latimes--2020-03-20--State to lease St. Vincent Medical Center to help with COVID-19 pandemic

An empty hospital near downtown Los Angeles will be leased by the state to help address the COVID-19 outbreak in Los Angeles County , Verity Health System of California announced Friday .
Verity said in a news release that the state will “ lease St. Vincent Medical Center to determine its best use to help address COVID-19 in Los Angeles County.
” It ’ s unclear if the hospital at 3rd and Alvarado streets will be used to house those infected with COVID-19 , for patients with other health issues or for another purpose .
Financial details were not disclosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district represented by City Councilman Mitch O ’ Farrell , who praised the agreement Friday .
“ With everything turned upside down due to the coronavirus pandemic , I can ’ t think of a more timely , urgent purpose for St. Vincent Hospital in the 13th District .
I commend [ Gov .
Gavin Newsom ] for taking this action and in his handling of the crisis so far , ” O ’ Farrell said .
O ’ Farrell was one of several political leaders who had sought to turn the empty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help the city ’ s homeless population .
Verity Health System also is leasing the Seton Medical Center in Daly City to the state , it was announced earlier in the week .
San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa , who represents Daly City , said the state will lease 177 beds at Seton Medical , taking several floors for patients ill with COVID-19 .
“ This is going to provide capacity to flex up , ” Canepa said .
“ It ’ s about saving lives.
” St. Vincent is owned by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital into bankruptcy in 2018 .
Among the bankruptcy creditors is the hospital system ’ s former management company , Integrity Healthcare , which is controlled by entrepreneur-physician Patrick Soon-Shiong ’ s company NantWorks .
Soon-Shiong also owns the L.A. Times .
“ We are pleased to be able to partner with the state of California to address this pressing public health need , ” said Rich Adcock , CEO of Verity .
The announcement noted that Verity also owns and runs St. Francis Medical Center in Los Angeles County , which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients in the community .

St. Vincent Medical Center near downtown will be leased by the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
An empty hospital near downtown Los Angeles will be leased by the state to help with the COVID-19 outbreak in Los Angeles County, Verity Health System of California announced Friday.
Verity said in a news release that the state will “lease St. Vincent Medical Center to determine its best use to help address COVID-19 in Los Angeles County.”
It’s unclear if the hospital at 3rd and Alvarado streets will be used to house those infected with COVID-19, for patients with other health issues or for another purpose. Financial details were not disclosed.
Advertisement
The hospital is in the council district represented by City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, who praised the agreement Friday.
“With everything turned upside down due to the coronavirus pandemic, I can’t think of a more timely, urgent purpose for St. Vincent Hospital in the 13th District. I commend [Gov. Gavin Newsom] for taking this action and in his handling of the crisis so far,” O’Farrell said.
Newsom’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
O’Farrell was one of several political leaders who had sought to turn the empty medical center into housing and services to help the city’s homeless population.
Verity Health System also is leasing the Seton Medical Center in Daly City to the state, it was announced earlier in the week.
San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa, who represents Daly City, said the state will lease 177 beds at Seton Medical, taking several floors for patients ill with COVID-19.
Advertisement
“This is going to provide capacity to flex up,” Canepa said. “It’s about saving lives.”
St. Vincent is owned by Verity Health System, which took the hospital into bankruptcy in 2018. Among the bankruptcy creditors is the hospital system’s former management company, Integrity Healthcare, which is controlled by entrepreneur-physician Patrick Soon-Shiong’s company NantWorks. Soon-Shiong also owns the L.A. Times.
“We are pleased to be able to partner with the state of California to address this pressing public health need,” said Rich Adcock, CEO of Verity.
The announcement noted that Verity also owns and runs St. Francis Medical Center in Los Angeles County, which will provide care for COVID-19 patients and other patients in the community.


latimes--2020-03-20--8 now dead from coronavirus in hard-hit Silicon Valley

The death toll from coronavirus in hard-hit Silicon Valley increased to eight Friday , with Santa Clara County reporting 196 @ @ @ @ @ infected , 65 are in the hospital .
The two new deaths reported Friday were @ @ @ @ @ 80s and a man in his 70s .
“ We express our condolences to their @ @ @ @ @ Santa Clara County health officials said in a statement .
Statewide , there are 1,195 @ @ @ @ @ .
Los Angeles County confirmed 61 new coronavirus cases , including 12 in Long Beach @ @ @ @ @ The new cases bring the county ’ s total to 292 amid the growing outbreak @ @ @ @ @ those infected is 47 , county Public Health Department Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said .
@ @ @ @ @ 18 to 65 who have tested positive .
“ The risk is spread across everyone @ @ @ @ @ a briefing Friday .

The death toll from coronavirus in hard-hit Silicon Valley increased to eight Friday, with Santa Clara County reporting 196 total cases.
Of those infected, 65 are in the hospital.
The two new deaths reported Friday were of a man in his 80s and a man in his 70s. “We express our condolences to their families and friends,” Santa Clara County health officials said in a statement.
Statewide, there are 1,195 confirmed cases and 23 deaths.
Los Angeles County confirmed 61 new coronavirus cases, including 12 in Long Beach and two in Pasadena. The new cases bring the county’s total to 292 amid the growing outbreak.
Advertisement
The median age of those infected is 47, county Public Health Department Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said. There are 138 people ages 18 to 65 who have tested positive.
“The risk is spread across everyone,” Ferrer said at a briefing Friday.


latimes--2020-03-20--Is Newsom right? Could California see 25.5 million coronavirus cases in two months?

On Wednesday , in a letter asking President Trump for help handling the novel coronavirus , Gov .
Gavin Newsom made a startling prediction : More than half of Californians could be infected with the fast-moving sickness in a two-month period .
That would be 25.5 million people , with the potential for more than 5 million — 20 % — requiring hospitalization .
The state is attempting to build capacity in its hospitals to about 100,000 beds .
Taken together , the potential number of patients is alarming , given the capacity to help them .
But is it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tara Smith said it was “ unlikely ” millions of infections would hit so quickly with social restrictions in place .
UC Berkeley biostatistics expert Nicholas Jewell , who has been following the progression of the virus since it hit U.S. shores , said , it is “ hopefully true that we won ’ t get to that even in the end , when all this is over in California.
” And Mark Ghaly , California ’ s head of health and human services , agreed the state ’ s number was likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections “ would be if we were doing nothing and letting it happen to us , ” Ghaly said Friday , and did not take into account the social distancing and other restrictive measures put in place in recent days to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
So why put out a worst-case scenario ?
Ghaly said the number was created using data specific to California : How the virus is moving through places including Santa Clara County , San Mateo and Sacramento .
It is also built off knowledge the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomats and others exposed to the virus and placed in monitored quarantines .
One measure experts use to gauge how quickly a disease is spreading is by looking at how fast the number of cases doubles .
The longer it takes for cases to double , the better the infection is being contained .
Ghaly said the state originally modeled its predictions assuming the coronavirus infections would double every seven days .
Instead , he said , it is doubling nearly every four days in California — a rapid expansion on par with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the subsequent overwhelming of hospitals .
But even that number is suspect .
Experts agree on one fact : The United States lacks enough data to make reliable predictions because authorities have conducted so few tests , due to a cascade of problems .
Experts have no definitive way of knowing how many people in the U.S. have had a mild case of the virus but were never diagnosed , were incorrectly diagnosed , or are incubating it now .
Every model includes guesswork because only the sickest and most privileged have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of how widespread it is .
“ Part of the challenge of all of this is to really get the reports on who is infected , you need to have broad-scale testing , ” Ghaly said .
As of Friday afternoon , California counties had reported 1,195 positive cases and 23 deaths .
But as of Thursday , only 12,600 people in the state had been tested , and labs were reporting backlogs and shortages of supplies .
Newsom has asked the federal government for help obtaining basic items such as the swabs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Friday , private labs running the tests asked for $ 5 billion to handle the massive task .
“ Right now , we are not using science , ” said John Ioannidis , a Stanford epidemiologist .
“ We are just using fear , panic , anecdotal reports.
” Ioannidis calls the testing situation an “ evidence fiasco ” that has left California and the country with few options to protect lives other than staying away from other humans .
In order to understand how widespread the virus is , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the population at large .
He thinks the limited number of tests now available should be given to a random sample of the population .
Such a snapshot approach could provide a quick and accurate look at what the scope of the virus really is , he said .
But until the testing situation is fixed , Ioannidis and others said , best guesses and drastic measures will remain the norm .
“ This is not 21st century science , ” he said .

