recession of 2008 as examples of major social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later by those who live “ closer to the edge.
” “ The only way out is solidarity , ” he said .
Workers throughout the county have launched GoFundMe pages to raise funds for fellow employees as hours dwindle and wages subside .
Before L.A. County ’ s directives to close all nonessential businesses , local bookstore workers in Pasadena , Silver Lake and West Hollywood banded together to raise funds while employees took part in a sick-out , refraining from work in order to protect their health .
David Thomas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he can rely on his parents for support if the company won ’ t give him sick leave .
But he worries for others .
“ Other people have to pay rent , they have bills .
We ’ re hoping that the store continues to support us if it does close down , ” he said .
In other instances , families are shouldering the totality of the burden together .
Yamilech Trujillo , 21 , works at the front desk of a hotel in downtown Los Angeles .
Her mom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a bartender at a restaurant .
Her entire household is facing a total loss in wages .
Trujillo says that the occupancy rate at the hotel has gone down considerably , and she and her coworkers ’ hours have been cut significantly .
Still , she ’ s trying to stay positive , and has been bolstered by the efforts of her union , Unite Here Local 11 , which has coordinated workshops to educate those who are facing unemployment .
“ It ’ s a lot to take in , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Teresa Trejo filed for unemployment for the first time in her life after she lost hours from the L.A. Convention Center and Dodger Stadium.
Teresa Trejo has spent the last two decades shuttling between jobs at the L.A. Convention Center and Dodger Stadium. Her work as a barista and a bartender serves as the main source of income for her family, which includes her 7-year-old son, whose fears around the coronavirus have steadily grown.
For Trejo, 46, the effects of the outbreak hit swiftly two weeks ago, when both her workplaces shuttered and her hours were cut indefinitely, forcing her to file for unemployment. Like other Americans who don’t have the luxury of a work-from-home option, Trejo is finding that the virus will disproportionately affect those whose livelihoods depend on daily human interaction.
“This is the first time in my life that I literally have no work, and I don’t know when I’m going back,” she said. Trejo’s family has some money in savings, but she doesn’t know how long that will last. She’s hopeful that her union can assist.
Trejo, a lifelong Angeleno, and her family live in Inglewood, a city that falls under Los Angeles County’s implementation of a retroactive moratorium on no-fault evictions for residential and commercial buildings. The measure is one of many meant to help alleviate the financial burden that the effects of the coronavirus outbreak will cause.
“I don’t feel secure. I don’t know for how long I’ll be able to survive.” — Teresa Trejo
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But for the immediate future, anxiety reigns. Shows that were planned months in advance at downtown L.A.’s Convention Center have been canceled or suspended — a decision that creates a ripple effect on organizers, participants, vendors and workers like Trejo. And with Major League Baseball delaying the start of the 2020 season for at least two weeks, it’s unclear when Dodger Stadium will reopen.
“I don’t feel secure. I don’t know for how long I’ll be able to survive.”
Tracking the coronavirus in California The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in California.
While workers like Trejo are losing jobs and hours, others face a different, dire challenge: Show up to work, but risk your health.
Laura Pozos, 58, has worked at a McDonald’s in East Los Angeles for four years, her only source of income to provide for her two children.
At times, she’s also tasked with cleaning the restrooms. Although she has been told to wash her hands after returning to the kitchen, gloves are not always provided, she said. The restaurant directed questions to corporate McDonald’s, which was not immediately available for comment.
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Last week, President Trump referred to fast-food employees as essential workers, as more Americans turn to at-home food delivery and fast-food options.
But a number of McDonald’s workers across the country, including Pozos, believe the company has done little to protect employees as fears over the virus grow.
Cooks and cashiers at two corporate McDonald’s stores in San Jose and Los Angeles went on strike last week after hours were cut and demands for health and safety protections, like supplying gloves and sanitizers, allegedly went ignored, the Fight for 15 group advocating for workers’ protections said in a statement.
In a statement Friday, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger said the company was working with franchisees to implement “additional precautionary measures to safeguard the well-being of our customers, crew and communities.”
That includes an increase of surface cleaning and sanitizing throughout the restaurant, Erlinger said.
In addition to the potential of lost wages, Pozos said her biggest fear is coming into contact with someone who may have the virus, contracting it herself and then passing it onto her family.
“What would happen to the rest of us?”
Many who fear for their health on the job must rely on their own judgment to protect themselves.
Linda Valdivia, a driver for Uber, often provides rides to and from Los Angeles International Airport — a hotbed for potential risk.
As fears over the coronavirus have escalated in recent weeks, Valdivia hasn’t considered stopping work; her ride fares are the sole source of her income, which often requires her to put in long hours. She’s focused on how to protect herself, and her passengers, by purchasing disinfectant creams, wipes and sprays to clean her backseat.
The purchases come out of her own pocket, and aren’t reimbursed by the company. But she’d rather spend money than put herself in danger.
“We’re taking extreme precautions every time we give a ride to a passenger,” she said, as Lyft and Uber drivers throughout the country continue to demand better protections. “It’s not a secret we’re at a higher risk.”
A worker stocks items at Northgate Gonzalez Market in Los Angeles on March 19. (Getty Images)
Labor analysts say that, by straining the economy, the virus is exposing how vulnerable many workers are, and not only those who live paycheck to paycheck.
“It really shows how little social safety net exists and how close to the bone everything is for people up and down the line,” said Toby Higbie, a professor of labor studies at UCLA.
“That work is not equally distributed across races and gender,” Higbie added, stressing that it is often women and people of color who are most likely to bear the burden.
Three weeks before the president advised Americans to stay home as the coronavirus spread throughout the nation, and before Californians were explicitly instructed to do so, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posed a question to the public for the first time: What would it be like if you couldn’t go to work or school? How would you prepare for a life interrupted?
But those questions hinged on people’s ability to telecommute in order to keep working and to carry on with life. In the days before a new reality set in, workers who could not afford to stay home were seemingly exempt from the conversation and directives from on high.
A Marist poll conducted March 13 and 14 for NPR and PBS found that 18% of adults surveyed already had been laid off or seen a reduction in work hours. Among households earning less than $50,000, 25% saw hours cut or a job loss.
In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the number of individuals filing for unemployment insurance had reached 80,000 in one day last week, an exponential increase from the previous daily average of roughly 2,000.
“The only way out is solidarity.” — Toby Higbie, labor studies professor at UCLA
Higbie points to the Great Depression of the 1930s and the Great Recession of 2008 as examples of major social disruptions that continued to be felt years later by those who live “closer to the edge.”
“The only way out is solidarity,” he said.
Workers throughout the county have launched GoFundMe pages to raise funds for fellow employees as hours dwindle and wages subside. Before L.A. County’s directives to close all nonessential businesses, local bookstore workers in Pasadena, Silver Lake and West Hollywood banded together to raise funds while employees took part in a sick-out, refraining from work in order to protect their health.
David Thomas, one of those bookstore employees, said that he can rely on his parents for support if the company won’t give him sick leave. But he worries for others.
“Other people have to pay rent, they have bills. We’re hoping that the store continues to support us if it does close down,” he said.
In other instances, families are shouldering the totality of the burden together.
Yamilech Trujillo, 21, works at the front desk of a hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Her mom is a housekeeper there and her stepfather is a bartender at a restaurant. Her entire household is facing a total loss in wages.
Trujillo says that the occupancy rate at the hotel has gone down considerably, and she and her coworkers’ hours have been cut significantly. Still, she’s trying to stay positive, and has been bolstered by the efforts of her union, Unite Here Local 11, which has coordinated workshops to educate those who are facing unemployment.
“It’s a lot to take in, but we have to not panic.”


