latimes--2020-05-04--Garcetti joins other mayors to call for more federal funding to fight violence during pandemic

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and more than a dozen other mayors from across the country have called on Congress to provide more federal funding to fight gun violence , which has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The mayors , along with the gun policy reform organization Giffords , specifically called for assistance in maintaining violence interruption programs as economic turmoil related to the coronavirus continues to create budget shortfalls .
“ Our emergency resources are dedicated to protecting public health and safety , but we do not have enough healthcare resources to fight both these battles , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We need our healthcare resources to combat COVID-19 , and we need specific resources to tackle gun violence and support the frontline workers and organizations who are already working to do so.
” Violence intervention workers have been deemed “ essential workers ” in Los Angeles and continued working to smother street beefs and keep the peace amid state and local shutdowns .
They are viewed as trusted arbiters in neighborhood disputes , particularly in areas where law enforcement enjoy little trust .
However , strain on the city ’ s budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs were identified for reduced city funding under Garcetti ’ s latest proposed budget , along with things like street repairs , tree trimming and graffiti removal .
Last month , Garcetti said without an influx of federal funding to bolster the city ’ s budget during this downturn , “ there may be further cuts and there may be even deeper things that we have to do with our city services and our workforce.
” The letter to Congress was dated Friday and addressed to leaders including Sen. Mitch McConnell , ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi , ( D-San Francisco ) , the House speaker .
“ While combating the virus is a top priority , gun violence and gun deaths continue to claim lives and devastate communities , ” the mayors wrote .
“ Despite social distancing and stay-at-home orders , gun violence rates remain persistently high in cities , disproportionately impacting black and brown communities who are also among the most vulnerable to COVID-19.
” On Monday , Garcetti said the federal funding he is seeking would not be used to simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expand the number of gang intervention workers in the city overall , including in neighborhoods that are “ right on the cusp ” of a brighter future .
“ We ’ ve always been looking toward expanding , ” he said of the city ’ s gang intervention work .
“ We know we can stop gun violence .
We can save lives.
” He said he did not have a specific funding level in mind , but believes the city could benefit from having the program be much larger .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is with jobs and programs , not with more policing , ” he said .
In California , Garcetti was joined in signing the letter by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs .
Other mayors signed from all across the country , including in some of the nation ’ s most violent cities , such as Baltimore .
Los Angeles saw a decline in crime in the first weeks of social distancing measures and shutdowns related to the coronavirus spread , but that lull has ebbed .
Overall shootings through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though they had picked back up from larger initial declines compared to the same period the year prior .
Homicides had returned to near even , with 81 people killed in Los Angeles this year compared to 80 during the same period the year prior .
Other cities have seen much larger increases in gun violence and killings , the coalition of mayors noted .
“ As the COVID-19 pandemic depletes our budgetary resources , many cities may be unable to sustain these lifesaving community-based interventions , ” the mayors wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the job , keep the peace , and protect lives in our communities , we write to request that federal emergency funding measures include funding dedicated specifically toward sustaining community-based violence intervention initiatives in communities most impacted by shootings and community violence , as well as direct emergency aid to cities battling these twin challenges .
”

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti shows a memorandum with COVID-19 city departments guidelines as he takes questions at a news conference in Los Angeles in March.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and more than a dozen other mayors from across the country have called on Congress to provide more federal funding to fight gun violence, which has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mayors, along with the gun policy reform organization Giffords, specifically called for assistance in maintaining violence interruption programs as economic turmoil related to the coronavirus continues to create budget shortfalls.
“Our emergency resources are dedicated to protecting public health and safety, but we do not have enough healthcare resources to fight both these battles,” Garcetti and the other mayors wrote. “We need our healthcare resources to combat COVID-19, and we need specific resources to tackle gun violence and support the frontline workers and organizations who are already working to do so.”
Violence intervention workers have been deemed “essential workers” in Los Angeles and continued working to smother street beefs and keep the peace amid state and local shutdowns. They are viewed as trusted arbiters in neighborhood disputes, particularly in areas where law enforcement enjoy little trust.
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However, strain on the city’s budget has left them vulnerable. Gang intervention programs were identified for reduced city funding under Garcetti’s latest proposed budget, along with things like street repairs, tree trimming and graffiti removal.
Last month, Garcetti said without an influx of federal funding to bolster the city’s budget during this downturn, “there may be further cuts and there may be even deeper things that we have to do with our city services and our workforce.”
The letter to Congress was dated Friday and addressed to leaders including Sen. Mitch McConnell, (R-Ky.) the Senate majority leader, and U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, (D-San Francisco), the House speaker.
“While combating the virus is a top priority, gun violence and gun deaths continue to claim lives and devastate communities,” the mayors wrote. “Despite social distancing and stay-at-home orders, gun violence rates remain persistently high in cities, disproportionately impacting black and brown communities who are also among the most vulnerable to COVID-19.”
On Monday, Garcetti said the federal funding he is seeking would not be used to simply backfill cuts in his budget, but to expand the number of gang intervention workers in the city overall, including in neighborhoods that are “right on the cusp” of a brighter future.
“We’ve always been looking toward expanding,” he said of the city’s gang intervention work. “We know we can stop gun violence. We can save lives.”
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He said he did not have a specific funding level in mind, but believes the city could benefit from having the program be much larger.
“The best way to stop a bullet is with jobs and programs, not with more policing,” he said.
In California, Garcetti was joined in signing the letter by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs. Other mayors signed from all across the country, including in some of the nation’s most violent cities, such as Baltimore.
Los Angeles saw a decline in crime in the first weeks of social distancing measures and shutdowns related to the coronavirus spread, but that lull has ebbed. Overall shootings through April 25 remained down nearly 14%, though they had picked back up from larger initial declines compared to the same period the year prior. Homicides had returned to near even, with 81 people killed in Los Angeles this year compared to 80 during the same period the year prior.
Other cities have seen much larger increases in gun violence and killings, the coalition of mayors noted.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic depletes our budgetary resources, many cities may be unable to sustain these lifesaving community-based interventions,” the mayors wrote. “To help keep violence interrupters on the job, keep the peace, and protect lives in our communities, we write to request that federal emergency funding measures include funding dedicated specifically toward sustaining community-based violence intervention initiatives in communities most impacted by shootings and community violence, as well as direct emergency aid to cities battling these twin challenges.”


latimes--2020-05-04--L.A. County sheriff to close patrol stations, cut homeless outreach to reduce deficit

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva on Monday announced plans to close two patrol stations and the parks bureau and to reduce homeless outreach services to help shrink his department ’ s budget deficit .
At a morning news briefing , Villanueva indicated that command functions at the Marina del Rey and Altadena stations will be consolidated into the South L.A. and Crescenta Valley stations , respectively .
Deputies will continue to patrol those areas , he said , but a couple of dozen administrative positions , including captain and field training officer , will be eliminated , and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vacancies elsewhere .
Later Monday , however , Villanueva left open the possibility that the stations could remain open in some capacity .
“ Line staff only will remain if feasible , ” he said in a text message .
It was unclear under that scenario the number of personnel who would remain and the level of community services possible .
Villanueva said the station closures would take effect July 1 and save more than $ 12 million annually .
Meanwhile , losing the county parks and community partnership bureaus will save more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
County parks will be patrolled by the nearest sheriff ’ s station .
“ Of course , the only issue is then from the local communities ; if you live in those , is it a reduction in service ?
” Villanueva said at the news briefing .
“ Well , the deputies in patrol will remain the same ; they ’ ll still be out there .
However , it ’ s the administrative staff that will be encumbered to basically tighten the belts on this.
” Villanueva sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed cuts .
“ Due to the fact the Board of Supervisors and chief executive officer have intentionally failed to provide a budget which meets the true needs of the department , we are forced to make deep cuts in order to continue providing the basic functions of public safety to our communities , ” he said in the memo , obtained by The Times .
The two unions that represent Sheriff ’ s Department personnel said they learned of the proposed cuts during Monday ’ s briefing .
Tab Rhodes , president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officers Assn.
, which represents sergeants , lieutenants and others in the Sheriff ’ s Department , said the closures could “ significantly impact ” his membership and that he plans further discussions with the agency .
Ron Hernandez , president of the Assn .
for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs , said the “ massive cuts to specialized units and patrol stations came without warning .
This is being done with no input from ALADS or the communities we serve.
” “ The shuttering of specialized units and the two sheriffs ’ stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ALADS members , ” he added .
“ Many of the displaced will be ordered from these critical units , leaving behind investment in specialized training and years of experience .
Some may choose to retire , worsening the shortage.
” Villanueva complained that the Board of Supervisors has long underfunded the Sheriff ’ s Department .
He said the board approved a $ 3.5-billion budget as he sought $ 3.9 billion to operate the department .
“ When you underfund the Sheriff ’ s Department budget , it does a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a statement that the county ’ s Chief Executive Office had offered suggestions on cuts that would not affect public safety or community service , such as limiting overtime or scaling back academy classes from 12 to four .
“ I am disappointed that instead of more sensible adjustments , he is responding by eliminating sheriff ’ s stations , including in Altadena , an unincorporated area that I represent , ” she said .
Barger encouraged Villanueva to work with the office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sheriff ’ s Department will reduce the number of academy classes from 12 to eight , which he said would result in a cost savings of nearly $ 22 million .
He argued that offering just four academy classes would have shrunk the number of sworn personnel by 160 deputies a year at a time when the department is trying to fill 712 deputy , sergeant and lieutenant vacancies .
“ By reducing that even further , all that does is aggravate the overtime , which spirals out of control , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being cut from the Homeless Outreach Services Team , which helps connect people experiencing homelessness with shelters and other services .
The team will be reduced to six people , for a cost savings of $ 1.4 million , he said .
In March , a week before stay-at-home orders were announced in L.A. County , the outreach team spent time handing out toiletries and educating people living along the San Gabriel River Trail about how to protect themselves from COVID-19 .
They advised people not to share cigarettes or utensils , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to stay six feet apart from one another .
Sachi Hamai , the county ’ s chief executive officer , said in a statement that every county department is submitting “ plans for painful cuts ” because of economic challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ I ’ d like to encourage the sheriff to continue working on his plans in a way that emphasizes public safety for all residents , including those in the unincorporated communities , ” she said .
“ We expect to have a clearer picture of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to balance it by the time we return to the Board of Supervisors at the end of June .
”

