latimes--2020-06-16--Suspect in killing of 2 Bay Area officers tied to right-wing Boogaloo group, prosecutors allege

Two men associated with an extremist movement whose goal is to incite civil unrest face federal prosecution in the fatal shooting in Oakland last month of a federal security officer , officials said Tuesday .
Air Force Sgt .
Steven Carrillo , 32 , who was charged in state court last week with the killing of Damon Gutzwiller , a Santa Cruz County sheriff ’ s sergeant , now faces federal charges along with another man in the Oakland slaying .
Federal officials said Carrillo was aided by Robert A. Justus Jr. , 30 , of Millbrae , Calif. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Patrick Underwood .
Justus drove a white van and acted as the getaway driver in the May 29 Oakland shooting , officials said .
Federal officials , speaking at a news conference Tuesday , said the two men were linked through cellphone records .
Officials said Carrillo harbored a hatred of law enforcement and had ties to a right-wing “ Boogaloo ” movement that believes a second American Civil War is coming soon .
Underwood , a 53-year-old resident of Pinole , Calif. , was guarding the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brutality and the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer .
The white van was captured on a surveillance video , officials said , which revealed that the gunman slid open the van ’ s side door to fire the weapon .
U.S. Atty .
David Anderson said at the news conference that Carrillo was the triggerman , killing Underwood and severely injuring a second security officer in the “ ambush.
” FBI Special Agent in Charge Jack Bennett said the pair tried to use the ongoing protests over the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cover for their plans to attack law enforcement .
“ There is no evidence that these men had any intention to join the demonstration in Oakland , ” Bennett said .
“ They came to Oakland to kill cops.
” Bennett said Carrillo used a privately made unmarked machine gun — a so-called ghost gun — and a silencer to kill the federal officer .
Bennett would not say whether Carrillo personally assembled the weapon .
The federal complaint against Carrillo described “ Boogaloo ” as a term used by extremists who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil war in the United States .
Boogaloo is not a defined group , but rather followers of its ideology may identify themselves as militia and target perceived government tyranny , the complaint said .
Law enforcement found a ballistic vest in Carrillo ’ s van with a patch , the complaint said .
The symbols on the patch , an igloo and a Hawaiian-style print , are associated with the Boogaloo movement , according to the complaint .
A decision on whether to seek the federal death penalty against Carrillo has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces charges of aiding and abetting in the killing of Underwood and the attempted killing of the second security officer .
The Oakland killing sparked an eight-day manhunt that led to Carrillo ’ s arrest after a witness reported an abandoned white van containing ammunition , firearms and bomb-making equipment in the Santa Cruz County community of Ben Lomond .
Santa Cruz County sheriff ’ s deputies found evidence in the van that led them to Carrillo ’ s residence in Ben Lomond .
There , Carrillo allegedly opened fire on the deputies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During the June 6 attack , there was also an explosion on the property , officials said .
The federal complaints filed against the two men said Carrillo was shot during the gunfire , ran away and then hijacked a car on a nearby highway.When he was arrested , he was bleeding from his hip , the complaint said .
Carrillo apparently used his own blood to write messages on the hood of the highjacked car , the complaint against him said .
It identified the writing as “ BOOG , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Stop the Duopoly.
” An Air Force sergeant and leader in an elite military security force , Carrillo was armed with homemade bombs , an AR-15 rifle and other weapons and had a desire to harm police when he launched the attack on unsuspecting officers , the Santa Cruz County sheriff said Monday .
Brian Levin , executive director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino , said Carrillo ’ s posts on social media , including Facebook , had become increasingly disturbing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a threat to government and law enforcement .
“ Our research shows 27 far-right extremist-connected homicides ” in 2019 , Levin said .
The FBI arrested three devotees of the Boogaloo movement in Nevada recently , and they were charged with inciting violence with the use of Molotov cocktails at protests .
Levin said Boogaloo followers range from ultra-libertarians to white supremacists , but they all share a belief in a second Civil War coming .
“ They are 2nd Amendment insurrectionists , ” Levin said .
“ The Boogaloo boys believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police .
”

When sheriff’s deputies searched a white van on June 6 in a wooded hamlet in Santa Cruz County, they found ammunition, firearms, bomb-making equipment — and a ballistic vest with a curious patch.
The patch contained an igloo and Hawaiian-style print, markings associated with a growing, extremist, anti-government movement aimed at fomenting unrest and civil war.
On Tuesday, federal law enforcement officials announced that they were charging Air Force Sgt. Steven Carrillo, 32, the alleged owner of that vest, and suspected accomplice Robert A. Justus Jr., 30, of Millbrae in the May 29 shooting death of a federal security officer in Oakland.
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Officials said Carrillo, who also faces state charges in the June 6 killing of a Santa Cruz sheriff’s deputy, was a follower of the “boogaloo” movement, which a federal complaint said is not a fixed group but includes people who identify themselves as militia and target perceived government tyranny.
Justus’ social media posts also show support for boogaloo memes. One post reviewed by the Times names people who have been killed by law enforcement, including Oscar Grant, shot by transit police at Oakland’s Fruitvale station in 2009, and Vicki Weaver, wife of white supremacist Randy Weaver, killed by an FBI sniper during the 1992 Ruby Ridge siege in Idaho.
The federal government charged Carrillo with killing federal security officer David Patrick Underwood, 53, a resident of the small East Bay city of Pinole, and the attempted murder of Underwood’s partner. The charges qualify for the death penalty, but officials said no decision has yet been made on whether to seek it. Justus is charged with aiding Carrillo in the killing and attempted killing.
The security officers were shot while guarding a federal building in downtown Oakland during a protest over the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. The pair used the protest as a cover for their plans to attack law enforcement, said FBI Special Agent In Charge Jack Bennett.
“There is no evidence that these men had any intention to join the demonstration in Oakland,” Bennett said at a Tuesday news conference. “They came to Oakland to kill cops.”
Federal officials said Carrillo fired the shots and Justus drove him around in a white van. Surveilance video showed that Carrillo slid open the van’s side door to fire his weapon, officials said, and Justus acted at the getaway driver.
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The two men were linked through cellphone records, officials said. Carrillo used a privately made, unmarked machine gun — a so-called ghost gun — with a silencer to kill Underwood, Bennett said. The federal complaint against Carrillo said law enforcement found similarities in fired cartridge cases at the shootings in both Oakland and Santa Cruz.
The Oakland killing sparked an eight-day manhunt that led to Carrillo’s arrest after someone reported a white van containing firearms and bomb-making equipment in the small, mountainous Santa Cruz County community of Ben Lomond.
Evidence in the van led authorities to Carrillo’s Ben Lomond home. There, in the early afternoon, Carrillo allegedly opened fire on the deputies, killing Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller and injuring another deputy. An explosion rocked the property, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Carrillo was shot during the gunfire, ran away and then hijacked a car on a nearby highway, according to the federal complaint against him. When he was arrested, he was bleeding from his hip.
Carrillo apparently used his own blood to write messages on the hood of the hijacked car, the complaint said. It identified the writing as “BOOG,” “I Became Unreasonable,” and “Stop the Duopoly.”
He was part of an elite Air Force security unit at Travis Air Force Base in the city of Fairfield. He served as a team leader trained to protect aircraft at air strips from insurgents and terrorists.
Brian Levin, executive director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino, said Carrillo’s posts on social media, including Facebook, became increasingly disturbing in the days before the Oakland shooting.
Levin said the center’s research shows there have been 27 homicides connected to far-right extremists in the U.S. since 2019. That number doesn’t include the most recent Bay Area killings. The FBI arrested three devotees of the boogaloo movement in Nevada recently, and they were charged with inciting violence with the use of Molotov cocktails at protests.
Levin said boogaloo followers include ultra-libertarians and white supremacists, but they all share a belief in a coming second civil war.
“They are 2nd Amendment insurrectionists,” Levin said. “The boogaloo boys believe in armed insurrection and include attacks on the police.”
Other experts on extremists said the boogaloo movement was still evolving, and its philosophy varied depending on geography and the underlying beliefs of individual members.
While followers all want a second civil war to reset American society, their desired new society varies from embracing racism to one focused on armed libertarianism, the experts said.
Many followers discovered the movement on internet chat sites. It then migrated to more mainstream social media, including Facebook and TikTok, where young adherents post videos of themselves dancing in their trademark Hawaiian shirts.
Devin Burghart, executive director of the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights, which tracks far-right extremist activity, said alt-right groups, including the boogaloo movement, increased their online presence dramatically when governments ordered shutdowns to protect people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adherents attended reopen protests and later shifted to the Floyd demonstrations, he said.
Following President Trump’s call for “MAGA night” on Twitter after protesters demonstrated in front of the White House, Burghart said, he saw an uptick in alt-right participation in Floyd rallies.
“We only saw a handful of instances” before that, Burghart said. “We saw more boogaloo boys showing up at rallies with their Hawaiian shirts.”
Members of the New Mexico Civil Guard militia group, one of whom shot a protester recently over the removal of a statue, also have ties to the boogaloo movement, he said.
“A number of boogaloo boys started in different elements of the far right and have been drawn to the more confrontational stance of the boogaloo over time,” Burghart said.
Justus was under surveillance when he and his parents entered the federal building in San Francisco on June 11, nearly a week after Carrillo’s arrest, and asked to speak to an FBI agent. His mother said they wanted to tell the FBI about the white van used in the Oakland killing.
Justus told an agent he met Carrillo on Facebook, and they agreed that Carrillo would pick him up at a transit station in Oakland for the May 29 Floyd protest; At the station, Carrillo turned over the wheel to Justus.
According to the criminal complaint against him. Justus said he did not want to participate in the killing but he was trapped in the van with Carrillo.
After shooting the officers, Justus said, Carrillo was thrilled. “Did you see how they ... fell!” Justus said Carrillo exclaimed.
An FBI agent who wrote the criminal complaint called Justus’ statement “a false, exculpatory narrative carefully crafted to fit what Justus believed to be the state of evidence.”


