latimes--2020-07-07--L.A. County seeks plan to close aging Men's Central Jail in a year

Only a year ago , L.A. County leaders scrapped a plan to replace the decrepit Men ’ s Central Jail , where thousands of inmates are held in cramped cells along narrow hallways in downtown L.A. Now , the Board of Supervisors is looking at what it would take to close the 57-year-old lockup all together — with no replacement — as they focus on treating the mental health needs of the thousands of people who come in and out of the jail system , which is run by the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department and is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officials are also seeking to leverage a reduction in the jail population in recent months driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of large-scale outbreaks of the disease in cramped quarters .
The move also comes amid a national reassessment of the criminal justice system spurred by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody .
Civic leaders across the nation are taking hard looks at defunding law enforcement agencies and diverting some of that money to mental health , housing and other community needs .
The county ’ s focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the recent protests over police brutality .
“ We must reduce our reliance just on caging people , ” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl .
“ The closure of MCJ , as we continue to do that , won ’ t be the revolutionary concept it looked like today .
It ’ ll simply be logical .
It ’ ll be fiscally prudent and another opportunity for community healing.
” Officials said they are not revving up the bulldozers just yet .
The board on Tuesday endorsed developing a course of action to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest of seven facilities in L.A. County ’ s sprawling and overcrowded jail system , within a year .
That includes looking at where the inmates held there now would go , how the county ’ s six other jails would be impacted and the potential cost-savings of such a move .
Any plans to tear down the jail would come with a ramped up Office of Diversion and Reentry , a team created five years ago to help inmates with mental illness or substance abuse problems find housing and support services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the nonprofit research agency Rand Corp. , which found that more than 60 % of the inmates with a mental illness in county jails would be eligible for diversion if there were more facilities capable of providing supportive care .
That means thousands of inmates could be taken out of the criminal justice system , which could save the county hundreds of dollars it costs daily to house each person behind bars .
For many , officials said at the time , it would also end a cycle of arrest , homelessness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Sheriff ’ s Department has reduced the jail population by about 5,000 — from roughly 17,000 inmates to about 12,000 — to ease overcrowding and avert deadly outbreaks .
It marks the first time in at least 15 years that the jail population has dipped below the 12,404-inmate capacity set by the California Board of State and Community Corrections , even though crime has dropped significantly during that same period , according to county officials .
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Tuesday that only the most dangerous offenders are left behind bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Central Jail would lead to their release .
“ The jail system today houses 1,199 murder suspects , 762 attempted murder suspects , 65 manslaughter suspects , 105 rape suspects , 391 child molestation suspects , 1,200 robbery suspects , 142 carjacking suspects , 743 domestic violence suspects , ” Villanueva told the supervisors .
“ Now , you tell me how safe you think you ’ re going to be with them out there in the community.
” The plan , however , does not call for broad scale releases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day there are over 3,000 individuals with mental illness in our jail system who could be safely diverted , ” said Supervisor Janice Hahn .
“ We ’ re not closing it without a plan , it ’ s not our desire to release violent criminals into the streets , thus victimizing more people .
This is a question we ’ ve all been asking : Can we demolish this antiquated and unsafe facility with another plan in place ?
” Lex Steppling , director of campaigns and policy for Dignity and Power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help come up with a list of alternatives to incarceration recommended to the board , said Villanueva ’ s remarks amounted to fear-mongering .
“ We have an opportunity to take a much more comprehensive approach to public safety , ” he said .
Ron Hernandez , president of the Assn .
for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs , told the supervisors that Men ’ s Central was outdated but said he opposed its closure without a suitable replacement .
The board requested a report back from the Sheriff ’ s Department and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
The motion , authored by Kuehl and Supervisor Hilda Solis , said closing the jail would eventually help to address budget shortfalls within the Sheriff ’ s Department .
Due to the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic , officials cut $ 162 million this fiscal year from the department ’ s budget .

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is exploring what it would take to close the dilapidated Men’s Central Jail within a year.
Only a year ago, L.A. County leaders scrapped a plan to replace the decrepit Men’s Central Jail, where thousands of inmates are held in cramped cells along narrow hallways in downtown L.A.
Now, the Board of Supervisors is looking at what it would take to close the 57-year-old lockup all together — with no replacement — as they focus on treating the mental health needs of the thousands of people who come in and out of the jail system, which is run by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and is the biggest such system in the nation.
Officials are also seeking to leverage a reduction in the jail population in recent months driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of large-scale outbreaks of the disease in cramped quarters.
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The move also comes amid a national reassessment of the criminal justice system spurred by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. Civic leaders across the nation are taking hard looks at defunding law enforcement agencies and diverting some of that money to mental health, housing and other community needs.
The county’s focus on finding alternatives to incarceration began well before the recent protests over police brutality.
“We must reduce our reliance just on caging people,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. “The closure of MCJ, as we continue to do that, won’t be the revolutionary concept it looked like today. It’ll simply be logical. It’ll be fiscally prudent and another opportunity for community healing.”
Supervisor Hilda Solis said she sees closing Men’s Central Jail as part of a sea change that will require the county’s criminal justice system as a whole to focus much of its attention on restorative justice.
“I think sometimes when you’re in a crisis, that’s when you have a chance to really change and pivot and go in a different direction, and the direction here is — people want to be treated fairly and equitably,” Solis said.
Officials said they are not revving up the bulldozers just yet.
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The board on Tuesday endorsed developing a course of action to close Men’s Central, the largest of seven facilities in L.A. County’s sprawling and overcrowded jail system, within a year. That includes looking at where the inmates held there now would go, how the county’s six other jails would be impacted and the potential cost-savings of such a move.
Any plans to tear down the jail would come with a ramped up Office of Diversion and Reentry, a team created five years ago to help inmates with mental illness or substance abuse problems find housing and support services. Officials pointed to a January study conducted by the nonprofit research agency Rand Corp., which found that more than 60% of the inmates with a mental illness in county jails would be eligible for diversion if there were more facilities capable of providing supportive care.
That means thousands of inmates could be taken out of the criminal justice system, which could save the county hundreds of dollars it costs daily to house each person behind bars. For many, officials said at the time, it would also end a cycle of arrest, homelessness and recidivism.
Since the pandemic began, the Sheriff’s Department has reduced the jail population by about 5,000 — from roughly 17,000 inmates to about 12,000 — to ease overcrowding and avert deadly outbreaks. It marks the first time in at least 15 years that the jail population has dipped below the 12,404-inmate capacity set by the California Board of State and Community Corrections, even though crime has dropped significantly during that same period, according to county officials.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Tuesday that only the most dangerous offenders are left behind bars and suggested the closure of Men’s Central Jail would lead to their release.
“The jail system today houses 1,199 murder suspects, 762 attempted murder suspects, 65 manslaughter suspects, 105 rape suspects, 391 child molestation suspects, 1,200 robbery suspects, 142 carjacking suspects, 743 domestic violence suspects,” Villanueva told the supervisors. “Now, you tell me how safe you think you’re going to be with them out there in the community.”
The plan, however, does not call for broad scale releases of violent offenders.
“On any given day there are over 3,000 individuals with mental illness in our jail system who could be safely diverted,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “We’re not closing it without a plan, it’s not our desire to release violent criminals into the streets, thus victimizing more people. This is a question we’ve all been asking: Can we demolish this antiquated and unsafe facility with another plan in place?”
Lex Steppling, director of campaigns and policy for Dignity and Power Now who worked with other advocates to help come up with a list of alternatives to incarceration recommended to the board, said Villanueva’s remarks amounted to fear-mongering.
“We have an opportunity to take a much more comprehensive approach to public safety,” he said.
Ron Hernandez, president of the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, told the supervisors that Men’s Central was outdated but said he opposed its closure without a suitable replacement.
The board requested a report back from the Sheriff’s Department and the Office of Diversion and Reentry in 60 days.
The motion, authored by Solis and co-authored by Kuehl, said closing the jail would eventually help to address budget shortfalls within the Sheriff’s Department. Due to the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic, officials cut $162 million this fiscal year from the department’s budget.
Times staff writer Jaclyn Cosgrove contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-07-07--LAPD investigates 'blue flu' claims after officers call in sick over July 4 holiday