L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Tadrous of the Homeless Outreach Services Team talks with Shawn Troncozo, 24, about how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The team is being reduced amid budget cuts.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva on Monday announced plans to close two patrol stations and the parks bureau and to reduce homeless outreach services to help shrink his department’s budget deficit.
At a morning news briefing, Villanueva indicated that command functions at the Marina del Rey and Altadena stations will be consolidated into the South L.A. and Crescenta Valley stations, respectively. Deputies will continue to patrol those areas, he said, but a couple of dozen administrative positions, including captain and field training officer, will be eliminated, and those staff members will be assigned to fill vacancies elsewhere.
Later Monday, however, Villanueva left open the possibility that the stations could remain open in some capacity.
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“Line staff only will remain if feasible,” he said in a text message. It was unclear under that scenario the number of personnel who would remain and the level of community services possible.
Villanueva said the station closures would take effect July 1 and save more than $12 million annually. Meanwhile, losing the county parks and community partnership bureaus will save more than $62 million a year, he said. County parks will be patrolled by the nearest sheriff’s station.
“Of course, the only issue is then from the local communities; if you live in those, is it a reduction in service?” Villanueva said at the news briefing. “Well, the deputies in patrol will remain the same; they’ll still be out there. However, it’s the administrative staff that will be encumbered to basically tighten the belts on this.”
Villanueva sent a memo to the staff explaining the proposed cuts.
“Due to the fact the Board of Supervisors and chief executive officer have intentionally failed to provide a budget which meets the true needs of the department, we are forced to make deep cuts in order to continue providing the basic functions of public safety to our communities,” he said in the memo, obtained by The Times.
The two unions that represent Sheriff’s Department personnel said they learned of the proposed cuts during Monday’s briefing.
Tab Rhodes, president of the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Assn., which represents sergeants, lieutenants and others in the Sheriff’s Department, said the closures could “significantly impact” his membership and that he plans further discussions with the agency.
Ron Hernandez, president of the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, said the “massive cuts to specialized units and patrol stations came without warning. This is being done with no input from ALADS or the communities we serve.”
“The shuttering of specialized units and the two sheriffs’ stations will result in the displacement of scores of ALADS members,” he added. “Many of the displaced will be ordered from these critical units, leaving behind investment in specialized training and years of experience. Some may choose to retire, worsening the shortage.”
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Villanueva complained that the Board of Supervisors has long underfunded the Sheriff’s Department. He said the board recommended a $3.5-billion budget as he sought $3.9 billion to operate the department.
“When you underfund the Sheriff’s Department budget, it does a lot of things — none of them good,” he said.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a statement that the county’s Chief Executive Office had offered suggestions on cuts that would not affect public safety or community service, such as limiting overtime or scaling back academy classes from 12 to four.
“I am disappointed that instead of more sensible adjustments, he is responding by eliminating sheriff’s stations, including in Altadena, an unincorporated area that I represent,” she said. Barger encouraged Villanueva to work with the office to identify alternative cuts.
Villanueva said the Sheriff’s Department will reduce the number of academy classes from 12 to eight, which he said would result in a cost savings of nearly $22 million. He argued that offering just four academy classes would have shrunk the number of sworn personnel by 160 deputies a year at a time when the department is trying to fill 712 deputy, sergeant and lieutenant vacancies.
“By reducing that even further, all that does is aggravate the overtime, which spirals out of control,” he said.
Villanueva said 10 positions are being cut from the Homeless Outreach Services Team, which helps connect people experiencing homelessness with shelters and other services. The team will be reduced to six people, for a cost savings of $1.4 million, he said.
In March, a week before stay-at-home orders were announced in L.A. County, the outreach team spent time handing out toiletries and educating people living along the San Gabriel River Trail about how to protect themselves from COVID-19. They advised people not to share cigarettes or utensils, to sleep head-to-toe if sharing a tent and to stay six feet apart from one another.
Sachi Hamai, the county’s chief executive officer, said in a statement that every county department is submitting “plans for painful cuts” because of economic challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’d like to encourage the sheriff to continue working on his plans in a way that emphasizes public safety for all residents, including those in the unincorporated communities,” she said. “We expect to have a clearer picture of our budget and the steps we will need to balance it by the time we return to the Board of Supervisors at the end of June.”


latimes--2020-05-05--Orange County reports four new coronavirus deaths amid rise in hospitalized patients

Orange County health officials Tuesday reported four additional coronavirus-linked fatalities , as the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 countywide surpassed 200 for the second time in less than a week .
The four new deaths brought the region ’ s toll to 61 .
Of those who have died , 11 were residents in skilled nursing facilities , according to the Orange County Health Care Agency .
The county also confirmed an additional 69 coronavirus infections Tuesday , bringing its total to 2,873 since the pandemic began .
Of those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 , 251 live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 143 are inmates in the Orange County jail system , according to the agency .
The number of new COVID-19 cases announced in the latest update was the lowest since April 28 .
The county has seen its daily caseload swell in recent days as it has significantly increased testing .
The county , which has tested more than 39,000 people , reported more than 2,000 tests on Tuesday alone .
The number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 who are hospitalized has grown over the past week .
It appeared to peak on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weekend .
But as of Monday , the number of hospitalizations again surpassed 200 .
Sixty-two people are in intensive care units , according to county data .
Still , the county ’ s observed mortality rate associated with COVID-19 is about 2 % , roughly half that of neighboring Los Angeles County and the state .
As a heat wave bears down on Southern California this week , attention has been focused on the county ’ s beaches .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom ordered a hard closure of Orange County ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of visitors flocked to the shore despite California ’ s stay-at-home order .
The move prompted condemnation from local officials and outrage from some members of the public who organized protests to urge the governor to loosen stay-at-home regulations and jump-start the economy .
State officials this week agreed to allow five cities — Huntington Beach , Laguna Beach , Seal Beach , Dana Point and San Clemente — to reopen their beaches with the stipulation that visitors remain active .
Sunbathing is not permitted , and some cities have instituted limited hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state .
On Tuesday , the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to submit a plan to the state that would also allow county-operated beaches to reopen for active recreation .
“ We want people to walk and jog and run and enjoy water sports but to keep moving , ” Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said , “ and the state is fully behind that.
” Note : The “ other ” category includes unincorporated areas .
Daily updates are preliminary and subject to change as the county receives new information .

Orange County health officials Tuesday reported four additional coronavirus-linked fatalities, as the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 countywide surpassed 200 for the second time in less than a week.
The four new deaths brought the region’s toll to 61. Of those who have died, 11 were residents in skilled nursing facilities, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.
The county also confirmed an additional 69 coronavirus infections Tuesday, bringing its total to 2,873 since the pandemic began. Of those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, 251 live in a skilled nursing facility, and 143 are inmates in the Orange County jail system, according to the agency.
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The number of new COVID-19 cases announced in the latest update was the lowest since April 28. The county has seen its daily caseload swell in recent days as it has significantly increased testing. The county, which has tested more than 39,000 people, reported more than 2,000 tests on Tuesday alone.
The number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 who are hospitalized has grown over the past week. It appeared to peak on Friday at 202 before declining slightly over the weekend. But as of Monday, the number of hospitalizations again surpassed 200. Sixty-two people are in intensive care units, according to county data.
Still, the county’s observed mortality rate associated with COVID-19 is about 2%, roughly half that of neighboring Los Angeles County and the state.
As a heat wave bears down on Southern California this week, attention has been focused on the county’s beaches. Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered a hard closure of Orange County’s sandy stretches last week after thousands of visitors flocked to the shore despite California’s stay-at-home order.
The move prompted condemnation from local officials and outrage from some members of the public who organized protests to urge the governor to loosen stay-at-home regulations and jump-start the economy.
State officials this week agreed to allow five cities — Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach, Dana Point and San Clemente — to reopen their beaches with the stipulation that visitors remain active. Sunbathing is not permitted, and some cities have instituted limited hours as part of the agreement with the state.
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On Tuesday, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to submit a plan to the state that would also allow county-operated beaches to reopen for active recreation.
“We want people to walk and jog and run and enjoy water sports but to keep moving,” Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said, “and the state is fully behind that.”
Here’s the latest COVID-19 information for Orange County.
Age breakdown of cases:
0-17 — 60
18-24 — 274
25-34 — 528
35-44 — 425
45-54 — 529
55-64 — 474
65-74 — 285
75-84 — 178
85+ — 118
Age breakdown of deaths:
25-34 — 2
35-44 — 3
45-54 — 5
55-64 — 8
65-74 — 11
75-84 — 19
85+ — 13
Cases by community:
Aliso Viejo — 18
Anaheim — 428
Brea — 21
Buena Park — 95
Costa Mesa — 42
Coto de Caza — 5
Cypress — 44
Dana Point — 22
Fountain Valley — 36
Fullerton — 101
Garden Grove — 143
Huntington Beach — 230
Irvine — 137
La Habra — 57
La Palma — 15
Ladera Ranch — 11
Laguna Beach — 38
Laguna Hills — 22
Laguna Niguel — 32
Laguna Woods — 8
Lake Forest — 32
Los Alamitos — 32
Midway City — 7
Mission Viejo — 47
Newport Beach — 102
Orange — 128
Placentia — 64
Rancho Mission Viejo — 6
Rancho Santa Margarita — 14
San Clemente — 49
San Juan Capistrano — 29
Santa Ana — 433
Seal Beach — 11
Stanton — 28
Trabuco Canyon — 12
Tustin — 45
Villa Park — 5
Westminster — 47
Yorba Linda — 52
Other — 147
Unknown — 78
Note: The “other” category includes unincorporated areas. Daily updates are preliminary and subject to change as the county receives new information.