latimes--2020-06-16--'Gimme Shelter' podcast: How the California Constitution affects housing for poor people

Seventy years ago , California voters passed Article 34 of the state Constitution , which has made it harder for poor people to find a place to live .
The provision requires a public vote before public housing gets built in a community , and the campaign to pass it appealed to racist fears about integrating neighborhoods .
Though Article 34 has a limited effect on the construction of affordable housing in California today , it stymied such building for decades — including plans for public housing in the Chavez Ravine neighborhood on the site of what ’ s now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Gim me Shelter : The California Housing Crisis Podcast , ” we examine the legacy of Article 34 , which weakened efforts to integrate suburban communities across the state and led to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that led to government policies nationwide that discriminate against poor people .
Our guest is Andre Perry , a fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of “ Know Your Price : Valuing Black Lives and Properties in America ’ s Black Cities.
” Perry ’ s research on racial bias in the housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighborhoods are undervalued by $ 48,000 per home on average , amounting to $ 156 billion in cumulative losses .
“ , ” a biweekly podcast that looks at why it ’ s so expensive to live in California and what the state can do about it , features Liam Dillon , who covers housing affordability issues for the Los Angeles Times , and Matt Levin , data and housing reporter for .
You can subscribe to “ Gim me Shelter ” on , , , , and .

Residents of Chavez Ravine, on the site of what is now Dodger Stadium, await the next move in an eviction battle in 1959. They had been given a deadline to move out of their homes.
Seventy years ago, California voters passed Article 34 of the state Constitution, which has made it harder for poor people to find a place to live.
The provision requires a public vote before public housing gets built in a community, and the campaign to pass it appealed to racist fears about integrating neighborhoods. Though Article 34 has a limited effect on the construction of affordable housing in California today, it stymied such building for decades — including plans for public housing in the Chavez Ravine neighborhood on the site of what’s now Dodger Stadium.
On this episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast,” we examine the legacy of Article 34, which weakened efforts to integrate suburban communities across the state and led to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that led to government policies nationwide that discriminate against poor people.
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Our guest is Andre Perry, a fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of “Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Properties in America’s Black Cities.” Perry’s research on racial bias in the housing market estimated that owner-occupied homes in Black neighborhoods are undervalued by $48,000 per home on average, amounting to $156 billion in cumulative losses.
“ Gimme Shelter ,”a biweekly podcast that looks at why it’s so expensive to live in California and what the state can do about it, features Liam Dillon, who covers housing affordability issues for the Los Angeles Times, and Matt Levin, data and housing reporter for CalMatters .


latimes--2020-06-16--Renegade restaurants and maskless partying at bars set off new coronavirus alarm

California has been aggressively reopening businesses in recent weeks , with health officials saying social distancing and other safety rules are essential in preventing the further spread of the coronavirus .
New cases continue to increase in California , but health officials say that ’ s because of more testing and not community spread from reopened businesses .
But they fear new outbreaks , especially if people take part in risky behavior .
On Monday , health officials in both San Diego and Los Angeles County expressed alarm that protocols were not being followed .
Meanwhile , Laguna Beach officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in its business district .
Maskless partying over the weekend in downtown San Diego prompted a public health warning .
San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox said the scene in the Gaslamp Quarter , particularly on Friday night — the first night bars and clubs were allowed to reopen in the state — was “ pretty bad.
” Many patrons were seen shoulder to shoulder on city sidewalks , waiting — sans masks — for access to downtown bars .
Measures will be taken in the Gaslamp starting Thursday , Cox said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off streets to allow more space for revelers to spread out and keep six feet apart .
The county has a set of “ triggers ” in place that are designed to gauge whether the virus is starting to spread more quickly .
Cox noted that if viral activity reached specified thresholds , public health action would be swift and could result in pausing the reopening process .
“ We don ’ t want to do that .
You don ’ t want us to do that .
So let ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Like they say in boxing , protect yourself at all times.
” Lt. Shawn Takeuchi of the San Diego Police Department said Monday evening that public drunkenness and violent behavior would remain the priorities for police patrolling in the Gaslamp but that officers would ask for voluntary compliance if they saw people in crowds without masks .
Inspections have found many L.A. County restaurants are not following the rules .
Officials visited roughly 2,000 restaurants over the weekend and found that half of them were not in compliance with the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alarm at the findings , stressing that it is essential that both customers and merchants follow safety guidelines to avoid new coronavirus outbreaks .
California has allowed businesses to reopen at a rapid clip , leading to concerns from some that this could cause the virus to spread more .
Although the number of cases continues to rise , officials have said they think it is safe to reopen as long as everyone obeys the rules .
“ There should be no places where tables are right next to each other , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Restaurants that have violated the orders will be revisited , and patrons who notice potential risks at eateries can lodge a complaint via a public health department hotline .
The Promenade on Forest Avenue officially opened with a ribbon-cutting Monday , and city officials are asking patrons to wear face masks and follow a defined one-way route to maintain social distancing .
The outdoor area on Forest Avenue , between Coast Highway and Glenneyre Street , will be open to pedestrians only , from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily , through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes decks for dining , retail display and performance art , supports local businesses on lower Forest Avenue .
String lighting , umbrellas and plants provide ambience and some daytime shade .
David Rubel , co-owner of Fredric H. Rubel Jewelers , hopes the opening boosts business while keeping people safe .
“ I ’ m excited , ” Rubel said .
“ I love the idea that we did this , and I hope all of the businesses do well , even the ones that weren ’ t for it .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re not going to have any festivals [ this summer ] , any Fourth of July fireworks , no Playhouse .
This is a place for residents to come and hang out , be part of their community.
” At the ribbon-cutting ceremony , Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen credited City Councilwoman Sue Kempf and Assistant City Manager Shohreh Dupuis for helping make the promenade a reality .
“ This is exciting , ” said Whalen of Promenade on Forest , which was approved by the City Council on May 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fun opportunity for our community , a great boost for our local retailers and restaurants .
I just encourage you all to come down , wear your mask , safely social distance and spend some money.
” Sisson writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune , Szabo for Times Community News .