latimes--2020-03-25--How to spot fake coronavirus news on social media

Bad information about the novel coronavirus appears to be contagious .
But there are some steps you can take to verify information on social media before you share it .
The temptation to share unverified but alarming information is understandable .
Many of the people who share hoaxes don ’ t do it to mislead ; they think they ’ re sharing valuable information with their friends and family .
But it ’ s easy to hit “ retweet ” on something that ’ s just not true .
And false information isn ’ t helpful to anyone .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic ; we ’ re fighting an infodemic .
Fake news spreads faster and more easily than this virus and is just as dangerous , ” said World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Feb. 15 .
For starters , if someone high up in the government or military was attempting to communicate vital information to American citizens , they probably wouldn ’ t do it with a rambling screenshot from the Notes app .
A source in Homeland Security is not trying to get the word out about , and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D.C. ” passing along a tip about the president using .
Another hot topic : ibuprofen .
The French doctor who originally advised people not to take Tylenol probably meant well , but medical experts around the world say there ’ s no evidence ibuprofen is linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 infection , nor has it been linked to increased complications from the disease .
President Trump , no stranger to repeating rumors that would reflect well on him , has repeatedly claimed that certain existing drugs could treat coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ while scientists are working to test the efficacy of the malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in fighting coronavirus , there ’ s currently no reliable , published , peer-reviewed evidence on the subject .
The Food and Drug Administration has not approved either drug to treat the disease , and no one should be attempting to self-medicate with it .
Already , this bad information has had tragic repercussions : A man reportedly at home in Arizona in hopes of preventing coronavirus .
So take a beat before you retweet .
Here are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re reading before you share .
• Check the account .
Are they verified on Twitter or Facebook ?
That lends more credibility to what they say .
If they aren ’ t verified , do more checking .
• Check the photo on the account .
Does it seem like a real person , or is it a photo of a celebrity or something generic , like a sunset or a flower ?
You can use reverse Google Image search to see if the photo was taken from elsewhere on the internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account and how many followers it has .
A brand-new account with a dozen followers is unlikely to be one that ’ s breaking major national news .
• Scroll back through some older posts — has the account always shared news , or was it a meme account a month ago ?
• Take note of how the news is being presented to you — just in the tweet ?
Is there a link to a longer story somewhere ?
Again : A screenshot of an email , text message , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be good information .
• Check the source .
Is the account attributing the information to an organization , a politician , a news outlet , or “ a friend of a friend ” ?
Good information will have a reputable name to back it up .
Verify the site the information is coming from .
• If there ’ s a link , click it .
Does it go where you expected it to go ?
Check the URL — are you really on the site you think you ’ re on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Look for strange spelling and anything weird in the web address .
• A website you ’ ve never heard of is unlikely to be the first and only source for major breaking news , no matter how slick the layout looks .
• Check the date on the article .
Is it new or old ?
• Check the byline .
Is it a real name ?
Click through to the bio page — does it sound real ?
Does the author have social media accounts where you can verify that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is another opportunity to use Google Image reverse search if there ’ s a photo .
• The best way to verify a piece of information is to see whether reliable news outlets have reported it .
As news organizations , there is a burden on us to do more digging to verify things before we share them on social media .
We don ’ t always get it right , but there ’ s a better chance something tweeted from your local newspaper is true than something from a completely random @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Read the story or post .
Does the wording sound off — maybe like it was run through Google Translate a few times ?
That ’ s one way fake news websites from legitimate sites .
• Trust your gut .
If there ’ s a nagging voice in the back of your head saying , “ Eh , I ’ m not entirely sure this is true , ” or “ Wow , that sounds kind of far-fetched , but who knows ?
” it ’ s better to hold off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you see someone on social media sharing information that ’ s not true , try to be gentle when pointing it out .
Correcting false information can backfire .
People are prone to be defensive and to double down when they ’ re challenged .
We ’ re all a little tense right now .
Be kind .
And don ’ t forget to wash your hands .

Bad information about the novel coronavirus appears to be contagious. But there are some steps you can take to verify information on social media before you share it.
The temptation to share unverified but alarming information is understandable. Many of the people who share hoaxes don’t do it to mislead; they think they’re sharing valuable information with their friends and family. But it’s easy to hit “retweet” on something that’s just not true. And false information isn’t helpful to anyone.
For the record: A previous version of this article misstated a French doctor’s erroneous advice; he advised people against taking ibuprofen, not Tylenol. Since he made those statements, however, experts have said either drug is fine to help reduce fever in people with COVID-19.
“We’re not just fighting an epidemic; we’re fighting an infodemic. Fake news spreads faster and more easily than this virus and is just as dangerous,” said World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Feb. 15.
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For starters, if someone high up in the government or military was attempting to communicate vital information to American citizens, they probably wouldn’t do it with a rambling screenshot from the Notes app. A source in Homeland Security is not trying to get the word out about impending martial law , and there is no “high-ranking military friend in D.C.” passing along a tip about the president using the Stafford Act for a nationwide quarantine .
Another hot topic: ibuprofen. The French doctor who originally advised people to take Tylenol probably meant well, but medical experts around the world say there’s no evidence ibuprofen is linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 infection , nor has it been linked to increased complications from the disease.
President Trump, no stranger to repeating rumors that would reflect well on him, has repeatedly claimed that certain existing drugs could treat coronavirus. Elon Musk shared that optimism. But while scientists are working to test the efficacy of the malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in fighting coronavirus, there’s currently no reliable, published, peer-reviewed evidence on the subject. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved either drug to treat the disease, and no one should be attempting to self-medicate with it. Already, this bad information has had tragic repercussions: A man reportedly died after ingesting chloroquine at home in Arizona in hopes of preventing coronavirus.
So take a beat before you retweet. Here are some ways to verify what you’re reading before you share.
Verify the account that’s posting the information.
Check the account. Are they verified on Twitter or Facebook? That lends more credibility to what they say. If they aren’t verified, do more checking.
Check the photo on the account. Does it seem like a real person, or is it a photo of a celebrity or something generic, like a sunset or a flower? You can use reverse Google Image search to see if the photo was taken from elsewhere on the internet.
Check the age of the account and how many followers it has. A brand-new account with a dozen followers is unlikely to be one that’s breaking major national news.
Scroll back through some older posts — has the account always shared news, or was it a meme account a month ago?
Take note of how the news is being presented to you — just in the tweet? Is there a link to a longer story somewhere? Again: A screenshot of an email, text message, Google Doc or Notes app is unlikely to be good information.
Check the source. Is the account attributing the information to an organization, a politician, a news outlet, or “a friend of a friend”? Good information will have a reputable name to back it up.
Verify the site the information is coming from.
Advertisement
If there’s a link, click it. Does it go where you expected it to go? Check the URL — are you really on the site you think you’re on, or does something seem off? Look for strange spelling and anything weird in the web address.
A website you’ve never heard of is unlikely to be the first and only source for major breaking news, no matter how slick the layout looks.
Check the date on the article. Is it new or old?
Check the byline. Is it a real name? Click through to the bio page — does it sound real? Does the author have social media accounts where you can verify that he or she is an actual reporter? This is another opportunity to use Google Image reverse search if there’s a photo.
Verify the information itself.
The best way to verify a piece of information is to see whether reliable news outlets have reported it. As news organizations, there is a burden on us to do more digging to verify things before we share them on social media. We don’t always get it right, but there’s a better chance something tweeted from your local newspaper is true than something from a completely random person with no accountability to anyone.
Read the story or post. Does the wording sound off — maybe like it was run through Google Translate a few times? That’s one way fake news websites rip off articles from legitimate sites.
from legitimate sites. Trust your gut. If there’s a nagging voice in the back of your head saying, “Eh, I’m not entirely sure this is true,” or “Wow, that sounds kind of far-fetched, but who knows?” it’s better to hold off on sharing it until you can verify.
If you see someone on social media sharing information that’s not true, try to be gentle when pointing it out. Correcting false information can backfire. People are prone to be defensive and to double down when they’re challenged. We’re all a little tense right now. Be kind. And don’t forget to wash your hands.