An unsigned letter circulated among the Los Angeles Police Department rank and file last week , encouraging officers to call in sick to protect their own interests .
It had been been a month of upheaval for police , with unprecedented protests over police killings of Black people and the Los Angeles City Council agreeing to cut the LAPD ’ s budget by $ 150 million amid calls for sweeping reforms .
“ They succeeded in defunding the police ; what do you think is next ?
Our pay ?
Our benefits ?
Our pensions ?
You ’ re God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jeopardy now , ” read the letter , which was obtained by The Times .
“ We have to send the city a clear message that we are not expendable and we are not going to take this crap anymore.
” Now , LAPD commanders are investigating whether an unusual spike in officers calling in sick over the July 4 weekend was the result of an orchestrated protest or labor action , which would be illegal .
Sources in the department told The Times up to 300 officers called in sick in what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ blue flu.
” It came on a weekend with an unusually high number of homicides and shootings and as residents complained of illegal fireworks exploding all across the city .
In certain anti-gang units , everyone or nearly everyone called in sick at once , sources said .
LAPD Chief Michel Moore said there could be several reasons why officers called in sick , particularly given rising COVID-19 cases within the force and throughout Los Angeles County .
But he also acknowledged signs that certain officers and units called in as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowingly participated in such an effort would be guilty of misconduct and punished , Moore said , but he did not have a timeline for when the internal probe would wrap up .
As of Tuesday , he was still talking to front-line supervisors like sergeants and lieutenants about the pattern and any justifications they may know of , including any coronavirus concerns among officers and their families .
“ Rather than jumping to conclusions and indicting and impugning the integrity of our rank and file , I ’ m asking that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We want to find the facts out before we start making sweeping judgments.
” The move comes just weeks after LAPD officers called in absent for nearly 700 shifts on Los Angeles County ’ s transit system after Moore temporarily froze overtime pay .
But major coordinated sick calls are not common in the LAPD .
More common are actions in which officers report for duty , but are intentionally less proactive .
Najee Ali , a longtime civil rights activist in South L.A. , where many of the sick calls occurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to punish activists for demanding police funding be reallocated elsewhere , and should be a huge cause for concern to top officials .
“ It has not gone unnoticed by the residents , ” Ali said .
“ It highlights the lack of character and integrity of those who are supposed to serve the community .
They are the ones jeopardizing public safety.
” The department has specific protocols for officers to report COVID-19 symptoms or exposure , which Moore said would help them determine what role the virus played in reducing weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As of Tuesday , Moore said 323 employees had tested positive for COVID-19 , with another 231 awaiting results .
A total of 250 personnel , including 160 sworn officers and 90 civilian employees , were under quarantine , representing a threefold increase in the number of sworn officers in quarantine compared to this time last month .
At least one officer has died .
Moore said the department staffed up heavily before the holiday weekend based on high call volumes in past years , including for fireworks , and was able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in to ensure that patrol shifts were fully staffed throughout the weekend .
He said he was aware of the calls for an orchestrated “ blue flu ” — both in Los Angeles and across the country — but that they were not the motivation for the increased weekend staffing .
The Los Angeles Police Protective League , which represents rank-and-file officers on labor issues , said it was not behind the effort .
In fact , the union sent an email to its members discouraging them from participating .
“ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Blue Flu ’ where officers would coordinate to call in sick for the same day .
We urge you to not take this action , ” the LAPPL wrote .
“ The Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Police Protective League unequivocally condemns any attempt to engage in a ‘ Blue Flu.
’ It is wrong , it is illegal , and it is contrary to the oath we all took as police officers to protect our community.
” Because of the danger to public safety , it is illegal under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on strike .
Still , according to a source with knowledge of the situation , at least 91 officers called in sick in the Southeast Division alone , with another 31 doing so in the Southwest Division .
There were also greater than normal sick calls in the 77th Division and in the Foothill Division .
Anti-gang units in Foothill , Southeast and Southwest all called in sick , the source said .
Moore said he did not know how many officers in each division called in and could not provide a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be part of the review .
“ Certainly it was higher than normal , and we ’ re trying to figure it out , ” he said .
Both Moore and Josh Rubenstein , a police spokesman , said the “ vast majority ” of officers who were scheduled to work showed up for their shifts .
Craig Lally , president of the union , agreed , and said commanders won ’ t know why officers called in sick until they talk to them to determine “ whether it was a sickout or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steve Gordon , a former LAPPL board member who still advises many officers , said he discouraged officers from calling in sick because he believed it would alienate city residents and lead to officers being retaliated against or disciplined by the department .
Instead , Gordon is encouraging officers to participate in a “ LAPD Appreciation Rally ” at police headquarters on Saturday , where he said they can channel their frustration with city and police officials not standing up for them or the progress the department has made in recent years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ robust staffing of police on the streets with declines in violent crime , though criminal justice reform groups have questioned the correlation .
The City Council ’ s recent cut to the LAPD budget is based in part on the premise that funds typically allocated to police would be better spent on mental health clinicians and other first responders who are trained to treat people in crises rather than arrest them .
No one has suggested that officers calling in sick over the weekend caused crime to spike .
However , certain crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been on the rise .
There were 19 homicides in the city from June 21 to July 5 , compared to nine during the same period last year , according to Capt .
Paul Vernon .
There were six between Friday and Sunday alone .
Moore said violent crime remains down overall , on a year-over-year basis , but homicides are up and shootings are surging , particularly in South L.A .
He said it is not exactly clear what is driving the violence , which has been seen in other cities as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mix of factors including individual disputes , heat , economic uncertainty amid the pandemic and gang violence .
“ We ’ re watching it very closely .
It ’ s a hot summer and I ’ m very concerned .
This is a unique time with this pandemic and the economic impact of unemployment and loss of jobs and of people ’ s livelihoods , ” Moore said .
“ It ’ s a very unique time in American history , and how it is impacting us in street violence and crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have all the answers for .
”

Kevin Rector, Richard Winton, Cindy Chang

The LAPD is investigating whether officers called in sick over the July 4 weekend as part of a protest or political statement.
An unsigned letter circulated among the Los Angeles Police Department rank and file last week, encouraging officers to call in sick to protect their own interests.
It had been a month of upheaval for police, with unprecedented protests over police killings of Black people and the Los Angeles City Council agreeing to cut the LAPD’s budget by $150 million amid calls for sweeping reforms.
“They succeeded in defunding the police; what do you think is next? Our pay? Our benefits? Our pensions? You’re God Damn right all those things are in jeopardy now,” read the letter, which was obtained by The Times. “We have to send the city a clear message that we are not expendable and we are not going to take this crap anymore.”
Now, LAPD commanders are investigating whether an unusual spike in officers calling in sick over the July 4 weekend was the result of an orchestrated protest or labor action, which would be illegal. Sources in the department told The Times up to 300 officers called in sick in what many in the department suspect was a “blue flu.”
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It came on a weekend with an unusually high number of homicides and shootings and as residents complained of illegal fireworks exploding all across the city.
In certain anti-gang units, everyone or nearly everyone called in sick at once, sources said.
LAPD Chief Michel Moore said there could be several reasons why officers called in sick, particularly given rising COVID-19 cases within the force and throughout Los Angeles County. But he also acknowledged signs that certain officers and units called in as part of a concerted action.
Officers who knowingly participated in such an effort would be guilty of misconduct and punished, Moore said, but he did not have a timeline for when the internal probe would wrap up. As of Tuesday, he was still talking to front-line supervisors like sergeants and lieutenants about the pattern and any justifications they may know of, including any coronavirus concerns among officers and their families.
“Rather than jumping to conclusions and indicting and impugning the integrity of our rank and file, I’m asking that we explore this,” Moore said. “We want to find the facts out before we start making sweeping judgments.”
The move comes just weeks after LAPD officers called in absent for nearly 700 shifts on Los Angeles County’s transit system after Moore temporarily froze overtime pay. But major coordinated sick calls are not common in the LAPD. More common are actions in which officers report for duty, but are intentionally less proactive.
Najee Ali, a longtime civil rights activist in South L.A., where many of the sick calls occurred, said the effort was clearly intended to punish activists for demanding police funding be reallocated elsewhere, and should be a huge cause for concern to top officials.
“It has not gone unnoticed by the residents,” Ali said. “It highlights the lack of character and integrity of those who are supposed to serve the community. They are the ones jeopardizing public safety.”
Advertisement
The department has specific protocols for officers to report COVID-19 symptoms or exposure, which Moore said would help them determine what role the virus played in reducing weekend staffing.
It certainly played some role. As of Tuesday, Moore said 323 employees had tested positive for COVID-19, with another 231 awaiting results. A total of 250 personnel, including 160 sworn officers and 90 civilian employees, were under quarantine, representing a threefold increase in the number of sworn officers in quarantine compared to this time last month. At least one officer has died.
Moore said the department staffed up heavily before the holiday weekend based on high call volumes in past years, including for fireworks, and was able to divert officers as sick calls rolled in to ensure that patrol shifts were fully staffed throughout the weekend.
He said he was aware of the calls for an orchestrated “blue flu” — both in Los Angeles and across the country — but that they were not the motivation for the increased weekend staffing.
The Los Angeles Police Protective League, which represents rank-and-file officers on labor issues, said it was not behind the effort. In fact, the union sent an email to its members discouraging them from participating.
“We have heard some unsubstantiated rumors of a potential ‘Blue Flu’ where officers would coordinate to call in sick for the same day. We urge you to not take this action,” the LAPPL wrote. “The Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Police Protective League unequivocally condemns any attempt to engage in a ‘Blue Flu.’ It is wrong, it is illegal, and it is contrary to the oath we all took as police officers to protect our community.”
Because of the danger to public safety, it is illegal under state law for police officers to go on strike.
Still, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, at least 91 officers called in sick in the Southeast Division alone, with another 31 doing so in the Southwest Division. There were also greater than normal sick calls in the 77th Division and in the Foothill Division. Anti-gang units in Foothill, Southeast and Southwest all called in sick, the source said.
Moore said he did not know how many officers in each division called in and could not provide a total figure, but collecting that data would be part of the review.
“Certainly it was higher than normal, and we’re trying to figure it out,” he said.
Both Moore and Josh Rubenstein, a police spokesman, said the “vast majority” of officers who were scheduled to work showed up for their shifts.
Craig Lally, president of the union, agreed, and said commanders won’t know why officers called in sick until they talk to them to determine “whether it was a sickout or COVID or they had a headache.”
Steve Gordon, a former LAPPL board member who still advises many officers, said he discouraged officers from calling in sick because he believed it would alienate city residents and lead to officers being retaliated against or disciplined by the department.
Instead, Gordon is encouraging officers to participate in a “LAPD Appreciation Rally” at police headquarters on Saturday, where he said they can channel their frustration with city and police officials not standing up for them or the progress the department has made in recent years.
Police and city officials have long equated robust staffing of police on the streets with declines in violent crime, though criminal justice reform groups have questioned the correlation. The City Council’s recent cut to the LAPD budget is based in part on the premise that funds typically allocated to police would be better spent on mental health clinicians and other first responders who are trained to treat people in crises rather than arrest them.
No one has suggested that officers calling in sick over the weekend caused crime to spike. However, certain crimes — namely homicides and shootings — have been on the rise.
There were 19 homicides in the city from June 21 to July 5, compared to nine during the same period last year, according to Capt. Paul Vernon. There were six between Friday and Sunday alone.
Moore said violent crime remains down overall, on a year-over-year basis, but homicides are up and shootings are surging, particularly in South L.A. He said it is not exactly clear what is driving the violence, which has been seen in other cities as well, but it appears to be a mix of factors including individual disputes, heat, economic uncertainty amid the pandemic and gang violence.
“We’re watching it very closely. It’s a hot summer and I’m very concerned. This is a unique time with this pandemic and the economic impact of unemployment and loss of jobs and of people’s livelihoods,” Moore said. “It’s a very unique time in American history, and how it is impacting us in street violence and crime in our neighborhoods is something we don’t have all the answers for.”