Colleen Shalby, Alex Wigglesworth, Paul Sisson, Matt Szabo

Few people wear masks on the crowded sidewalks of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter on Saturday.
California has been aggressively reopening businesses in recent weeks, with health officials saying social distancing and other safety rules are essential in preventing the further spread of the coronavirus.
New cases continue to increase in California, but health officials say that’s because of more testing and not community spread from reopened businesses.
But they fear new outbreaks, especially if people take part in risky behavior.
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On Monday, health officials in both San Diego and Los Angeles County expressed alarm that protocols were not being followed. Meanwhile, Laguna Beach officials took action aimed at encouraging social distancing in its business district.
Bar patrons shoulder to shoulder in San Diego
Maskless partying over the weekend in downtown San Diego prompted a public health warning.
San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox said the scene in the Gaslamp Quarter, particularly on Friday night — the first night bars and clubs were allowed to reopen in the state — was “pretty bad.”
Many patrons were seen shoulder to shoulder on city sidewalks, waiting — sans masks — for access to downtown bars. Measures will be taken in the Gaslamp starting Thursday, Cox said, with the San Diego Police Department blocking off streets to allow more space for revelers to spread out and keep six feet apart.
The county has a set of “triggers” in place that are designed to gauge whether the virus is starting to spread more quickly. Cox noted that if viral activity reached specified thresholds, public health action would be swift and could result in pausing the reopening process.
Advertisement
“We don’t want to do that. You don’t want us to do that. So let’s not let it happen,” Cox said. “Like they say in boxing, protect yourself at all times.”
Lt. Shawn Takeuchi of the San Diego Police Department said Monday evening that public drunkenness and violent behavior would remain the priorities for police patrolling in the Gaslamp but that officers would ask for voluntary compliance if they saw people in crowds without masks.
Some L.A. restaurants breaking the rules
Inspections have found many L.A. County restaurants are not following the rules.
Officials visited roughly 2,000 restaurants over the weekend and found that half of them were not in compliance with the county’s guidelines.
Health officials expressed alarm at the findings, stressing that it is essential that both customers and merchants follow safety guidelines to avoid new coronavirus outbreaks.
California has allowed businesses to reopen at a rapid clip, leading to concerns from some that this could cause the virus to spread more. Although the number of cases continues to rise, officials have said they think it is safe to reopen as long as everyone obeys the rules.
“There should be no places where tables are right next to each other,” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Monday.
Restaurants that have violated the orders will be revisited, and patrons who notice potential risks at eateries can lodge a complaint via a public health department hotline.
Promenade open in Laguna Beach
The Promenade on Forest Avenue officially opened with a ribbon-cutting Monday, and city officials are asking patrons to wear face masks and follow a defined one-way route to maintain social distancing.
The outdoor area on Forest Avenue, between Coast Highway and Glenneyre Street, will be open to pedestrians only, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, through Sept. 7.
The design, which includes decks for dining, retail display and performance art, supports local businesses on lower Forest Avenue. String lighting, umbrellas and plants provide ambience and some daytime shade.
David Rubel, co-owner of Fredric H. Rubel Jewelers, hopes the opening boosts business while keeping people safe.
“I’m excited,” Rubel said. “I love the idea that we did this, and I hope all of the businesses do well, even the ones that weren’t for it. I think it brings the community together. We’re not going to have any festivals [this summer], any Fourth of July fireworks, no Playhouse. This is a place for residents to come and hang out, be part of their community.”
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen credited City Councilwoman Sue Kempf and Assistant City Manager Shohreh Dupuis for helping make the promenade a reality.
“This is exciting,” said Whalen of Promenade on Forest, which was approved by the City Council on May 12. “I think this will be a fun opportunity for our community, a great boost for our local retailers and restaurants. I just encourage you all to come down, wear your mask, safely social distance and spend some money.”
Sisson writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune, Szabo for Times Community News.


latimes--2020-06-16--All Black Lives Matter street painting will remain in Hollywood for now

A block-long street art installation commemorating Sunday ’ s march in Hollywood denouncing racial injustice and supporting LGBTQ rights will remain painted across the boulevard as officials and community members discuss how to more permanently mark the event .
Workers originally started removing the painting — the words “ All Black Lives Matter ” in rainbow colors and the pale pink , blue and white of the transgender pride flag — Sunday night , but Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O ’ Farrell intervened .
“ Repairs will now be made so its powerful message can continue resonating from # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he wrote Monday on Twitter .
O ’ Farrell — whose council district includes Hollywood — said he plans to work with the community and organizers on a more permanent memorial commemorating Sunday ’ s march .
The existing artwork was a collaboration between march organizers Black LGBTQ+ Activists for Change , or BLAC , and Trailer Park Group , a local entertainment marketing company , according to O ’ Farrell ’ s office .
The hope would be that a new permanent installation “ becomes a symbol not just to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” BLAC board members Gerald Garth and Brandon Anthony said in a statement .
Luckie Alexander , who helped design the painting between Highland Avenue and Orange Drive , said the piece “ spoke to the intersections of being black , sexual orientation and gender identity that are included in this racial movement.
” “ As a black trans man , our specific community has been continually overlooked and this gives me hope that we will continue to be heard here in Los Angeles , ” Alexander said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ throngs of demonstrators over the weekend added their voices to the growing chorus of calls for racial justice following the death of George Floyd — a Black man who died last month after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes .
“ We had a once-in-a-generation moment this weekend in Hollywood as tens of thousands gathered for a peaceful demonstration on one of the most recognizable boulevards in America , ” O ’ Farrell said in a statement Monday .
“ We now have a chance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Times staff writers Hailey Branson-Potts and Matt Stiles contributed to this report .

The All Black Lives Matter art installation on Hollywood Boulevard will remain in place for now as officials say they will collaborate with community members to come up with a more permanent marker.
A block-long street art installation commemorating Sunday’s march in Hollywood denouncing racial injustice and supporting LGBTQ rights will remain painted across the boulevard as officials and community members discuss how to more permanently mark the event.
Workers originally started removing the painting — the words “All Black Lives Matter” in rainbow colors and the pale pink, blue and white of the transgender pride flag — Sunday night, but Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell intervened.
“Repairs will now be made so its powerful message can continue resonating from #Hollywood to the rest of the world,” he wrote Monday on Twitter.
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UPDATE: I have ordered crews to stop the removal of the ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER art installation on #Hollywood Blvd. Repairs will now be made so its powerful message can continue resonating from #Hollywood to the rest of the world. #AllBlackLivesMatter
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/7eEYLokY0H — Mitch O'Farrell (@MitchOFarrell) June 16, 2020
O’Farrell — whose council district includes Hollywood — said he plans to work with the community and organizers on a more permanent memorial commemorating Sunday’s march.
The existing artwork was a collaboration between march organizers Black LGBTQ+ Activists for Change, or BLAC, and Trailer Park Group, a local entertainment marketing company, according to O’Farrell’s office.
The hope would be that a new permanent installation “becomes a symbol not just to the city, but to the world,” BLAC board members Gerald Garth and Brandon Anthony said in a statement.
California All Black Lives Matter march calls for LGBTQ rights and racial justice Thousands of people filled the streets of Hollywood and West Hollywood on Sunday, denouncing racial injustice and supporting LGBTQ rights in a march called All Black Lives Matter.
Luckie Alexander, who helped design the painting between Highland Avenue and Orange Drive, said the piece “spoke to the intersections of being black, sexual orientation and gender identity that are included in this racial movement.”
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“As a black trans man, our specific community has been continually overlooked and this gives me hope that we will continue to be heard here in Los Angeles,” Alexander said in a statement.
Along with supporting LGBTQ rights, the throngs of demonstrators over the weekend added their voices to the growing chorus of calls for racial justice following the death of George Floyd — a Black man who died last month after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes.
“We had a once-in-a-generation moment this weekend in Hollywood as tens of thousands gathered for a peaceful demonstration on one of the most recognizable boulevards in America,” O’Farrell said in a statement Monday. “We now have a chance to memorialize the movement in a meaningful way.”
Times staff writers Hailey Branson-Potts and Matt Stiles contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-06-16--Death toll from coronavirus at Chino prison rises to 15 after two more inmates die

Two inmates from the California Institution for Men in Chino died recently after testing positive for the coronavirus as corrections officials continued to grapple with major outbreaks in the state prison system .
One of the men died Sunday and the other died Monday at a hospital outside the prison .
They have not been publicly identified .
Though the cause of their deaths has not been finalized , it appears both men died of complications related to COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation .
The fatalities bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 15 .
Seventeen people have died within the state prison system since the outbreak began , including one at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison and another at the California Institution for Women in Corona .
Jails and prisons , where crowded conditions can make it challenging to maintain the physical distancing that health officials say is vital in of the disease , have proved to be particularly vulnerable to the virus .
As of Tuesday morning , 3,219 inmates in the state prison system were confirmed to be infected .
More than 800 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
Data released by the state prison system show that 485 people in custody are currently infected , 31 have been released after testing positive , and 270 have recovered .
The men ’ s prison in Chino , along with Chuckawalla Valley State Prison in Blythe , and Avenal State Prison and the California State Prison Corcoran , both in Kings County , account for a sliver of the state prison system ’ s population but make up the bulk of its confirmed coronavirus cases .
Last week , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has become the setting for the worst coronavirus outbreak in the California prison system , died from what officials suspect was complications related to COVID-19 .
In the last three weeks , the number of confirmed coronavirus infections at Chuckawalla has risen from zero to nearly 1,000 , as of Tuesday .
Eleven people have been released after testing positive , according to the state prison system .