latimes--2020-03-25--California's renters and landlords are 'just scared' as job losses mount from coronavirus

Catherine Alvarez is not working and on disability .
Her husband was just laid off from his job as a quality control specialist .
Her son ’ s hours recently got cut at a fast-food restaurant .
Now , Alvarez is worried how they ’ re going to pay rent .
“ If I cover the amount of the rent , I ’ m not going to be able to buy food , ” said Alvarez , 34 , whose family lives in a two-bedroom apartment in Downey .
“ We ’ re not sure what to put first before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks , the spread of the novel coronavirus has prompted public health officials to close businesses and force Californians to stay in their homes , leading to economic devastation for those who ’ ve lost jobs and hours at work .
A key date is just a week away : April 1 .
Many renters are worrying how they ’ re going to pay their landlords .
And many landlords are worrying how they ’ re going to pay their mortgages .
While federal , state and local governments have provided some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escalating pandemic , landlords and tenants agree they need a lot more help to prevent people from losing their homes and properties .
Landlord groups have started telling their members to stop evicting tenants , cancel any planned rent increases and waive late fees for nonpayment — all previously unthinkable proposals from apartment owners who have spent tens of millions of dollars to block state and local ballot measures to expand rent control .
“ This is an unprecedented crisis , and through no fault of their own , people are struggling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Multifamily Housing Council , a national landlord advocacy group .
“ It ’ s up to us to do our part.
” On Sunday , the group told its members that they should halt evictions for anyone affected by the coronavirus for the next three months , hold off on rent increases and work out payment plans for tenants .
The California Apartment Assn.
, the state ’ s largest landlord group , has made a similar request of its members .
Even L.A. attorney Dennis Block , who has boasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tenants than any other human being on the planet Earth ” and was filing eviction cases last week , is now telling his clients to consider temporary reductions for renters who ’ ve lost work , instead of putting them out .
“ In most instances , evictions will not be the solution , ” Block wrote on his website .
“ I believe the better approach is to work with your affected tenants.
” Gov .
Gavin Newsom has not banned evictions or foreclosures outright .
Instead , keeping with his approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal mandates during the pandemic , he issued an executive order last week asking cities and counties to enact such bans .
Without overarching statewide action , the response has been a patchwork .
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti , in recent days , has issued orders temporarily blocking evictions for those affected by the coronavirus and in situations where apartment owners are planning to pull rentals off the market .
A broader plan advanced by the L.A. City Council is on hold because meetings have been canceled through the end of the month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a host of smaller cities in Southern California also have approved at least some type of moratorium on evictions .
But other places have not .
On Tuesday night , for example , the city of Downey was scheduled to discuss a temporary eviction ban , but it wouldn ’ t go into effect until next month at the earliest .
Some California lawmakers have said they want to pass a statewide eviction ban , but they haven ’ t introduced a bill because the Legislature is in recess until mid-April .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington and Maryland , have moved faster than California , with their governors implementing comprehensive prohibitions against evictions and foreclosures .
This lack of a statewide response here has brought together an unlikely combination of housing activists .
More than 140 organizations signed a letter Friday asking Newsom to not only implement an immediate statewide ban on evictions , but also suspend and forgive mortgage and rent payments among other aggressive actions .
The groups included Yes in My Backyard and an affiliate of the L.A.-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation .
Under normal circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that signed the letter hate one another .
Their unity reveals a shared fear with renters as the coronavirus outbreak worsens the state ’ s affordable housing problems , said Francisco Dueñas , executive director of Housing Now , an advocacy group that spearheaded the letter .
“ I think folks were hopeful when the governor made his announcement last week that it would be something that would really provide relief for tenants at this moment of uncertainty , ” Dueñas said .
“ And he just really punted.
” The federal government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left gaps .
Last week , President Trump announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development was “ providing immediate relief to renters and homeowners by suspending all foreclosures and evictions until the end of April.
” But that was not the case .
Instead , the Trump administration has offered foreclosure relief for single-family homeowners and apartment owners with mortgages backed by the federal government .
For landlords , that benefit will be available only if they agree not to evict their tenants .
Shmuel Raigorodsky , who owns three small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles , is working with his renters .
He said he has already heard from tenants in the restaurant industry who have lost their jobs and aren ’ t going to be able to make rent in April .
In response , he has called his banks to see if they ’ ll be able to offer some relief on his mortgages , but he hasn ’ t gotten anything firm yet .
Raigorodsky , 35 , plans to allow his tenants to pay him later , but he ’ s worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ juggling act , ” he said .
“ To see how I can be the most helpful while at the same time making sure all the bills are paid.
” Diane Yentel , president and chief executive of the National Low Income Housing Coalition , said the strongest response to the pandemic should be from the federal government because it has the ability to protect renters and homeowners beyond the budgets of state and local government , and the leverage to force banks to provide support too .
Instead , the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies across the country to implement an eviction moratorium .
“ We ’ re really pushing for a uniform national policy to ensure that people don ’ t lose their homes at a time of emergency , ” Yentel said .
“ At the same time , there has to be tens of billions of dollars in financial assistance to ensure there ’ s not a cliff that low-income renters fall off once the emergency ends.
” Congress and the Trump administration have discussed providing renter and homeowner assistance as part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal on a plan early Wednesday , but no details were immediately available on what housing aid might be included .
As for Alvarez , she ’ s spoken with her property manager who told her the landlord will give her family more time to pay the rent .
But she ’ s concerned that even if Downey ultimately passes a moratorium on evictions , she won ’ t be able to make up what she owes without more help .