Mina Montano, an environmental aide at St. Paul’s Plaza independent and assisted living facility, uses disinfectant wipes to clean the high-touch areas in the memory care unit at the facility on March 10 in Chula Vista, Calif.
On Wednesday, in a letter asking President Trump for help handling the novel coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom made a startling prediction: More than half of Californians could be infected with the fast-moving sickness in a two-month period.
That would be 25.5 million people, with the potential for more than 5 million — 20% — requiring hospitalization. The state is attempting to build capacity in its hospitals to about 100,000 beds.
Taken together, the potential number of patients is alarming, given the capacity to help them.
But is it accurate?
Kent State public health professor Tara Smith said it was “unlikely” millions of infections would hit so quickly with social restrictions in place.
UC Berkeley biostatistics expert Nicholas Jewell, who has been following the progression of the virus since it hit U.S. shores, said, it is “hopefully true that we won’t get to that even in the end, when all this is over in California.”
Advertisement
And Mark Ghaly, California’s head of health and human services, agreed the state’s number was likely outdated and off.
The 25.5 million infections “would be if we were doing nothing and letting it happen to us,” Ghaly said Friday, and did not take into account the social distancing and other restrictive measures put in place in recent days to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
So why put out a worst-case scenario?
1 / 29 Workers at the Ralphs grocery store in Westchester measure out social distancing guidelines for its customers with markers every six feet and limiting the number of customers it allows in to shop. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times) 2 / 29 At Echo Park Lake, friends gather with their dogs and enjoy a Sunday afternoon in the park. Social distancing and home isolation remain in effect due to the coronavirus. (Carolyn Cole/Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times) 3 / 29 During the coronavirus pandemic, people continue to walk and ride their bikes along the path at Junipero Beach in Long Beach. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times) 4 / 29 People run and walk on the Veterans Parkway in Manhattan Beach even with signage saying the space is closed to help minimize the spread of the coronavirus. (Dania Maxwell/Dania Maxwell/Los Angeles Times) 5 / 29 Jesus Mendoza sells roses on the sidewalk in downtown Los Angeles. Mendoza said his business was overwhelmed by hundred of boxes of roses they could not sell. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times) 6 / 29 Riverside County medical personnel administer a coronavirus test to a driver at a drive-though testing facility at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 7 / 29 Drivers line-up to get a coronavirus test administered by Riverside County medical personnel at a drive-though testing facility at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore. Those tested have symptoms or have had a risk of exposure. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 8 / 29 Xiao Ping, holding a tray of eggs, looks back at the long line of egg buyers on Saturda morning in Chino. Spooked by coronavirus people from nearby Inland Empire cities started lining up early morning at Maust’s California Poultry in Chino. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 9 / 29 Spooked by coronavirus fears, people from nearby Inland Empire cities lined-up to buy eggs at Maust’s California Poultry in Chino. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 10 / 29 The sparsely trafficked intersection of the 101 and 110 freeways in downtown Los Angeles is seen in a drone image. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 29 School buses sit idle since all schools have been closed in Los Angeles County. The image was taken by drone. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 29 In this drone image, the Westfield Topanga mall parking lot sits empty, as new regulations have closed all indoor shopping centers in Canoga Park. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 29 Vehicles flow smoothly along Interstate 5 and the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles in this drone image. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 29 The city of Santa Monica has closed the Santa Monica Pier, and few people were on the beach Friday. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 29 Shops are shuttered on historic Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 16 / 29 The intersection of the 101 and 110 freeways in downtown Los Angeles. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times) 17 / 29 Hollywood Blvd. is devoid of the usual crowds as most shops are closed. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 18 / 29 Hollywood Blvd. is devoid of the usual crowds as most shops are closed. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 19 / 29 On the first day of L.A.’s ‘Safer at Home,” most major avenues and streets in downtown Los Angeles have very little traffic. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 20 / 29 Empty streets in downtown Los Angeles. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 21 / 29 The main entrance to Union Station is closed. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 22 / 29 Union Station was restricted to only ticketed passenger and main entrance closed. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 23 / 29 Commuter protect themselves with a face mask while riding a bus at El Monte Metro Station. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 24 / 29 Salvation Army volunteer Christina Cuevas sets up cots for homeless at Westwood Recreation Center in Westwood. (Brian van der Brug/Brian van der Brug/Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 25 / 29 Popular shopping destination Rodeo Drive is all but deserted as retail shops are shuttered in Beverly Hills. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 26 / 29 The Apple store is among all the stores which have closed during the coronavirus outbreak in Newport Beach. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 27 / 29 With all the stores closed, Fashion Island is a ghost town except for an occasional customer getting food for take-out Newport Beach. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 28 / 29 People walk the beach, but maintain “social distancing” during the coronavirus outbreak at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach. (Gina Ferazzi/Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 29 / 29 During the coronavirus epidemic people continue to walk, ride thier bikes, and play basketball at Junipero Beach in Long Beach. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times)
Ghaly said the number was created using data specific to California: How the virus is moving through places including Santa Clara County, San Mateo and Sacramento. It is also built off knowledge the state learned by repatriating cruise ship passengers, diplomats and others exposed to the virus and placed in monitored quarantines.
One measure experts use to gauge how quickly a disease is spreading is by looking at how fast the number of cases doubles. The longer it takes for cases to double, the better the infection is being contained.
Ghaly said the state originally modeled its predictions assuming the coronavirus infections would double every seven days. Instead, he said, it is doubling nearly every four days in California — a rapid expansion on par with countries with the worst outbreaks, and the subsequent overwhelming of hospitals.
Advertisement
But even that number is suspect.
Experts agree on one fact: The United States lacks enough data to make reliable predictions because authorities have conducted so few tests, due to a cascade of problems. Experts have no definitive way of knowing how many people in the U.S. have had a mild case of the virus but were never diagnosed, were incorrectly diagnosed, or are incubating it now.
Every model includes guesswork because only the sickest and most privileged have been able to access tests, skewing understanding of how widespread it is.
“Part of the challenge of all of this is to really get the reports on who is infected, you need to have broad-scale testing,” Ghaly said.
As of Friday afternoon, California counties had reported 1,195 positive cases and 23 deaths. But as of Thursday, only 12,600 people in the state had been tested, and labs were reporting backlogs and shortages of supplies.
Newsom has asked the federal government for help obtaining basic items such as the swabs used to take samples for the test, and Friday, private labs running the tests asked for $5 billion to handle the massive task.
Tracking the coronavirus in California The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in California.
“Right now, we are not using science,” said John Ioannidis, a Stanford epidemiologist. “We are just using fear, panic, anecdotal reports.”
Ioannidis calls the testing situation an “evidence fiasco” that has left California and the country with few options to protect lives other than staying away from other humans.
In order to understand how widespread the virus is, said Ioannidis, testing needs to occur for the population at large. He thinks the limited number of tests now available should be given to a random sample of the population. Such a snapshot approach could provide a quick and accurate look at what the scope of the virus really is, he said.
But until the testing situation is fixed, Ioannidis and others said, best guesses and drastic measures will remain the norm.
“This is not 21st century science,” he said.


latimes--2020-03-20--Metro expects 'massive' budget hit from coronavirus as ridership plummets

Ridership on California ’ s largest transit system has fallen by more than half during the coronavirus outbreak as life in Los Angeles County has all but ground to a halt , officials said Friday .
On Wednesday , trips on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ’ s six rail lines were down nearly two-thirds compared with a typical day , and bus ridership was down by about 53 % , the agency said .
Metro does not plan to shut down the system , which is a “ lifeline ” for people who still need to commute to essential jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to medical appointments and run errands , Chief Executive Phil Washington said Friday .
But officials will make immediate service cuts .
Bus service will be reduced 15 % to 20 % .
Trains will run less frequently during rush hour and will stop running at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays .
Though drastic , Metro ’ s ridership decline is slightly less dire than what other major cities are seeing .
New York City ’ s subway has lost 70 % of its riders .
Trips on the Bay Area ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by almost 90 % .
Metro ’ s buses and trains are cleaned daily .
Crews have strengthened their cleanings of areas that riders are most likely to touch , both in transit and in stations , said Jim Gallagher , the agency ’ s chief operating officer .
That includes handrails , ticketing machines , seats , escalator rails and elevator buttons .
Bathrooms at Union Station are now being cleaned every half-hour , he said .
Metro has ordered dispensers for hand sanitizer to install at major transit hubs , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
The agency is also exploring the idea of equipping trains and buses with similar dispensers , Gallagher said .
Where the dispensers are installed will “ depend on how many we get , and when , ” Gallagher said .
“ Our experience on these emergency supplies is that we order larger quantities and they come in smaller quantities.
” No known cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County can be traced to a bus or train , officials said .
No Metro employee has tested positive for COVID-19 , officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing due to a shortage of tests , said Ken Hernandez , the agency ’ s chief risk safety and asset management officer .
Between the service cuts and the declining demand for transit rides , Metro should not have a problem staffing enough operators to run buses and trains , Washington said .
How Metro ’ s operations will look after the COVID-19 pandemic ends is still unclear .
Following the stay-at-home orders imposed by Gov .
Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles County officials on Thursday night , all but the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been eerily empty for more than a week .
Metro is facing “ a massive financial hit ” as nonessential spending grinds to a halt and sales tax revenue plummets , Washington said .
He added : “ We don ’ t know the totality of that effect yet but we are preparing and bracing for it.
” Metro is one of the most heavily subsidized major transit systems in the world .
Passenger fares cover about 15 % of transit operations , according to the agency ’ s budget .
Metro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the county from sales tax increases approved by voters in 1980 , 1990 , 2008 and 2016 .
The current fiscal year budget , approved last summer , had a rosy economic outlook , forecasting a 3.4 % increase , or $ 116 million more , in sales tax revenue .
Now , revenues will certainly fall compared with last year , though by how much is unclear .
Metro is exploring whether the federal government can reimburse its coronavirus costs , Washington said .
He declined to say how much Metro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was being tracked on a specific budget line item .
The union that represents most American bus drivers asked Congress on Friday to provide a $ 16-billion emergency bailout to U.S. transit systems to cover “ extraordinary direct costs and revenue losses.
” Earlier this week , the American Public Transportation Assn .
requested almost $ 13 billion .