latimes--2020-05-05--Ventura County moves toward a phased reopening of some businesses by week's end

Ventura County is gearing up to allow some of its businesses to open by the end of the week after Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced his latest plans for easing stay-at-home restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Businesses such as bookstores , clothing stores , florists and sporting goods stores will be eligible to open for curbside pickup , according to County Executive Officer Michael Powers .
Associated manufacturers and supply chains for these retail stores will also be allowed to open .
The county is expected to receive more guidance from the governor ’ s office before Friday on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Social distancing will stay with us for a while , ” said Rigoberto Vargas , the county ’ s public health director , during Tuesday ’ s Board of Supervisors meeting .
Vargas told the board that health officials are proceeding with optimism and caution , and that they ’ ll monitor the opening in case they need to reinstate stay-at-home measures .
Powers , board members and county Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin commended residents for abiding by state and county rules , even with restricted access to beaches .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the pandemic started to have an impact on everyday life and when he first estimated that there would be 1,000 coronavirus-related deaths in the county .
His estimate later dropped to 250 .
As of Tuesday , the county had reported 19 coronavirus-related deaths .
“ It ’ s so easy to forget what you prevented by your actions , ” he said .
As of Tuesday , Ventura County had reported a total of 595 COVID-19 cases .
The county also reported 22 current hospitalizations , with 11 patients under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered cases .
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the Ventura County Fair , an annual summertime event that attracts nearly 300,000 attendees per year .

Ventura County is gearing up to allow some of its businesses to open by the end of the week after Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his latest plans for easing stay-at-home restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Businesses such as bookstores, clothing stores, florists and sporting goods stores will be eligible to open for curbside pickup, according to County Executive Officer Michael Powers. Associated manufacturers and supply chains for these retail stores will also be allowed to open.
The county is expected to receive more guidance from the governor’s office before Friday on how such openings should be handled.
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“Social distancing will stay with us for a while,” said Rigoberto Vargas, the county’s public health director, during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting.
Vargas told the board that health officials are proceeding with optimism and caution, and that they’ll monitor the opening in case they need to reinstate stay-at-home measures.
Powers, board members and county Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin commended residents for abiding by state and county rules, even with restricted access to beaches.
Levin reflected back to 10 weeks ago, when the pandemic started to have an impact on everyday life and when he first estimated that there would be 1,000 coronavirus-related deaths in the county. His estimate later dropped to 250. As of Tuesday, the county had reported 19 coronavirus-related deaths.
“It’s so easy to forget what you prevented by your actions,” he said.
As of Tuesday, Ventura County had reported a total of 595 COVID-19 cases. The county also reported 22 current hospitalizations, with 11 patients under intensive care. There have been 416 recovered cases.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the Ventura County Fair, an annual summertime event that attracts nearly 300,000 attendees per year.


latimes--2020-05-05--California Supreme Court hears suit on public pension law aimed at saving billions

The California Supreme Court grappled Tuesday with whether to uphold a state law designed to help reduce a shortfall of hundreds of billions of dollars in state and local pension systems .
During a hearing , the state ’ s highest court did not clearly indicate which way it would rule .
Only four of the court ’ s seven justices asked questions , and those who did speak challenged both sides in the dispute .
The court is considering a challenge by unions to a 2012 law that forbade the practice of “ pension spiking ” for all government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future pensioner ’ s pay , usually at the end of their career , by cashing in years of accumulated vacation or sick pay or volunteering for extra duties .
Because pension payments are calculated based on a worker ’ s highest year of earnings , spiking can produce a more lucrative retirement than what the employee earned on the job .
At least 1 million public employees in California will be affected by the court ’ s decision .
Unions and public employee groups across the state contend the law violates the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are entitled to the pension they were promised on their first day of work .
Courts have ruled that public pensions are contracts protected by the state and U.S. constitutions .
Rei Onishi , Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s deputy legal affairs secretary , told the court that governments in California now face massive cutbacks , layoffs and furloughs , a reference to the anticipated budget deficits stemming from the coronavirus pandemic .
He called pension spiking “ abusive ” and said the practice was “ never lawful.
” In barring it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ merely clarified the law and closed loopholes .
He also contended that the law was prospective and therefore did not rob any workers of promised benefits .
Three of the justices appeared skeptical that the changes were merely prospective .
“ Employees who are currently working might view this as not prospective , ” said Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar .
“ They are arguing they had a set of expectations that are being violated.
” Justice Goodwin Liu also suggested that what is now called pension spiking may have been presumed to be perfectly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mastagni , representing the Alameda County Deputy Sheriff ’ s Assn.
, argued the words “ pension spiking ” amounted to an “ inherently subjective political term.
” He said employees were recruited and told they could depend on the pension rules in place .
“ My clients were promised they would have deferred compensation , ” he said .
Justice Joshua P. Groban , appearing frustrated , asked the lawyer to imagine a “ massive economic downturn ” and a “ doomsday scenario ” when pension systems are “ on the brink.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there never be any changes ?
Mastagni said counties in such cases could ease financial pressures by negotiating additional employee contributions .
In California , the formula for calculating retirement income generally can be changed only if it is neutral or advantageous to employees .
It can not be reduced , except for new hires .
California has been a national leader in pension law , and other states are paying close attention to the outcome of a series of cases testing the government ’ s ability to make cuts for longtime employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Jerry Brown tackled the pension shortfall , signing new measures into law .
The judiciary , which benefited from past public pension rulings , was exempt from the new cutbacks .
Now the pandemic is creating another fiscal crisis for state and local government .
Unlike private pensions , which are governed by a federal law and must be insured , public retirement systems depend on government revenue if obligations exceed contributions and investment income .

The California Supreme Court is reviewing written arguments in a pension case that has attracted national attention.
The California Supreme Court grappled Tuesday with whether to uphold a state law designed to help reduce a shortfall of hundreds of billions of dollars in state and local pension systems.
During a hearing, the state’s highest court did not clearly indicate which way it would rule. Only four of the court’s seven justices asked questions, and those who did speak challenged both sides in the dispute.
The court is considering a challenge by unions to a 2012 law that forbade the practice of “pension spiking” for all government employees. The practice involves inflating a future pensioner’s pay, usually at the end of their career, by cashing in years of accumulated vacation or sick pay or volunteering for extra duties.
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Because pension payments are calculated based on a worker’s highest year of earnings, spiking can produce a more lucrative retirement than what the employee earned on the job. At least 1 million public employees in California will be affected by the court’s decision.
Unions and public employee groups across the state contend the law violates the 60-year California Rule, which says employees are entitled to the pension they were promised on their first day of work. Courts have ruled that public pensions are contracts protected by the state and U.S. constitutions.
Rei Onishi, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s deputy legal affairs secretary, told the court that governments in California now face massive cutbacks, layoffs and furloughs, a reference to the anticipated budget deficits stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.
He called pension spiking “abusive” and said the practice was “never lawful.” In barring it, he said, the state Legislature merely clarified the law and closed loopholes. He also contended that the law was prospective and therefore did not rob any workers of promised benefits.
Three of the justices appeared skeptical that the changes were merely prospective. “Employees who are currently working might view this as not prospective,” said Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar. “They are arguing they had a set of expectations that are being violated.”
Justice Goodwin Liu also suggested that what is now called pension spiking may have been presumed to be perfectly legal in past years.
California California Supreme Court curbs a pension benefit but preserves ‘California Rule’ The California Supreme Court made it clear Monday that state and local governments may reduce pension costs by repealing certain benefits without running afoul of constitutional protections for public pensions.
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David E. Mastagni, representing the Alameda County Deputy Sheriff’s Assn., argued the words “pension spiking” amounted to an “inherently subjective political term.”
He said employees were recruited and told they could depend on the pension rules in place. “My clients were promised they would have deferred compensation,” he said.
Justice Joshua P. Groban, appearing frustrated, asked the lawyer to imagine a “massive economic downturn” and a “doomsday scenario” when pension systems are “on the brink.” He wanted to know: Can there never be any changes?
Mastagni said counties in such cases could ease financial pressures by negotiating additional employee contributions.
In California, the formula for calculating retirement income generally can be changed only if it is neutral or advantageous to employees. It cannot be reduced, except for new hires.
California has been a national leader in pension law, and other states are paying close attention to the outcome of a series of cases testing the government’s ability to make cuts for longtime employees.
After the great recession, former Gov. Jerry Brown tackled the pension shortfall, signing new measures into law. The judiciary, which benefited from past public pension rulings, was exempt from the new cutbacks. Now the pandemic is creating another fiscal crisis for state and local government.
Unlike private pensions, which are governed by a federal law and must be insured, public retirement systems depend on government revenue if obligations exceed contributions and investment income.