latimes--2020-07-08--L.A. County records highest daily coronavirus death toll in at least a month

Los Angeles County on Wednesday recorded its worst daily coronavirus death toll in at least a month , which may be the result of increased disease transmission that likely began around Memorial Day .
Officials with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported at least 60 new coronavirus-related deaths Wednesday , and Long Beach — which has its own health officer — reported one new death .
The combined total of at least 61 cases is the highest single-day death toll since June 2 , when 62 deaths were reported across L.A. County , according to the Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our cases are rising .
The rate of infection is increasing .
And the number of hospitalizations are up .
And today , we ’ re even seeing a small increase in the number of deaths , ” Barbara Ferrer , the Los Angeles County director of public health , said Wednesday .
“ Tragically , we do expect that more of our loved ones and our neighbors may die of COVID-19 in the coming weeks with all of the increases we ’ re seeing in hospitalizations , ” Ferrer said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in community transmission , ” Ferrer added , pointing out that L.A. County is recording on average 2,400 new coronavirus cases a day ; at this time in June , L.A. County was tallying about 1,300 cases daily .
On Monday , there were 2,004 people hospitalized with confirmed coronavirus infections in L.A. County , a 36 % increase from Memorial Day , when 1,477 coronavirus-infected people were in L.A. County hospitals .
Monday was the second consecutive day L.A. County has posted a record number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations since the pandemic hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitalized each day for COVID-19 than really at any other point in the pandemic , ” Ferrer said .
“ We are worried , given the higher rates of hospitalizations , that deaths may go back up.
” Experts say it can take three to four weeks after exposure to the virus for infected people to become sick enough to be hospitalized , and four to five weeks after exposure for patients to die from the disease .
Statewide , the number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations continued to march upward .
Tuesday marked California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the record for number of hospitalized people with confirmed coronavirus infections .
On Tuesday , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said there were 6,100 people hospitalized with confirmed coronavirus infections , a 114 % increase from the number six weeks earlier , on May 26 , when 2,847 people were hospitalized .
The number of people in California ’ s intensive care units has also soared .
On Tuesday , there were 1,753 people with confirmed coronavirus infections in California ’ s intensive care units , a 71 % increase compared to the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when 1,026 coronavirus-infected patients were in the ICU .
In both Los Angeles County and across the state , a higher percentage of coronavirus test results are coming back positive — an indication that virus transmission is worsening .
The so-called positivity rate has more than doubled since late May in L.A. County .
The seven-day average of the daily so-called positivity rate climbed to 10.4 % , officials said Wednesday ; in late May , that rate fell to a low of 4.6 % .
Across California , the rate at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has jumped 67 % in the last three weeks .
An analysis of test results released for the seven-day period ending Tuesday showed the statewide positivity rate at 7.5 % ; three weeks earlier , the rate was just 4.5 % .
There were some signs of progress — and that warnings the pandemic was worsening in L.A. County in recent weeks may be working .
Over the three-day Fourth of July weekend , out of 1,101 restaurants inspected in L.A. County , 99 % were in compliance with county orders to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 99 % of customers were wearing masks and 82 % of employees were wearing appropriate face coverings .
Of 82 bars that were visited by L.A. County inspectors , all were closed , complying with an order issued last week .
By contrast , half of 2,000 restaurants inspected on a mid-June weekend were not in compliance with safety guidelines .
In addition , while coronavirus-related hospitalizations are at all-time highs in L.A. County , they ’ re increasing at a slower rate , said Dr. Christine Ghaly , L.A. County ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County officials began sounding the alarm a month ago , when the effective transmission rate of the coronavirus rose above 1 , meaning for every one person infected with the coronavirus , that person on average transmitted the virus to more than one other person — setting the stage for a dramatic worsening of the pandemic .
The transmission rate has fallen back to 1 in recent weeks .
That ’ s good news , and if that rate remains steady , it ’ s now likely that L.A. County will have an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August .
But because the rate was above 1 for a period of time in June , it also means that as we head into July , L.A. County is now dealing with the consequences , Ghaly said .
Ghaly said officials suspect that the reopening of L.A. County ’ s economy was the major reason for the uptick in transmission .
L.A. County reopened churches and in-store shopping on May 26 ; allowed indoor dining to resume on May 29 ; and permitted bars and wineries to reopen on June 19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on June 28 , and indoor dining was ordered closed on July 1 .
The coronavirus continues to disproportionately impact Black and Latino residents of Los Angeles County compared to white residents , according to an age-adjusted analysis of mortality rates released by county officials .
Black and Latino residents of L.A. County are dying at roughly double the rate of white residents , the analysis found .
For every 100,000 Latino residents , 45 have died ; and for every 100,000 Black residents , 41 have died .
For every 100,000 Asian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for every 100,000 white residents , 21 have died .
The overall mortality rate in L.A. County is 33 deaths for every 100,000 residents .
The racial disparities are a cause of concern , Ferrer said , and mean that officials need to redouble efforts to improve access to testing and healthcare in underserved areas , as well as help workers who may not have adequate protection on the job .
Poor neighborhoods are also showing far worse mortality rates .
Those living in areas with the worst poverty in L.A. County are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while residents of the wealthiest areas are seeing 18 deaths for every 100,000 residents .