Catherine Alvarez and her son, Jothcyel Alvarez, worry they might be evicted from their apartment in Downey.
Catherine Alvarez is not working and on disability. Her husband was just laid off from his job as a quality control specialist. Her son’s hours recently got cut at a fast-food restaurant.
Now, Alvarez is worried how they’re going to pay rent.
“If I cover the amount of the rent, I’m not going to be able to buy food,” said Alvarez, 34, whose family lives in a two-bedroom apartment in Downey. “We’re not sure what to put first before we run out of money.”
In recent weeks, the spread of the novel coronavirus has prompted public health officials to close businesses and force Californians to stay in their homes, leading to economic devastation for those who’ve lost jobs and hours at work.
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A key date is just a week away: April 1. Many renters are worrying how they’re going to pay their landlords. And many landlords are worrying how they’re going to pay their mortgages.
While federal, state and local governments have provided some protection against evictions and foreclosures during the escalating pandemic, landlords and tenants agree they need a lot more help to prevent people from losing their homes and properties. And the number of people looking for relief could be staggering. On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that more than 1 million Californians have applied for unemployment benefits this month after being laid off because of the pandemic.
Landlord groups have started telling their members to stop evicting tenants, cancel any planned rent increases and waive late fees for nonpayment — all previously unthinkable proposals from apartment owners who have spent tens of millions of dollars to block state and local ballot measures to expand rent control.
“This is an unprecedented crisis, and through no fault of their own, people are struggling,” said Jim Lapides, spokesman for the National Multifamily Housing Council, a national landlord advocacy group. “It’s up to us to do our part.”
On Sunday, the group told its members that they should halt evictions for anyone affected by the coronavirus for the next three months, hold off on rent increases and work out payment plans for tenants. The California Apartment Assn., the state’s largest landlord group, has made a similar request of its members.
Even L.A. attorney Dennis Block, who has boasted that he’s “evicted more tenants than any other human being on the planet Earth” and was filing eviction cases last week, is now telling his clients to consider temporary reductions for renters who’ve lost work, instead of putting them out.
“In most instances, evictions will not be the solution,” Block wrote on his website. “I believe the better approach is to work with your affected tenants.”
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Newsom has not banned evictions or foreclosures outright. Instead, keeping with his approach of releasing guidelines and advisories rather than legal mandates during the pandemic, he issued an executive order last week asking cities and counties to enact such bans.
Without overarching statewide action, the response has been a patchwork.
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, in recent days, has issued orders temporarily blocking evictions for those affected by the coronavirus and in situations where apartment owners are planning to pull rentals off the market.
A broader plan advanced by the L.A. City Council was put on hold because meetings had been canceled through the end of the month. But the council has decided to convene an emergency meeting on Friday.
San Francisco, San Jose and a host of smaller cities in Southern California also have approved at least some type of moratorium on evictions. But other places have not.
On Tuesday night, for example, the city of Downey was scheduled to discuss a temporary eviction ban, but it wouldn’t go into effect until next month at the earliest.
Some California lawmakers have said they want to pass a statewide eviction ban, but they haven’t introduced a bill because the Legislature is in recess until mid-April. Meanwhile, other states, including Indiana, Washington and Maryland, have moved faster than California, with their governors implementing comprehensive prohibitions against evictions and foreclosures.
This lack of a statewide response here has brought together an unlikely combination of housing activists.
More than 140 organizations signed a letter on Friday asking Newsom to not only implement an immediate statewide ban on evictions, but also suspend and forgive mortgage and rent payments among other aggressive actions. The groups included Yes In My Backyard, or YIMBY, and an affiliate of the L.A.-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Under normal circumstances, those two groups and many others that signed the letter hate one another. Their unity reveals a shared fear for renters as the coronavirus outbreak worsens the state’s affordable housing problems, said Francisco Dueñas, executive director of Housing Now, an advocacy group that spearheaded the letter.
“I think folks were hopeful when the governor made his announcement last week that it would be something that would really provide relief for tenants at this moment of uncertainty,” Dueñas said. “And he just really punted.”
Newsom didn’t commit to a statewide eviction ban at a press conference on Wednesday, but signaled that he was frustrated that few cities had acted.
“We are very concerned about what’s happening — or not happening — at the local level,” Newsom said.
The federal government’s response so far has also left gaps. Last week, President Trump announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development was “providing immediate relief to renters and homeowners by suspending all foreclosures and evictions until the end of April.”
But that was not the case. Instead, the Trump administration has offered foreclosure relief for single-family homeowners and apartment owners with mortgages backed by the federal government. For landlords, that benefit will be available only if they agree not to evict their tenants.
Shmuel Raigorodsky, who owns three small apartment complexes and two single-family rentals in Los Angeles, is working with his renters.
He said he has already heard from tenants in the restaurant industry who have lost their jobs and aren’t going to be able to make rent in April. In response, he has called his banks to see if they’ll be able to offer some relief on his mortgages, but he hasn’t gotten anything firm yet.
Raigorodsky, 35, plans to allow his tenants to pay him later, but he’s worried. “It’s a little juggling act,” he said. “To see how I can be the most helpful while at the same time making sure all the bills are paid.”
Diane Yentel, president and chief executive of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said the strongest response to the pandemic should be from the federal government because it has the ability to protect renters and homeowners beyond the budgets of state and local government, and the leverage to force banks to provide support too.
Instead, the Trump administration has asked state and local public housing agencies across the country to implement an eviction moratorium.
“We’re really pushing for a uniform national policy to ensure that people don’t lose their homes at a time of emergency,” Yentel said. “At the same time, there has to be tens of billions of dollars in financial assistance to ensure there’s not a cliff that low-income renters fall off once the emergency ends.”
Congress and the Trump administration have discussed providing renter and homeowner assistance as part of a coronavirus stimulus package. Negotiators announced a deal on a plan early Wednesday, but no details were immediately available on what housing aid might be included.
As for Alvarez, she’s spoken with her property manager, who told her the landlord will give her family more time to pay the rent. But she’s concerned that even if Downey ultimately passes a moratorium on evictions, she won’t be able to make up what she owes without more help.
“I’m just scared,” Alvarez said.


latimes--2020-03-25--Mr. Sherman, Little Tokyo's 23-year-old feline 'mayor,' keeps purring along

The youngsters still came to see their feline elder , Mr. Sherman .
Liz Ito , a Los Angeles artist , was just 11 when she first met the American tabby who reached the grand age of 23 this month .
She had accompanied her mother to a Little Tokyo boutique known for selling whimsical prints .
Her mama bought a print dress , she remembered , navy with a Peter Pan collar and splashed with frolicking wildlife .
She passed the time petting “ a cute little cat who seemed to own the place and was very confident in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furry being lounging on a chair , and I didn ’ t want to disturb him , but he came right up to sniff me , ” she said .
“ He was talkative .
Curious , too .
I think he could smell my two cats and I was wishing I could have taken him home since they needed an older someone to watch them .
It ’ s so special that he ’ s still around.
” Before the Los Angeles lockdown sparked by the coronavirus , both women , 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ izakaya meal .
They strolled outside the shop called Ashiya , hoping to say hello to the domestic short-haired cat usually found near owner Kyoko Kimball .
Mr. Sherman , Little Tokyo ’ s feline “ mayor , ” had just turned 23 .
Birthdays now are a quiet rite of passage for the purring , throaty ambassador , who ’ s been familiar to shoppers , merchants and passers-by in the cultural district where he has held court at the store facing the popular Marukai Market .
Before the warnings sounded about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was picking up children ’ s gifts and office supplies at a Kinokuniya bookstore in neighboring Weller Court , said he often saw Sherman in front of the boutique , keeping watch on foot traffic .
“ He has such intelligent eyes .
Not much goes past him , it ’ s like he ’ s committing the scene to memory to tell someone about it later , ” said the medical researcher from Glendale , 43 .
At this stage in his life , Sherman , suffering from hyperthyroidism and kidney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to eight pounds , sticks to a routine .
He rises early , takes medication for his condition , which makes him more active around 11:30 a.m. , and naps after lunch .
He lets it be known that he does not care for leftovers .
“ Everything has to be fresh , ” says Kimball , the caregiver who adopted him more than 16 years ago and spends $ 1,000 monthly on his food , prescriptions and fluid therapy .
“ He ’ s retired .
I give him Social Security money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s a person .
We communicate every day.
” Kimball , 66 , used to own multiple retail businesses , including one in a fancy hotel along Wilshire Boulevard , selling handbags and jewelry .
Recently , she ’ s been working at an office in the back of her shop because “ Mr .
Sherman knows the places around here , ” she said , while bustling between store aisles where foxes , pugs and koalas danced across print clothing , beckoning to buyers .
“ Where else would I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she asked .
“ It ’ s not as casual , low-key.
” Four years ago , in early March , a stranger “ catnapped ” Mr. Sherman outside Marukai Market .
Security video showed a female figure picking him up and taking him away .
Kimball distributed fliers , calling then-L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for help .
An KABC-TV News team arrived at the scene for interviews .
About two weeks later , Sherman reappeared , possibly accompanied by the same woman — no questions asked .
“ All my customers had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted him back — I didn ’ t need to ask for any reasons , ” Kimball said .
She resolved then to be much more careful and “ don ’ t let him out of my sight.
” She always calls Sherman “ Mr .
Sherman , ” she says , since “ he has that image ” about him .
Both caregiver and pet have evolved long enough to see Little Tokyo transform from mom-and-pop shops to a more urban , diverse district dotted with new apartments , filled with pet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are moving in , but I ’ m glad Sherman is still here to have a sense of history , ” Ito said .
“ Not every kitty can make it to such a senior age , ” but Sherman has been “ both lucky in terms of health and family care , ” said Lauren Matta , a registered veterinary technician working with Dr. Hye-Ok Chung , Sherman ’ s veterinarian at the Little Tokyo Pet Clinic .
They listed “ affection from a loving family and wellness management ” as factors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Chung estimated Sherman was born on March 22 , 1997 , after examining his teeth and physical condition — compared with outdoor felines who on average only live for seven years .
Matta described Sherman as “ an outgoing individual who loves playing shopkeeper and greeting his guests .
He has quite a voice.
” Ito plans to bring her school-age cousins to pay their respects .
“ Little Tokyo is a symbol and Sherman is a symbol , ” she said .
“ Both are treasures .
”