Metro ridership has fallen by more than half during the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said Friday.
Ridership on California’s largest transit system has fallen by more than half during the coronavirus outbreak as life in Los Angeles County has all but ground to a halt, officials said Friday.
On Wednesday, trips on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s six rail lines were down nearly two-thirds compared with a typical day, and bus ridership was down by about 53%, the agency said.
Metro does not plan to shut down the system, which is a “lifeline” for people who still need to commute to essential jobs, take care of relatives, go to medical appointments and run errands, Chief Executive Phil Washington said Friday.
Advertisement
But officials will make immediate service cuts. Bus service will be reduced 15% to 20%. Trains will run less frequently during rush hour and will stop running at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Though drastic, Metro’s ridership decline is slightly less dire than what other major cities are seeing. New York City’s subway has lost 70% of its riders. Trips on the Bay Area’s commuter rail, BART, has cratered by almost 90%.
Metro’s buses and trains are cleaned daily. Crews have strengthened their cleanings of areas that riders are most likely to touch, both in transit and in stations, said Jim Gallagher, the agency’s chief operating officer.
That includes handrails, ticketing machines, seats, escalator rails and elevator buttons. Bathrooms at Union Station are now being cleaned every half-hour, he said.
Metro has ordered dispensers for hand sanitizer to install at major transit hubs, which transit advocates had asked for earlier this week. The agency is also exploring the idea of equipping trains and buses with similar dispensers, Gallagher said.
Where the dispensers are installed will “depend on how many we get, and when,” Gallagher said. “Our experience on these emergency supplies is that we order larger quantities and they come in smaller quantities.”
Advertisement
No known cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County can be traced to a bus or train, officials said. No Metro employee has tested positive for COVID-19, officials said. Metro is not conducting widespread testing due to a shortage of tests, said Ken Hernandez, the agency’s chief risk safety and asset management officer.
Between the service cuts and the declining demand for transit rides, Metro should not have a problem staffing enough operators to run buses and trains, Washington said.
How Metro’s operations will look after the COVID-19 pandemic ends is still unclear.
Following the stay-at-home orders imposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles County officials on Thursday night, all but the most essential businesses have closed. Commercial centers have been eerily empty for more than a week.
Metro is facing “a massive financial hit” as nonessential spending grinds to a halt and sales tax revenue plummets, Washington said. He added: “We don’t know the totality of that effect yet but we are preparing and bracing for it.”
Metro is one of the most heavily subsidized major transit systems in the world. Passenger fares cover about 15% of transit operations, according to the agency’s budget. Metro receives 2 cents for every dollar spent in the county from sales tax increases approved by voters in 1980, 1990, 2008 and 2016.
The current fiscal year budget, approved last summer, had a rosy economic outlook, forecasting a 3.4% increase, or $116 million more, in sales tax revenue. Now, revenues will certainly fall compared with last year, though by how much is unclear.
Metro is exploring whether the federal government can reimburse its coronavirus costs, Washington said. He declined to say how much Metro has spent so far, but said it was being tracked on a specific budget line item.
The union that represents most American bus drivers asked Congress on Friday to provide a $16-billion emergency bailout to U.S. transit systems to cover “extraordinary direct costs and revenue losses.” Earlier this week, the American Public Transportation Assn. requested almost $13 billion.


latimes--2020-03-20--Environmental groups urge Americans to eat more fish while hunkering down against virus

Environmental groups have long fought for animal rights , rallied against pollution and pushed back on overfishing , but a new message this week urged the nation to eat more seafood as it hunkers down during the coronavirus pandemic .
Specifically , many are asking you to please buy American-caught seafood .
“ Over the past 20 years , American fisheries have become some of the best managed and most sustainable in the world thanks to policy reforms and the hard work of fishermen , ” said Eric Schwaab , senior vice president for the Environmental Defense Fund ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need our help .
By incorporating more seafood into our diets , we can support fishermen and coastal communities that depend on seafood harvesting as a way of life.
” The global spread of COVID-19 has triggered widespread economic chaos , and American fisheries are suffering due to restaurant closures and the collapse of export markets , advocates say .
Although U.S. fishing operations and environmentalists have spent decades butting heads , they have also worked together to develop smarter and more sustainable fishing practices — turning many fisheries from federal disasters into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The U.S. has some of the healthiest and most sustainable seafood in the world , ” Schwaab said .
“ By seeking out domestically caught fish , Americans can support fishermen and the ocean during this difficult time.
” Recent days have seen numerous public announcements in support of restaurants , independent bookstores and other local businesses struggling to stay afloat as orders to shelter at home increase across the country and all “ non-essential ” aspects of public life are shut down .
In California , fisheries make up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dungeness crab alone — the most valuable seafood in the state — was a $ 63.5 million industry in 2018 , according to the latest numbers by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife .
Squid that year was the second-largest , at more than $ 35.5 million .
Seafood harversters across California were grateful for this week ’ s support from environmental groups .
Exports have already been hurting — especially exports to China , where California ’ s Dungeness crab is usually a huge market .
Other foreign markets and supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , with dine-in restaurants shut down in California and elsewhere due to shelter-in place-orders , the crisis looms even larger .
About 80 % of U.S. consumption of domestic seafood takes place at restaurants — not at home .
“ We ’ re already feeling market impacts because of the overnight evaporation of the restaurant industry — that and our export market , which is also gone , ” said Noah Oppenheim , executive director of Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen ’ s Associations .
“ Even in times of shelter-in-place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people that they have a local , sustainable source of protein right in their backyard.
” Fishing itself has not been affected in California , said Oppenheim , who noted that some shelter-in-place orders in Northern California have specifically carved out fishing as an essential sector .
Seafood remains a safe option at the grocery store and local markets and for takeout , he said .
Many fishing operations have started to turn to social media , delivery apps and selling directly to consumers from boats at landing docks .
They ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halibut , when stored properly in a freezer , can last for months .
Salmon season is ramping up as well — the Sacramento fall-run king salmon is expected to be abundant this year — but many worry whether there will be a market for this catch .
So how do you know you ’ re buying domestic seafood ?
“ Most supermarkets now are embracing best practices like traceability and can tell you whether the seafood was farmed or wild , and whether it was domestic or import , ” Oppenheim said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If it ’ s not there on the sign , chances are pretty good that the person selling the fish will know the answer.
” He also suggested looking into community fishing associations , or CFAs — similar to CSAs , the community-supported agriculture programs that deliver produce from local farms .
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has put together consumer guides , broken down by region , to help people find ocean-friendly fish near where they live .
Websites like localcatch.org also point people to places to buy fresh seafood straight from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a Seafood Selector that advises people on what kind of seafood to buy at stores or order as takeout .
Fishing communities have been proud of their work over the decades — with scientists and wildlife officials and environmental groups — to develop rules that balance fishing and help preserve the ecosystem .
“ We ’ ve sacrificed lots , and we ’ ve learned a lot over the years that in order to ensure that we have access to this resource in perpetuity , we need to embrace sustainability practices , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy an American wild-capture seafood product , you know it was caught in a manner that is protective of habitat and good for the environment and ensures that we ’ ll be able to fish forever .
”