Los Angeles County on Wednesday recorded its worst daily coronavirus death toll in at least a month, which may be the result of increased disease transmission that likely began around Memorial Day.
Officials with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported 60 new coronavirus-related deaths Wednesday, and Long Beach — which has its own health officer — reported one new death. The combined total of 61 cases is the highest single-day death toll since June 2, when 62 deaths were reported across L.A. County, according to the Los Angeles Times’ California coronavirus tracker.
“Our cases are rising. The rate of infection is increasing. And the number of hospitalizations are up. And today, we’re even seeing a small increase in the number of deaths,” Barbara Ferrer, the Los Angeles County director of public health, said Wednesday.
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“Tragically, we do expect that more of our loved ones and our neighbors may die of COVID-19 in the coming weeks with all of the increases we’re seeing in hospitalizations,” Ferrer said.
“We are seeing a sharp increase in community transmission,” Ferrer added, pointing out that L.A. County is recording on average 2,400 new coronavirus cases a day; at this time in June, L.A. County was tallying about 1,300 cases daily.
California California sets record for most coronavirus cases in a single day California cases are on pace to double every 24.8 days, a number that is used by experts to measure how quickly the virus is spreading.
On Monday, there were 2,004 people hospitalized with confirmed coronavirus infections in L.A. County, a 36% increase from Memorial Day, when 1,477 coronavirus-infected people were in L.A. County hospitals.
Monday was the second consecutive day L.A. County has posted a record number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations since the pandemic hit California.
“This is more people hospitalized each day for COVID-19 than really at any other point in the pandemic,” Ferrer said. “We are worried, given the higher rates of hospitalizations, that deaths may go back up.”
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Experts say it can take three to four weeks after exposure to the virus for infected people to become sick enough to be hospitalized, and four to five weeks after exposure for patients to die from the disease.
Statewide, the number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations continued to march upward.
Tuesday marked California’s 18th consecutive day of breaking the record for number of hospitalized people with confirmed coronavirus infections.
On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said there were 6,100 people hospitalized with confirmed coronavirus infections, a 114% increase from the number six weeks earlier, on May 26, when 2,847 people were hospitalized.
The number of people in California’s intensive care units has also soared.
On Tuesday, there were 1,753 people with confirmed coronavirus infections in California’s intensive care units, a 71% increase compared to the number six weeks earlier, on May 26, when 1,026 coronavirus-infected patients were in the ICU.
In both Los Angeles County and across the state, a higher percentage of coronavirus test results are coming back positive — an indication that virus transmission is worsening.
Tracking the coronavirus in L.A. County The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, including cases, deaths, closures and restrictions.
The so-called positivity rate has more than doubled since late May in L.A. County. The seven-day average of the daily so-called positivity rate climbed to 10.4%, officials said Wednesday; in late May, that rate fell to a low of 4.6%.
Across California, the rate at which coronavirus tests have come back positive has jumped 67% in the last three weeks.
A Los Angeles Times analysis of test results Wednesday showed the statewide positivity rate over the past seven days was 7.7%%; three weeks earlier, the rate was just 4.6%.
There were some signs of progress — and that warnings the pandemic was worsening in L.A. County in recent weeks may be working.
Over the three-day Fourth of July weekend, out of 1,101 restaurants inspected in L.A. County, 99% were in compliance with county orders to provide only outdoor dining, takeout or delivery; 99% of customers were wearing masks and 82% of employees were wearing appropriate face coverings.
Of 82 bars that were visited by L.A. County inspectors, all were closed, complying with an order issued last week.
By contrast, half of 2,000 restaurants inspected on a mid-June weekend were not in compliance with safety guidelines.
In addition, while coronavirus-related hospitalizations are at all-time highs in L.A. County, they’re increasing at a slower rate, said Dr. Christine Ghaly, L.A. County’s director of health services.
L.A. County officials began sounding the alarm a month ago, when the effective transmission rate of the coronavirus rose above 1, meaning for every one person infected with the coronavirus, that person on average transmitted the virus to more than one other person — setting the stage for a dramatic worsening of the pandemic.
The transmission rate has fallen back to 1 in recent weeks. That’s good news, and if that rate remains steady, it’s now likely that L.A. County will have an adequate supply of hospital beds through early August.
But because the rate was above 1 for a period of time in June, it also means that as we head into July, L.A. County is now dealing with the consequences, Ghaly said.
Ghaly said officials suspect that the reopening of L.A. County’s economy was the major reason for the uptick in transmission.
L.A. County reopened churches and in-store shopping on May 26; allowed indoor dining to resume on May 29; and permitted bars and wineries to reopen on June 19.
Bars were ordered closed in L.A. County on June 28, and indoor dining was ordered closed on July 1.
The coronavirus continues to disproportionately impact Black and Latino residents of Los Angeles County compared to white residents, according to an age-adjusted analysis of mortality rates released by county officials.
Black and Latino residents of L.A. County are dying at roughly double the rate of white residents, the analysis found.
For every 100,000 Latino residents, 45 have died; and for every 100,000 Black residents, 41 have died.
For every 100,000 Asian residents, 27 have died. And for every 100,000 white residents, 21 have died.
The overall mortality rate in L.A. County is 33 deaths for every 100,000 residents.
The racial disparities are a cause of concern, Ferrer said, and mean that officials need to redouble efforts to improve access to testing and healthcare in underserved areas, as well as help workers who may not have adequate protection on the job.
Poor neighborhoods are also showing far worse mortality rates. Those living in areas with the worst poverty in L.A. County are seeing 73 fatalities for every 100,000 residents, while residents of the wealthiest areas are seeing 18 deaths for every 100,000 residents.


latimes--2020-07-08--California legislators delay return to Capitol due to coronavirus outbreak

The California Senate on Wednesday joined the Assembly in deciding not to return from its summer recess next week , citing the continued spread of the coronavirus , which has now infected several staffers and members in the Legislature .
No new return date was given in the notice sent to lawmakers Wednesday by Erika Contreras , the secretary of the Senate .
“ After careful consideration of the increase in COVID-19 cases in the Capitol community and throughout the state , the Senate has made the decision not to return to session next week , July 13-19 , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to monitor the public health situation , and I will notify you as soon it is determined an appropriate time to return to session.
” The decision comes as the number of coronavirus cases in California has surged in recent weeks , with hospitalizations up 44 % in the last two weeks .
Six employees of the state Assembly , including Assemblywoman Autumn Burke ( D-Marina Del Rey ) , have tested positive for COVID-19 , resulting in the lower house deciding to delay its resumption of legislative meetings indefinitely .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that legislators have called a break due to concerns over the virus .
“ The Assembly will remain in recess until further notice , ” said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon ( D- Lakewood ) .
“ We have taken this decision , as we did in March , to protect members , staff and the public from exposure , and it comes in light of recent news of positive coronavirus tests in the Capitol.
” Rendon told legislators that his office is developing a schedule that will allow pending bills to be heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers are in the Capitol building , which is undergoing a deep cleaning .
The decision to delay returning to session tightens the window for the state Legislature to act on hundreds of pieces of legislation before an Aug. 31 deadline .
One Senate staffer tested positive last month , while two employees who work in district offices have confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
The letter from Contreras states that all Senate employees are expected to continue working remotely , while just one staff member may go into each legislator ’ s district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ As has been our practice since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis , Capitol and [ district office ] phones should be transferred to cell phones and answered during regular work hours , to continue providing resources , assistance and service to constituents , ” the Senate secretary advised .
She said overnight travel will not be approved “ except under compelling and unique circumstances ” approved by the secretary of the Senate .

The California Assembly, pictured during a session last year, has postponed returning to the Capitol from summer recess because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The California Senate on Wednesday joined the Assembly in deciding not to return from its summer recess next week, citing the continued spread of the coronavirus, which has now infected several staffers and members in the Legislature.
The decision was announced on the same day that a second Assembly member, Republican Tom Lackey of Palmdale, acknowledged through a spokesman that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
“Assemblyman Lackey has been hospitalized since Sunday for COVID-19 complications. He is receiving excellent treatment at Palmdale Regional Medical Center and anticipates a full recovery,” George Andrews, the assemblyman’s chief of staff, said in a statement.
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Lackey, 61, was elected after retiring from a career in the California Highway Patrol.
The Senate and Assembly were scheduled to return from summer recess on Monday, but legislative leaders issued a statement Thursday saying, “We will resume session on July 27 in order to minimize potential COVID-19 exposure and transmission in the California State Capitol.”
The announcement that Monday’s return was canceled was made Wednesday by Erika Contreras, the secretary of the Senate.
“After careful consideration of the increase in COVID-19 cases in the Capitol community and throughout the state, the Senate has made the decision not to return to session next week, July 13-19,” Contreras wrote.
The decision comes as the number of coronavirus cases in California has surged in recent weeks, with hospitalizations up 44% in the last two weeks.
Six employees of the state Assembly, including Assemblywoman Autumn Burke (D-Marina del Rey), have tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in the lower house deciding to delay its resumption of legislative meetings indefinitely. It is the second time since the pandemic began that legislators have called a break due to concerns over the virus.
Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) had announced earlier that it was too soon to return Monday. “We have taken this decision, as we did in March, to protect members, staff and the public from exposure, and it comes in light of recent news of positive coronavirus tests in the Capitol.”
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Rendon told legislators that his office is developing a schedule that will allow pending bills to be heard but minimize the number of days that lawmakers are in the Capitol building, which is undergoing a deep cleaning.
The decision to delay returning to session tightens the window for the state Legislature to act on hundreds of pieces of legislation before an Aug. 31 deadline.
One Senate staffer tested positive last month, while two employees who work in district offices have confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The letter from Contreras states that all Senate employees are expected to continue working remotely, while just one staff member may go into each legislator’s district office to perform “essential functions.”
“As has been our practice since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, Capitol and [district office] phones should be transferred to cellphones and answered during regular work hours, to continue providing resources, assistance and service to constituents,” the Senate secretary advised.
She said overnight travel will not be approved “except under compelling and unique circumstances” approved by the secretary of the Senate.


latimes--2020-07-08--UC President-elect Michael V. Drake knows firsthand about harsh police tactics