Mr. Sherman, an American tabby often called the feline “mayor” of Little Tokyo, spends his day guarding his owner’s boutique.
The youngsters still came to see their feline elder, Mr. Sherman.
Liz Ito, a Los Angeles artist, was just 11 when she first met the American tabby who reached the grand age of 23 this month. She had accompanied her mother to a Little Tokyo boutique known for selling whimsical prints.
Her mama bought a print dress, she remembered, navy with a Peter Pan collar and splashed with frolicking wildlife. She passed the time petting “a cute little cat who seemed to own the place and was very confident in his approach.”
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Ito’s friend, Highland Park resident Mary Wilson, recalled visiting the store back in sixth grade.
“There was a furry being lounging on a chair, and I didn’t want to disturb him, but he came right up to sniff me,” she said. “He was talkative. Curious, too. I think he could smell my two cats and I was wishing I could have taken him home since they needed an older someone to watch them. It’s so special that he’s still around.”
Mr. Sherman, adopted by Kiyoko Kimball, owner of Ashiya, spends his day guarding the women’s boutique in Little Tokyo. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Before the Los Angeles lockdown sparked by the coronavirus, both women, 19, returned to downtown L.A. for an izakaya meal. They strolled outside the shop called Ashiya, hoping to say hello to the domestic short-haired cat usually found near owner Kyoko Kimball.
Mr. Sherman, Little Tokyo’s feline “mayor,” had just turned 23.
Birthdays now are a quiet rite of passage for the purring, throaty ambassador, who’s been familiar to shoppers, merchants and passers-by in the cultural district where he has held court at the store facing the popular Marukai Market.
Before the warnings sounded about the global pandemic, Mark Richards, who was picking up children’s gifts and office supplies at a Kinokuniya bookstore in neighboring Weller Court, said he often saw Sherman in front of the boutique, keeping watch on foot traffic.
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“He has such intelligent eyes. Not much goes past him, it’s like he’s committing the scene to memory to tell someone about it later,” said the medical researcher from Glendale, 43.
At this stage in his life, Sherman, suffering from hyperthyroidism and kidney disease that caused his weight to plummet to eight pounds, sticks to a routine.
He rises early, takes medication for his condition, which makes him more active around 11:30 a.m., and naps after lunch. He lets it be known that he does not care for leftovers.
“Everything has to be fresh,” says Kiyoko Kimball, the caregiver who adopted him more than 16 years ago and spends $1,000 monthly on his food, prescriptions and fluid therapy. “He’s retired. I give him Social Security money. And you know, he thinks he’s a person. We communicate every day.”
Kimball, 66, used to own multiple retail businesses, including one in a fancy hotel along Wilshire Boulevard, selling handbags and jewelry. Recently, she’s been working at an office in the back of her shop because “Mr. Sherman knows the places around here,” she said, while bustling between store aisles where foxes, pugs and koalas danced across print clothing, beckoning to buyers.
“Where else would I take him? Beverly Hills?” she asked. “It’s not as casual, low-key.”
Four years ago, in early March, a stranger “catnapped” Mr. Sherman outside Marukai Market.
Kiyoko Kimball, owner of Ashiya, tries to encourage Mr. Sherman to pose for a photo in her boutique in Little Tokyo. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Security video showed a female figure picking him up and taking him away. Kimball distributed fliers, calling then-L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for help. An KABC-TV News team arrived at the scene for interviews. About two weeks later, Sherman reappeared, possibly accompanied by the same woman — no questions asked.
“All my customers had been looking for him and I just wanted him back — I didn’t need to ask for any reasons,” Kimball said. She resolved then to be much more careful and “don’t let him out of my sight.”
She always calls Sherman “Mr. Sherman,” she says, since “he has that image” about him. Both caregiver and pet have evolved long enough to see Little Tokyo transform from mom-and-pop shops to a more urban, diverse district dotted with new apartments, filled with pet owners.
“Definitely, younger tenants are moving in, but I’m glad Sherman is still here to have a sense of history,” Ito said.
“Not every kitty can make it to such a senior age,” but Sherman has been “both lucky in terms of health and family care,” said Lauren Matta, a registered veterinary technician working with Dr. Hye-Ok Chung, Sherman’s veterinarian at the Little Tokyo Pet Clinic. They listed “affection from a loving family and wellness management” as factors that helped the cat live so long — Chung estimated Sherman was born on March 22, 1997, after examining his teeth and physical condition — compared with outdoor felines who on average only live for seven years.
Matta described Sherman as “an outgoing individual who loves playing shopkeeper and greeting his guests. He has quite a voice.”
Ito plans to bring her school-age cousins to pay their respects. “Little Tokyo is a symbol and Sherman is a symbol,” she said. “Both are treasures.”


latimes--2020-03-25--Orange County jail inmate tests positive for the coronavirus

An inmate in the Men ’ s Central Jail in Santa Ana has tested positive for the coronavirus , the first Orange County inmate to do so , a sheriff ’ s spokeswoman said Tuesday .
The inmate , whose name was not released , is in his 40s .
He recently showed symptoms of the flu and was placed in isolation , said Carrie Braun of the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Department .
Test results returned Tuesday showed he has the coronavirus , Braun said .
The man has “ moderate symptoms ” and does not require hospitalization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials have an electronic-card system that can trace all the inmates the man has come in contact with , so officials are working to notify all of them about potential exposure , Braun said .
Those inmates will be closely monitored for symptoms and their movements in the jail will be restricted for up to two weeks , but they won ’ t be placed in isolation unless they show symptoms , Braun said .
The inmate was booked on June 17 , 2018 , on suspicion of child endangerment , torture , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapon , Braun said .
Ten Orange County Jail inmates who fell ill with flu-like symptoms recently were isolated , but on Sunday , coronavirus test results came back negative for eight of them and they were released from isolation , Braun said .

The scene outside the Men’s Central Jail in Santa Ana.
An inmate in the Men’s Central Jail in Santa Ana has tested positive for the coronavirus, the first Orange County inmate to do so, a sheriff’s spokeswoman said Tuesday.
The inmate, whose name was not released, is in his 40s. He recently showed symptoms of the flu and was placed in isolation, said Carrie Braun of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Test results returned Tuesday showed he has the coronavirus, Braun said.
The man has “moderate symptoms” and does not require hospitalization, she said.
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Sheriff’s officials have an electronic-card system that can trace all the inmates the man has come in contact with, so officials are working to notify all of them about potential exposure, Braun said.
Those inmates will be closely monitored for symptoms and their movements in the jail will be restricted for up to two weeks, but they won’t be placed in isolation unless they show symptoms, Braun said.
The inmate was booked on June 17, 2018, on suspicion of child endangerment, torture, false imprisonment and assault with a deadly weapon, Braun said.
Ten Orange County Jail inmates who fell ill with flu-like symptoms recently were isolated, but on Sunday, coronavirus test results came back negative for eight of them and they were released from isolation, Braun said.


latimes--2020-03-25--Job help, sick pay and worker options in the pandemic

How the coronavirus outbreak might affect you or your family depends heavily on where you work and live and the @ @ @ @ @ s benefits .