Fifteen people have died of complications related to the coronavirus at the California Institution for Men in Chino, officials said.
Two inmates from the California Institution for Men in Chino died recently after testing positive for the coronavirus as corrections officials continued to grapple with major outbreaks in the state prison system.
One of the men died Sunday and the other died Monday at a hospital outside the prison. They have not been publicly identified. Though the cause of their deaths has not been finalized, it appears both men died of complications related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The fatalities bring the death toll at the Chino facility to 15. Seventeen people have died within the state prison system since the outbreak began, including one at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison and another at the California Institution for Women in Corona.
Jails and prisons, where crowded conditions can make it challenging to maintain the physical distancing that health officials say is vital in stemming the spread of the disease, have proved to be particularly vulnerable to the virus. As of Tuesday morning, 3,219 inmates in the state prison system were confirmed to be infected.
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More than 800 prisoners in Chino have tested positive for the coronavirus. Data released by the state prison system show that 485 people in custody are currently infected, 31 have been released after testing positive, and 270 have recovered.
The men’s prison in Chino, along with Chuckawalla Valley State Prison in Blythe, and Avenal State Prison and the California State Prison Corcoran, both in Kings County, account for a sliver of the state prison system’s population but make up the bulk of its confirmed coronavirus cases.
Last week, an inmate at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison, which has become the setting for the worst coronavirus outbreak in the California prison system, died from what officials suspect was complications related to COVID-19.
In the last three weeks, the number of confirmed coronavirus infections at Chuckawalla has risen from zero to nearly 1,000, as of Tuesday. Eleven people have been released after testing positive, according to the state prison system.


latimes--2020-06-16--The hanging deaths of two Black men were initially dismissed. Now they are getting intense investiga

The hanging deaths of two Black men were initially dismissed. Now they are getting intense investigations

When Malcolm Harsch , a 38-year-old Black man , was found hanging from a tree in Victorville two weeks ago , authorities said they saw no evidence of foul play .
A week later , when Robert Fuller , another Black man , was discovered hanging from a tree in Palmdale , the initial cause of death was listed as suicide .
But after protests and questions in the two deaths , the FBI announced Monday that it was examining both cases .
Local authorities say both the Fuller and Harsch cases remain under investigation .
For some , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in separate High Desert communities in such a short time seemed suspicious .
Here is what we know : Fuller ’ s family and friends described him as a peacemaker , a street-smart man with shoulder-length dreadlocks and a bright smile who loved music , anime and video games and mostly stayed to himself .
Days before he died , he attended a Black Lives Matter protest .
His body was found by a passerby at 3:39 a.m. Wednesday , a time when Fuller would never have been out , said Tommie Anderson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high school .
“ For my best friend to be gone , it ’ s hurting me , ” said Anderson , who was wearing a T-shirt depicting one of Fuller ’ s favorite characters from the Japanese anime TV series “ Dragon Ball Z.
” Fuller was too large and too muscular for the thin tree to support his weight for long , she said .
And he was too tall to hang from its lowest branches .
“ For people to say he did this , this wasn ’ t Robert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to tie himself to that tree , it ’ s not possible.
” Thousands protested this weekend at the park , with some describing racial incidents in the Antelope Valley and raising concerns over whether Fuller was lynched .
“ This is really crazy to all of us , ” Fuller ’ s sister Diamond Alexander said .
“ We want to find out the truth of what really happened .
Everything that they ’ ve been telling us has not been right .
“ To be here , staring at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no sense , ” Alexander added .
“ My brother was not suicidal .
My brother was a survivor.
” The Victorville Fire Department discovered Harsch ’ s body May 31 after receiving a dispatch call around 7 a.m. , officials said .
When firefighters arrived at the library , they found Harsch hanging from a nearby tree .
On Monday , the San Bernardino County Sheriff ’ s Department offered more details about what happened , saying deputies were were called to a homeless encampment regarding Harsch .
“ The caller said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later identified as Malcolm Harsch , had been together during the morning , but she had since returned to her tent for a short period of time .
She was alerted by others in the encampment that Mr. Harsch was found hanging from a tree and cut down .
People in the encampment were performing CPR , attempting to revive Mr. Harsch , ” the statement said .
“ Upon arrival , deputies immediately took over and continued CPR .
Emergency medical personnel arrived on scene a short time later , and despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deceased , ” officials added .
An autopsy was conducted , and officials said they see no signs of foul play .
But the investigation continues with help from the FBI .
In a statement sent to the Victor Valley News , Harsch ’ s family members in Ohio said they find it hard to accept that his death was a suicide .
They said that Harsch had recent conversations with his children about seeing them soon and that he did not seem to be depressed to anyone who knew him .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plausible , ” the family wrote .
“ There are many ways to die , but considering the current racial tension , a Black man hanging himself from a tree definitely doesn ’ t sit well with us right now .
“ We want justice , not comfortable excuses , ” they wrote .
An FBI spokeswoman said Monday that the agency would monitor both probes .
“ The FBI , U.S. attorney ’ s office for the Central District of California and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division are actively reviewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two African American men in the cities of Palmdale and Victorville to determine whether there are violations of federal law , ” she said .
Atty .
Gen. Xavier Becerra announced that his office was sending independent investigators to Palmdale to review the sheriff ’ s investigation and potentially conduct its own .
He declined to say whether he believed local authorities were too quick to declare Fuller ’ s death a suicide but said he had been approached by “ a number of leaders in the Southern California area ” about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether the Victorville hanging would also be investigated .
Los Angeles County sheriff ’ s homicide investigators plan to survey the Palmdale area for surveillance video , conduct a forensic analysis of the rope used in Fuller ’ s death and research his medical history locally , as well as in Arizona and Nevada , where he had lived in the past , Capt .
Kent Wegener said .
Investigators also are working to interview Fuller ’ s case worker with the Department of Social Services , though they did not elaborate on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as his family and the witness who found him in the park .
“ They ’ re gon na stick to it till they get to the truth of what happened , ” Sheriff Alex Villanueva said at a news briefing .