Michael V. Drake is the newly selected University of California president .
He ’ s the former Ohio State University president and UC Irvine chancellor , a distinguished professor , a medical doctor , a Stanford University graduate .
As a Black man , however , he has been subjected to indignities by police that his professional pedigrees could not stop .
Drake , who turns 70 on Thursday , has been stopped and searched by law enforcement officers multiple times .
The last time was about six years ago , he said , when he and a friend were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy when they were driving home from Los Angeles International Airport and detained for 15 minutes for questioning .
He was pulled aside so often at airports he used to program in extra time to get through them , he said .
“ I am acutely and have been personally aware of the harsh and disrespectful policing that people of color face .
I ’ ve faced it .
My sons have faced it .
It ’ s been a part of American life for all too long , and it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to find better ways of being able to keep our communities safe , ” Drake said in an interview .
As demands to defund police escalate across the country , Drake said campus security is one issue he intends to tackle when he takes the UC helm next month .
Drake was unanimously selected this week by the UC Board of Regents to succeed outgoing President Janet Napolitano .
Drake said that campus safety is paramount — he said he has been heartbroken to have had to comfort the families of murdered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rethink ways to secure it .
“ The demilitarization of police and the working on of relationships between police and communities have a great deal of promise there , ” he said .
“ I ’ m very eager to see if we can , in the moment , move to more respectful security for all of us so that we don ’ t have to be intimidated by those people whose charge it is to protect us.
” The UC system is facing significant financial insecurity , with a $ 1.2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs in March and April due to the pandemic .
Those losses have added to a decades-long financial squeeze on the state ’ s public universities .
Some budget experts , such as UC Santa Barbara professor Christopher Newfield , have advocated a new financial model that returns UC to full public funding rather than increasing reliance on families to pay tuition .
Drake said UC will need “ all hands on deck ” to look for ways to increase income and reduce spending .
That may include considering the kind of program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tuition , fees , housing and dining costs once for each incoming class — usually about a 4 % increase — and lock it in for four years .
He said the program , along with increased financial aid , has resulted in a lower debt load on students and a higher number of graduates with no debt at all .
The guaranteed tuition model was first considered at UC a decade ago and more recently this year until regents shelved it amid the current economic distress .
Drake said it was worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do everything we can to enhance affordability for our students and their families , ” he said .
“ And this is one method that was popular at my last institution.
” What does it take to increase diversity ?
‘ Elbow grease ’ In recent months , UC leaders have taken high-profile moves to increase diversity , access and equity , including phasing out the SAT and ACT and backing a proposed constitutional amendment before state voters in November to remove restrictions on affirmative action .
Those goals are close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six-year term at Ohio State , the university boosted the number of students who are low-income , underrepresented minorities and the first in their families to attend college .
Black students remain underrepresented , but Drake said his team arrested a 20-year slide in their enrollment and doubled their numbers from 260 in 2014 to 570 last fall .
Their proportion of total enrollment has increased from 3.9 % in 2014 to 6.8 % in 2019 .
Key strategies , Drake said , included active recruitment in communities of color beginning as early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students to help out .
A big boost in need-based financial aid has also made a difference .
Under the “ Buckeye Promise , ” for instance , Ohio State supplements Pell Grant awards to cover tuition entirely .
“ We reached into communities to give greater access to students and then welcomed them enthusiastically , ” he said .
“ We put a lot of elbow grease into it.
” Who does he work for ?
You When Drake moves into his presidential office , he plans to bring a photo of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ row .
The photo was given to him by Xóchitl Castañeda , director of Health Initiative of the Americas at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health .
The two worked together for years on a California-Mexico health initiative .
After he became the UC vice president for health affairs in 2000 , he said , a colleague told him the regents were now his bosses .
Drake disagreed .
“ I said I really think I ’ m working for the people in California .
If you ask me who the boss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ll never meet , who won ’ t know that I exist .
And if I do my work correctly , then his life and his family ’ s life will be better on a daily basis .
And then a few years later , Xóchitl gave me the picture .
“ And I said , well , that ’ s the guy .
And so he ’ s been on my wall for 15 years .
”

Michael V. Drake is the newly selected University of California president. He’s the former Ohio State University president and UC Irvine chancellor, a distinguished professor, a medical doctor, a Stanford University graduate.
As a Black man, however, he has been subjected to indignities by police that his professional pedigrees could not stop.
Drake, who turns 70 on Thursday, has been stopped and searched by law enforcement officers multiple times. The last time was about six years ago, he said, when he and a friend were pulled over by a sheriff’s deputy when they were driving home from Los Angeles International Airport and detained for 15 minutes for questioning. He was pulled aside so often at airports he used to program in extra time to get through them, he said.
“I am acutely and have been personally aware of the harsh and disrespectful policing that people of color face. I’ve faced it. My sons have faced it. It’s been a part of American life for all too long, and it’s something that needs to stop and we need to find better ways of being able to keep our communities safe,” Drake said in an interview.
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As demands to defund police escalate across the country, Drake said campus security is one issue he intends to tackle when he takes the UC helm next month. Drake was unanimously selected this week by the UC Board of Regents to succeed outgoing President Janet Napolitano.
Drake said that campus safety is paramount — he said he has been heartbroken to have had to comfort the families of murdered students — but that it was time to rethink ways to secure it.
“The demilitarization of police and the working on of relationships between police and communities have a great deal of promise there,” he said. “I’m very eager to see if we can, in the moment, move to more respectful security for all of us so that we don’t have to be intimidated by those people whose charge it is to protect us.”
Tuition increase? Worth discussing
The UC system is facing significant financial insecurity, with a $1.2 billion hit in lost revenues and added costs in March and April due to the pandemic. Those losses have added to a decades-long financial squeeze on the state’s public universities. Some budget experts, such as UC Santa Barbara professor Christopher Newfield, have advocated a new financial model that returns UC to full public funding rather than increasing reliance on families to pay tuition.
Drake said UC will need “all hands on deck” to look for ways to increase income and reduce spending. That may include considering the kind of program he launched at Ohio State to raise tuition, fees, housing and dining costs once for each incoming class — usually about a 4% increase — and lock it in for four years. He said the program, along with increased financial aid, has resulted in a lower debt load on students and a higher number of graduates with no debt at all.
The guaranteed tuition model was first considered at UC a decade ago and more recently this year until regents shelved it amid the current economic distress. Drake said it was worth discussing again.
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“Our goal is to do everything we can to enhance affordability for our students and their families,” he said. “And this is one method that was popular at my last institution.”
What does it take to increase diversity? ‘Elbow grease’
In recent months, UC leaders have taken high-profile moves to increase diversity, access and equity, including phasing out the SAT and ACT and backing a proposed constitutional amendment before state voters in November to remove restrictions on affirmative action. Those goals are close to Drake’s heart.
During his six-year term at Ohio State, the university boosted the number of students who are low-income, underrepresented minorities and the first in their families to attend college. Black students remain underrepresented, but Drake said his team arrested a 20-year slide in their enrollment and doubled their numbers from 260 in 2014 to 570 last fall. Their proportion of total enrollment has increased from 3.9% in 2014 to 6.8% in 2019.
Key strategies, Drake said, included active recruitment in communities of color beginning as early as middle school, using Ohio State students to help out. A big boost in need-based financial aid has also made a difference. Under the “Buckeye Promise,” for instance, Ohio State supplements Pell Grant awards to cover tuition entirely.
“We reached into communities to give greater access to students and then welcomed them enthusiastically,” he said. “We put a lot of elbow grease into it.”
Who does he work for? You
When Drake moves into his presidential office, he plans to bring a photo of a farmworker in a field hoeing a row.
The photo was given to him by Xóchitl Castañeda, director of Health Initiative of the Americas at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. The two worked together for years on a California-Mexico health initiative.
After he became the UC vice president for health affairs in 2000, he said, a colleague told him the regents were now his bosses. Drake disagreed.
“I said I really think I’m working for the people in California. If you ask me who the boss is, it’s somebody who I’ll never meet, who won’t know that I exist. And if I do my work correctly, then his life and his family’s life will be better on a daily basis. And then a few years later, Xóchitl gave me the picture.
“And I said, well, that’s the guy. And so he’s been on my wall for 15 years.”


latimes--2020-07-08--With demand soaring, L.A. County  narrows priority for who should get coronavirus tests

As the demand for coronavirus testing has become greater than the supply in Los Angeles County , officials are shifting their recommendations on who should get tested .
In the weeks since Memorial Day , when Los Angeles County reopened businesses and protests erupted over the death of George Floyd , officials encouraged all individuals to get tested , especially those who had visited any large gatherings or participated in a protest .
That included possible asymptomatic carriers , who officials have said could be silent spreaders of the disease .
Now , public health officials say priority for testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing symptoms , work in a high-risk environment or have come in contact with a person known to have been exposed to the virus .
“ The mismatch of demand has become more apparent , ” Health Services Director Dr. Christina Ghaly said Wednesday .
“ We have to watch the supply chain.
” The shift comes as officials report a On Wednesday , L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said the county is at a “ critical juncture , ” noting that people fed up with the extended stay-at-home order who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of life have contributed to the increased spread of the illness in Southern California .
Officials said that in L.A. County are unknowingly infected with the virus .
Residents — both asymptomatic and those with symptoms — have been clamoring for appointments and waiting days for test results , if they are able to get a test at all .
In addition to the shift in testing protocol , health officials are also recommending that individuals quarantine for 14 days after a possible exposure to the virus , even if they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
False negatives typically occur when a person gets tested too soon after a possible exposure , when a viral load would be unable to be detected , health officials said .
But there is no clear guidance on how long a person should wait to get tested .
“ A negative test is not a free pass to engage in social activities , ” Ghaly said .
Officials say the limited availability of tests is not caused by a lack in funding or a shortage in resources , but rather a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee — the co-founder of the nonprofit organization Community Organized Relief Effort , or CORE , which oversees testing at Dodger Stadium and five other locations in Los Angeles — said it can take about two weeks to launch a new testing site capable of serving 2,500 people .
The process would require a city or county to procure and lease a location .
A company such as CORE would then have to hire and train people to conduct tests and obtain enough personal protective equipment to outfit its healthcare workers .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Los Angeles County , which has confirmed more than 123,000 infections , while the seven-day average for the positivity rate — those who test positive for the virus — has climbed past 10 % .

