latimes--2020-09-02--L.A. County schools can reopen small in-person classes for their neediest students on Sept. 14

Schools in Los Angeles County can reopen small classes beginning on Sept. 14 , for students with disabilities and English-language learners , a move to safely provide in-person instruction and services to children whose education has deeply suffered since campuses closed in March .
Small groups of students who have individualized education plans , require instruction for English as a second language , or need assessments or other in-school services will be able to come to campus for their services , as long as their schools comply with the county ’ s reopening protocols , the health department announced Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in the most need of in-person learning back into the classroom , ” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis during a news briefing .
The county said schools must maintain small , stable cohorts of no more than 12 students and two supervisors in order to maintain safety for teachers and students .
No waiver is required for schools to pursue this option , but they must submit an operational plan to the county Department of Public Health .
Davis said the county will not be opening the waiver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in grades TK-6 to reopen , even though the county ’ s 14-day average case rate dropped in recent days .
More than 200 schools across the state , including dozens in Orange County and San Diego County each , have successfully sought such waivers .
The education of some 760,000 California children with disabilities has been inconsistent at best since campuses shut down .
The state has mandated that school districts continue to provide special education to students with disabilities as required by federal laws , but has waived timelines that allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Special education attorneys in California say hundreds of clients , especially economically disadvantaged students and those in the child welfare system , overwhelmingly are not receiving the education or services they are entitled to , nor are students who need assessments to receive appropriate care .
Educators , parents and student advocates have expressed worry that these students ’ hard-fought advances will be lost and further compounded by additional distance learning .
In the Los Angeles Unified School District , about 13 % , or 64,500 students , were classified as having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these children is a major part of the district ’ s mission .
Last school year it spent about $ 1.75 billion out of a general fund budget of $ 8 billion to serve them .

Labels on desks designate where students can sit with respect to social distancing at a Los Angeles Unified School District campus.
Schools in Los Angeles County can reopen small classes beginning on Sept. 14 for students with disabilities and English-language learners, a move to safely provide in-person instruction and services to children whose education has deeply suffered since campuses closed in March.
Small groups of students who have individualized education plans, require instruction for English as a second language, or must have an assessment to determine their needs will be able to come to campus for services, as long as their schools comply with the county’s reopening protocols, the health department announced Wednesday.
“This will get children who are in the most need of in-person learning back into the classroom,” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis during a news briefing.
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The county said schools must maintain small, stable cohorts of no more than 12 students and two supervisors in order to ensure the safety of teachers and students. Schools must submit an operational plan to the county Department of Public Health and adhere to reopening protocols.
With Wednesday’s announcement, attention turned immediately to the Los Angeles Unified School District, the state’s largest and one of 80 school systems in L.A. County. About 13%, or 64,500, of its students were classified as having a significant disability in 2019. About 123,500 students are learning to speak English proficiently.
L.A. school board member Nick Melvoin said he hoped the district could follow up quickly and safely.
“Even with big improvements to distance learning since the spring, it’s still a struggle for our most vulnerable students, particularly those with disabilities and English learners,” Melvoin said. “In light of the county’s revised guidelines, I’m eager for the district to explore how to safely offer in-school services for these students.”
State officials opened this door for limited on-campus activity last week. But L.A. County was not required to permit this step, especially because the county’s rate of COVID-19 infection remains in the state’s purple tier — the worst category, indicating widespread disease transmission.
State guidelines have offered hope that elementary schools could reopen through a waiver application process. More than 200 such waivers have been approved across California, mostly for private and faith-based schools, including dozens in Orange and San Diego counties.
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But L.A. County health officials, who must approve waivers in conjunction with the state, said Wednesday that this option remains closed for local private and public schools.
Special education has been inconsistent at best since campuses statewide shut down in March. The state has mandated that school districts continue to provide special education to students with disabilities as required by federal laws, but has waived timelines that allow students to receive assessments and services quickly. Parents, advocates and educators say many students with disabilities are not receiving the education or services to which they are entitled.