Environmental groups have long fought for animal rights, rallied against pollution and pushed back on overfishing, but a new message this week urged the nation to eat more seafood as it hunkers down during the coronavirus pandemic.
Specifically, many are asking you to please buy American-caught seafood.
“Over the past 20 years, American fisheries have become some of the best managed and most sustainable in the world thanks to policy reforms and the hard work of fishermen,” said Eric Schwaab, senior vice president for the Environmental Defense Fund’s oceans program. “But now fishermen need our help. By incorporating more seafood into our diets, we can support fishermen and coastal communities that depend on seafood harvesting as a way of life.”
The global spread of COVID-19 has triggered widespread economic chaos, and American fisheries are suffering due to restaurant closures and the collapse of export markets, advocates say.
Advertisement
Although U.S. fishing operations and environmentalists have spent decades butting heads, they have also worked together to develop smarter and more sustainable fishing practices — turning many fisheries from federal disasters into thriving comeback stories and promoting healthier oceans.
“The U.S. has some of the healthiest and most sustainable seafood in the world,” Schwaab said. “By seeking out domestically caught fish, Americans can support fishermen and the ocean during this difficult time.”
Recent days have seen numerous public announcements in support of restaurants, independent bookstores and other local businesses struggling to stay afloat as orders to shelter at home increase across the country and all “non-essential” aspects of public life are shut down.
In California, fisheries make up a significant portion of the coastal economy. Dungeness crab alone — the most valuable seafood in the state — was a $63.5 million industry in 2018, according to the latest numbers by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Squid that year was the second-largest, at more than $35.5 million.
Seafood harvesters across California were grateful for this week’s support from environmental groups. Exports have already been hurting — especially exports to China, where California’s Dungeness crab is usually a huge market. Other foreign markets and supply chains have all but disappeared as well.
Advertisement
Now, with dine-in restaurants shut down in California and elsewhere due to shelter-in place-orders, the crisis looms even larger. About 80% of U.S. consumption of domestic seafood takes place at restaurants — not at home.
“We’re already feeling market impacts because of the overnight evaporation of the restaurant industry — that and our export market, which is also gone,” said Noah Oppenheim, executive director of Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations. “Even in times of shelter-in-place and coronapocalypse, we need to remind people that they have a local, sustainable source of protein right in their backyard.”
Fishing itself has not been affected in California, said Oppenheim, who noted that some shelter-in-place orders in Northern California have specifically carved out fishing as an essential sector. Seafood remains a safe option at the grocery store and local markets and for takeout, he said.
Many fishing operations have started to turn to social media, delivery apps and selling directly to consumers from boats at landing docks. They’re spreading the word that fish such as halibut, when stored properly in a freezer, can last for months. Salmon season is ramping up as well — the Sacramento fall-run king salmon is expected to be abundant this year — but many worry whether there will be a market for this catch.
So how do you know you’re buying domestic seafood?
“Most supermarkets now are embracing best practices like traceability and can tell you whether the seafood was farmed or wild, and whether it was domestic or import,” Oppenheim said. “So folks should simply ask. If it’s not there on the sign, chances are pretty good that the person selling the fish will know the answer.”
He also suggested looking into community fishing associations, or CFAs — similar to CSAs, the community-supported agriculture programs that deliver produce from local farms.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has put together consumer guides, broken down by region, to help people find ocean-friendly fish near where they live. Websites like localcatch.org also point people to places to buy fresh seafood straight from the source. The Environmental Defense Fund has a Seafood Selector that advises people on what kind of seafood to buy at stores or order as takeout.
Fishing communities have been proud of their work over the decades — with scientists and wildlife officials and environmental groups — to develop rules that balance fishing and help preserve the ecosystem.
“We’ve sacrificed lots, and we’ve learned a lot over the years that in order to ensure that we have access to this resource in perpetuity, we need to embrace sustainability practices,” Oppenheim said. “When you buy an American wild-capture seafood product, you know it was caught in a manner that is protective of habitat and good for the environment and ensures that we’ll be able to fish forever.”


latimes--2020-03-20--Irvine firefighter has coronavirus; Orange County cases rise to 65

An Orange County firefighter at Station 4 In Irvine has tested positive for COVID-19 as the total number of cases @ @ @ @ @ 65 .
The Orange County Fire Authority has placed 24 other firefighters who associated with @ @ @ @ @ .
“ A firefighter has tested positive and had contact with up to 24 firefighters @ @ @ @ @ Brian Fennessy .
“ He is actually feeling better.
” The firefighter had no known @ @ @ @ @ tested positive .
With a potential coronavirus patient , the chief said , a single @ @ @ @ @ enter a location to treat the patient and others will enter only when necessary .
@ @ @ @ @ the Orange County cases :

The 24 Hour Fitness on Anton Boulevard in Costa Mesa is closed, along with other gyms in Orange County, in response to the coronavirus.
An Orange County firefighter at Station 4 In Irvine has tested positive for COVID-19 as the total number of cases in the county rose to 65.
The Orange County Fire Authority has placed 24 other firefighters who associated with the sick firefighter into self-isolation.
“A firefighter has tested positive and had contact with up to 24 firefighters,” said Fire Chief Brian Fennessy. “He is actually feeling better.”
Advertisement
The firefighter had no known contact with anyone who had tested positive.
With a potential coronavirus patient, the chief said, a single firefighter in protective gear will enter a location to treat the patient and others will enter only when necessary.
Here is a breakdown of the Orange County cases:
28 Travel-related.
7 Person-to-person.
26 Community-acquired.
4 Under investigation.


latimes--2020-03-20--ICU beds already near capacity with non-coronavirus patients at L.A. County hospitals

Intensive care beds at Los Angeles County ’ s emergency-room hospitals are already at or near capacity , even as those facilities have doubled the number available for COVID-19 patients in recent days , according to newly released data obtained by The Times .
Fewer than 200 ICU beds were available Wednesday , with most ICU beds occupied by non-coronavirus patients , according to the data which covers the roughly 70 public and private hospitals in Los Angeles County that receive emergency patients .
The figures , which haven ’ t been disclosed previously , offer the first real-time glimpse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach to the Antelope Valley and raise fresh worries that the hospital system , which is already strained by shortages , could soon run short of beds .
“ I am very concerned .
We have a limited number of ICU beds available in L.A. County , ” said Supervisor Janice Hahn , who urged residents to heed social-distancing orders to reduce infection rates and strain on medical resources .
“ I would like to begin exploring every possible solution to increase the capacity of our hospital system , including building pop-up hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients is setting off a scramble to increase capacity of all types of beds , some of which could be converted to ICU units , according to county health officials .
To accomplish that , hospitals are halting elective services to open up more space , and are considering other plans to expand capacity , including converting existing space or erecting tents .
That effort shows in the figures , with the number of beds overall nearly doubling in the last several days — from 624 on March 13 to 1,182 as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ICU beds , which have more equipment and a higher staff-to-patient ratio , from 85 to 191 , according to the figures .
Christina Ghaly , a physician who directs the county ’ s vast system of providers , clinics , and hospitals known as the Department of Health Services , said hospitals can add ICU beds by converting existing space .
That entails equipping beds with special equipment and adding personnel and , in some cases , getting approval from state regulators .
Rooms could also be opened in non-emergency room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the current figures .
“ The hospitals across the entire county are working very hard to free up capacity , and also to create capacity , ” said Ghaly .
County officials stressed that the figures represent the current staffing needs by hospitals , which have a greater “ surge ” capacity as more patients get sick .
She said they are also asking state officials to fast-track additional capacity .
But despite the progress , as many as 90 % percent of licensed ICU beds are already occupied with patients who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as heart attacks , car accidents and other cases , according Ghaly said .
She estimated the total number of coronavirus patients at county hospitals was fewer than 100 .
More specific numbers were not made available by the county ’ s Department of Public Health .
The data in the report also showed a surge in capacity of ventilators , from 400 to 800 in the last several days .
The numbers varied widely based on region .
Beds in the Antelope Valley were sparse , with only a handful available , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and those in the San Fernando Valley .
ICU beds statewide total about 7,200 , and Newsom has said officials are seeking ways to boost that capacity .
Ventilators , which are crucial for the care of coronavirus patients who suffer from respiratory difficulties , have increased to more than 800 .
Receiving a major boost is central Los Angeles County , which includes LAC+USC Medical Center and Cedars Sinai , among others , the records show .
Cathy Chidester , who directs the county ’ s Emergency Medical Services agency , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels is emerging as a a more critical need than bed space in recent days .
Medical labor groups have complained about a lack of protective gear , and about constraints on their members ’ ability to work because of school closures .
“ They are more concerned about staffing and keeping their staff healthy — that they have child care so they can come in and do their job , ” she said .
The report comes as healthcare experts across the country warn about capacity shortages .
A new report by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson Foundation , for example , shows that hospital beds are already mostly occupied nationwide , increasing the need for officials to take emergency steps to make more spots available .
“ As federal , state and local policymakers prepare for large increases in demand for inpatient hospital care , they need to understand the variation in bed capacity across states and communities — which will likely not match the spread of the virus , ” said Kathy Hempstead , senior policy adviser at the foundation .
“ Now is the time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity report is expected to be released each week , and will provide important insight into how hospitals are responding to the disease , which has killed at least 21 people in California and infected more than 1,000 .
Health officials hope social distancing will stem the spread of the virus and ease capacity levels at hospitals .
“ The public needs to be careful to really very carefully follow the public health orders that have been issued by the state and the county , ” Ghaly said .
“ It spreads out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we don ’ t get a spike all at once , which could hypothetically overwhelm the hospital system .
”