As the demand for coronavirus testing has become greater than the supply in Los Angeles County, officials are shifting their recommendations on who should get tested.
In the weeks since Memorial Day, when Los Angeles County reopened businesses and protests erupted over the death of George Floyd, officials encouraged all individuals to get tested, especially those who had visited any large gatherings or participated in a protest. That included possible asymptomatic carriers, who officials have said could be silent spreaders of the disease.
Now, public health officials say priority for testing is being placed on those who are showing symptoms, work in a high-risk environment or have come in contact with a person known to have been exposed to the virus.
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California Coronavirus testing shortages worsen across L.A. L.A. County officials have said that testing capacity is continuing to expand, but limited availability has stymied those seeking to be tested for weeks.
“The mismatch of demand has become more apparent,” Health Services Director Dr. Christina Ghaly said Wednesday. “We have to watch the supply chain.”
The shift comes as officials report a troubling surge in people infected with COVID-19. On Wednesday, L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said the county is at a “critical juncture,” noting that people fed up with the extended stay-at-home order who have tried to return to a pre-pandemic way of life have contributed to the increased spread of the illness in Southern California.
Officials said that 1 in 140 people in L.A. County are unknowingly infected with the virus. Residents — both asymptomatic and those with symptoms — have been clamoring for appointments and waiting days for test results, if they are able to get a test at all.
In addition to the shift in testing protocol, health officials are also recommending that individuals quarantine for 14 days after a possible exposure to the virus, even if they have received a negative test result during that time. False negatives typically occur when a person gets tested too soon after a possible exposure, when a viral load would be unable to be detected, health officials said. But there is no clear guidance on how long a person should wait to get tested.
“A negative test is not a free pass to engage in social activities,” Ghaly said.
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Officials say the limited availability of tests is not caused by a lack in funding or a shortage in resources, but rather a matter of demand and time.
Ann Lee — the co-founder of the nonprofit organization Community Organized Relief Effort, or CORE, which oversees testing at Dodger Stadium and five other locations in Los Angeles — said it can take about two weeks to launch a new testing site capable of serving 2,500 people. The process would require a city or county to procure and lease a location. A company such as CORE would then have to hire and train people to conduct tests and obtain enough personal protective equipment to outfit its healthcare workers.
“It’s a function of staffing up,” Lee said.
More than 1 million tests have been distributed in Los Angeles County, which has confirmed more than 123,000 infections, while the seven-day average for the positivity rate — those who test positive for the virus — has climbed past 10%.


latimes--2020-07-08--Newsom says reopening of California schools to be based on safety, not pressure from Trump

Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that a decision on reopening California schools this fall will be made by local education and health officials weighing the state of the COVID-19 pandemic , and emphasized that he won ’ t be swayed by statements from President Trump urging campuses to bring back students quickly .
The governor ’ s comments came as he warned that the number of coronavirus hospitalizations in California is continuing to surge , rising 44 % in the last two weeks , and that another 111 Californians died from the virus in the last 24 hours .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the country ’ s public schools to reopen “ quickly and beautifully , ” but Los Angeles County ’ s top health official said earlier this week that the surge in new cases may require continued distance learning in the county .
On Wednesday , Newsom said he will not be moved by the president ’ s criticism on social media of states moving carefully .
“ I ’ m not worried about the latest tweets ” from the president , Newsom said during a news conference Wednesday .
“ What we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we need to make that a foundational principle .
That to me is not negotiable.
” Newsom said the state is providing local schools with face masks , gloves and sanitation supplies to ensure that those in classrooms are protected .
But he said the virus is affecting some areas of the state more than others , so school districts may vary in when and how they resume instruction .
“ All of these things need to be managed at the local level with the foundational framework of keeping our kids and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsom said .
As the number of coronavirus cases and intensive care unit patients in California continued to rise , Newsom also announced on Wednesday that the number of counties on a state watch list grew from 23 to 26 with the addition of Napa , Yolo and San Benito counties .
Most of the counties on the watch list have moved on new restrictions that include closing bars , restaurants and other businesses that draw indoor crowds , Newsom said .
The governor said the surge can be reduced if Californians abide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear face coverings in public or high-risk settings , including when shopping and taking public transit .
On Wednesday , Newsom sought to reassure the public that the state is prepared to handle the spike in coronavirus cases with sufficient hospital beds , personal protective gear and volunteer medical professionals .
“ We have never been better positioned , ” the governor said .
“ We are sending out millions of masks every single week.
” With 6,100 COVID-19 patients now in California hospitals , the state has built up its capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients , the governor said .
Hospitals are cross-training medical professionals to treat coronavirus patients and have additional therapeutic treatments that allow patients to spend less time in the hospital , with fewer placed on ventilators , said Carmela Coyle , president of the California Hospital Assn.. Newsom said 35,000 volunteer medical professionals have been signed up to help hospitals and mobile facilities if the number of patients continues to surge .
In addition , Newsom said that the state has a surplus of face masks that has allowed it to provide supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oregon , where the need is dire .
Still , the governor recently said “ strike teams ” have been deployed by state agencies to reinforce local orders .
Facing criticism that he was too quick to reopen the state economy , Newsom said earlier this week that state agents from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control visited nearly 6,000 restaurants and bars over the holiday weekend to make sure they were following new , stricter rules .
Newsom noted Wednesday that many small business are facing financial hardship during the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Business and Jobs Recovery announced the launch of a campaign to encourage Californians to support local businesses that are trying to continue operating safely .
The governor ’ s task force said it is partnering with companies including UPS , Google and Nextdoor to help connect struggling small businesses with tools — including consultants to help expand online sales and personal protective equipment — to allow them to reach more customers .
Meanwhile , many other Californians are also facing increasing financial pressure .
The deadline for paying state income taxes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , is July 15 , the state Franchise Tax Board reminded taxpayers on Wednesday .

Gov. Gavin Newsom says decisions on reopening California’s public schools will be made by local education and health officials. He said Wednesday, “I’m not worried about the latest tweets” from President Trump.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that a decision on reopening California schools this fall will be made by local education and health officials weighing the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasized that he won’t be swayed by statements from President Trump urging campuses to bring back students quickly.
The governor’s comments came as he warned that the number of coronavirus hospitalizations in California is continuing to surge, rising 44% in the last two weeks, and that another 111 Californians died from the virus in the last 24 hours.
In recent days, Trump has called on the country’s public schools to reopen “quickly and beautifully,” but Los Angeles County’s top health official said earlier this week that the surge in new cases may require continued distance learning in the county.
On Wednesday, Newsom said he will not be moved by the president’s criticism on social media of states moving carefully.
“I’m not worried about the latest tweets” from the president, Newsom said during a news conference Wednesday. “What we need to address is safely reopening schools and we need to make that a foundational principle. That to me is not negotiable.”
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Newsom said the state is providing local schools with face masks, gloves and sanitation supplies to ensure that those in classrooms are protected. But he said the virus is affecting some areas of the state more than others, so school districts may vary in when and how they resume instruction.
“All of these things need to be managed at the local level with the foundational framework of keeping our kids and our teachers healthy and safe,” Newsom said.
As the number of coronavirus cases and intensive care unit patients in California continued to rise, Newsom also announced on Wednesday that the number of counties on a state watch list grew from 23 to 26 with the addition of Napa, Yolo and San Benito counties.
Most of the counties on the watch list have moved on new restrictions that include closing bars, restaurants and other businesses that draw indoor crowds, Newsom said.
The governor said the surge can be reduced if Californians abide by the directive he issued last month to wear face coverings in public or high-risk settings, including when shopping and taking public transit.
On Wednesday, Newsom sought to reassure the public that the state is prepared to handle the spike in coronavirus cases with sufficient hospital beds, personal protective gear and volunteer medical professionals.
“We have never been better positioned,” the governor said. “We are sending out millions of masks every single week.”
Advertisement
With 6,100 COVID-19 patients now in California hospitals, the state has built up its capacity to be able to treat 50,000 such patients, the governor said.
Hospitals are cross-training medical professionals to treat coronavirus patients and have additional therapeutic treatments that allow patients to spend less time in the hospital, with fewer placed on ventilators, said Carmela Coyle, president of the California Hospital Assn..
Newsom said 35,000 volunteer medical professionals have been signed up to help hospitals and mobile facilities if the number of patients continues to surge.
In addition, Newsom said that the state has a surplus of face masks that has allowed it to provide supplies to other states, including Arizona and Oregon, where the need is dire.
Still, the governor recently said “strike teams” have been deployed by state agencies to reinforce local orders.
Facing criticism that he was too quick to reopen the state economy, Newsom said earlier this week that state agents from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control visited nearly 6,000 restaurants and bars over the holiday weekend to make sure they were following new, stricter rules.
Newsom noted Wednesday that many small business are facing financial hardship during the pandemic, so the governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery announced the launch of a campaign to encourage Californians to support local businesses that are trying to continue operating safely.
The governor’s task force said it is partnering with companies including UPS, Google and Nextdoor to help connect struggling small businesses with tools — including consultants to help expand online sales and personal protective equipment — to allow them to reach more customers.
Meanwhile, many other Californians are also facing increasing financial pressure. The deadline for paying state income taxes for 2019, postponed in April because of the coronavirus, is July 15, the state Franchise Tax Board reminded taxpayers on Wednesday.