latimes--2020-05-05--Newsom calls reopening Yuba and Sutter counties a 'big mistake' amid coronavirus crisis

Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Tuesday criticized two rural Northern California counties that are allowing businesses and restaurants to reopen , saying their decision to defy his statewide stay-at-home order has put their communities at increased risk for a new coronavirus outbreak .
Sutter and Yuba counties , both north of Sacramento , allowed businesses to reopen on Monday after a similar decision was made in Modoc County in California ’ s northeastern corner .
Officials in the three counties argued that they were less affected by the COVID-19 pandemic than hot spots such as Los Angeles and the Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their local economies .
“ They ’ re making a big mistake .
They ’ re putting their public at risk .
They ’ re putting our progress at risk , ” Newsom said during a COVID-19 briefing in Sacramento on Tuesday .
“ These are real exceptions .
The overwhelming majority of Californians are playing by the rules doing the right thing.
” But Newsom did not say if the state would take any action to enforce the stay-at-home order and other statewide restrictions in those counties .
Instead , the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his more measured plan for reopening , which was announced Monday and will allow some retail stores across the state to reopen as early as Friday if certain safeguards are put in place .
Under the new statewide COVID-19 guidelines , the governor said bookstores , music stores , toy stores , florists , sporting goods retailers and others can reopen for pickup , and manufacturing and logistics can resume in the retail supply chain .
Newsom said more detailed guidelines on the businesses that can resume limited operations would be released later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bars , barbershops , salons and similar establishments must remain closed under Newsom ’ s order , and in-restaurant dining remains prohibited .
Newsom said some of the restrictions would be eased if county health officials , in concurrence with their county board of supervisors , can verify that they have adequate healthcare facilities and personal protective equipment to care for COVID-19 patients , and the capability to test , isolate and track those who have the virus .
Newsom said that if a county has a low number of COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state issues variances .
In spite of those requirements , however , Dr. Ngoc-Phuong Luu , health officer for Yuba and Sutter counties , issued new orders on Friday that allow restaurants , retailers , shopping malls , gyms , fitness studios , salons , spas and tattoo parlors to operate .
“ They put those businesses at risk , not only the health of their communities at risk .
I would encourage them just to do the right thing and know that we are committed to working with them as we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have a process and protocol to do that .
And so we believe in ready-aim-fire — not , ready-fire-aim ” The governor ’ s comments came during a visit Tuesday to Display California , a small business in Sacramento , to highlight his plan to ease restrictions .
Newsom also faced defiance in Southern California after he ordered the closure of all Orange County beaches last week .
The governor took that action after thousands of beachgoers flocked to the the coast during the recent heatwave , ignoring Newsom ’ s pleas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe distance from others .
On Tuesday , the state announced that three Orange County beach cities — Huntington Beach , Seal Beach and Dana Point — will be permitted to reopen their stretches of coastline this week with certain limitations , including taking steps to avoid overcrowding and allow safe physical distancing .
The move came a day after similar plans for Laguna Beach and San Clemente were approved by the state , and several days after the Huntington Beach City Council voted to take legal action to block Newsom ’ s @ @ @

Anthony Frank, center, and his wife, Melia Campbell, of Plumas Lake, enjoy their first night out in weeks at Silver Dollar Saloon in Marysville. Silver Dollar Saloon, in Yuba County.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday criticized two rural Northern California counties that are allowing businesses and restaurants to reopen, saying their decision to defy his statewide stay-at-home order has put their communities at increased risk for a new coronavirus outbreak.
Sutter and Yuba counties, both north of Sacramento, allowed businesses to reopen on Monday after a similar decision was made in Modoc County in California’s northeastern corner. Officials in the three counties argued that they were less affected by the COVID-19 pandemic than hot spots such as Los Angeles and the Bay Area and said the shutdown was hurting their local economies.
“They’re making a big mistake. They’re putting their public at risk. They’re putting our progress at risk,” Newsom said during a COVID-19 briefing in Sacramento on Tuesday. “These are real exceptions. The overwhelming majority of Californians are playing by the rules doing the right thing.”
But Newsom did not say if the state would take any action to enforce the stay-at-home order and other statewide restrictions in those counties.
Instead, the Democratic governor encouraged officials there to abide by his more measured plan for reopening, which was announced Monday and will allow some retail stores across the state to reopen as early as Friday if certain safeguards are put in place.
From left, Jeremiah Pino, Lydia Perez, sit with server Aimee Roux, right, as they enjoy their first night out in weeks at Silver Dollar Saloon in Marysville. “This is nice, enjoying the evening out with friends,” said Perez. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Under the new statewide COVID-19 guidelines, the governor said bookstores, music stores, toy stores, florists, sporting goods retailers and others can reopen for pickup, and manufacturing and logistics can resume in the retail supply chain. Newsom said more detailed guidelines on the businesses that can resume limited operations would be released later this week.
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Shopping malls, gyms, bars, barbershops, salons and similar establishments must remain closed under Newsom’s order, and in-restaurant dining remains prohibited.
Newsom said some of the restrictions would be eased if county health officials, in concurrence with their county board of supervisors, can verify that they have adequate healthcare facilities and personal protective equipment to care for COVID-19 patients, and the capability to test, isolate and track those who have the virus. Newsom said that if a county has a low number of COVID-19 cases, that will be considered when the state issues variances.
In spite of those requirements, however, Dr. Ngoc-Phuong Luu, health officer for Yuba and Sutter counties, issued new orders on Friday that allow restaurants, retailers, shopping malls, gyms, fitness studios, salons, spas and tattoo parlors to operate.
“They put those businesses at risk, not only the health of their communities at risk. I would encourage them just to do the right thing and know that we are committed to working with them as we have been,” Newsom said. “We have a process and protocol to do that. And so we believe in ready-aim-fire — not, ready-fire-aim”
The governor’s comments came during a visit Tuesday to Display California, a small business in Sacramento, to highlight his plan to ease restrictions.
Newsom also faced defiance in Southern California after he ordered the closure of all Orange County beaches last week. The governor took that action after thousands of beachgoers flocked to the the coast during the recent heatwave, ignoring Newsom’s pleas to stay at home and maintain a safe distance from others.
On Tuesday, the state announced that three Orange County beach cities — Huntington Beach, Seal Beach and Dana Point — will be permitted to reopen their stretches of coastline this week with certain limitations, including taking steps to avoid overcrowding and allow safe physical distancing.
The move came a day after similar plans for Laguna Beach and San Clemente were approved by the state, and several days after the Huntington Beach City Council voted to take legal action to block Newsom’s beach closure.


latimes--2020-05-05--San Diego Marine recruits, SEALs resume training

A company of Marine recruits took their places among the storied yellow footprints at San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Monday to begin their training , after more than two weeks of quarantine at a local hotel .
This step marks a milestone in the Corps ’ efforts to continue training in an altered COVID-19 environment , officials said .
The Marines started sending new companies of recruits into quarantine with the arrival of Echo Company to San Diego on April 13 , after the coronavirus began spreading among the previous company to arrive — Bravo Company — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recruits of the 237-man Bravo Company surged , the Marines are seeing far fewer cases among the recruits of Echo .
The Marines , following a Pentagon order , are not disclosing actual numbers of infections among its recruits , but a depot spokesman said about a handful from Echo Company tested positive Friday .
None has symptoms .
“ They tested positive on Friday and were moved into isolation on MCRD , ” said Capt .
Martin Harris , a depot spokesman .
Because the recruits of Echo Company were quarantined in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dozen will potentially be held back from beginning training whether they tested positive or had a roommate who did .
Harris said 254 recruits made the transition from quarantine to the depot Monday .
Brig .
Gen. Ryan Heritage , the depot ’ s commanding general , said the strict quarantine implemented after the outbreak among Bravo Company had the desired effect of limiting the virus ’ spread among Echo Company .
“ We ’ re continuing to learn a lot about the virus , ” Heritage said Monday in a phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily updates throughout the Marine Corps — best practices are really what we ’ re learning.
” Heritage said that several recruits from Bravo Company — the one with the larger outbreak — are now out of quarantine and have resumed training .
“ About a week ago , those testing negative were taken out of quarantine and back into training , ” Heritage said .
“ We ’ re going to make every effort to keep that company together — there ’ s a unique pride they ’ re carrying despite being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marines said 48 recruits from Bravo Company tested positive for the coronavirus , with several test results still outstanding .
Harris said Monday that those numbers rose as more results came in .
“ They ’ re around the same percentages of other cases of 100 % testing , ” Harris said .
“ They ’ re consistent with what is being found in similar populations that live in close quarters among a young , healthy group of people.
” On two Navy ships , the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt and the guided-missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % to 25 % of those crews tested positive .
The Navy resumed training for two phases of its SEAL and Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman training at Naval Base Coronado on Monday , seven weeks after three cohorts were suspended , as the global COVID-19 pandemic began spreading among San Diego ’ s military community .
The third cohort will resume training next Monday , the Navy said in a statement .
“ We took a conservative approach to properly assess our student population and establish protocols in order to minimize risk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bart Randall , the commodore of the Naval Special Warfare Center , in a written statement Monday .
Trainees will be limited in numbers at certain training events and in classrooms to maintain social distancing and to be screened for the virus daily , the Navy said .