Alene Tchekmedyian, Luke Money, Kevin Baxter, Richard Winton

When Malcolm Harsch, a 38-year-old Black man, was found hanging from a tree in Victorville two weeks ago, authorities said they saw no evidence of foul play.
A week later, when Robert Fuller, another Black man, was discovered hanging from a tree in Palmdale, the initial cause of death was listed as suicide.
But after protests and questions in the two deaths, the FBI announced Monday that it was examining both cases.
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Local authorities say both the Fuller and Harsch cases remain under investigation.
For some, the specter of two Black men found hanging in separate High Desert communities in such a short time seemed suspicious. Here is what we know:
Robert Fuller
Fuller’s family and friends described him as a peacemaker, a street-smart man with shoulder-length dreadlocks and a bright smile who loved music, anime and video games and mostly stayed to himself. Days before he died, he attended a Black Lives Matter protest.
His body was found by a passerby at 3:39 a.m. Wednesday, a time when Fuller would never have been out, said Tommie Anderson, 21, a close friend since high school.
“For my best friend to be gone, it’s hurting me,” said Anderson, who was wearing a T-shirt depicting one of Fuller’s favorite characters from the Japanese anime TV series “Dragon Ball Z.”
Fuller was too large and too muscular for the thin tree to support his weight for long, she said. And he was too tall to hang from its lowest branches.
“For people to say he did this, this wasn’t Robert,” Anderson said. “For him to tie himself to that tree, it’s not possible.”
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Thousands protested this weekend at the park, with some describing racial incidents in the Antelope Valley and raising concerns over whether Fuller was lynched.
“This is really crazy to all of us,” Fuller’s sister Diamond Alexander said. “We want to find out the truth of what really happened. Everything that they’ve been telling us has not been right.
“To be here, staring at this tree, it don’t make no sense,” Alexander added. “My brother was not suicidal. My brother was a survivor.”
1 / 12 Colonel Brooks Sr. 50, raises his arm as Pastor Michael Barrett of Do Right Christian Church leads a group in prayer at a memorial for Robert Fuller in Palmdale. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 12 Protesters outside Palmdale City Hall as organizers demand justice for Robert Fuller. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 12 A rally calling for justice and transparency in the deaths of Robert Fuller and Michael L. Thomas takes place in Lancaster in front of Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office in Lancaster. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 4 / 12 Maseana Bennett, 11, lights a candle with cousin Elessa Swink, 18, left, as they visit a memorial to Robert Fuller in Palmdale. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 12 Emily Mathijssen, 22, and Johnny Southworth, 31, visit a memorial to Robert Fuller. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 12 Suzie Washington, left, hugs Tommie Anderson as protesters knock on the front door of Palmdale City Hall. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 12 Palmdale City Hall remained closed Monday morning. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 12 Deonte Kemp, 27, of Los Angeles lights candles at a memorial for Robert Fuller. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 12 Protesters demand justice for Robert Fuller. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 12 Outside Palmdale City Hall. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 12 Protesters become emotional outside Palmdale City Hall. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 12 Outside Palmdale City Hall. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)
Malcolm Harsch
The Victorville Fire Department discovered Harsch’s body May 31 after receiving a dispatch call around 7 a.m., officials said. When firefighters arrived at the library, they found Harsch hanging from a nearby tree.
On Monday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department offered more details about what happened, saying deputies were were called to a homeless encampment regarding Harsch.
“The caller said she and [her] boyfriend, later identified as Malcolm Harsch, had been together during the morning, but she had since returned to her tent for a short period of time. She was alerted by others in the encampment that Mr. Harsch was found hanging from a tree and cut down. People in the encampment were performing CPR, attempting to revive Mr. Harsch,” the statement said.
“Upon arrival, deputies immediately took over and continued CPR. Emergency medical personnel arrived on scene a short time later, and despite additional lifesaving efforts, pronounced Mr. Harsch deceased,” officials added.
An autopsy was conducted, and officials said they see no signs of foul play. But the investigation continues with help from the FBI.
In a statement sent to the Victor Valley News, Harsch’s family members in Ohio said they find it hard to accept that his death was a suicide. They said that Harsch had recent conversations with his children about seeing them soon and that he did not seem to be depressed to anyone who knew him.
“The explanation of suicide does not seem plausible,” the family wrote. “There are many ways to die, but considering the current racial tension, a Black man hanging himself from a tree definitely doesn’t sit well with us right now.
“We want justice, not comfortable excuses,” they wrote.
A wider investigation
An FBI spokeswoman said Monday that the agency would monitor both probes.
“The FBI, U.S. attorney’s office for the Central District of California and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division are actively reviewing the investigations into the hanging deaths of two African American men in the cities of Palmdale and Victorville to determine whether there are violations of federal law,” she said.
Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra announced that his office was sending independent investigators to Palmdale to review the sheriff’s investigation and potentially conduct its own. He declined to say whether he believed local authorities were too quick to declare Fuller’s death a suicide but said he had been approached by “a number of leaders in the Southern California area” about the death. He also declined to say whether the Victorville hanging would also be investigated.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s homicide investigators plan to survey the Palmdale area for surveillance video, conduct a forensic analysis of the rope used in Fuller’s death and research his medical history locally, as well as in Arizona and Nevada, where he had lived in the past, Capt. Kent Wegener said.
Investigators also are working to interview Fuller’s case worker with the Department of Social Services, though they did not elaborate on why he had one, as well as his family and the witness who found him in the park.
“They’re gonna stick to it till they get to the truth of what happened,” Sheriff Alex Villanueva said at a news briefing.


latimes--2020-06-16--As L.A. reopens, an underground dance party draws revelers and worries health experts

At midnight on Friday , a security guard opened a thick steel door into a South L.A. warehouse .
Unfamiliar sounds of late poured out from underneath : music , laughing and dancing .
“ Inside , inside , ” the guard commanded , and slammed it shut behind a small line of wary but elated partygoers in paisley-print facemasks .
A pink neon light beckoned them to a pair of masked ushers , who checked tickets for what was likely L.A. ’ s first underground club night since the coronavirus lockdowns began .
Around a dozen techno fans clustered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an enclosed main dance floor .
The crowd wasn ’ t very big , at that point far fewer than 100 people .
But as more guests trickled in to see the dark-techno DJ Axkan perform , some looked around in giddy disbelief that this was actually happening during a pandemic .
One young woman , spritzing fellow guests with hand sanitizer as they walked in , seemed sanguine about the virus , which has claimed more than 5,000 lives in California .
“ I ’ m not worried .
I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said , in a macabre , deadpan tone .
“ I guess I ’ m just not going to hang out with my grandma for a while.
” As COVID-19 shut down the concert industry and all nightlife in L.A. since March , artists , promoters and fans have worried that the pandemic is an existential threat to their livelihoods and culture .
Some have tried to replicate the experience with livestreams or drive-in concerts , and even Coachella had to finally wave the white flag for 2020 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projected annual revenue all but obliterated this year , and musicians and nightlife workers often struggle to get unemployment benefits .
As Los Angeles County ’ s retail stores , restaurants , museums and gyms have been allowed to resume business despite the ongoing coronavirus outbreak , concerts and music venues are still prohibited from opening under state rules and L.A. County ’ s Roadmap to Recovery .
From major festivals to neighborhood rock clubs , no one can legally return to live events until Gov .
Gavin Newsom moves the state into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses .
Perhaps it was only a matter of time until someone decided to throw one anyway .
So far , there have been no reports or accounts of other L.A. concert promoters holding similar underground shows .
But some promoters acknowledged they ’ re considering how to safely produce their own events once regulations loosen .
Is throwing a renegade concert with a pandemic still ripping through California , as the young woman put it , “ suicidal ” or inevitable , given that restaurants , churches and casinos are filling up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even those who are sympathetic to mass gatherings like the recent protests against police brutality , congregating at a party indoors is a head-spinning gamble .
“ Frankly , I think these are a terrible idea , ” said Dr. Tara C. Smith , an epidemiologist and professor at Kent State University ’ s College of Public Health , who has written and spoken widely on COVID-19 and its transmission risks .
“ I understand that everyone wants to get back to normal , but being in a small enclosed area in close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest-risk activities one can do.
” Organizers for Friday ’ s show , which was called Technometrik , were discreet about advertising it , knowing that they lacked permits for such an event .
But they did make an online promotion with contact information , and anyone over 21 could buy a $ 20 pass to attend through the popular event-ticketing platform Resident Advisor .
Inside the venue , promoters took many of the obvious precautions .
Masks were mandatory and hand sanitizer was abundant .
The 100-person crowd was well below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ floor , and the DJ ’ s stage was set way back from fans .
Smith , when told about the safety measures , was not convinced such measures were enough .
“ Masks on everyone could help reduce the risk a bit , but even if many in the crowd were wearing them , I suspect they ’ d pull them down to talk , likely in very close proximity if the music is loud .
Many would take them off to drink as well , ” she added .
“ Will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Tested for virus before performing ?
How are they being protected from the crowd and the crowd from them ?
We know that singing and shouting appear to help spread the virus farther than mere breathing or talking , which introduces additional risk.
” The event ’ s promoter , Xavier Perez , declined comment when reached by phone .
But the headlining DJ , veteran L.A. techno producer Axkan ( the alias of Federico Sánchez Leyva ) , said he felt confident in the party ’ s security measures and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear with the promoter that if it doesn ’ t look safe I ’ m going to have to cancel , ” he said .
“ When I got there , I was worried it would be packed , but everyone had enough space to walk , and the stage was secluded in the back , with a big opening to the outdoors .
It felt safe enough .
I was a little worried in the morning , like , ‘ Am I OK ?
’ But to be honest , it felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produced and performed electronic music for two decades and toured across the globe , said he was sympathetic to techno fans starving for community , and to artists who desperately need to play to make a living .
“ This was the longest I ’ ve ever not played in five years .
But I was worried as well .
I ’ m not 20 , and the older you are there are more chances of [ the virus ] getting worse , ” he said .
“ I was a little nervous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ techno community .
Everyone ’ s eager to get out there .
Safety is everyone ’ s responsibility .
The promoter has to do their best , but you ’ re responsible for your own safety.
” Several other established promoters in the L.A. underground had mixed reactions to the idea of throwing a club night while COVID-19 rages .
None would speak on the record about the specific event , but when told about the party , many used words like “ reckless , ” “ unnecessary , ” “ surprised ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Some said they ’ d been exploring the possibility that an outdoor , distanced event might be possible in the next few months , but would not throw a show like this right now .
Others also lamented that total COVID-19 social-abstinence is impractical , and the virus has become a way to prove your righteousness through isolation .
Fans going into Friday ’ s event were often reluctant to say how they felt about it .
One young masked partygoer , who introduced himself as Alan , said , “ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be following every precaution.
” Some treated it like any other night out : One young woman in sci-fi raver attire ordered a delivery burrito to her car parked outside the venue before going in .
Sacha Lopez , a 30-year-old dance music fan from L.A. , said outside the party gates that underground techno was her main social community , and she ’ d been suffering without its comradeship .
“ This is a celebration , it ’ s a beautiful feeling to be here , ” she said .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without this .
You do everything you can to be safe , but at some point , you have to take that chance.
” Most established L.A. underground club promoters , even if their events aren ’ t fully permitted , take a range of precautions to ensure fan safety , especially after the 2016 Ghost Ship venue fire in Oakland , which killed 36 people .
Such shows are an essential part of queer , multiracial music culture in L.A. , and set the tone for bigger events like the Coachella Valley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Los Angeles Nightlife Alliance have emerged to advocate for the scene and promote best practices for safety .
But the pandemic has scrambled any sense of what “ safe ” means when large gatherings like concerts are banned to prevent the spread of a deadly virus .
Nightlife will resume someday , but it ’ s clear that L.A. should be prepared for some kinds of concerts returning ahead of schedule .
“ I was scheduled to attend several concerts this summer , and am bummed to have to wait , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is just going to be one more venue for the virus to spread .
”