How the coronavirus outbreak might affect you or your family depends heavily on where you work and live and the generosity of your employer’s benefits.


latimes--2020-03-24--No West Coast tsunami threat from 7.5 Russia earthquake

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Russia poses no tsunami risk to California and the rest of the West Coast , @ @ @ @ @ comes after an evaluation by the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center .
The quake hit @ @ @ @ @ .
The center said it was strong enough to produce localized tsunamis .
On Twitter @ @ @ @ @ said “ this Russian quake is not the type that usually produces a tsunami .
@ @ @ @ @ than the quakes that have made big trans-Pacific tsunamis.
” The quake was initially reported @ @ @ @

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Russia poses no tsunami risk to California and the rest of the West Coast, officials said.
The word comes after an evaluation by the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center.
The quake hit off the coast of Kamchatka. The center said it was strong enough to produce localized tsunamis.
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On Twitter, earthquake expert Lucy Jones said “this Russian quake is not the type that usually produces a tsunami. It is deeper and smaller than the quakes that have made big trans-Pacific tsunamis.”
The quake was initially reported as magnitude 7.8.


latimes--2020-03-24--L.A. Archdiocese closes all churches in hopes of easing coronavirus danger

Citing danger from the coronavirus , the Los Angeles Archdiocese announced Tuesday it was closing all its churches until further notice .
The decision was made in hopes of slowing the spread of the virus , church officials said .
The order began Tuesday .
`` `` Our community of faith is fully committed to doing all we can to limit the spread of this global public health threat , ” Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said .
“ We are taking these extraordinary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the faithful and the public , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parishes and ministries.
” Earlier this month , the Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced it was lifting the obligation of attending Sunday Mass from its parishioners .
• Church offices are closed to the public .
Pastors may allow a minimal number of parish staff members ( fewer than 10 ) to continue working in the office provided that social distancing is observed .
For example , while the office is closed to the public , staff members can still answer phones , answer emails and process payroll .
If these functions can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be preferred .
• Pastors are asked to be vigilant in reminding parishioners and staff members to stay home if they are sick , especially if they have a fever or cough .
Frequent cleaning and sanitizing of premises is advised .
• Parishes with bells are asked to ring them at noon and 6 p.m. as a sign of solidarity and hope , and to ensure the faithful that the church is present even if it has adapted the way parishes operate in these times .

Citing danger from the coronavirus, the Los Angeles Archdiocese announced Tuesday it was closing all its churches until further notice.
The decision was made in hopes of slowing the spread of the virus, church officials said. The order began Tuesday.
“``Our community of faith is fully committed to doing all we can to limit the spread of this global public health threat,” Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said. “We are taking these extraordinary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the faithful and the public, as well as all who continue to serve in our parishes and ministries.”
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Earlier this month, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced it was lifting the obligation of attending Sunday Mass from its parishioners.
Under Tuesday’s order:
Church offices are closed to the public. Pastors may allow a minimal number of parish staff members (fewer than 10) to continue working in the office provided that social distancing is observed. For example, while the office is closed to the public, staff members can still answer phones, answer emails and process payroll. If these functions can be performed remotely from home, this would be preferred.
Pastors are asked to be vigilant in reminding parishioners and staff members to stay home if they are sick, especially if they have a fever or cough. Frequent cleaning and sanitizing of premises is advised.
Parishes with bells are asked to ring them at noon and 6 p.m. as a sign of solidarity and hope, and to ensure the faithful that the church is present even if it has adapted the way parishes operate in these times.
City News Service contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-03-24--'The peak will be bad': Garcetti warns L.A. coronavirus crisis will get worse

Mayor Eric Garcetti warned Los Angeles on Tuesday that the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is still to come and that residents should be prepared for more loss of life .
Garcetti said L.A. could be six to 12 days from seeing similar numbers to the outbreak in New York City , where the death toll has dramatically increased in recent days .
“ It ’ s coming , ” Garcetti said .
“ The peak is not here yet .
The peak will be bad .
People will lose their lives.
” The mayor also rebuffed President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly ease restrictions and said that Angelenos should be “ prepared for a couple months like this.
” “ I know that everybody is hopeful , and some are putting out that hope of us being back in churches by Easter or synagogues by Passover or restarting the economy in a couple weeks , ” Garcetti said .
“ I think we owe it to everybody to be straightforward and honest .
We will not be back to ... that level of normal in that short period of time.
” Garcetti said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of nonessential businesses that continue to operate as normal — behavior he called “ irresponsible and selfish.
” He also announced a Safer at Home business ambassadors initiative that aims to help push greater adherence from nonessential businesses who aren ’ t complying with the city ’ s order to close .
Such businesses should also expect to get a warning call from local prosecutors before the city takes more aggressive action , including turning off their water and power , he said .
“ The easiest way to avoid a visit from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
The death toll in Los Angeles County now stands at 11 .
Authorities also confirmed an additional 128 cases of coronavirus infection , bringing the county ’ s total to 662 .
Of those , 42 % are in people ages 18 to 40 , and 39 % are in people 41 to 65 .
At least 119 residents , or 18 % of all positive cases in the county , have been hospitalized for the virus .

Sarah Parvini, Jaclyn Cosgrove, Richard Winton

Mayor Eric Garcetti warned Los Angeles on Tuesday that the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is still to come and that residents should be prepared for more loss of life.
Garcetti said L.A. could be six to 12 days from seeing similar numbers to the outbreak in New York City, where the death toll has dramatically increased in recent days.
“It’s coming,” Garcetti said. “The peak is not here yet. The peak will be bad. People will lose their lives.”
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The mayor also rebuffed President Trump’s earlier comments that he wanted to quickly ease restrictions and said that Angelenos should be “prepared for a couple months like this.”
“I know that everybody is hopeful, and some are putting out that hope of us being back in churches by Easter or synagogues by Passover or restarting the economy in a couple weeks,” Garcetti said. “I think we owe it to everybody to be straightforward and honest. We will not be back to ... that level of normal in that short period of time.”
Garcetti said that his office is still receiving daily reports of nonessential businesses that continue to operate as normal — behavior he called “irresponsible and selfish.”
He also announced a Safer at Home business ambassadors initiative that aims to help push greater adherence from nonessential businesses who aren’t complying with the city’s order to close.
Such businesses should also expect to get a warning call from local prosecutors before the city takes more aggressive action, including turning off their water and power, he said.
“The easiest way to avoid a visit from the city is to follow the rules,” he said.
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The death toll in Los Angeles County now stands at 11.
Authorities also confirmed an additional 128 cases of coronavirus infection, bringing the county’s total to 662. Of those, 42% are in people ages 18 to 40, and 39% are in people 41 to 65.
At least 119 residents, or 18% of all positive cases in the county, have been hospitalized for the virus.


latimes--2020-03-24--L.A. Unified confirms first known employee COVID-19 case

L.A. Unified Supt .
Austin Beutner sent a message to employees Tuesday announcing that “ the first known diagnosis of an LA Unified employee having COVID-19 was reported ” to the district late Monday .
The facilities contract employee , who last worked on the 28th floor of the district ’ s downtown headquarters on March 13 , was diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider on March 21st “ although the employee has not been tested due to unavailability of the test , ” Beutner said .
The office , which houses thousands of employees but no students , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18th due to problems with the data systems and was thoroughly cleaned during that time , ” the letter said .
On March 19 , several employees at that building who may have come in contact with the diagnosed employee met with a Contract Administration staff member on the second floor of another office building in Pico Rivera , he said .
All the employees on the 28th floor and the ones at the Pico Rivera meeting have been directed to self-quarantine , according to the letter .
L.A. County Public Health Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should treat their doctor ’ s diagnosis as a positive unless test results come back negative , which means to quarantine and take all other precautions health officials have recommended .
The district is “ aware of a possible second occurrence ” but has been unable to confirm it , Beutner said in the letter .
“ As the virus spreads throughout the communities we serve , these are not likely to be the only employees who are diagnosed with the virus , ” Beutner wrote .
“ Federal law does not allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any individual patient , nor are any employees required to inform LA Unified if they have the virus .
When we have any verifiable information , we will do our best to notify those who may have come in contact with anyone who is diagnosed so they can take appropriate actions.
” Times staff writers Julia Barajas and Soumya Karlamangla contributed to this report .