latimes--2020-07-08--John Swing, a driving force in L.A.'s Historic Filipinotown, dies of COVID-19 at 48

In the final ceremony for Search to Involve Pilipino Americans ’ Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month webinar series in May , community leader John Eric Swing smiled proudly in his polo shirt emblazoned with the nonprofit ’ s logo .
“ SIPA ’ s doors are always open , ” he said of the organization .
“ We ’ re here to be a bridge and be impactful in many ways , and how we make that impactful is in everyone ’ s collaboration with each other.
” Swing was a leader in Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple community organizations serving the Filipino American community .
He had been the executive director of SIPA , which is dedicated to Filipino American empowerment , for only two months when he died June 28 of complications from COVID-19 .
He was 48 .
Swing was appointed after a yearlong nationwide search .
He was excited to work on the redevelopment of SIPA ’ s headquarters , which looked to include a small-business center , community space and a cultural center .
The project was years in the making , and Swing had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been a staff member at SIPA since 2015 and formed close relationships with coworkers .
Eddy M. Gana Jr. , who serves as SIPA ’ s mental health counselor , remembered him for his work ethic and selflessness .
When they were still in the office before the pandemic forced them to work from home , Swing would always be the first to offer to close up for the night .
“ If there ’ s ever anything [ you need ] , you can give me a call , anytime , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ So how about 2 or 3 a.m. ?
” Gana joked .
Swing assured him he would answer the call .
Every meeting after that , Swing would pretend to hold a phone to his ear and say , “ You can still call me anytime .
I ’ m waiting !
” “ I never got to give him a call that late , ” Gana said .
Before Swing ’ s term even began , SIPA had to move operations online because of the pandemic , but he still found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization got a boost when California state Sen. Ling Ling Chang ( R-Diamond Bar ) obtained funding for delivering food to seniors and underserved families in Historic Filipinotown .
The state Senate later honored SIPA and Swing ’ s leadership with a certificate of recognition as “ Unsung Heroes of Southern California.
” The organization also hosted two webinar series , “ Wellness Wednesdays ” and “ Filipino Fridays , ” during the month of May .
SIPA continued community programming through Zoom meetings during the pandemic , and in early June , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was planning a session on anti-racism in the Filipino community to assist Black people .
On June 16 , Swing told the president of the nonprofit ’ s board of directors that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and would be taking a few weeks off to focus on recovery .
But within a week , his condition worsened and he was admitted to Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center .
The son of Filipino immigrants , Swing spent his college years learning more about his Filipino American identity .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swing co-founded the Asian American fraternity Psi Chi Omega and volunteered in community service organizations .
He was proud of his heritage and loved Filipino pop music , or OPM .
“ We teased him a bit because he had some favorite songs that were in Tagalog that are older songs our parents would listen to , ” said Jessica del Mundo , secretary of SIPA ’ s board of directors .
After graduating , Swing served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves for six years .
He received the National Defense Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earned a Rifle Expert Marksman badge .
He worked as a senior probation corrections officer for the Riverside County Probation Department before pursuing community service and social work full time .
As part of the leadership team that chose him for the role , Del Mundo said she was struck by his commitment to serving all communities and people in need .
“ It wasn ’ t so much about helping people with Filipino cultural programming , it was the culture of changing lives , no matter what ethnicity or background , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s story is so much more about a life of service and accepting all people , and helping all people , ” Del Mundo said .
“ He always went above and beyond in providing resources and making an investment in the community.
” Swing is survived by his parents , Ellis and Aurora ; his wife , Maria Elena Rodriguez-Swing ; children Zachary , Joshua , Chloe and Mackenzie ; stepchildren Sasha and Nicco ; sister Karen Bromley ; and brother P.J .
Swing .

In the final ceremony for Search to Involve Pilipino Americans’ Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month webinar series in May, community leader John Eric Swing smiled proudly in his polo shirt emblazoned with the nonprofit’s logo.
“SIPA’s doors are always open,” he said of the organization. “We’re here to be a bridge and be impactful in many ways, and how we make that impactful is in everyone’s collaboration with each other.”
Swing was a leader in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown and had worked with multiple community organizations serving the Filipino American community. He had been the executive director of SIPA, which is dedicated to Filipino American empowerment, for only two months when he died June 28 of complications from COVID-19. He was 48.
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Swing was appointed after a yearlong nationwide search. He was excited to work on the redevelopment of SIPA’s headquarters, which looked to include a small-business center, community space and a cultural center. The project was years in the making, and Swing had hoped to see it through.
He had been a staff member at SIPA since 2015 and formed close relationships with coworkers. Eddy M. Gana Jr., who serves as SIPA’s mental health counselor, remembered him for his work ethic and selflessness.
When they were still in the office before the pandemic forced them to work from home, Swing would always be the first to offer to close up for the night.
“If there’s ever anything [you need], you can give me a call, anytime,” Swing once told his colleague.
“So how about 2 or 3 a.m.?” Gana joked. Swing assured him he would answer the call. Every meeting after that, Swing would pretend to hold a phone to his ear and say, “You can still call me anytime. I’m waiting!”
“I never got to give him a call that late,” Gana said.
California The pandemic’s toll: Lives lost in California Thousands of people have died in California due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These are some of their stories.
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Before Swing’s term even began, SIPA had to move operations online because of the pandemic, but he still found ways to help community members. The organization got a boost when California state Sen. Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar) obtained funding for delivering food to seniors and underserved families in Historic Filipinotown. The state Senate later honored SIPA and Swing’s leadership with a certificate of recognition as “Unsung Heroes of Southern California.”
The organization also hosted two webinar series, “Wellness Wednesdays” and “Filipino Fridays,” during the month of May. SIPA continued community programming through Zoom meetings during the pandemic, and in early June, Swing shared in a board meeting that he was planning a session on anti-racism in the Filipino community to assist Black people.
On June 16, Swing told the president of the nonprofit’s board of directors that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and would be taking a few weeks off to focus on recovery. But within a week, his condition worsened and he was admitted to Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center.
The son of Filipino immigrants, Swing spent his college years learning more about his Filipino American identity. As an ethnic-studies student at UC Riverside, Swing co-founded the Asian American fraternity Psi Chi Omega and volunteered in community service organizations.
He was proud of his heritage and loved Filipino pop music, or OPM. “We teased him a bit because he had some favorite songs that were in Tagalog that are older songs our parents would listen to,” said Jessica del Mundo, secretary of SIPA’s board of directors.
After graduating, Swing served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves for six years. He received the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal and earned a Rifle Expert Marksman badge. He worked as a senior probation corrections officer for the Riverside County Probation Department before pursuing community service and social work full time.
As part of the leadership team that chose him for the role, Del Mundo said she was struck by his commitment to serving all communities and people in need.
“It wasn’t so much about helping people with Filipino cultural programming, it was the culture of changing lives, no matter what ethnicity or background,” Del Mundo said.
“John’s story is so much more about a life of service and accepting all people, and helping all people,” Del Mundo said. “He always went above and beyond in providing resources and making an investment in the community.”
Swing is survived by his parents, Ellis and Aurora; his wife, Maria Elena Rodriguez-Swing; children Zachary, Joshua, Chloe and Mackenzie; stepchildren Sasha and Nicco; sister Karen Bromley; and brother P.J. Swing.


latimes--2020-07-08--Endangered California condors in Sequoia National Park for the first time in 50 years