At midnight on Friday, a security guard opened a thick steel door into a South L.A. warehouse. Unfamiliar sounds of late poured out from underneath: music, laughing and dancing. “Inside, inside,” the guard commanded, and slammed it shut behind a small line of wary but elated partygoers in paisley-print facemasks. A pink neon light beckoned them to a pair of masked ushers, who checked tickets for what was likely L.A.’s first underground club night since the coronavirus lockdowns began.
Around a dozen techno fans clustered on the small outdoor patio next to an enclosed main dance floor. The crowd wasn’t very big, at that point far fewer than 100 people. But as more guests trickled in to see the dark-techno DJ Axkan perform, some looked around in giddy disbelief that this was actually happening during a pandemic. One young woman, spritzing fellow guests with hand sanitizer as they walked in, seemed sanguine about the virus, which has claimed more than 5,000 lives in California.
“I’m not worried. I’ve been suicidal since I was a teen,” she said, in a macabre, deadpan tone. “I guess I’m just not going to hang out with my grandma for a while.”
Advertisement
As COVID-19 shut down the concert industry and all nightlife in L.A. since March, artists, promoters and fans have worried that the pandemic is an existential threat to their livelihoods and culture. Some have tried to replicate the experience with livestreams or drive-in concerts, and even Coachella had to finally wave the white flag for 2020. The concert industry could see its $12.2-billion projected annual revenue all but obliterated this year, and musicians and nightlife workers often struggle to get unemployment benefits.
Although Los Angeles County’s retail stores, restaurants, museums and gyms have been allowed to resume business despite the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, concerts and music venues are still prohibited from opening under state rules and L.A. County’s Roadmap to Recovery. From major festivals to neighborhood rock clubs, no one can legally return to live events until Gov. Gavin Newsom moves the state into Phase 4 of his plan to reopen businesses.
Perhaps it was only a matter of time until someone decided to throw one anyway.
So far, there have been no reports or accounts of other L.A. concert promoters holding similar underground shows. But some promoters acknowledged they’re considering how to safely produce their own events once regulations loosen. Is throwing a renegade concert with a pandemic still ripping through California, as the young woman put it, “suicidal” or inevitable, given that restaurants, churches and casinos are filling up anyway?
For public health professionals, even those who are sympathetic to mass gatherings like the recent protests against police brutality, congregating at a party indoors is a head-spinning gamble.
Advertisement
“Frankly, I think these are a terrible idea,” said Dr. Tara C. Smith, an epidemiologist and professor at Kent State University’s College of Public Health, who has written and spoken widely on COVID-19 and its transmission risks. “I understand that everyone wants to get back to normal, but being in a small enclosed area in close contact with many others is one of the highest-risk activities one can do.”
Music What will concerts look like when California reopens? California is slowly reopening, providing hope that you might soon see your favorite artist in concert. But from an arena stage? A computer screen? A drive-in?
Organizers for Friday’s show, which was called Technometrik, were discreet about advertising it, knowing that they lacked permits for such an event. But they did make an online promotion with contact information, and anyone over 21 could buy a $20 pass to attend through the popular event-ticketing platform Resident Advisor.
Inside the venue, promoters took many of the obvious precautions. Masks were mandatory and hand sanitizer was abundant. The 100-person crowd was well below capacity, even on the main dance floor, and the DJ’s stage was set way back from fans.
Smith, when told about the safety measures, was not convinced such measures were enough.
“Masks on everyone could help reduce the risk a bit, but even if many in the crowd were wearing them, I suspect they’d pull them down to talk, likely in very close proximity if the music is loud. Many would take them off to drink as well,” she added. “Will the [artist] be behind plexiglass? Tested for virus before performing? How are they being protected from the crowd and the crowd from them? We know that singing and shouting appear to help spread the virus farther than mere breathing or talking, which introduces additional risk.”
The event’s promoter, Xavier Perez, declined comment when reached by phone. But the headlining DJ, veteran L.A. techno producer Axkan (the alias of Federico Sánchez Leyva), said he felt confident in the party’s security measures and was happy to play.
“I was clear with the promoter that if it doesn’t look safe I’m going to have to cancel,” he said. “When I got there, I was worried it would be packed, but everyone had enough space to walk, and the stage was secluded in the back, with a big opening to the outdoors. It felt safe enough. I was a little worried in the morning, like, ‘Am I OK?’ But to be honest, it felt great.”
Techno DJ/producer Axkan performed at the Technometrik party on Friday: “To be honest, it felt great.” (Dean Paul De Leon / Omen Recordings)
Sánchez Leyva, who has produced and performed electronic music for two decades and toured across the globe, said he was sympathetic to techno fans starving for community, and to artists who desperately need to play to make a living.
“This was the longest I’ve ever not played in five years. But I was worried as well. I’m not 20, and the older you are there are more chances of [the virus] getting worse,” he said. “I was a little nervous but I also wanted to support the techno community. Everyone’s eager to get out there. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. The promoter has to do their best, but you’re responsible for your own safety.”
Several other established promoters in the L.A. underground had mixed reactions to the idea of throwing a club night while COVID-19 rages. None would speak on the record about the specific event, but when told about the party, many used words like “reckless,” “unnecessary,” “surprised” or, more succinctly, “wow.” Some said they’d been exploring the possibility that an outdoor, distanced event might be possible in the next few months, but would not throw a show like this right now. Others also lamented that total COVID-19 social-abstinence is impractical, and the virus has become a way to prove your righteousness through isolation.
Fans going into Friday’s event were often reluctant to say how they felt about it. One young masked partygoer, who introduced himself as Alan, said, “This feels pretty safe, they seem to be following every precaution.” Some treated it like any other night out: One young woman in sci-fi raver attire ordered a delivery burrito to her car parked outside the venue before going in.
Music Goldenvoice announces Coachella festival dates for 2021 Promoter Goldenvoice announced April 2021 dates for the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals, which were canceled by Riverside Country officials on Wednesday
Sacha Lopez, a 30-year-old dance music fan from L.A., said outside the party gates that underground techno was her main social community, and she’d been suffering without its comradeship. “This is a celebration, it’s a beautiful feeling to be here,” she said. “It’s been so devastating to be without this. You do everything you can to be safe, but at some point, you have to take that chance.”
Most established L.A. underground club promoters, even if their events aren’t fully permitted, take a range of precautions to ensure fan safety, especially after the 2016 Ghost Ship venue fire in Oakland, which killed 36 people. Such shows are an essential part of queer, multiracial music culture in L.A., and set the tone for bigger events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Organizations like the Los Angeles Nightlife Alliance have emerged to advocate for the scene and promote best practices for safety.
But the pandemic has scrambled any sense of what “safe” means when large gatherings like concerts are banned to prevent the spread of a deadly virus. Nightlife will resume someday, but it’s clear that L.A. should be prepared for some kinds of concerts returning ahead of schedule.
“I was scheduled to attend several concerts this summer, and am bummed to have to wait,” Smith said. “But I think this is just going to be one more venue for the virus to spread.”


latimes--2020-06-16--This kind of mask can actually spread the coronavirus. Here's how to fix it