L.A. Unified Supt. Austin Beutner sent a message to employees Tuesday announcing that “the first known diagnosis of an LA Unified employee having COVID-19 was reported” to the district late Monday.
The facilities contract employee, who last worked on the 28th floor of the district’s downtown headquarters on March 13, was diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider on March 21st “although the employee has not been tested due to unavailability of the test,” Beutner said.
The office, which houses thousands of employees but no students, “was closed March 16th through March 18th due to problems with the data systems and was thoroughly cleaned during that time,” the letter said.
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On March 19, several employees at that building who may have come in contact with the diagnosed employee met with a Contract Administration staff member on the second floor of another office building in Pico Rivera, he said.
All the employees on the 28th floor and the ones at the Pico Rivera meeting have been directed to self-quarantine, according to the letter.
L.A. County Public Health Department head Barbara Ferrer said Tuesday that everyone should treat their doctor’s diagnosis as a positive unless test results come back negative, which means to quarantine and take all other precautions health officials have recommended.
The district is “aware of a possible second occurrence” but has been unable to confirm it, Beutner said in the letter.
“As the virus spreads throughout the communities we serve, these are not likely to be the only employees who are diagnosed with the virus,” Beutner wrote. “Federal law does not allow LA Unified to share the identity of any individual patient, nor are any employees required to inform LA Unified if they have the virus. When we have any verifiable information, we will do our best to notify those who may have come in contact with anyone who is diagnosed so they can take appropriate actions.”
Times staff writers Julia Barajas and Soumya Karlamangla contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-03-24--Lancaster teen is possible coronavirus death; his father is also infected, mayor says

A Lancaster teen who may have died of the coronavirus was killed by septic shock , and his father is also infected with the virus , the city ’ s mayor said Tuesday .
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris said in an interview that the father “ had close contact on the job with the public daily.
” It ’ s unclear how the teenager got the virus .
“ This is truly awful to lose a child , ” Parris said .
After initially announcing that a minor had died as a result of the coronavirus , Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday evening clarifying that information .
“ The juvenile fatality that the Los Angeles County Department Public Health reported earlier today will require further evaluation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , ” the statement read .
“ Though early tests indicated a positive result for COVID-19 , the case is complex and there may be an alternate explanation for this fatality .
Patient privacy prevents our offering further details at this time.
” The Los Angeles County Public Health Department said earlier Tuesday that it was working to confirm how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also looking into whether the case marks the first death of a minor linked to coronavirus in the country .
“ This is a devastating reminder that COVID-19 affects people of all ages , ” L.A. County Public Health Department Director Barbara Ferrer said .
The teenager did not have any preexisting conditions , Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said during a news conference Tuesday evening .
In response , Parris said he is asking that all children to stay indoors and is working to secure 100,000 coronavirus test kits .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They aren ’ t testing hardly anybody .
So we aren ’ t going to wait for the county .
We are going to provide our own tests , ” he said .
Authorities also confirmed an additional 128 cases of coronavirus infection , bringing the county ’ s total to 662 .
Of those , 42 % are in people ages 18 to 40 , and 39 % are in people 41 to 65 .
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released last week , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States of people under 18 .
The report also said there had been no reported ICU admissions for people under 19 .

A Lancaster teen who may have died of the coronavirus was killed by septic shock, and his father is also infected with the virus, the city’s mayor said Tuesday.
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris said in an interview that the father “had close contact on the job with the public daily.” It’s unclear how the teenager got the virus.
“This is truly awful to lose a child,” Parris said.
After initially announcing that a minor had died as a result of the coronavirus, Los Angeles County public health officials released a statement Tuesday evening clarifying that information.
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“The juvenile fatality that the Los Angeles County Department Public Health reported earlier today will require further evaluation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” the statement read. “Though early tests indicated a positive result for COVID-19, the case is complex and there may be an alternate explanation for this fatality. Patient privacy prevents our offering further details at this time.”
The Los Angeles County Public Health Department said earlier Tuesday that it was working to confirm how the teenager contracted the virus. They are also looking into whether the case marks the first death of a minor linked to coronavirus in the country.
“This is a devastating reminder that COVID-19 affects people of all ages,” L.A. County Public Health Department Director Barbara Ferrer said.
The teenager did not have any preexisting conditions, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said during a news conference Tuesday evening.
In response, Parris said he is asking that all children to stay indoors and is working to secure 100,000 coronavirus test kits. He expressed frustration at the lack of testing.
“They aren’t testing hardly anybody. So we aren’t going to wait for the county. We are going to provide our own tests,” he said.
Authorities also confirmed an additional 128 cases of coronavirus infection, bringing the county’s total to 662. Of those, 42% are in people ages 18 to 40, and 39% are in people 41 to 65.
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released last week, there had been no coronavirus fatalities in the United States of people under 18. The report also said there had been no reported ICU admissions for people under 19.


latimes--2020-03-24--Rachmil 'Ralph' Hakman, who survived Auschwitz and kept going back, dies at 95