L.A. Unified officials, along with districts throughout the state, have acknowledged the difficulty of providing help to students who require close contact, direct feedback or hands-on services, including speech therapy, hearing evaluation and orthopedic manipulation. School districts have developed procedures that can be conducted online, but there are limitations.
According to state data, there were about 260,000 English learners in districts across L.A. County in the 2019-20 school year, and 190,000 students enrolled in special education in 2018-19, the most recent year for which data were available.
L.A. County Office of Education Supt. Debra Duardo said Wednesday’s announcement was “very encouraging.” She added that “our students with special needs and English Learners are among the most vulnerable during this time of distance learning.”
While the county’s rules are meant to prioritize safety, they don’t guarantee that a school system will be ready to open for these small classes. L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner has noted in past statements that he, like many district employees, would fall into a high-risk category and that he wouldn’t ask employees to take a risk he would be unwilling to take himself.
Another unknown on Wednesday was the extent to which a district’s labor groups would have to sign off on plans to bring students back on campus. L.A.’s teachers union — and unions in many other school systems — only recently completed an agreement on the rules for distance-only learning. Rules for a return to campus will require a separate round of negotiations.
But the move raised hopes among advocates for students with special needs.
“It’s a positive step that the county is opening the door for students with high needs for whom distance learning isn’t working to safely receive instruction and services in person on campus,” said Lisa Mosko, director of advocacy for special education and educational rights with the group Speak Up.
Michael Agyin, a behavior therapist and disability advocate who works with L.A. Unified students with autism, cerebral palsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, said the need for hands-on services is urgent.
“While we tried to do some of these things over Zoom, you really can’t replace the professional services that these kids need,” Agyin said.
Children also struggled to adapt to learning in a new environment, he said.
“Many students, especially with autism, thrive on routine,” he explained. “One parent still had to drive her child to school so he would stay calm.” The child would get dressed up, get his backpack, ride to school, see the school, then return home and set up for class on Zoom.
Still, although he said he’d seen some students “backtrack,” Agyin said he was also wary of returning to campuses more quickly than it would be safe to do so.
Long Beach Unified, the second-largest district in L.A. County with 85 schools and roughly 70,000 students, is discussing whether it will be ready to open by Sept. 14 for students with special needs.
“We’re reviewing the guidance carefully and will confer with Long Beach Health and Human Services,” said Chris Eftychiou, the district’s public information officer, in an emailed statement. “We’ll keep you posted if we intend to provide in-person instruction at some point.”
The Las Virgenes Unified School District, on the county’s western end, intends to embrace the new guidelines and offer on-campus services to these groups of students as soon as legally permitted, said Supt. Dan Stepenosky.
He said the immediate focus would be to help students in ways that could not be well managed via Zoom or other forms of distance learning. The district, he said, would evaluate how soon these students could return safely for all their learning activities.
“We want to crawl before we walk and walk before we run,” said Stepenosky, who added that parents in his district are eager for all students to return to campus.
Times staff writer Andrew J. Campa contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-09-02--California unemployment agency investigating potential widespread fraud

California lawmakers said Wednesday that there is growing evidence of possible widespread fraud in the state ’ s unemployment benefits system , and the agency in charge confirmed it is investigating whether people have filed dozens of bogus claims during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The news comes as Californians across the state continue to report frustrating experiences with the state Employment Development Department that have left them without crucial jobless benefits needed to pay rent and support their families .
A bipartisan group of legislators on Wednesday proposed a state audit to look into ongoing problems at the agency , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bureaucratic tangles , which have stalled payments to about 1 million jobless Californians .
Concerns about potential fraud surfaced recently after numerous Californians who have not filed unemployment claims reported receiving dozens of letters from the EDD regarding claims filed in the names of other people .