Marine recruits stand in formation as they await health screenings at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego on April 13. New coronavirus distancing practices went into effect such as standing six feet apart, health screenings and a 14-day quarantine period before boot camp begins.
A company of Marine recruits took their places among the storied yellow footprints at San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Monday to begin their training, after more than two weeks of quarantine at a local hotel.
This step marks a milestone in the Corps’ efforts to continue training in an altered COVID-19 environment, officials said.
The Marines started sending new companies of recruits into quarantine with the arrival of Echo Company to San Diego on April 13, after the coronavirus began spreading among the previous company to arrive — Bravo Company — the week before.
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While cases among the recruits of the 237-man Bravo Company surged, the Marines are seeing far fewer cases among the recruits of Echo. The Marines, following a Pentagon order, are not disclosing actual numbers of infections among its recruits, but a depot spokesman said about a handful from Echo Company tested positive Friday. None has symptoms.
“They tested positive on Friday and were moved into isolation on MCRD,” said Capt. Martin Harris, a depot spokesman.
Because the recruits of Echo Company were quarantined in hotel rooms in pairs, fewer than a dozen will potentially be held back from beginning training whether they tested positive or had a roommate who did. Harris said 254 recruits made the transition from quarantine to the depot Monday.
New recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, respond to orders during receiving at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego on Monday. Echo Company arrived at the depot three weeks ago and have been quarantined at a San Diego hotel since. (Cpl. Brooke C Woods/Marine Corps)
Brig. Gen. Ryan Heritage, the depot’s commanding general, said the strict quarantine implemented after the outbreak among Bravo Company had the desired effect of limiting the virus’ spread among Echo Company.
“We’re continuing to learn a lot about the virus,” Heritage said Monday in a phone interview. “We’re sending daily updates throughout the Marine Corps — best practices are really what we’re learning.”
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Heritage said that several recruits from Bravo Company — the one with the larger outbreak — are now out of quarantine and have resumed training.
“About a week ago, those testing negative were taken out of quarantine and back into training,” Heritage said. “We’re going to make every effort to keep that company together — there’s a unique pride they’re carrying despite being quarantined.”
On April 29, the Marines said 48 recruits from Bravo Company tested positive for the coronavirus, with several test results still outstanding. Harris said Monday that those numbers rose as more results came in.
“They’re around the same percentages of other cases of 100% testing,” Harris said. “They’re consistent with what is being found in similar populations that live in close quarters among a young, healthy group of people.”
On two Navy ships, the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt and the guided-missile destroyer Kidd, the Navy found 20% to 25% of those crews tested positive.
The Navy resumed training for two phases of its SEAL and Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman training at Naval Base Coronado on Monday, seven weeks after three cohorts were suspended, as the global COVID-19 pandemic began spreading among San Diego’s military community.
The third cohort will resume training next Monday,the Navy said in a statement.
“We took a conservative approach to properly assess our student population and establish protocols in order to minimize risk to them during training,” said Capt. Bart Randall, the commodore of the Naval Special Warfare Center, in a written statement Monday.
Trainees will be limited in numbers at certain training events and in classrooms to maintain social distancing and to be screened for the virus daily, the Navy said.
Dyer writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.


latimes--2020-05-05--LAPD officer charged with shooting a fellow cop on camping trip

A Los Angeles police officer was charged Tuesday with assault with a deadly weapon after San Bernardino County prosecutors say he shot another off-duty officer over the weekend while camping in Apple Valley .
Officer Ismael Tamayo , 44 , a 13-year veteran of the LAPD , was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the late-night shooting at the Stoddard Wells Off-Highway Vehicle Area that wounded a colleague .
But the San Bernardino County district attorney ’ s office on Tuesday filed a lesser charge of assault with a deadly weapon against Tamayo , an Ontario resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Mascareno , 48 , a fellow officer in the LAPD ’ s Newton Division .
According to the D.A .
's charges , Tamayo used a a Glock .40-caliber handgun in the commission of a “ serious and violent felony ” that resulted in great bodily injury .
Multiple law enforcement sources who asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to discuss the incident said three officers were camping , shooting their weapons and drinking alcohol in the hours before Mascareno was wounded .
San Bernardino County sheriff ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 1 a.m. Sunday and found Mascareno with a gunshot wound to his shoulder .
He was airlifted to a hospital .
Tamayo was found nearby in possession of a firearm and taken into custody , authorities said .
The LAPD has initiated an administrative investigation .
Chief Michel Moore told the L.A. Police Commission on Tuesday he was thankful that the wounded officer was out of the hospital .
“ I am very disappointed and frustrated by this event , ” Moore said , noting that the injury was “ serious and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurred , Moore said he wants to know why the officers were at the campground during the state ’ s stay-at-home order amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The area appeared to be open to the public , and other campers were nearby , according to a preliminary investigation .
“ What led up to this shooting is very important , ” the chief said .
“ I ’ d like to not just understand the criminality , but what other issues I might have as chief as to how they ended up there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney , Gregory G. Yacoubian , said in an email his client is cooperating with authorities .
“ We are confident that he will be cleared of any wrongdoing once the facts are made known .
We ask that due process be allowed to run its course and that the privacy of Ismael and his family is respected , ” Yacoubian said .
“ It is important that you know that Ismael Tamayo served honorably for over 21 years with the United States military , which included several deployments overseas , and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Tamayo has been relieved of his police powers pending the outcome of criminal and administrative investigations , the department said in a statement .

Officer Ismael Tamayo, a 13-year-veteran of the LAPD, was charged in connection with a weekend shooting at the Stoddard Wells Off-Highway Vehicle Area.
A Los Angeles police officer was charged Tuesday with assault with a deadly weapon after San Bernardino County prosecutors say he shot another off-duty officer over the weekend while camping in Apple Valley.
Officer Ismael Tamayo, 44, a 13-year veteran of the LAPD, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the late-night shooting at the Stoddard Wells Off-Highway Vehicle Area that wounded a colleague.
But the San Bernardino County district attorney’s office on Tuesday filed a lesser charge of assault with a deadly weapon against Tamayo, an Ontario resident. The filing identified the victim as Mark Mascareno, 48, a fellow officer in the LAPD’s Newton Division.
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According to the D.A.’s charges, Tamayo used a a Glock .40-caliber handgun in the commission of a “serious and violent felony” that resulted in great bodily injury.
Multiple law enforcement sources who asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to discuss the incident said three officers were camping, shooting their weapons and drinking alcohol in the hours before Mascareno was wounded.
San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies responded to a shooting call about 1 a.m. Sunday and found Mascareno with a gunshot wound to his shoulder. He was airlifted to a hospital.
Tamayo was found nearby in possession of a firearm and taken into custody, authorities said.
The LAPD has initiated an administrative investigation.
Chief Michel Moore told the L.A. Police Commission on Tuesday he was thankful that the wounded officer was out of the hospital.
“I am very disappointed and frustrated by this event,” Moore said, noting that the injury was “serious and life-threatening.”
In addition how the shooting occurred, Moore said he wants to know why the officers were at the campground during the state’s stay-at-home order amid the coronavirus pandemic. The area appeared to be open to the public, and other campers were nearby, according to a preliminary investigation.
“What led up to this shooting is very important,” the chief said. “I’d like to not just understand the criminality, but what other issues I might have as chief as to how they ended up there to begin with.”
Tamayo’s attorney, Gregory G. Yacoubian, said in an email his client is cooperating with authorities.
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“We are confident that he will be cleared of any wrongdoing once the facts are made known. We ask that due process be allowed to run its course and that the privacy of Ismael and his family is respected,” Yacoubian said.
“It is important that you know that Ismael Tamayo served honorably for over 21 years with the United States military, which included several deployments overseas, and is presently a tenured Los Angeles Police Officer.”
Tamayo has been relieved of his police powers pending the outcome of criminal and administrative investigations, the department said in a statement.