There ’ s a certain kind of N95 mask that ’ s actually bad to wear for public health during the coronavirus pandemic .
San Francisco ’ s health officer warns that N95 masks with a vent on them actually cause a person ’ s germs to spread , rather than containing them close to the wearer ’ s face .
The warning is in the San Francisco health order , which says that any mask with a one-way valve — designed to facilitate easy exhaling — “ allows droplets to be released from the mask , putting others nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , these masks are not a face covering under this order and must not be used to comply with this order ’ s requirements , ” said the health order , signed by Dr. Tomás Aragón , the health officer for San Francisco .
Exhalation vents can make the face cooler and reduce moisture buildup inside a face covering , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said — but the vents allow unfiltered exhaled air to escape .
That defeats the point of wearing a mask , which is to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to other people .
To convert the N95 masks that have vent holes in the front , simply place a piece of tape over the external vent to cover it , health experts said .
As many as 20 % to 50 % of people infected with the coronavirus may never show severe signs of illness yet can still infect others .
That ’ s why , health officials say , it ’ s so important to wear masks to keep the pandemic under control .
It ’ s no coincidence that many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustained , out-of-control spread of the coronavirus have a public that universally wears masks when outside of the home , experts say .
San Francisco and other health officials around the country have urged the public to wear cloth face coverings to reduce the spread of the coronavirus .
A couple dozen California counties require the wearing of face masks while in public — including Los Angeles , San Diego and Sacramento counties , as well as the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area — while other areas have made it a recommendation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of California counties , and officials have rescinded requirements to wear a mask .
The latest to do so was Orange County , California ’ s third most populous county .
In general , officials suggest members of the public wear cloth face coverings , rather than N95 and surgical face masks that should be reserved for healthcare workers .
“ If you are currently using a medical mask , keep using it as long as you can .
Only throw it away when it gets dirty or damaged , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @

There’s a certain kind of N95 mask that’s actually bad to wear for public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
San Francisco’s health officer warns that N95 masks with a vent on them allow a person’s germs to spread, rather than containing them close to the wearer’s face.
The warning is in the San Francisco health order, which says that any mask with a one-way valve — designed to facilitate easy exhaling — “allows droplets to be released from the mask, putting others nearby at risk.”
“As a result, these masks are not a face covering under this order and must not be used to comply with this order’s requirements,” said the health order, signed by Dr. Tomás Aragón, the health officer for San Francisco.
Advertisement
Exhalation vents can make the face cooler and reduce moisture buildup inside a face covering, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said — but the vents allow unfiltered exhaled air to escape. That defeats the point of wearing a mask for the coronavirus, which is to keep potentially infectious oral droplets from spraying outward to other people.
To convert the N95 masks that have vent holes in the front, simply place a piece of tape over the external vent to cover it, health experts said.
As many as 20% to 50% of people infected with the coronavirus may never show severe signs of illness yet can still infect others. That’s why, health officials say, it’s so important to wear masks to keep the pandemic under control. It’s no coincidence that many nations that haven’t seen a sustained, out-of-control spread of the coronavirus have a public that universally wears masks when outside the home, experts say.
San Francisco and other health officials around the country have urged the public to wear cloth face coverings to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. A couple dozen California counties require the wearing of masks while in public — including Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento counties, as well as the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area — while other areas have made it a recommendation.
But there has been a backlash in a number of California counties, and officials have rescinded requirements to wear a mask. The latest to do so was Orange County, California’s third-most populous county.
In general, officials suggest members of the public wear cloth face coverings, rather than N95 and surgical face masks that should be reserved for healthcare workers.
“If you are currently using a medical mask, keep using it as long as you can. Only throw it away when it gets dirty or damaged,” the San Francisco health department said.


latimes--2020-06-16--Las Vegas is waking up. This California town on the road there is struggling to come back to life

Lazarus Dabour used to arrive at the Mad Greek Cafe before the sun rose above the desert sky .
He ’ d scan the 24-hour restaurant ’ s parking lot , clean the bathrooms , monitor the cash register , and prep fan-favorite breakfast items such as strawberry shakes or La Bomba breakfast burritos .
On a busy day , the restaurant ’ s 29-year-old general manager could serve as many as 1,200 customers before straggling off after a 16-hour shift .
But this was not a normal day .
It was June 4 and Las Vegas casinos had just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with much of the country .
His family ’ s restaurant had not seen a customer in more than two months .
This Mojave Desert town on the way to Las Vegas became so dead that the Dabours simply closed down to renovate .
“ We go as Vegas goes .
A lot of businesses had to close , ” Dabour said .
“ Not because we were ordered to , but because , financially , it was cheaper to operate a closed business than an open business.
” Few places are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baker , home to the self-proclaimed “ World ’ s Tallest Thermometer.
” The town is a dot on the road between Los Angeles and Vegas , and its lifeblood is the weary or curious traveler coursing along Interstate 15 .
But when Las Vegas reopened , any illusion that tourists would rush back evaporated .
Like much of the U.S. , the return to normal — whatever that is in the age of COVID-19 — would be slow and tentative .
On Day 1 , Baker was a virtual ghost town .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and finding customers was like looking for the last couple of eggs after an Easter hunt .
Only a few corporate fast-food chains were still open , such as the Subway in the Valero gas station .
“ It ’ s a small town in the middle of the desert , a place leading to a destination .
And we ’ ve been abandoned , ” said Luis Ramallo , owner of Alien Fresh Jerky .
A week after Las Vegas reopened , a handful of customers shopped for drinks and packaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the street from the Mad GreekCafe .
The 38-year-old store owner , Jin Yang , was delighted to see people coming back .
His store stayed open during the COVID-19 shutdown , though not a soul would come in for hours at a time .
Almost a week after Vegas started to reopen , business was slowly returning .
John Fowler , 72 , a Bakersfield resident , entered the store as part of his annual “ Father ’ s Day-ish ” Las Vegas trip with friends .
Baker was less crowded than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was more concerned with losing too much money in Las Vegas ’ casinos than contracting the virus that had put the world on hold .
“ I ’ ve been taking this trip for 25 to 30 years , and there ’ s usually four or five of us , but it trimmed down to two this year , ” Fowler said .
“ After a long stretch , it ’ s nice to stop by here for a break.
” He added a thought for the near future : “ Hopefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curve.
” Down Baker Boulevard , where six of the 27 buildings lie vacant , failed motels stood bleached by the sun .
It was 111 degrees .
Locals joked that qualified it as a “ cool day.
” Even as the lights dimmed along , the “ Gateway to Death Valley ’ s ” blinking landmark stayed lit .
LaRae Harguess , owner of the 134-foot-tall electric thermometer , was financially devastated by the closure .
Her family sold the thermometer 20 years ago .
She purchased it after years of by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the thermometer was just a large steel protrusion rising from the ground .
It bristled with residual copper wires — the few bits that scalpers had failed to swipe .
Knowing the thermometer ’ s storied past , Harguess refused to turn it off as the country sank into the pandemic .
The monthly $ 1,000 electric bill especially stung because there was no gift shop revenue to offset it .
Despite the financial hardship imposed on every business owner by the virus , only one place permanently closed , said Jacob Overson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smoky Jerky , competitor to Alien Fresh Jerky , was struggling even before the stay-at-home orders in March .
This month , it shut its doors .
Ramallo , 62 , was optimistic enough to continue planning a UFO-themed hotel in Baker .
But he is unsure if the hotel will open in time to celebrate his business ’ 20th anniversary .
He had to put construction on hold because of the coronavirus .
Ramallo reopened for Memorial Day weekend but saw virtually no business , and even now , he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We had to take our savings to survive , ” Ramallo said .
“ I ’ m hopeful that people will come back by the summer , but we don ’ t know when this will end .
The people with money can wait , but people like us can ’ t. ” Ravinder Grewal , 65 , who owns 21 franchise restaurants in Baker , including Cinnabon , Yogurtland , Taco Bell and Pizza Hut , made it his top priority to reopen his stores .
Grewal employed 150 Baker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours for half and laid off a quarter of his workers as business dropped by 90 % .
“ Baker will survive , we just need to be able to wait it out , ” Grewal said .
But for residents , the shutdown raised worries that their desert oasis was on the brink of permanent injury ; locals can not survive in the city without job prospects .
Yesenia Navarro , a 33-year-old employee at the World ’ s Largest Thermometer gift shop , hates what COVID-19 has done to her once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than coming in , she said .
Navarro ’ s neighborhood in Paradise Mobile Home Park used to be filled with laughter and camaraderie .
Neighbors barbecued and children rode their bikes .
Now , many people are out of work and the quarantine orders kept families inside their homes , leaving a dent in the sense of community , Navarro said .
As people kept to themselves , Navarro was uncertain if the usual Fourth of July festivities would go on .
She wondered what Baker would look like a year from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general manager , feared the pandemic would only worsen his town ’ s perennial problem : a dwindling population , which causes businesses to shut down , leading to fewer employment opportunities .
“ We lost a lot of residents back in ‘ 08 and the place was a lot busier back then , ” Overson said .
“ But we never really fully recovered from the 2008 recession.
” On June 4 at the Mad Greek Cafe , family patriarch Larry Dabour , 51 , sat , pensive , in one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ booths .
Idyllic paintings of Greece were propped against them , and hardware supplies were scattered across the empty storefront .
Lazarus Dabour originally intended to reopen in April , but he postponed twice , as Las Vegas remained closed .
He knew he wouldn ’ t be able to recoup the cost of opening during the COVID-19 shutdown .
His current goal is July 1 .
Four days after Las Vegas announced its closure , Darbour saw his sales drop to half of what he needed to stay open .
He gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locked the doors and laid off 26 of his 30 workers .
Unlike restaurants in metropolitan areas , Dabour said Baker ’ s businesses can not rely on the town ’ s 500 residents .
And delivery service ?
Not a chance .
“ Who would we deliver to ?
The cactus or the rocks ?
” Dabour asked .
“ It ’ s going to be a long haul to get back to where we were .
There ’ s no guarantee when I open the doors that we ’ ll have @ @ @ @