Lawmakers say they are concerned scammers are using their constituents ’ addresses to file fraudulent claims .
State Sen. Melissa Melendez ( R-Lake Elsinore ) said one of her constituents received 116 letters from the EDD addressed to 33 people whom the resident does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .
There we debit cards in there , ” Melendez told her Senate colleagues during a floor debate involving EDD legislation Monday .
Assemblyman Jim Patterson ( R-Fresno ) said during a news conference Wednesday that constituents who have gotten large numbers of letters have told him that scammers have contacted them offering money if they give them the debit cards .
“ Something is going terribly wrong here with EDD , ” Patterson said , calling for the state agency and U.S. Department of Labor inspector general to “ start digging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assemblyman Tom Lackey ( R-Palmdale ) went to the EDD offices Friday to hand over 74 EDD letters received by one constituent that were addressed to 24 people , none of whom the recipient knew .
Lackey said he is concerned because his legislative staff was unable to track down any of the people to whom the letters were addressed .
“ Many of these have activated ATM cards that are ready to cash , ” Lackey said of the letters .
“ This at best could have been a blunder by EDD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intentional fraud.
” Gov .
Gavin Newsom said at a Wednesday news conference that the issue is on his radar .
“ We are concerned about fraud in this space , ” Newsom said when asked about the potential fraud .
“ We are working with local authorities as well as state agencies , and working with federal authorities across jurisdictions to weed that out , to call that out.
” EDD officials confirmed the agency is investigating the reports .
“ The EDD ’ s investigation team is aware that people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asserting they have not filed an unemployment claim , ” the agency said in a statement Wednesday .
“ Our investigators are working with local , state , and federal partners in exposing fraudulent schemes at the core of these multiple claims , developing methods to stop and prevent such claims from being paid , and prosecuting the unscrupulous offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
” When asked about the number of fraudulent cases being investigated , EDD officials declined to comment further .
Patterson said in an online news conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Department with information on those who are believed involved in the scams .
His constituent , David Robertson , also spoke at the news conference to discuss his family ’ s experience of being victimized by fraud .
Robertson said his unemployed 19-year-old son ’ s EDD account was fraudulently accessed , his mailing address was changed and $ 14,876 was paid by the EDD to an unknown person who accessed the account using his son ’ s Social Security number .
“ His identity has essentially been stolen , ” Robertson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and totally broken .
There are criminals that are benefiting from this.
” Residents from as far away as Florida and Connecticut have reported to The Times that they too have received dozens of letters each from the California EDD that are addressed to multiple people they do not know .
Barry O ’ Brien said he was surprised to receive 13 letters at his West Palm Beach , Fla. , home from the EDD addressed to four people he ’ s never met .
“ I said , ‘ What the hell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Brien , 72 .
“ I didn ’ t even know what the EDD was .
Why would you send unemployment letters from the California EDD to another state ?
I thought it could be identity theft.
” Many of those who are receiving EDD letters for claims they did not file say they have tried to report the suspected fraud to the state agency but have been unable to reach anyone by phone or confirm that complaints filed online are being investigated .
Robert Douglas said he received four EDD letters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though he has not lived in California for two decades and did not apply for unemployment benefits .
“ The receipt of this notice leads me to believe that someone is using my info for a fraudulent purpose , ” he said .
He has filed a fraud report with EDD but not heard anything back .
Jon Reeves said he received 13 letters from the EDD at his Studio City apartment that were addressed to 10 people he does not know .
A day later , someone else in his apartment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in different names .
The letters were lying on the floor in front of his mailbox , Reeves said .
“ As I was taking pictures of them , another resident came by and said , ‘ It ’ s happening to you , too ?
’ He had gotten around 10 letters as well , ” Reeves said .
Last month , the EDD issued an alert for Californians to be on the lookout for possible fraud .
Three weeks ago , 21 people in Northern California were charged with being part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 250,000 by submitting bogus claims on behalf of jail inmates .