Testing for COVID-19 is going on at UCLA Medical Center.
Intensive care beds at Los Angeles County’s emergency-room hospitals are already at or near capacity, even as those facilities have doubled the number available for COVID-19 patients in recent days, according to newly released data obtained by The Times.
Fewer than 200 ICU beds were available Wednesday, with most ICU beds occupied by non-coronavirus patients, according to the data which covers the roughly 70 public and private hospitals in Los Angeles County that receive emergency patients.
The figures, which haven’t been disclosed previously, offer the first real-time glimpse of capacity levels at hospitals from Long Beach to the Antelope Valley and raise fresh worries that the hospital system, which is already strained by shortages, could soon run short of beds.
Advertisement
“I am very concerned. We have a limited number of ICU beds available in L.A. County,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn, who urged residents to heed social-distancing orders to reduce infection rates and strain on medical resources. “I would like to begin exploring every possible solution to increase the capacity of our hospital system, including building pop-up hospital sites.”
1 / 29 Workers at the Ralphs grocery store in Westchester measure out social distancing guidelines for its customers with markers every six feet and limiting the number of customers it allows in to shop. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times) 2 / 29 At Echo Park Lake, friends gather with their dogs and enjoy a Sunday afternoon in the park. Social distancing and home isolation remain in effect due to the coronavirus. (Carolyn Cole/Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times) 3 / 29 During the coronavirus pandemic, people continue to walk and ride their bikes along the path at Junipero Beach in Long Beach. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times) 4 / 29 People run and walk on the Veterans Parkway in Manhattan Beach even with signage saying the space is closed to help minimize the spread of the coronavirus. (Dania Maxwell/Dania Maxwell/Los Angeles Times) 5 / 29 Jesus Mendoza sells roses on the sidewalk in downtown Los Angeles. Mendoza said his business was overwhelmed by hundred of boxes of roses they could not sell. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times) 6 / 29 Riverside County medical personnel administer a coronavirus test to a driver at a drive-though testing facility at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 7 / 29 Drivers line-up to get a coronavirus test administered by Riverside County medical personnel at a drive-though testing facility at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore. Those tested have symptoms or have had a risk of exposure. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 8 / 29 Xiao Ping, holding a tray of eggs, looks back at the long line of egg buyers on Saturda morning in Chino. Spooked by coronavirus people from nearby Inland Empire cities started lining up early morning at Maust’s California Poultry in Chino. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 9 / 29 Spooked by coronavirus fears, people from nearby Inland Empire cities lined-up to buy eggs at Maust’s California Poultry in Chino. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 10 / 29 The sparsely trafficked intersection of the 101 and 110 freeways in downtown Los Angeles is seen in a drone image. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 29 School buses sit idle since all schools have been closed in Los Angeles County. The image was taken by drone. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 29 In this drone image, the Westfield Topanga mall parking lot sits empty, as new regulations have closed all indoor shopping centers in Canoga Park. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 29 Vehicles flow smoothly along Interstate 5 and the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles in this drone image. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 29 The city of Santa Monica has closed the Santa Monica Pier, and few people were on the beach Friday. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 29 Shops are shuttered on historic Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 16 / 29 The intersection of the 101 and 110 freeways in downtown Los Angeles. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times) 17 / 29 Hollywood Blvd. is devoid of the usual crowds as most shops are closed. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 18 / 29 Hollywood Blvd. is devoid of the usual crowds as most shops are closed. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 19 / 29 On the first day of L.A.’s ‘Safer at Home,” most major avenues and streets in downtown Los Angeles have very little traffic. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 20 / 29 Empty streets in downtown Los Angeles. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 21 / 29 The main entrance to Union Station is closed. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 22 / 29 Union Station was restricted to only ticketed passenger and main entrance closed. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 23 / 29 Commuter protect themselves with a face mask while riding a bus at El Monte Metro Station. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 24 / 29 Salvation Army volunteer Christina Cuevas sets up cots for homeless at Westwood Recreation Center in Westwood. (Brian van der Brug/Brian van der Brug/Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 25 / 29 Popular shopping destination Rodeo Drive is all but deserted as retail shops are shuttered in Beverly Hills. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) 26 / 29 The Apple store is among all the stores which have closed during the coronavirus outbreak in Newport Beach. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 27 / 29 With all the stores closed, Fashion Island is a ghost town except for an occasional customer getting food for take-out Newport Beach. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 28 / 29 People walk the beach, but maintain “social distancing” during the coronavirus outbreak at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach. (Gina Ferazzi/Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) 29 / 29 During the coronavirus epidemic people continue to walk, ride thier bikes, and play basketball at Junipero Beach in Long Beach. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times)
The anticipated surge of coronavirus patients is setting off a scramble to increase capacity of all types of beds, some of which could be converted to ICU units, according to county health officials.
To accomplish that, hospitals are halting elective services to open up more space, and are considering other plans to expand capacity, including converting existing space or erecting tents.
That effort shows in the figures, with the number of beds overall nearly doubling in the last several days — from 624 on March 13 to 1,182 as of Wednesday. That change includes an increase of ICU beds, which have more equipment and a higher staff-to-patient ratio, from 85 to 191, according to the figures.
Christina Ghaly, a physician who directs the county’s vast system of providers, clinics, and hospitals known as the Department of Health Services, said hospitals can add ICU beds by converting existing space. That entails equipping beds with special equipment and adding personnel and, in some cases, getting approval from state regulators. Rooms could also be opened in non-emergency room hospitals, which aren’t included in the current figures.
Advertisement
“The hospitals across the entire county are working very hard to free up capacity, and also to create capacity,” said Ghaly.
County officials stressed that the figures represent the current staffing needs by hospitals, which have a greater “surge” capacity as more patients get sick. She said they are also asking state officials to fast-track additional capacity.
But despite the progress, as many as 90% percent of licensed ICU beds are already occupied with patients who have suffered other medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, car accidents and other cases, according Ghaly said.
She estimated the total number of coronavirus patients at county hospitals was fewer than 100. More specific numbers were not made available by the county’s Department of Public Health.
The data in the report also showed a surge in capacity of ventilators, from 400 to 800 in the last several days.
The numbers varied widely based on region. Beds in the Antelope Valley were sparse, with only a handful available, but higher in central L.A. County hospitals and those in the San Fernando Valley.
ICU beds statewide total about 7,200, and Newsom has said officials are seeking ways to boost that capacity.
Ventilators, which are crucial for the care of coronavirus patients who suffer from respiratory difficulties, have increased to more than 800. Receiving a major boost is central Los Angeles County, which includes LAC+USC Medical Center and Cedars Sinai, among others, the records show.
Cathy Chidester, who directs the county’s Emergency Medical Services agency, which compiled the report, said adequate staffing levels is emerging as a a more critical need than bed space in recent days. Medical labor groups have complained about a lack of protective gear, and about constraints on their members’ ability to work because of school closures.
“They are more concerned about staffing and keeping their staff healthy — that they have child care so they can come in and do their job,” she said.
The report comes as healthcare experts across the country warn about capacity shortages. A new report by the Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, for example, shows that hospital beds are already mostly occupied nationwide, increasing the need for officials to take emergency steps to make more spots available.
“As federal, state and local policymakers prepare for large increases in demand for inpatient hospital care, they need to understand the variation in bed capacity across states and communities — which will likely not match the spread of the virus,” said Kathy Hempstead, senior policy adviser at the foundation. “Now is the time to identify contingency plans.”
The county hospital capacity report is expected to be released each week, and will provide important insight into how hospitals are responding to the disease, which has killed at least 21 people in California and infected more than 1,000.
Health officials hope social distancing will stem the spread of the virus and ease capacity levels at hospitals.
“The public needs to be careful to really very carefully follow the public health orders that have been issued by the state and the county,” Ghaly said. “It spreads out cases over a longer period of time so we don’t get a spike all at once, which could hypothetically overwhelm the hospital system.”
Staff writer Anita Chabria contributed to this story.


latimes--2020-03-20--USC cancels May in-person graduation. What about UCLA and other colleges?