For the first time in nearly 50 years , California condors have been spotted at Sequoia National Park , wildlife officials announced .
The majestic scavengers , the with a 9.5-foot wingspan , once inhabited areas stretching from California to Florida and Western Canada to Northern Mexico .
They were listed as endangered in 1967 by the federal government , according to the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service .
At least six condors were spotted in the park in late May , including two near Moro Rock , a popular hiking destination .
Four others were seen in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service said Tuesday in a joint news release .
Condors historically occupied the Sierra Nevada mountains and were known to nest in the cavities of giant sequoia trees .
But by 1982 , the flock ’ s population had dropped dramatically — largely because of lead poisoning — leaving less than 25 surviving condors , officials said .
The handful of remaining birds were placed in a captive breeding program at the Los Angeles Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park to prevent them from going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were released back into the wild in 1992 in the mountains of the Los Padres National Forest in Southern California .
This flock grew to 100 through the continued release of captive-bred birds and wild reproduction , along with the support of private and public agencies and organizations , local communities and landowners , biologists said .
Since being released nearly 30 years ago , California condors have been seen flying near Sequoia in the last seven to eight years , but May was the first time they actually landed in the park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wildlife biologist with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks .
“ It took decades for the population to recover to the point where they were being seen in locations far beyond their release site , ” Coleman said Wednesday .
“ This is evidence of continued recovery of the species .
The animal was on the brink of extinction , and arrival in Sequoia is good evidence that they are utilizing and occupying habitat where they once lived .
It is an important milestone.
” Wildlife biologists used GPS to locate the condors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the parks .
“ We use GPS transmitters to track the birds ’ movement , which can be over hundreds of miles on a single day , ” said Dave Meyer , a California condor biologist with the Santa Barbara Zoo .
“ On this particular day , we documented the birds ’ signals around Giant Forest , and we are excited that park employees observed the birds and confirmed their use of this important historic habitat , ” he said .
GPS data allows biologists to identify important habitats , locate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick and injured birds and locate condors that have died in the wild .
Researchers say lead poisoning is responsible for half of all condor deaths in which a cause is identifiable .
The birds scavenge for their food , feeding on the bodies of dead animals , which often contain fragments of lead ammunition .
“ Lead-core bullets shed weight in small fragments as they hit game , and have the potential to poison wildlife , including condors , who scavenge the remains , ” said Chad Thomas , an outreach coordinator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thomas said his team educates hunting and ranching communities , which are key partners in wildlife conservation , on how ammunition impacts scavengers and about non-lead bullet options .
As their population continues to grow , condors have expanded their geographic range and now occupy portions of Ventura , Santa Barbara , Los Angeles , San Luis Obispo , Kern , Tulare , Fresno and Madera counties and the Sierra Nevada mountains and adjacent foothills , officials said .
Condors have also returned to areas along California ’ s Central Coast , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Utah , and Baja California , with a total wild population of approximately 340 birds , officials said .
“ As biologists , we are excited to see condors continue to expand back into their historic range , and also for the opportunity to engage with the local communities to share what they can do to contribute to the recovery of California condors , and also inform them about threats to these birds , ” said Laura McMahon , wildlife biologist with the USFWS California Condor Recovery Program .
Click here for @ @ @ @ @ @ @

For the first time in nearly 50 years, California condors have been spotted at Sequoia National Park, wildlife officials announced.
The majestic scavengers, the largest land bird in North America, with a 9.5-foot wingspan, once inhabited areas stretching from California to Florida and Western Canada to Northern Mexico. They were listed as endangered in 1967 by the federal government, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
At least six condors were spotted in the park in late May, including two near Moro Rock, a popular hiking destination. Four others were seen in the Giant Forest, the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Tuesday in a joint news release.
Condors historically occupied the Sierra Nevada mountains and were known to nest in the cavities of giant sequoia trees. But by 1982, the flock’s population had dropped dramatically — largely because of lead poisoning — leaving less than 25 surviving condors, officials said.
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Endangered California condors were spotted near the Giant Forest and Moro Rock at Sequoia National Park on May 28. (Wilson Garver / National Park Service)
The handful of remaining birds were placed in a captive breeding program at the Los Angeles Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park to prevent them from going extinct, wildlife officials said.
Condors were released back into the wild in 1992 in the mountains of the Los Padres National Forest in Southern California. This flock grew to 100 through the continued release of captive-bred birds and wild reproduction, along with the support of private and public agencies and organizations, local communities and landowners, biologists said.
Since being released nearly 30 years ago, California condors have been seen flying near Sequoia in the last seven to eight years, but May was the first time they actually landed in the park, according to Tyler Coleman, a wildlife biologist with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Lifestyle Where to see California condors in the wild Southern California places where you can watch these big birds, which were brought back from the brink of extinction
“It took decades for the population to recover to the point where they were being seen in locations far beyond their release site,” Coleman said Wednesday. “This is evidence of continued recovery of the species. The animal was on the brink of extinction, and arrival in Sequoia is good evidence that they are utilizing and occupying habitat where they once lived. It is an important milestone.”
Wildlife biologists used GPS to locate the condors in the towering trees and craggy cliffs of the parks.
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“We use GPS transmitters to track the birds’ movement, which can be over hundreds of miles on a single day,” said Dave Meyer, a California condor biologist with the Santa Barbara Zoo.
“On this particular day, we documented the birds’ signals around Giant Forest, and we are excited that park employees observed the birds and confirmed their use of this important historic habitat,” he said.
GPS data allows biologists to identify important habitats, locate condor nesting and feeding activities, find sick and injured birds and locate condors that have died in the wild.
Researchers say lead poisoning is responsible for half of all condor deaths in which a cause is identifiable. The birds scavenge for their food, feeding on the bodies of dead animals, which often contain fragments of lead ammunition.
“Lead-core bullets shed weight in small fragments as they hit game, and have the potential to poison wildlife, including condors, who scavenge the remains,” said Chad Thomas, an outreach coordinator for the Institute for Wildlife Studies.
Thomas said his team educates hunting and ranching communities, which are key partners in wildlife conservation, on how ammunition impacts scavengers and about non-lead bullet options.
As their population continues to grow, condors have expanded their geographic range and now occupy portions of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Kern, Tulare, Fresno and Madera counties and the Sierra Nevada mountains and adjacent foothills, officials said.
Condors have also returned to areas along California’s Central Coast, at Pinnacles National Park, and in Arizona, Utah, and Baja California, with a total wild population of approximately 340 birds, officials said.
“As biologists, we are excited to see condors continue to expand back into their historic range, and also for the opportunity to engage with the local communities to share what they can do to contribute to the recovery of California condors, and also inform them about threats to these birds,” said Laura McMahon, wildlife biologist with the USFWS California Condor Recovery Program.


latimes--2020-07-08--Coronavirus cases surge at Lake Tahoe amid summer tourist season

The coronavirus is spreading at one of the California ’ s favorite summer destinations : South Lake Tahoe .
The South Lake Tahoe region has reported a per-capita infection rate , over the last 14 days , of 169 new coronavirus cases for every 100,000 residents , exceeding the state ’ s goal of fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 , said Dr. Nancy Williams , the health officer for El Dorado County .
If the South Lake Tahoe region were its own county , “ it would now be added to the state ’ s monitoring list and asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
Actions would include shuttering bars and indoor dining rooms at restaurants .
South Lake Tahoe is part of El Dorado County , a sprawling county that extends from the Nevada border and South Lake Tahoe through the Sierra Nevada and into communities east of Sacramento .
As a whole , the county is reporting about 61 cases per 100,000 residents over the past 14 days , according to the Los Angeles Times ’ California coronavirus tracker .
But the South Lake Tahoe area has a disproportionately high number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Williams said .
For the South Lake Tahoe region to meet the state ’ s infection rate goal , it should only see two new cases per day on average , Williams said .
“ But we ’ re seeing four or five times that many now , ” Williams said .
New cases are also increasing in the rest of El Dorado County .
“ Countywide numbers are trending upward quickly , too , and we may find ourselves being directed by the state to roll back activities throughout the county , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The health officer urged residents and tourists to follow social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings in public .
Hiking , boating , camping , climbing and going to the beach can be done more safely if people stay with members of their household ; choose takeout over dine-in meals ; and spend time outdoors instead of inside buildings , Williams said .
“ By actively trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , ” she said , “ you can make the difference between Lake Tahoe being able to keep businesses open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state require us to bring back more stringent restrictions .
”

The coronavirus is spreading at one of California’s favorite summer destinations: South Lake Tahoe.
The South Lake Tahoe region has reported a per-capita infection rate, over the last 14 days, of 169 new coronavirus cases for every 100,000 residents, exceeding the state’s goal of fewer than 100 cases per 100,000, said Dr. Nancy Williams, the health officer for El Dorado County.
If the South Lake Tahoe region were its own county, “it would now be added to the state’s monitoring list and asked to curtail certain activities,” Williams said in a statement. Actions would include shuttering bars and indoor dining rooms at restaurants.
South Lake Tahoe is part of El Dorado County, a sprawling county that extends from the Nevada border and South Lake Tahoe through the Sierra Nevada and into communities east of Sacramento.
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As a whole, the county is reporting about 61 cases per 100,000 residents over the past 14 days, according to the Los Angeles Times’ California coronavirus tracker.
But the South Lake Tahoe area has a disproportionately high number of the county’s cases, Williams said.
Which California counties are reopening? To contain the spread of COVID-19, parks, restaurants and stores are slowly reopening.
For the South Lake Tahoe region to meet the state’s infection rate goal, it should only see two new cases per day on average, Williams said. “But we’re seeing four or five times that many now,” Williams said.
New cases are also increasing in the rest of El Dorado County.
“Countywide numbers are trending upward quickly, too, and we may find ourselves being directed by the state to roll back activities throughout the county,” Williams said in the statement.
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The health officer urged residents and tourists to follow social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings in public. Hiking, boating, camping, climbing and going to the beach can be done more safely if people stay with members of their household; choose takeout over dine-in meals; and spend time outdoors instead of inside buildings, Williams said.
“By actively trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” she said, “you can make the difference between Lake Tahoe being able to keep businesses open for you to enjoy and having the state require us to bring back more stringent restrictions.”