Alien Fresh Jerky is a popular stop for people passing through tiny Baker, Calif., on Interstate 15 on the way to Las Vegas.
Lazarus Dabour used to arrive at the Mad Greek Cafe before the sun rose above the desert sky. He’d scan the 24-hour restaurant’s parking lot, clean the bathrooms, monitor the cash register, and prep fan-favorite breakfast items such as strawberry shakes or La Bomba breakfast burritos.
On a busy day, the restaurant’s 29-year-old general manager could serve as many as 1,200 customers before straggling off after a 16-hour shift.
But this was not a normal day. It was June 4 and Las Vegas casinos had just reopened after the coronavirus shut down the famed Strip, along with much of the country. His family’s restaurant had not seen a customer in more than two months. This Mojave Desert town on the way to Las Vegas became so dead that the Dabours simply closed down to renovate.
“We go as Vegas goes. A lot of businesses had to close,” Dabour said. “Not because we were ordered to, but because, financially, it was cheaper to operate a closed business than an open business.”
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Larry Dabour is owner of the Mad Greek Cafe in Baker, Calif. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)
Few places are as dependent on Sin City as tiny Baker, home to the self-proclaimed “World’s Tallest Thermometer.” The town is a dot on the road between Los Angeles and Vegas, and its lifeblood is the weary or curious traveler coursing along Interstate 15.
But when Las Vegas reopened, any illusion that tourists would rush back evaporated. Like much of the U.S., the return to normal — whatever that is in the age of COVID-19 — would be slow and tentative. On Day 1, Baker was a virtual ghost town. Its parking lots were all but empty, and finding customers was like looking for the last couple of eggs after an Easter hunt.
Only a few corporate fast-food chains were still open, such as the Subway in the Valero gas station.
“It’s a small town in the middle of the desert, a place leading to a destination. And we’ve been abandoned,” said Luis Ramallo, owner of Alien Fresh Jerky.
“It’s a small town in the middle of the desert, a place leading to a destination,” said Luis Ramallo, owner of Alien Fresh Jerky in Baker. “And we’ve been abandoned.” (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)
A week after Las Vegas reopened, a handful of customers shopped for drinks and packaged snacks at the Country Store, across the street from the Mad GreekCafe. The 38-year-old store owner, Jin Yang, was delighted to see people coming back.
His store stayed open during the COVID-19 shutdown, though not a soul would come in for hours at a time. Almost a week after Vegas started to reopen, business was slowly returning.
John Fowler, 72, a Bakersfield resident, entered the store as part of his annual “Father’s Day-ish” Las Vegas trip with friends.
Baker was less crowded than usual, he said. Still, he was more concerned with losing too much money in Las Vegas’ casinos than contracting the virus that had put the world on hold.
“I’ve been taking this trip for 25 to 30 years, and there’s usually four or five of us, but it trimmed down to two this year,” Fowler said. “After a long stretch, it’s nice to stop by here for a break.”
He added a thought for the near future: “Hopefully we’ve gone and flattened the curve.”
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Down Baker Boulevard, where six of the 27 buildings lie vacant, failed motels stood bleached by the sun. It was 111 degrees. Locals joked that qualified it as a “cool day.”
Even as the lights dimmed along the Las Vegas Strip , the “Gateway to Death Valley’s” blinking landmark stayed lit.
People cross Baker Boulevard, with the town’s landmark 134-foot-tall electric thermometer in the background. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)
LaRae Harguess, owner of the 134-foot-tall electric thermometer, was financially devastated by the closure. Her family sold the thermometer 20 years ago. She purchased it back in 2014 after years of neglect by two previous owners.
Before then, the thermometer was just a large steel protrusion rising from the ground. It bristled with residual copper wires — the few bits that scalpers had failed to swipe.
Knowing the thermometer’s storied past, Harguess refused to turn it off as the country sank into the pandemic. The monthly $1,000 electric bill especially stung because there was no gift shop revenue to offset it.
Despite the financial hardship imposed on every business owner by the virus, only one place permanently closed, said Jacob Overson, Baker Community Service District general manager. Smoky Jerky, competitor to Alien Fresh Jerky, was struggling even before the stay-at-home orders in March. This month, it shut its doors.
Ramallo, 62, was optimistic enough to continue planning a UFO-themed hotel in Baker. But he is unsure if the hotel will open in time to celebrate his business’ 20th anniversary. He had to put construction on hold because of the coronavirus.
Ramallo reopened for Memorial Day weekend but saw virtually no business, and even now, he said, business is operating at a relative crawl.
“We had to take our savings to survive,” Ramallo said. “I’m hopeful that people will come back by the summer, but we don’t know when this will end. The people with money can wait, but people like us can’t.”
Ravinder Grewal, 65, who owns 21 franchise restaurants in Baker, including Cinnabon, Yogurtland, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, made it his top priority to reopen his stores. Grewal employed 150 Baker residents before the shutdown, but cut hours for half and laid off a quarter of his workers as business dropped by 90%.
Ravinder Grewal, 65, owns 21 franchise restaurants in Baker, Calif., including Cinnabon, Yogurtland, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)
“Baker will survive, we just need to be able to wait it out,” Grewal said.
But for residents, the shutdown raised worries that their desert oasis was on the brink of permanent injury; locals cannot survive in the city without job prospects.
Yesenia Navarro, a 33-year-old employee at the World’s Largest Thermometer gift shop, hates what COVID-19 has done to her once close-knit community. More cars were leaving than coming in, she said. Navarro’s neighborhood in Paradise Mobile Home Park used to be filled with laughter and camaraderie. Neighbors barbecued and children rode their bikes.
Now, many people are out of work and the quarantine orders kept families inside their homes, leaving a dent in the sense of community, Navarro said.
As people kept to themselves, Navarro was uncertain if the usual Fourth of July festivities would go on. She wondered what Baker would look like a year from now.
Overson, Baker’s general manager, feared the pandemic would only worsen his town’s perennial problem: a dwindling population, which causes businesses to shut down, leading to fewer employment opportunities.
“We lost a lot of residents back in ‘08 and the place was a lot busier back then,” Overson said. “But we never really fully recovered from the 2008 recession.”
On June 4 at the Mad Greek Cafe, family patriarch Larry Dabour, 51, sat, pensive, in one of the restaurant’s dozen empty turquoise booths. Idyllic paintings of Greece were propped against them, and hardware supplies were scattered across the empty storefront.
The Mad Greek Cafe in Baker, Calif. “We go as Vegas goes. A lot of businesses had to close,” said general manager Lazarus Dabour. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)
Lazarus Dabour originally intended to reopen in April, but he postponed twice, as Las Vegas remained closed. He knew he wouldn’t be able to recoup the cost of opening during the COVID-19 shutdown. His current goal is July 1.
Four days after Las Vegas announced its closure, Darbour saw his sales drop to half of what he needed to stay open. He gave away supplies and perishables to employees, locked the doors and laid off 26 of his 30 workers.
Unlike restaurants in metropolitan areas, Dabour said Baker’s businesses cannot rely on the town’s 500 residents. And delivery service? Not a chance.
“Who would we deliver to? The cactus or the rocks?” Dabour asked. “It’s going to be a long haul to get back to where we were. There’s no guarantee when I open the doors that we’ll have a customer.”