California has paid out an unprecedented $ 71 billion in unemployment claims since the beginning of the pandemic in March as stay-at-home orders forced businesses to close and put millions out of work .
“ It ’ s extraordinarily unfortunate that fraudsters tend to become much more active during emergency situations like the current COVID situation , ” the EDD statement said Wednesday .
The emergency audit of the EDD was formally requested by the chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking approval from the rest of the committee members .
The audit would seek to discover why many claims have stalled in the system , EDD phone lines are jammed , and agency computers have not allowed some claims to be filed , said Assemblyman Rudy Salas ( D-Bakersfield ) , the committee chairman .
“ Californians are hurting and need immediate relief from EDD , ” Salas said Wednesday .
“ An emergency audit of the EDD will shine light on the department ’ s shortcomings and help us chart a path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families throughout the state who are struggling during this crisis .
”

California lawmakers said Wednesday that there is growing evidence of possible widespread fraud in the state’s unemployment benefits system, and the agency in charge confirmed it is investigating whether people have filed dozens of bogus claims during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The news comes as Californians across the state continue to report frustrating experiences with the state Employment Development Department that have left them without crucial jobless benefits needed to pay rent and support their families. Legislative leaders announced Thursday that they have approved an emergency audit to look into ongoing problems at the agency, including computer glitches, unanswered phone lines and bureaucratic tangles, which have stalled payments to about 1 million jobless Californians.
Concerns about potential fraud surfaced recently after numerous Californians who have not filed unemployment claims reported receiving dozens of letters from the EDD regarding claims filed in the names of other people. Lawmakers say they are concerned scammers are using their constituents’ addresses to file fraudulent claims.
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State Sen. Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore) said one of her constituents received 116 letters from the EDD addressed to 33 people whom the resident does not know.
“There were overpayments in there. There were debit cards in there,” Melendez told her Senate colleagues during a floor debate involving EDD legislation Monday.
Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) said during a news conference Wednesday that constituents who have gotten large numbers of letters have told him that scammers have contacted them offering money if they give them the debit cards.
“Something is going terribly wrong here with EDD,” Patterson said, calling for the state agency and U.S. Department of Labor inspector general to “start digging into what’s going on.”
Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) went to the EDD offices Friday to hand over 74 EDD letters received by one constituent that were addressed to 24 people, none of whom the recipient knew. Lackey said he is concerned because his legislative staff was unable to track down any of the people to whom the letters were addressed.
“Many of these have activated ATM cards that are ready to cash,” Lackey said of the letters. “This at best could have been a blunder by EDD, but at worst could have been intentional fraud.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom said at a Wednesday news conference that the issue is on his radar.
“We are concerned about fraud in this space,” Newsom said when asked about the potential fraud. “We are working with local authorities as well as state agencies, and working with federal authorities across jurisdictions to weed that out, to call that out.”
EDD officials confirmed the agency is investigating the reports.
“The EDD’s investigation team is aware that people are receiving multiple pieces of EDD mail while asserting they have not filed an unemployment claim,” the agency said in a statement Wednesday. “Our investigators are working with local, state, and federal partners in exposing fraudulent schemes at the core of these multiple claims, developing methods to stop and prevent such claims from being paid, and prosecuting the unscrupulous offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”
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When asked about the number of fraudulent cases being investigated, EDD officials declined to comment further.
Patterson said in an online news conference that he plans to call the Fresno Police Department with information on those who are believed to be involved in the scams.
His constituent, David Robertson, also spoke at the news conference to discuss his family’s experience of being victimized by fraud.
Robertson said his unemployed 19-year-old son’s EDD account was fraudulently accessed, his mailing address was changed and $14,876 was paid by the EDD to an unknown person who accessed the account using his son’s Social Security number.
“His identity has essentially been stolen,” Robertson said. “This system is completely and totally broken. There are criminals that are benefiting from this.”