USC has joined a growing list of colleges and universities across the county , including UCLA , that are canceling or postponing in-person graduation ceremonies in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
“ The university has decided that in-person commencement exercises will not be able to take place this May , ” a USC website statement said Friday .
“ However , we know how important an in-person commencement is to our seniors , their families and the USC community.
” USC will confer degrees virtually in May and “ remains committed to having an in-person celebration ” on campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe .
“ Firm plans for the on-campus events will not be solidified until more is known about the advance of the pandemic , ” the statement said .
The USC announcement comes after UCLA Chancellor Gene Block walked back his earlier decision to cancel traditional graduation ceremonies and apologized to students for not consulting with them first .
He pledged to work with student leaders to jointly plan an alternative course for graduation ceremonies , which he had announced Wednesday would be celebrated only online in June .
That news shocked and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt robbed of the chance to celebrate the iconic rite of passage with classmates , family and friends .
“ In these unprecedented times , we are guided by our goal of protecting the safety of our Bruin community , ” Block said in a message to the campus community Thursday .
“ But we should have known the impact this decision would make , especially during this tense time , and we should have listened first .
For this , I apologize.
” Some colleges have announced they would cancel traditional ceremonies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to postpone them .
California State University announced this week that all 23 campuses will postpone ceremonies and reschedule them , probably later this calendar year .
Stanford University said it did not expect to hold traditional ceremonies but has not yet specified plans .
USC has not yet made a decision .
At UCLA , news of the planned cancellation prompted students to begin circulating at least three petitions urging campus officials to postpone , rather than cancel , traditional ceremonies .
More than 20,000 people had signed them as of Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government leaders said they believed safety was paramount and understood the difficult circumstances faced by universities .
“ However , we believe that by postponing graduation , UCLA can continue to prioritize safety while still preserving this milestone event for ourselves , families , and the general community , ” ’ the petition said .
Petition supporters spoke of how much traditional ceremonies — walking across a stage in cap and gown to receive their hard-earned diplomas — would mean to them and their families .
“ As someone who was raised by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve dreamed of this moment , ” said one signer , Nadine Guzman-Lopez .
“ My mom & the village that raised me deserve to see me walk .
We ’ ve contributed to this school , we ’ ve sacrificed , we ’ ve worked endlessly .
Please give us the moment we deserve on that stage.
” Another student , Sarah Bae , posted that she had been expelled from high school , earned her high school equivalency degree and attended three community colleges before making it to UCLA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day DOES define the journey , ” she wrote .
“ By making commencement and graduation ceremonies virtual , UCLA is taking away all the hard work we put in throughout these years.
” UCLA has sent seniors , who will be graduating during the university ’ s centennial anniversary year , a survey asking them their choice of three options : a virtual ceremony only , a virtual ceremony in June plus an in-person graduation sometime during the next academic year , or a virtual ceremony in June and a traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blake Watson , president of the UCLA undergraduate students association , said he was startled and devastated when he saw the Tweet about graduation because campus administrators had not consulted with student leaders at all .
They contacted officials who immediately apologized and began plans to survey students , Watson said .
Block , in his message , said his initial decision was a hard lesson learned .
“ We are committed to giving all of our students the commencement they deserve , ” Block said in his message .
“ We should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision would have on our students and their loved ones and friends .
We will do better to include these important voices going forward .
”

UCLA may hold a virtual graduation ceremony in June and traditional in-person gatherings in the next academic year.
USC has joined a growing list of colleges and universities across the county, including UCLA, that are canceling or postponing in-person graduation ceremonies in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The university has decided that in-person commencement exercises will not be able to take place this May,” a USC website statement said Friday. “However, we know how important an in-person commencement is to our seniors, their families and the USC community.”
USC will confer degrees virtually in May and “remains committed to having an in-person celebration” on campus when traveling and large group events are safe.
Advertisement
“Firm plans for the on-campus events will not be solidified until more is known about the advance of the pandemic,” the statement said.
The USC announcement comes after UCLA Chancellor Gene Block walked back his earlier decision to cancel traditional graduation ceremonies and apologized to students for not consulting with them first.
He pledged to work with student leaders to jointly plan an alternative course for graduation ceremonies, which he had announced Wednesday would be celebrated only online in June. That news shocked and devastated many seniors, who said they felt robbed of the chance to celebrate the iconic rite of passage with classmates, family and friends.
Within 24 hours, Block changed course.
“In these unprecedented times, we are guided by our goal of protecting the safety of our Bruin community,” Block said in a message to the campus community Thursday. “But we should have known the impact this decision would make, especially during this tense time, and we should have listened first. For this, I apologize.”
Some colleges have announced they would cancel traditional ceremonies, while others have said they planned to postpone them.
California State University announced this week that all 23 campuses will postpone ceremonies and reschedule them, probably later this calendar year. Stanford University said it did not expect to hold traditional ceremonies but has not yet specified plans.
At UCLA, news of the planned cancellation prompted students to begin circulating at least three petitions urging campus officials to postpone, rather than cancel, traditional ceremonies. More than 20,000 people had signed them as of Friday.
Advertisement
In their petition, UCLA student government leaders said they believed safety was paramount and understood the difficult circumstances faced by universities. “However, we believe that by postponing graduation, UCLA can continue to prioritize safety while still preserving this milestone event for ourselves, families, and the general community,”’ the petition said.
Petition supporters spoke of how much traditional ceremonies — walking across a stage in cap and gown to receive their hard-earned diplomas — would mean to them and their families.
“As someone who was raised by a single mom that is First-Gen, I’ve dreamed of this moment,” said one signer, Nadine Guzman-Lopez. “My mom & the village that raised me deserve to see me walk. We’ve contributed to this school, we’ve sacrificed, we’ve worked endlessly. Please give us the moment we deserve on that stage.”
Another student, Sarah Bae, posted that she had been expelled from high school, earned her high school equivalency degree and attended three community colleges before making it to UCLA.
“For many like myself, the day DOES define the journey,” she wrote. “By making commencement and graduation ceremonies virtual, UCLA is taking away all the hard work we put in throughout these years.”
UCLA has sent seniors, who will be graduating during the university’s centennial anniversary year, a survey asking them their choice of three options: a virtual ceremony only, a virtual ceremony in June plus an in-person graduation sometime during the next academic year, or a virtual ceremony in June and a traditional one specifically in spring 2021.
Robert Blake Watson, president of the UCLA undergraduate students association, said he was startled and devastated when he saw the Tweet about graduation because campus administrators had not consulted with student leaders at all. They contacted officials who immediately apologized and began plans to survey students, Watson said.
Block, in his message, said his initial decision was a hard lesson learned.
“We are committed to giving all of our students the commencement they deserve,” Block said in his message. “We should have known the tremendous impact that this decision would have on our students and their loved ones and friends. We will do better to include these important voices going forward.”


latimes--2020-03-21--UC Irvine reports coronavirus case; Orange County total rises to 78

UC Irvine announced that a non-student resident living in campus family housing tested positive for coronavirus but is in good @ @ @ @ @ to the general campus population remains low , ” UCI said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ available in the coming weeks , it is likely that we will become aware of @ @ @ @ @ UCI community.
” Orange County on Saturday and the total number of case rose from @ @ @ @ @ Orange County firefighter at Station 4 In Irvine has tested positive for COVID-19 but is @ @ @ @ @ officials said Friday .
The Orange County Fire Authority has placed 24 other firefighters who @ @ @ @ @ into self-isolation .

The person living at UC Irvine who tested positive for COVID-19 is reportedly doing well.
UC Irvine announced that a non-student resident living in campus family housing tested positive for coronavirus but is in good condition.
“The risk to the general campus population remains low,” UCI said in a statement. “As testing becomes more available in the coming weeks, it is likely that we will become aware of additional positive cases within the UCI community.”
Orange County on Saturday and the total number of case rose from 65 to 78.
Advertisement
An Orange County firefighter at Station 4 In Irvine has tested positive for COVID-19 but is “feeling fine,” officials said Friday. The Orange County Fire Authority has placed 24 other firefighters who associated with the sick firefighter into self-isolation.


latimes--2020-03-21--Social distancing (mostly — and sometimes grudgingly) on a sunny California weekend