latimes--2020-05-05--California allows more Orange County beaches to reopen

Less than a week after Gov .
Gavin Newsom ordered the closure of all Orange County beaches to stem the spread of the coronavirus , state officials have announced that three beach cities will be permitted to reopen their stretches of coastline this week with certain limitations .
Dana Point , Huntington Beach and Seal Beach submitted plans to Sacramento that would allow the public to immediately access the coastline for active recreation only .
The plans , approved Tuesday , include a range of measures to avoid overcrowding and allow safe physical distancing , according to the California Natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s plan , people are now permitted to use the beach from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the stipulation that they remain active .
Sunbathing is not allowed .
Parking meters along Pacific Coast Highway and the beach ’ s bike path are available for use , but the pier and the city ’ s beach parking lot will remain closed .
“ We ’ re delighted to be reopening our beaches for active recreation , which will allow our community to once again enjoy the recreational and mental health benefits from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mayor Lyn Semeta said in a prepared statement .
“ The new active recreation rules that we ’ re instituting will allow for continued beach access in a manner that emphasizes the need to practice safe social distancing.
” Seal Beach ’ s coastline will be open — beginning Monday — for limited hours Monday through Thursday with the requirement that visitors remain active while on the sand .
Officials in Dana Point said their beaches will also only be open to walking , running and recreational uses like swimming and surfing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the public can still access the city ’ s tide pools .
Dana Point City Manager Mike Killebrew said in a statement that he hopes “ everyone understands how important it is that we all follow new guidelines that will promote socially responsible recreation and enjoyment by the public.
” “ We know how important our beaches are to the residents of Dana Point .
And we know how much residents value , especially now , access to our beautiful coastline , ” he said .
State-operated beaches within the Huntington Beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the same active-recreation protocols , city officials said .
The move came a day after similar plans for Laguna Beach and San Clemente were approved by the state .
The only coastal city that has not yet gained approval from the state to reopen is Newport Beach .
The city , just a few miles south of Huntington Beach , also submitted a plan to Sacramento on Saturday to safely reopen their coastline , said city spokesman John Pope .
“ We have been closely coordinating with Huntington Beach about strategies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Pope said .
“ Despite repeated attempts by city staff to connect with state officials , we have not yet received any information on an approval or modifications , or when a decision might be made.
” Newsom last week ordered a “ hard close ” of all Orange County beaches .
The order came after an April heat wave sent thousands to the sand in some beach communities .
Newsom called the images circulating of people congregating on Orange County ’ s shores “ disturbing.
” The closure between cities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from .
Some argued that the governor was targeting Orange County based on photographs that did not show the full scope of what was happening on the beaches .
Newsom on Tuesday praised local leaders in Orange County beach cities for working with his administration to reach an agreement .
Just days ago , city leaders in Huntington Beach and Dana Point voted to take legal action against the governor .
Huntington Beach City Atty .
Michael Gates said the city is continuing to move forward with its request for an injunction against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beaches being allowed to reopen .
Newsom said his administration has been negotiating with the beach cities since the weekend and said he hoped to make a future announcement about beach access in Orange County soon .
“ It ’ s a spirit of collaboration and cooperation that is necessary as we move forward , ” Newsom said during his daily COVID-19 briefing in Sacramento .
On Tuesday , the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to submit a plan to the state that would allow county-operated beaches to reopen for active recreation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the item , said it would help put county beaches in line with what was happening in nearby cities and allow people to get out and recreate along the coast .
“ We want people to walk and jog and run and enjoy water sports but to keep moving , ” she said , “ and the state is fully behind that.
” Supervisor Don Wagner opposed the motion , along with Supervisor Michelle Steel , saying any restrictions on beach activity were arbitrary and that it was appalling that the county would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place without input from local officials .
“ This is exactly what we shouldn ’ t be doing as a government , ” Wagner said .

With the heat on full blast, people strip down to the bare essentials, which include face masks, as they make their way around Silver Lake Reservoir on Monday. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Lake Balboa/Beilenson Park is a draw in the San Fernando Valley, where temperatures Monday reached into the 90s. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
A woman takes the steps at Disney Hall on Monday as a heat wave dials up temperatures in downtown L.A. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
Kirill Matweer, 4, clears sand from his shoes as he plays at Lake Balboa Beilenson Park. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Ileanna Sanchez, 7, plays with her new puppy, Roxy, at Lake Balboa Beilenson Park. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Anna Henke and 1-year-old daughter Galinda, right, with Bella Ghazaryan and her 1-year-old daughter, Eva, at Lake Balboa/Beilenson Park. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Trevor Voeltner wipes his brow as he walks with wife Betty Voeltner and their 2-year-old son Carter at Lake Balboa Beilenson Park. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Sam Kiamehr, 3, has a little fun with the yellow caution tape cordoning off playground equipment at Lake Balboa/Beilenson Park. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Django, wearing a cone after surgery, looks for lizards while owner Jared Talla relaxes on a grassy patch near the Silver Lake Recreation Center on Monday. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Goff Stepian rides a wave on his paddle board at Laguna Beach on Tuesday. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Cece Lewis and her golden retriever, Lala, at Laguna Beach on Tuesday morning. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
The fountain at Music Center Plaza in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Less than a week after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the closure of all Orange County beaches to stem the spread of the coronavirus, state officials have announced that three beach cities will be permitted to reopen their stretches of coastline this week with certain limitations.
Dana Point, Huntington Beach and Seal Beach submitted plans to Sacramento that would allow the public to immediately access the coastline for active recreation only. The plans, approved Tuesday, include a range of measures to avoid overcrowding and allow safe physical distancing, according to the California Natural Resources Agency.
Under Huntington Beach’s plan, people are now permitted to use the beach from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the stipulation that they remain active. Sunbathing is not allowed. Parking meters along Pacific Coast Highway and the beach’s bike path are available for use, but the pier and the city’s beach parking lot will remain closed.
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“We’re delighted to be reopening our beaches for active recreation, which will allow our community to once again enjoy the recreational and mental health benefits from spending time in the Pacific Ocean,” Mayor Lyn Semeta said in a prepared statement. “The new active recreation rules that we’re instituting will allow for continued beach access in a manner that emphasizes the need to practice safe social distancing.”
Seal Beach’s coastline will be open — beginning Monday — for limited hours Monday through Thursday with the requirement that visitors remain active while on the sand.
Officials in Dana Point said their beaches will also only be open to walking, running and recreational uses like swimming and surfing. No gatherings will be permitted, but the public can still access the city’s tide pools.
Dana Point City Manager Mike Killebrew said in a statement that he hopes “everyone understands how important it is that we all follow new guidelines that will promote socially responsible recreation and enjoyment by the public.”
“We know how important our beaches are to the residents of Dana Point. And we know how much residents value, especially now, access to our beautiful coastline,” he said.
State-operated beaches within the Huntington Beach and Dana Point city limits also reopened with the same active-recreation protocols, city officials said.
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The move came a day after similar plans for Laguna Beach and San Clemente were approved by the state.
The only coastal city that has not yet gained approval from the state to reopen is Newport Beach. The city, just a few miles south of Huntington Beach, also submitted a plan to Sacramento on Saturday to safely reopen their coastline, said city spokesman John Pope.
“We have been closely coordinating with Huntington Beach about strategies to enhance the management of our beaches,” Pope said. “Despite repeated attempts by city staff to connect with state officials, we have not yet received any information on an approval or modifications, or when a decision might be made.”
1 / 46 People stroll along Laguna’s Main Beach after it reopened its beaches for active use only.
(Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 2 / 46 Mathew Hanna jumps on a skim board at Laguna’s Main Beach on Tuesday morning as city reopened its beaches for active use only. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 3 / 46 Cathie Lawler with her dogs, Milo and Charlie, said “Absolutely fabulous. So good to see the beach” as she walked along Laguna Beach after it reopened for active use only. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 4 / 46 Goff Stepian rides a wave on his paddle board at Laguna’s Main Beach. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 5 / 46 People stroll along Laguna’s Main Beach after it reopened its beaches for active use only. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) 6 / 46 An aerial view of beach-goers playing volleyball on a nice day at the beach despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s hard closure, which is still in place in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 7 / 46 An aerial view of a few surfers and beach-goers enjoying a nice day at the beach despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s hard closure, which is still in place in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 8 / 46 An aerial view of a few surfers and beach-goers enjoying a nice day at the beach despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s hard closure, which is still in place in Newport Beach on Monday. (Allen J. Schaben/Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 9 / 46 Bicyclists and pass the closed Boardwalk Sports store on the boardwalk in Newport Beach, on Monday. The business is only renting bicycles but is hoping to fully open after Gov. Newsom’s announcement that some businesses will be able to reopen. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 10 / 46 An aerial view of the Newport Beach pier, where a few surfers and beach-goers enjoy a nice day at the beach despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s hard closure, which is still in place in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 11 / 46 Bill Beukers and his wife, Teresa, claim their constitutional rights as they speak to Newport Beach police officers. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 12 / 46 A surfer climbs over a barrier meant to keep visitors off the beach in Newport Beach on Saturday morning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 13 / 46 Police and protesters find a shady spot along Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 14 / 46 Newport Beach lifeguards and police clear the beach during a closure that went into effect Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 15 / 46 Protesters stage a protest in Laguna Beach on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 16 / 46 A motorcycle officer patrols the bike path near the Huntington Beach Pier on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 17 / 46 Huntington Beach resident Kyle Richardson, 35, holds a sign telling California Gov. Gavin Newson to lift stay-at-home orders and reopen beaches, parks and the California economy, during a protest near the Huntington Beach Pier on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 18 / 46 A Newport Beach lifeguard evacuates the beach as a closure went into effect Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 19 / 46 Protesters against beach closures walk in Newport Beach even though a beach closure went into effect Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 20 / 46 A police cruiser patrols near the Huntington Beach Pier on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 21 / 46 Protesters gather near the Huntington Beach Pier, demanding that California Gov. Gavin Newson lift stay-at-home orders. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 22 / 46 People walk on the sand in Newport Beach despite the beach closure that went into effect Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 23 / 46 People enjoy the sun near the pier in Huntington Beach on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 24 / 46 Under the watchful eyes of police officers, protesters against beach closures walk along Newport Beach even though a beach closure went into effect Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 25 / 46 A couple walks along the sand while others venture into the surf in Newport Beach even though Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered Orange County beaches closed. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 26 / 46 People enjoy the sun in downtown Huntington Beach on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 27 / 46 A motorcycle officer watches the bike path near the Huntington Beach Pier on Saturday. California Gov. Gavin Newson ordered a hard closure of Orange County beaches this weekend. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 28 / 46 Surfers and others ventured to the beach in Newport Beach on Saturday despite the governor’s closure order. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 29 / 46 Saturday’s beach closure did not keep surfers out of the water in Newport Beach. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times) 30 / 46 Protesters wave a variety of flags, including a Confederate one, along Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) 31 / 46 An aerial view of a mostly empty Huntington Beach following Gov. Newsom’s “hard close” of Orange County beaches. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 32 / 46 Huntington Beach lifeguards patrol with a boat to try to get surfers to stop defying Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “hard close” order. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 33 / 46 Steve Christopher, right, reads a book in the shade of the pier as a beach-goer does flips across the beach on the last day of open beaches in Huntington Beach. “I think it’s what needs to be done,” Christopher said. “I saw it last week and it was packed.” (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 34 / 46 Surfers ride the waves on the north side of the Huntington Beach Pier Friday, May 1, 2020. Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered Orange County beaches closed on Thursday despite opposition from local leaders. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 35 / 46 Emergency room nurse Rebecca McFarlane, of Covina, relaxes on her one day off from treating COVID-19 patients, on an open stretch of sand far away from other beach-goers on the last day of open beaches in Huntington Beach. “As a nurse, I have to wear all the PPE and on my one day off, I just want to relax on the beach,” McFarlane said. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 36 / 46 An aerial view of Huntington Beach after Gov. Newsom announced the “hard close” of all Orange County state and local beaches. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) 37 / 46 An aerial view shows visitors enjoying the sun and sand near the pier in Newport Beach on Tuesday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 46 A surfer catches a wave while joining some of the thousands of beachgoers over the weekend in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 46 Newport Beach officials said beach visitors followed distancing guidelines over the weekend. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 46 On Tuesday, beachgoers pass a statue of Newport Beach lifeguard Ben Carlson, who died while conducting a rescue. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 46 A man in a protective mask walks his dog past a closed park near the pier in Newport Beach on Tuesday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 46 A motorist makes a statement via a back window as pedestrians walk past a store display in Newport Beach that features a mannequin in a mask. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 46 Beachgoers dot the sand in an aerial view of Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 46 Weekend beach crowds, such as those in Huntington Beach, spurred alarm among some officials. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 46 People crowd the bike path near Huntington Beach pier on Saturday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 46 An aerial view shows surfers waiting for a wave Saturday off Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Newsom last week ordered a “hard close” of all Orange County beaches. The order came after an April heat wave sent thousands to the sand in some beach communities. Newsom called the images circulating of people congregating on Orange County’s shores “disturbing.”
The closure prompted a legal showdown between cities and the state, as well as outrage from the public . Some argued that the governor was targeting Orange County based on photographs that did not show the full scope of what was happening on the beaches.
Newsom on Tuesday praised local leaders in Orange County beach cities for working with his administration to reach an agreement. Just days ago, city leaders in Huntington Beach and Dana Point voted to take legal action against the governor.
Huntington Beach City Atty. Michael Gates said the city is continuing to move forward with its request for an injunction against the governor’s order despite the beaches being allowed to reopen.
Newsom said his administration has been negotiating with the beach cities since the weekend and said he hoped to make a future announcement about beach access in Orange County soon.
“It’s a spirit of collaboration and cooperation that is necessary as we move forward,” Newsom said during his daily COVID-19 briefing in Sacramento.
On Tuesday, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to submit a plan to the state that would allow county-operated beaches to reopen for active recreation.
Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, who proposed the item, said it would help put county beaches in line with what was happening in nearby cities and allow people to get out and recreate along the coast.
“We want people to walk and jog and run and enjoy water sports but to keep moving,” she said, “and the state is fully behind that.”
Supervisor Don Wagner opposed the motion, along with Supervisor Michelle Steel, saying any restrictions on beach activity were arbitrary and that it was appalling that the county would bow to rules the governor put in place without input from local officials.
“This is exactly what we shouldn’t be doing as a government,” Wagner said.
Staff writer Luke Money contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-05-05--Video of violent LAPD arrest in Boyle Heights sparks outrage, internal review