Before he left in January for his fourth return to the Auschwitz-Birkenau prison camp where he labored as a teen , Ralph Hakman explained why he wanted to go back to the site of the worst years of his life .
“ I would be guilty not to go ... .
What if these are my last chances ?
” he said in an interview with The Times , which published an account of his journey to the death camps on the 75th anniversary of their liberation .
Fifty-five days after he stood to pray with more than 100 survivors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s gate ” — where cattle cars once arrived to dump Jews into gas chambers — he died Sunday afternoon at his Beverly Hills home .
Hakman had just celebrated his 95th birthday .
Born Rachmil Hakman on March 11 , 1925 as a middle child in an Orthodox Jewish family of 10 kids , Hakman never imagined life being far different than that of his parents , who ran a Kosher butchery .
At the time , a third of the 81,000 residents of Radom , a Polish town near which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were the Jewish schools , synagogues and his father ’ s ability to work freely .
In 1941 , Nazis set up two ghettos , including one that surrounded the family ’ s two-room house in suburban Glinice .
Hakman ’ s father , Yitzhak , was arrested in a roundup of Jews the next year .
After he escaped , family members went into hiding .
Police caught an older sister and her 2-year-old .
Hakman ’ s mother , Rose , approached him with an idea .
“ If you turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister and the baby go.
” He arrived in Auschwitz in a tightly packed train .
His head was shaved , his face was bruised , and he was marked with identification tattoos as the Nazis took away his name : 37,495 .
They sent him to Birkeau three days later .
Hakman survived in the camp for three years .
“ The jobs were fake , just to keep us busy , ” he said in January as he described the time he was assigned to dig trenches when a Nazi suddenly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rifle .
It split open to his skull .
He suffered from back pain much of his life after a Nazi lashed him 25 times with the wooden handle of a pickax for being caught with extra bread .
Hakman ’ s last job was to staff the bathhouse , where new prisoners who were not immediately put to death undressed and showered before putting on striped uniforms .
It was 75 feet from the gas chambers .
In 1945 , Allied powers closed in .
Nazis sent prisoners on death marches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Grafenberg , Germany , where they dug trenches until a small group escaped that spring .
On May 6 , he ran into a Russian soldier on a bike who said the Nazis had lost .
Germany officially surrendered on May 8 .
Back in Radom , Hakman learned that his parents and every sibling but one — an older sister who fled to Russia — was killed .
In a displaced persons camp in Feldafing , Germany , he met a second-cousin named Esther for the first time .
They moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Germany .
In 1949 , Hakman received approval to resettle in the U.S .
He landed in Indianapolis , where he found work at the Stark and Wetzel packinghouse and adopted the nickname Ralph .
When he visited Esther that year in Toronto , she met him at the train station and told him she had found a tailor to make a suit .
“ Just like that , she told me we were going to get married !
” Hakman said earlier this year with a laugh .
On Dec. 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Esther gave birth to a son in Indianapolis in 1956 .
A year later she and Hakman moved to Los Angeles where he cofounded Jersey Meat Provision , a meat storage company .
They had a daughter soon after .
The Hakmans lived in Beverly Hills when communities of Holocaust survivors on the Westside thrived , with picnics in Roxbury Park , group vacations to Lake Elsinore and organizations like the Radomer Society and 1939 Club .
“ We ’ re really not normal people , us survivors , ” Hakman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be around each other because we understood.
” It ’ s the same reason he kept returning to meet other survivors who visited the former concentration camp , first in 1983 with his kids , then in 2010 , a year after Esther died of cancer at 82 .
He came back again in 2015 after marrying Barbara Zerulik , who he met through the survivor networks .
Zerulik , who lived in Florida at the time , was visiting her sister and brother-in-law , who was also a survivor from Radom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped him complete his journey in the way he always wanted to do , ” said Zerulik , 88 , who joined Hakman in Poland in January .
Hakman had planned to return again this spring be part of a documentary film .
As more survivor friends died and he worked less frequently , he connected to his past by telling his story .
Each month , he would talk with college students or tour groups visiting the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust .
“ It ’ s my responsibility to share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ To make sure it doesn ’ t happen again.
” His last public public testimony was on Jan. 26 in Krakow during a World Jewish Congress observation of the liberation anniversary .
Hakman ’ s family has asked for donations to be made to the L.A .
Holocaust museum in his name .
Because of restrictions on gatherings during the coronavirus outbreak , the family is unable to have a traditional funeral .
“ We have decided we will have something befitting my father when this crisis passes — and G-d willing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter Deborah wrote in an email .
“ We will have a memorial when possible so all who loved him and he loved can honor his memory .
”

Ralph Hakman, a Holocaust survivor, shows prisoner photos of himself from 1942, along with his prisoner number, which was tattooed on his left arm.
Before he left in January for his fourth return to the Auschwitz-Birkenau prison camp where he labored as a teen, Ralph Hakman explained why he wanted to go back to the site of the worst years of his life.
“I would be guilty not to go.... What if these are my last chances?” he said in an interview with The Times, which published an account of his journey to the death camps on the 75th anniversary of their liberation.
Hakman was right.
Fifty-five days after he stood to pray with more than 100 survivors in front Birkenau’s “death’s gate” — where cattle cars once arrived to dump Jews into gas chambers — he died Sunday afternoon at his Beverly Hills home.
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Hakman had just celebrated his 95th birthday.
Born Rachmil Hakman on March 11, 1925 as a middle child in an Orthodox Jewish family of 10 kids, Hakman never imagined life being far different than that of his parents, who ran a kosher butchery. At the time, a third of the 81,000 residents of Radom, a Polish town near which he lived, were Jewish.
Everything changed when German soldiers invaded.
It was Sept. 8, 1939.
He was 14.
Gone were the Jewish schools, synagogues and his father’s ability to work freely. In 1941, Nazis set up two ghettos, including one that surrounded the family’s two-room house in suburban Glinice. Hakman’s father, Yitzhak, was arrested in a roundup of Jews the next year. After he escaped, family members went into hiding. Police caught an older sister and her 2-year-old.
Hakman’s mother, Rose, approached him with an idea.
“If you turn yourself in, they will let your sister and the baby go.”
He arrived in Auschwitz in a tightly packed train. His head was shaved, his face was bruised, and he was marked with identification tattoos as the Nazis took away his name: 37,495.
It was June 6, 1942.
He was 17.
Ralph Hakman, photographed in January, browses a display of books about the Holocaust at the Jewish museum and cultural center in Krakow. (Jacek Taran / For The Times)
They sent him to Birkeau three days later.
Hakman survived in the camp for three years.
“The jobs were fake, just to keep us busy,” he said in January as he described the time he was assigned to dig trenches when a Nazi suddenly beat his head with the butt of a rifle. It split open to his skull. He suffered from back pain much of his life after a Nazi lashed him 25 times with the wooden handle of a pickax for being caught with extra bread.
Hakman’s last job was to staff the bathhouse, where new prisoners who were not immediately put to death undressed and showered before putting on striped uniforms. It was 75 feet from the gas chambers.
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In 1945, Allied powers closed in. Nazis sent prisoners on death marches. Hakman’s group made it to Grafenberg, Germany, where they dug trenches until a small group escaped that spring. On May 6, he ran into a Russian soldier on a bike who said the Nazis had lost. Germany officially surrendered on May 8.
He was 20.
Back in Radom, Hakman learned that his parents and every sibling but one — an older sister who fled to Russia — was killed.
In a displaced persons camp in Feldafing, Germany, he met a second-cousin named Esther for the first time. They moved together to a displacement camp in Stuttgart, Germany. In 1949, Hakman received approval to resettle in the U.S. He landed in Indianapolis, where he found work at the Stark and Wetzel packinghouse and adopted the nickname Ralph.
When he visited Esther that year in Toronto, she met him at the train station and told him she had found a tailor to make a suit.
“Just like that, she told me we were going to get married!” Hakman said earlier this year with a laugh. On Dec. 31, 1949, they did just that.
Esther gave birth to a son in Indianapolis in 1956. A year later she and Hakman moved to Los Angeles where he cofounded Jersey Meat Provision, a meat storage company. They had a daughter soon after.
The Hakmans lived in Beverly Hills when communities of Holocaust survivors on the Westside thrived, with picnics in Roxbury Park, group vacations to Lake Elsinore and organizations like the Radomer Society and 1939 Club.
Ralph Hakman shows his tattoo while in his Beverly Hills home. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
“We’re really not normal people, us survivors,” Hakman said in January. “So we had to be around each other because we understood.”
It’s the same reason he kept returning to meet other survivors who visited the former concentration camp, first in 1983 with his kids, then in 2010, a year after Esther died of cancer at 82. He came back again in 2015 after marrying Barbara Zerulik, who he met through the survivor networks. Zerulik, who lived in Florida at the time, was visiting her sister and brother-in-law, who was also a survivor from Radom.
“Going back this last time helped him complete his journey in the way he always wanted to do,” said Zerulik, 88, who joined Hakman in Poland in January. Hakman had planned to return again this spring be part of a documentary film.
As more survivor friends died and he worked less frequently, he connected to his past by telling his story. Each month, he would talk with college students or tour groups visiting the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust.
“It’s my responsibility to share what happened,” Hakman said. “To make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
His last public testimony was on Jan. 26 in Krakow during a World Jewish Congress observation of the liberation anniversary.
Hakman’s family has asked for donations to be made to the L.A. Holocaust museum in his name.
Because of restrictions on gatherings during the coronavirus outbreak, the family is unable to have a traditional funeral.
“We have decided we will have something befitting my father when this crisis passes — and G-d willing that will be soon,” his daughter Deborah wrote in an email. “We will have a memorial when possible so all who loved him and he loved can honor his memory.”