Southern Californians settled into their first weekend under a statewide stay-at-home order with domestic repair projects , cooking , gardening , online chats and doses of good humor , even as markets and food donation centers continued to overflow with a frenzy of customers trying to make sure they were not left without .
The order , intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus , came along with an intense online discussion about the necessity of the unprecedented action .
In the thick of the debate was a Stanford researcher who said that his doubts about the rate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the importance of maintaining social distance .
Sources at the Los Angeles Police Department , meanwhile , said two of the department ’ s employees — a sergeant in the Pacific Division and a high-ranking member of the command staff — had tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 .
The sergeant was hospitalized .
A total of 14 LAPD personnel have shown potential symptoms of the coronavirus .
And in a bid to house homeless people during the crisis , the city of Los Angeles continued Saturday with the opening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening eight of the facilities Friday , the city moved ahead with five more Saturday , to accommodate a total of 1,600 people .
That ’ s on the way to the opening of 42 recreation centers to the unhoused , with space for as many as 6,000 people who voluntarily agree to come indoors , according to Mayor Eric Garcetti .
With most Southern Californians staying at home , many others used a break in the rain and bright skies to rush outdoors .
Though the Griffith Observatory was closed , hikers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roads and crowded trails above the landmark and around the Hollywood sign .
In Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades , cars lined up for parking lots at Will Rogers State Beach and nearby Temescal Gateway Park .
Most people kept the six feet of social distancing recommended by public health officials .
A few roller skaters and cyclists wore masks and gloves , though none could be seen on the surfers enjoying a stunning blue-sky day , with views all the way to Santa Catalina Island .
Tourist spots such as Hollywood Boulevard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Beverly Hills were mostly open throughout the day , with a Southern California rarity — plenty of parking and no traffic .
The only other crowded spots were where people congregated for food .
In Anaheim on Saturday morning , police asked citizens to avoid the area around Honda Center , where a drive-through food distribution center in the parking lot had drawn large crowds , causing traffic gridlock .
In Chino , a pair of farm-fresh egg suppliers had long lines and expected to sell out by the afternoon .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional supplies from neighboring farmers , owner Philip Maust said he could not keep up with demand .
“ It ’ s been going just berserk , ” said Maust of Maust ’ s California Poultry .
“ People want their eggs.
” Lines stretched the length of a football field from the Chino operation , while another egg farm across East End Avenue had a line of cars nearly half a mile long .
Maust said he would close Sunday to resupply .
Couldn ’ t the chickens lay any faster ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a laugh , “ we can ’ t threaten them with the soup factory or anything like that.
” In downtown Los Angeles , a line of more than 50 people outside a Whole Foods Market continued the new normal for shoppers .
Waiting in line , Jesse Robledo and his husband , Ken Cazan , said shoppers were remaining polite , and the market was well organized .
“ I don ’ t think there is anyone more resilient than us , and I don ’ t mean to sound America-centric , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arts at USC .
“ But I feel like we have the ability to smile through stuff like this and pull together , survive and get through it.
” A few blocks away on Figueroa Street , the Original Pantry Cafe was closed to dine-in patrons for one of the few times in its nearly 100-year history .
Still , the cafe was serving to-go orders Saturday morning to a slow but steady stream of customers .
“ We are here for the community , ” said operations manager Charlotte Chacon .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chacon said she speaks daily with the restaurant ’ s owner , former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan .
In a note to customers , Riordan said : “ The well-being and safety of our customers and staff weighs heavily , not just in recent weeks but always .
We hope that we can provide in-dining soon .
Until then , please be kind and patient as we navigate these changes together.
” Most of the activity in an unprecedented time for Californians was going on in private places — backyards , kitchens and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analyst for a real estate company , was spending hours with her 7-year-old daughter , baking new recipes and gardening .
She was focusing on recipes from renowned California chef Alice Waters .
A new rotary clothesline had already gone up , and the garden had been planted with potatoes , garlic and onions .
“ I gather there will be lots of gardens sprouting across the country considering this pandemic , ” Sanchez-Avila said via email .
With many people riveted to televisions , phones and computers for the latest news , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the projections of the spread of the coronavirus caused a stir on social media .
The paper by John P.A .
Ioannidis , a professor of disease prevention at Stanford ’ s medical school , drew 2 million hits this week and was widely cited by conservative media as evidence the country is overreacting to the pandemic .
But Ioannidis said that was a misreading of his work .
“ I did not say not to take measures , ” Ioannidis said in an email Saturday .
“ I was clear we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In fact , he said , “ I am in shelter-in-place myself and I would never advise anyone to defy the law and break the shelter-in-place.
” He said he intended his paper as a call for more data from testing .
“ I think that many of the originally presented estimates of some of the features of the epidemic are exaggerated , ” he said .
Since the paper was published Tuesday , Iceland has started massive testing of “ practically random ” samples of the population , which , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The latest data from a nationwide sample show that about 3,300 people have been infected in Iceland but that only one has died and another is in serious condition , he said .
The data also show that a large majority of infections are either asymptomatic or produce only mild symptoms , he added .
“ If the infection rate is not higher than seasonal flu , the best strategy would be aggressive scaled-up testing and protecting specifically the elderly and those with severe diseases , ” he said .
“ We need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emily Alpert-Reyes , Stuart Leavenworth , Nicole Santa Cruz and Richard Winton contributed to this report .

Xiao Ping was among dozens of people who lined up to buy eggs early Saturday at Maust’s California Poultry in Chino.
The landmark Griffith Observatory may have been closed, but people came by the carloads anyway, smiling and chattering Saturday in the fresh air and sunny skies outside the Hollywood Hills landmark. Walkers packed the sidewalks and trails, wishing one another good health.
From Los Angeles’ Griffith Park to Westside beaches — and from a Granada Hills Starbucks drive-through line, where customers “paid it backward,” to a Laurel Canyon neighborhood, where residents opened their windows for a “You’ve Got a Friend” singalong — Southern California greeted its first weekend of a public health stay-at-home order with pluck, humor and notable kindness.
Overflowing lines at markets and food giveaways continued to ratchet up anxiety and some harsh encounters. The first reported coronavirus infections among Los Angeles police officers, with three testing positive this week, gave reason for added worry. And Los Angeles city officials scrambled to open five more emergency shelters for homeless people.
But most Southern Californians who went looking for solace on the first weekend of a statewide order to stay at home — spurred by the virus that causes COVID-19 — found it in themselves, in their neighbors and in their friends.
Janet Williamson, a lifelong Griffith Park neighbor, watched people filling the public space and said it was good.
“It gives one hope. And hope is something that you can’t buy,” said Williamson, 73. “It has a great value, especially in these times.”
Some people tried to maintain social distancing around the Griffith Observatory on Saturday. It wasn’t always successful. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Advertisement
Los Angeles County reported a total of 353 confirmed cases and four deaths as of Saturday night from the novel coronavirus, while California had more than 1,480 known cases and 27 deaths. Public health experts stressed that many more people certainly had been infected but not detected because of limited testing.
The biggest public health emergency in a century appeared to be in its nascent stages, with projections that the illness would spread exponentially. Public health officials warned that, even when seeking exercise and stress relief outdoors, people needed to maintain the six feet of social distancing that they have been recommending for more than a week.
The admonition created an odd dichotomy Saturday: Southern Californians shrank from usually overcrowded tourist locales in favor of open spaces that then became not so open, given the crowds that sought relief from what had come to feel like house arrest.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the Grove shopping center and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills all went mostly bereft of visitors. Crowded streets were mostly open, and parking spaces were free for the taking.
But along the coast in Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades, cars lined up for parking lots at Will Rogers State Beach and nearby Temescal Gateway Park. A few roller skaters and cyclists wore masks and gloves, though none could be seen on the surfers enjoying a stunning blue-sky day, with views all the way to Santa Catalina Island.
Crowds also gathered in Griffith Park and in Runyon Canyon — and, in Northern California, along the Marin County coastline, where the Sheriff’s Office said it recognized “the LARGE amount of people traveling to the coast today and NOT practicing social distancing.” Deputies were working with public health officers to address the issue. The Sheriff’s Office added: “Please stay at home!”
Hollywood Boulevard was quiet Friday night as Angelenos stayed home. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
In the Hollywood Hills, the hiking trails of Runyon Canyon Park had become so crowded Saturday afternoon that the park was trending on Twitter, and some people were asking Gov. Gavin Newsom or L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti to shut down the trails to preserve social distancing.
Around the region, people found other ways to relieve their stress and lighten their neighbors’ loads.
At a drive-through Starbucks in Granada Hills, customers began paying for whoever ordered behind them. For public relations executive Brandon Shaw, that meant he got a $2.75 coffee and paid the $23 total for the car behind him. “It feels right,” Shaw said, “during these troubled times.”
In a South Pasadena neighborhood, Ellen Main posted a note alongside her frontyard garden elf. “Would you like to hear a joke?” it read. Saturday’s offering: “What do you call a pig that does karate? A pork chop.”
Advertisement
Torie Osborn, a 69-year-old aide to county Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, said she had been bombarded by people checking to make sure she was OK. “It’s a riot of love,” she said, “an outpouring of caring.”
Social media helped many others come together, while staying apart.
The Laurel Canyon Residents Facebook group called for members to join a 7 p.m. singalong of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend.” They asked neighbors to open a door or window so the whole community — and onetime home to many rock music greats — would echo with the words of the folk classic.
And scores of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step recovery programs moved their meetings to videoconferencing services such as Zoom.
“I’m sober almost 25 years, and this has been truly incredible to witness and be part of,” said one Los Angeles communications executive, who declined to give her name. The size of the meetings has ranged from 10 to more than 100. One included members from New York, London and Los Angeles. The meetings “give those with experience exposure to those who are new or struggling,” said the exec, providing “experiences, strength, and hope.”
A Highland Park woman created a COVID-19 cooking group on Facebook.
“I created this page to share what I’m making, what I’m thinking about, and what’s challenging and joyful about this time,” said Juliana Nocker-Ferry, inviting others to do the same. “Along with social distancing, we can create social expansion and connection. I send love and strength out to everyone.”
For all the goodwill, a fear of scarcity still provoked anxiety and crowds, especially at supermarkets, where customers lined up before opening, as they had for more than a week.
Outside Honda Center in Anaheim, more than 4,000 needy families received three bags — potatoes, apples and canned goods. The line of cars for the drive-through giveaway got so long that it jammed nearby intersections and triggered a traffic alert by Anaheim police.
“The demand that we are receiving for food is very sad, in a word,” said Harald Herrmann, chief executive of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. “But we are also seeing the best of humanity at the same time.”
In Chino, a pair of farm-fresh egg suppliers had long lines and expected to sell out by the afternoon. Despite having 64,000 chickens spread across three farms and additional supplies from neighboring farmers, Philip Maust said he could not keep up with the demand.
“It’s been going just berserk,” said Maust of Maust’s California Poultry. “People want their eggs.”
People stand in line to buy eggs at Maust’s California Poultry in Chino. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
In downtown Los Angeles, the Original Pantry Cafe was closed to dine-in patrons for one of the only times in its nearly 100-year history. Still, the 24-hour restaurant was serving to-go orders Saturday morning to a slow but steady stream of customers.
“We are here for the community,” said operations manager Charlotte Chacon. “We are all in this together.”
Chacon said she spoke daily with the restaurant’s owner, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan. In a note to customers, Riordan said: “We hope that we can provide in-dining soon. Until then, please be kind and patient as we navigate these changes together.”
While public acceptance of the social limits appeared widespread, a lively debate continued online, with some insisting that restrictions overreached. Many of the critics pointed to a posting by a Stanford researcher that was skeptical about the reported parameters of the coronavirus contagion.
The article by John P.A. Ioannidis, a professor of disease prevention at Stanford University’s School of Medicine, drew 2 million hits this week. But Ioannidis rejected suggestions, including by some conservative media, that the public health restrictions went too far.
“I did not say not to take measures,” Ioannidis said in an email Saturday. “I was clear we need to take measures and act swiftly.” In fact, he said, “I am in shelter-in-place myself and I would never advise anyone to defy the law and break the shelter-in-place.”
The sense of fear seemed distant as the shadows lengthened over Santa Monica State Beach on Saturday afternoon. Alan Cohn, 90, and his partner, Elaine Cohen, 80, looked over a scene of people tanning and working out. One man did yoga. A group of four played volleyball.
“Would you believe we’re in the middle of a pandemic right now?” Cohen asked.
The couple bemoaned the loss of their routine. No more improv comedy Tuesdays. Or feeding homeless residents Wednesdays. And no dancing at the Marina City Club on Fridays.
But they were cheered by the people offering to run errands for each other and the vegan restaurant owner who was waiving his delivery fees. They didn’t see themselves getting sick, either.
“Naw,” Cohn said. “I was in the Marines, fighting in North Korea.”
Minutes later, a man sat down next to the couple, asking, “You mind if I sit here and take off my shoes?”
Cohen scooted over. “Just don’t breathe on me.”
Times staff writers Emily Alpert Reyes, Stuart Leavenworth and Richard Winton contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-03-21--Carlsbad desalination plant locked down amid coronavirus pandemic