Footage of a Los Angeles police officer repeatedly punching a man during an arrest in Boyle Heights in late April has stoked outrage and prompted the launch of an internal review of the incident .
Officers were responding to a trespassing call in the 2400 block of Houston Street on April 27 and ordered a man to leave the property near the Church of God of Prophecy , according to a statement issued by the LAPD after footage of the incident began to gain traction online Monday night .
In a 50-second video , two officers can be seen ordering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fence outside the church .
A male officer tells the suspect to “ stop fighting , ” and the suspect responds , “ Ain ’ t nobody fighting.
” The officer then begins throwing overhand punches to the back of the suspect ’ s head while shouting profanities .
At one point , the suspect attempts to take a few steps away from the officer , who follows and continues to punch the man in the head and body .
A female officer stands by , occasionally reaching her hand out but otherwise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncalled for , even if there was some provocation , ” said Melina Abdullah , a Cal State L.A. professor and organizer with Black Lives Matter in Los Angeles .
“ It wasn ’ t one punch , two punches .
… He went off on this guy .
And the guy didn ’ t resist or fight back.
” During his weekly report to the city ’ s civilian Police Commission on Tuesday , Police Chief Michel Moore said he was concerned about both the Boyle Heights footage and an incident over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegedly shot another while camping in San Bernardino County .
“ I recognize the public ’ s concern and how disturbing or troubling they may be to them , ” Moore said of both incidents .
“ I ’ m going to allow the process and investigation to take place , but accountability and a clear-eyed view of what occurred here is my absolute commitment.
” Several members of the public who were listening to Tuesday ’ s commission hearing remotely condemned the actions of the officer seen in the video , describing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ police brutality.
” Najee Ali , a prominent South L.A. civil rights activist , called on Los Angeles County Dist .
Atty .
Jackie Lacey to prosecute the officer on Tuesday .
The officer has been assigned to home pending reviews by the LAPD ’ s Internal Affairs and Force Investigation divisions .
His partner was placed on administrative duty , according to a department spokesman .
The suspect sustained “ abrasions to his head and face ” but refused medical attention , according to the LAPD , and the officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer nor the suspect were immediately identified .
The man was ultimately released pending further investigation , the LAPD said in its statement .
David Winslow , the officer ’ s attorney , described him as a 20-year LAPD veteran but declined to identify him .
Winslow said the suspect had been living in a tent in a lot adjacent to the church .
An LAPD spokesman could not say if the suspect was homeless .
Winslow argued that prior to the footage that has been widely shared , the suspect was aggressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would consent to a search .
During the initial search , the suspect allegedly struck the officer in the chest , knocking his body-worn camera to the ground , Winslow said .
The officer then ordered the man to turn back toward the fence , according to Winslow , who said the man started “ using profanity , calling the officer names … telling him he wasn ’ t going to cooperate.
” The man then threatened to attack the officer and began to struggle , which led the officer to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disputed any characterization that the man was not fighting back and said the force used was necessary , despite the repeated blows the officer throws without any apparent response from the suspect .
“ The use of force is justified because the officer believed he was under attack from the suspect … even though you might think the suspect wasn ’ t fighting back at that time , he wasn ’ t complying either , ” Winslow said .
“ He didn ’ t go to the ground .
He didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ed Obayashi , a veteran Plumas County sheriff ’ s deputy and lawyer who trains officers statewide believed the video was extremely problematic .
“ To say this looks bad is an understatement , ” said Obayashi .
“ I don ’ t see any signs of resistance .
The officer is just pissed off and very amped up .
There is no sign the officer is responding properly .
This officer is literally throwing haymakers.
” Obayashi dismissed Winslow ’ s argument that the suspect ’ s prior behavior justified the officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer appears to have simply lost control of his emotions .
Charles “ Sid ” Heal , a retired Los Angeles Sheriff ’ s commander and use of force expert , said the “ blows are hard to justify.
” “ The video doesn ’ t show everything but it does show you a lot , ” Heal said .
Abdullah , the Cal State L.A. professor , expressed concern that the LAPD did not make any information about the clash public before the video garnered attention on Twitter and Reddit this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good idea , ” she said , “ but especially when they do it behind closed doors , there ’ s no public pressure to make sure that they are held accountable .
”