As of Friday , 10 workers are quarantined inside the Carlsbad desalination plant for the next three weeks , monitoring and adjusting gauges and switches , watching for leaks , and doing whatever is needed to safeguard San Diego County ’ s only significant local source of drinking water .
“ We asked some employees to be locked down at the plant for 21 days to isolate the risk of infection , ” said Gilad Cohen , chief executive of IDE Americas , the global company that operates the Claude “ Bud ” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant and others around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a precaution against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The “ mission critical ” employees will work 12-hour shifts , sleep in rented recreational vehicles in the parking lot , and be resupplied with fresh food left for them at the plant ’ s gate .
They will be furnished with washers and dryers to do their own laundry , and the desalination plant ’ s kitchen and cafeteria are available to them .
“ There is a whole routine of lab sampling throughout the plant to ensure the quality of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the ocean , ” Cohen said .
“ All these routines must remain in place , and that ’ s a big part of the work on a daily basis.
” The Carlsbad plant began operating in 2015 and produces 50 million gallons of desalinated seawater a day , enough for about 400,000 people , or 10 % of the potable water distributed by the San Diego County Water Authority .
The locally produced water helps reduce the area ’ s dependence on imported water , which comes from Northern California and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its 24 member agencies have taken additional steps to ensure the coronavirus pandemic does not affect the safe delivery of water throughout the county .
Last week , like most cities in the region , it activated its emergency operations center and reviewed plans for member agencies to assist one other should key personnel be unable to work .
“ In these unprecedented times , the region ’ s water agencies are collaborating in complete solidarity to perform our vital mission of providing safe and reliable water supplies , ” said Sandra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Water Authority .
“ We are taking strategic , precautionary steps to ensure the region ’ s water security.
” Normally , the Carlsbad plant operates with about 40 employees who come and go daily .
Some of those employees work at the offices of Poseidon Water , the plant ’ s manager , about two blocks away .
More than 10 people volunteered for the lockdown “ no questions asked , ” Cohen said .
Between their 12-hour shifts , employees can do as they please , but they can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with families will be electronic .
The shelter-in-place plan was developed in about 10 days to meet the rapidly unfolding coronavirus situation , he said .
What happens after the initial 21 days is yet to be decided .
“ These are exceptional times , and there is not a guidebook , ” Cohen said .
“ We are trying to come up with a plan.
” IDE Americas also operates a desalination plant on the California coast at Santa Barbara .
Cohen said that plant is smaller and there were no plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Workers assemble pipes for the seawater filtration system at the Carlsbad Desalination Plant during construction in 2015.
As of Friday, 10 workers are quarantined inside the Carlsbad desalination plant for the next three weeks, monitoring and adjusting gauges and switches, watching for leaks, and doing whatever is needed to safeguard San Diego County’s only significant local source of drinking water.
“We asked some employees to be locked down at the plant for 21 days to isolate the risk of infection,” said Gilad Cohen, chief executive of IDE Americas, the global company that operates the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant and others around the world.
The request for volunteers was a precaution against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advertisement
The “mission critical” employees will work 12-hour shifts, sleep in rented recreational vehicles in the parking lot, and be resupplied with fresh food left for them at the plant’s gate. They will be furnished with washers and dryers to do their own laundry, and the desalination plant’s kitchen and cafeteria are available to them.
“There is a whole routine of lab sampling throughout the plant to ensure the quality of the water in production and monitor discharge into the ocean,” Cohen said. “All these routines must remain in place, and that’s a big part of the work on a daily basis.”
The Carlsbad plant began operating in 2015 and produces 50 million gallons of desalinated seawater a day, enough for about 400,000 people, or 10% of the potable water distributed by the San Diego County Water Authority. The locally produced water helps reduce the area’s dependence on imported water, which comes from Northern California and the Colorado River.
The water authority and its 24 member agencies have taken additional steps to ensure the coronavirus pandemic does not affect the safe delivery of water throughout the county. Last week, like most cities in the region, it activated its emergency operations center and reviewed plans for member agencies to assist one other should key personnel be unable to work.
“In these unprecedented times, the region’s water agencies are collaborating in complete solidarity to perform our vital mission of providing safe and reliable water supplies,” said Sandra L. Keri, general manager of the Water Authority. “We are taking strategic, precautionary steps to ensure the region’s water security.”
Normally, the Carlsbad plant operates with about 40 employees who come and go daily. Some of those employees work at the offices of Poseidon Water, the plant’s manager, about two blocks away.
Advertisement
More than 10 people volunteered for the lockdown “no questions asked,” Cohen said.
Between their 12-hour shifts, employees can do as they please, but they can’t leave the premises and their only contact with families will be electronic.
The shelter-in-place plan was developed in about 10 days to meet the rapidly unfolding coronavirus situation, he said. What happens after the initial 21 days is yet to be decided.
“These are exceptional times, and there is not a guidebook,” Cohen said. “We are trying to come up with a plan.”
IDE Americas also operates a desalination plant on the California coast at Santa Barbara. Cohen said that plant is smaller and there were no plans to place employees there on lockdown.
Diehl writes for San Diego Union-Tribune