James Queally, Kevin Rector, Richard Winton

Footage of a Los Angeles police officer repeatedly punching a man during an arrest in Boyle Heights in late April has stoked outrage and prompted the launch of an internal review of the incident.
Officers were responding to a trespassing call in the 2400 block of Houston Street on April 27 and ordered a man to leave the property near the Church of God of Prophecy, according to a statement issued by the LAPD after footage of the incident began to gain traction online Monday night.
In a 50-second video, two officers can be seen ordering a man to turn around near a fence outside the church. A male officer tells the suspect to “stop fighting,” and the suspect responds, “Ain’t nobody fighting.”
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The officer then begins throwing overhand punches to the back of the suspect’s head while shouting profanities. At one point, the suspect attempts to take a few steps away from the officer, who follows and continues to punch the man in the head and body. A female officer stands by, occasionally reaching her hand out but otherwise not intervening.
“It was completely uncalled for, even if there was some provocation,” said Melina Abdullah, a Cal State L.A. professor and organizer with Black Lives Matter in Los Angeles. “It wasn’t one punch, two punches. … He went off on this guy. And the guy didn’t resist or fight back.”
Warning: Video contains profanity and violence.
AGRO COP ASSAULTS NON VIOLENT FOO IN BOYLE HEIGHTS pic.twitter.com/VPeIpVG4YG — FOOS GONE WILD (@foosgonewild) May 5, 2020
During his weekly report to the city’s civilian Police Commission on Tuesday, Police Chief Michel Moore said he was concerned about both the Boyle Heights footage and an incident over the weekend where one off-duty LAPD officer allegedly shot another while camping in San Bernardino County.
“I recognize the public’s concern and how disturbing or troubling they may be to them,” Moore said of both incidents. “I’m going to allow the process and investigation to take place, but accountability and a clear-eyed view of what occurred here is my absolute commitment.”
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Several members of the public who were listening to Tuesday’s commission hearing remotely condemned the actions of the officer seen in the video, describing it as a “violent beating” and “police brutality.”
Najee Ali, a prominent South L.A. civil rights activist, called on Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey to prosecute the officer on Tuesday.
The officer has been assigned to home pending reviews by the LAPD’s Internal Affairs and Force Investigation divisions. His partner was placed on administrative duty, according to a department spokesman.
The suspect sustained “abrasions to his head and face” but refused medical attention, according to the LAPD, and the officer suffered a hand injury.
Neither the officer nor the suspect were immediately identified. The man was ultimately released pending further investigation, the LAPD said in its statement.
David Winslow, the officer’s attorney, described him as a 20-year LAPD veteran but declined to identify him. Winslow said the suspect had been living in a tent in a lot adjacent to the church. An LAPD spokesman could not say if the suspect was homeless.
Winslow argued that prior to the footage that has been widely shared, the suspect was aggressive toward the police when they asked if he would consent to a search. During the initial search, the suspect allegedly struck the officer in the chest, knocking his body-worn camera to the ground, Winslow said.
The officer then ordered the man to turn back toward the fence, according to Winslow, who said the man started “using profanity, calling the officer names … telling him he wasn’t going to cooperate.” The man then threatened to attack the officer and began to struggle, which led the officer to use physical force, Winslow said.
Winslow disputed any characterization that the man was not fighting back and said the force used was necessary, despite the repeated blows the officer throws without any apparent response from the suspect.
“The use of force is justified because the officer believed he was under attack from the suspect … even though you might think the suspect wasn’t fighting back at that time, he wasn’t complying either,” Winslow said. “He didn’t go to the ground. He didn’t say ‘I give up.’”
Ed Obayashi, a veteran Plumas County sheriff’s deputy and lawyer who trains officers statewide believed the video was extremely problematic.
“To say this looks bad is an understatement,” said Obayashi. “I don’t see any signs of resistance. The officer is just pissed off and very amped up. There is no sign the officer is responding properly. This officer is literally throwing haymakers.”
Obayashi dismissed Winslow’s argument that the suspect’s prior behavior justified the officer’s actions, and said the officer appears to have simply lost control of his emotions.
Charles “Sid” Heal, a retired Los Angeles Sheriff’s commander and use of force expert, said the “blows are hard to justify.”
“The video doesn’t show everything but it does show you a lot,” Heal said.
Abdullah, the Cal State L.A. professor, expressed concern that the LAPD did not make any information about the clash public before the video garnered attention on Twitter and Reddit this week.
“Police investigating themselves is never a good idea,” she said, “but especially when they do it behind closed doors, there’s no public pressure to make sure that they are held accountable.”


latimes--2020-05-05--California DMV offices could reopen this month, but with coronavirus changes

The head of the California Department of Motor Vehicles said Tuesday he hopes to begin reopening field offices this month as the agency improves safeguards in response to coronavirus , but he said some activities , including on-the-road driving tests , will take longer to resume .
DMV Director Steve Gordon said he is planning to reopen the agency ’ s 170 field offices to in-person visits by appointment in phases , with 25 likely to open this month and all offices opening within about 30 days afterward .
“ We have to go through all of the learning that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to [ operate ] in a COVID-19 world , ” Gordon said during a conference call with reporters .
He said the schedule for reopening depends on approval from state health officials .
Even then , customers will be asked to wear face masks and observe social-distancing rules inside the offices .
“ We want them to be protected , ” Gordon said .
“ We want ourselves to be protected.
” In the meantime , Gordon said , Californians can complete about 97 % of DMV transactions online and at remote kiosks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online include vehicle registrations renewals , vehicle title transfers , replacing lost driver ’ s licenses and temporary license extensions .
“ We have done a lot of work over the past several months , building on top of some of the work we were already doing on Real ID , to really expand what we are doing online , ” Gordon said .
Taking the written driving test , getting a photo for a license and taking an on-the-road driving test to qualify for a license must be done in person .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks because of the close proximity required for tester and driver , Gordon said .
The DMV shut its field offices on March 27 amid concerns by employees and the public about the risk of transmitting the coronavirus in crowded offices where customers typically face long waits .
Since then , employees have been operating a DMV Virtual Office , where customers can transact business with help from workers .
Some pressure was relieved when the federal government approved a one-year delay in the deadline for people to apply for a Real ID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver ’ s license expiration dates for residents younger than 70 until May 31 .
In addition , the agency granted 120-day extensions for licenses of drivers 70 and older , a group that is particularly vulnerable to the virus and under caution to stay at home .
The DMV also said commercial driver licenses expiring between March and June are valid through June 30 .
Gordon said Tuesday that work is underway to make the field offices safe for a return by the public .
“ We are working with our labor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ personal protective equipment ] in place , making sure everyone is clear about what ’ s expected of them , making sure we have the right amount of control for people who get into the facilities , ” he said .

The California Department of Motor Vehicles may be able to reopen field offices this month, but new social distancing rules will prohibit the kind of crowding customarily seen in the offices.
The head of the California Department of Motor Vehicles said Tuesday he hopes to begin reopening field offices this month as the agency improves safeguards in response to coronavirus, but he said some activities, including on-the-road driving tests, will take longer to resume.
DMV Director Steve Gordon said he is planning to reopen the agency’s 170 field offices to in-person visits by appointment in phases, with 25 likely to open this month and all offices opening within about 30 days afterward.
“We have to go through all of the learning that we are going to do of how to [operate] in a COVID-19 world,” Gordon said during a conference call with reporters.
He said the schedule for reopening depends on approval from state health officials. Even then, customers will be asked to wear face masks and observe social-distancing rules inside the offices.
“We want them to be protected,” Gordon said. “We want ourselves to be protected.”
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In the meantime, Gordon said, Californians can complete about 97% of DMV transactions online and at remote kiosks and other automated locations. Services available online include vehicle registrations renewals, vehicle title transfers, replacing lost driver’s licenses and temporary license extensions.
“We have done a lot of work over the past several months, building on top of some of the work we were already doing on Real ID, to really expand what we are doing online,” Gordon said.
Taking the written driving test, getting a photo for a license and taking an on-the-road driving test to qualify for a license must be done in person.
Road tests will be delayed for some weeks because of the close proximity required for tester and driver, Gordon said.
The DMV shut its field offices on March 27 amid concerns by employees and the public about the risk of transmitting the coronavirus in crowded offices where customers typically face long waits.
Since then, employees have been operating a DMV Virtual Office, where customers can transact business with help from workers.
Some pressure was relieved when the federal government approved a one-year delay in the deadline for people to apply for a Real ID card.
The DMV has also extended driver’s license expiration dates for residents younger than 70 until May 31.
In addition, the agency granted 120-day extensions for licenses of drivers 70 and older, a group that is particularly vulnerable to the virus and under caution to stay at home.
The DMV also said commercial driver licenses expiring between March and June are valid through June 30.
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Gordon said Tuesday that work is underway to make the field offices safe for a return by the public.
“We are working with our labor partners making sure we have the right [personal protective equipment] in place, making sure everyone is clear about what’s expected of them, making sure we have the right amount of control for people who get into the facilities,” he said.