Residents from as far away as Florida and Connecticut have reported to The Times that they too have received dozens of letters each from the California EDD that are addressed to multiple people they do not know.
Barry O’Brien said he was surprised to receive 13 letters at his West Palm Beach, Fla., home from the EDD addressed to four people he’s never met.
“I said, ‘What the hell is this?’” recalled O’Brien, 72. “I didn’t even know what the EDD was. Why would you send unemployment letters from the California EDD to another state? I thought it could be identity theft.”
Many of those who are receiving EDD letters for claims they did not file say they have tried to report the suspected fraud to the state agency but have been unable to reach anyone by phone or confirm that complaints filed online are being investigated.
Robert Douglas said he received four EDD letters on claims at his home in Connecticut even though he has not lived in California for two decades and did not apply for unemployment benefits.
“The receipt of this notice leads me to believe that someone is using my info for a fraudulent purpose,” he said. He has filed a fraud report with EDD but not heard anything back.
Jon Reeves said he received 13 letters from the EDD at his Studio City apartment that were addressed to 10 people he does not know. A day later, someone else in his apartment building received eight letters from the EDD in different names. The letters were lying on the floor in front of his mailbox, Reeves said.
“As I was taking pictures of them, another resident came by and said, ‘It’s happening to you, too?’ He had gotten around 10 letters as well,” Reeves said.
Last month, the EDD issued an alert for Californians to be on the lookout for possible fraud.
Three weeks ago, 21 people in Northern California were charged with being part of a fraud ring that stole $250,000 by submitting bogus claims on behalf of jail inmates.
California has paid out an unprecedented $71 billion in unemployment claims since the beginning of the pandemic in March as stay-at-home orders forced businesses to close and put millions out of work.
“It’s extraordinarily unfortunate that fraudsters tend to become much more active during emergency situations like the current COVID situation,” the EDD statement said Wednesday.
The emergency audit of the EDD was formally approved by the chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee.
The audit will seek to discover why many claims have stalled in the system, EDD phone lines are jammed, and agency computers have not allowed some claims to be filed, said Assemblyman Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield), the committee chairman.
“Californians are hurting and need immediate relief from EDD,” Salas said Wednesday. “An emergency audit of the EDD will shine light on the department’s shortcomings and help us chart a path forward to more effectively help thousands of families throughout the state who are struggling during this crisis.”


latimes--2020-09-02--In a first, LA Pride producer names Black transgender woman as president

For the first time in its 50-year history , Christopher Street West , the nonprofit organization that produces LA Pride , has named a Black transgender woman as president of its board .
Sharon-Franklin Brown will take the helm as the organization , which produces one of the nation ’ s oldest and largest LGBTQ celebrations , prepares to move annual events from its longtime West Hollywood home and places a renewed emphasis on diversity and social justice .
“ It ’ s never been a more important moment for the LGBTQ-plus community and its allies to continue fighting for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
“ As a robust community across Los Angeles , we value inclusiveness and diversity.
” Brown , a previous board member whose new role began Wednesday , said she is “ so humbled to have been appointed ... as the first Black trans woman to lead CSW/Los Angeles Pride and our community efforts forward , beyond the pandemic and election , and into the future.
” In July , Christopher Street West announced that it was leaving West Hollywood after more than four decades in the iconic LGBTQ-friendly city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the West Hollywood City Council , said it would move the parade and festival in 2021 .
A new location has not been announced .
“ The board of directors decided to take this approach for several reasons , ” the letter said .
“ These include construction in West Hollywood Park , the changing demographics of Greater Los Angeles , our commitment to being responsive to the LGBTQIA-plus community ’ s needs , and our allyship and collaboration with other movements for social change.
” The event , which has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1979 , draws hundreds of thousands of people each year and is a major economic driver for local bars , nightclubs , restaurants and other businesses that have been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic .
As president , Brown will work with a newly formed Christopher Street West executive committee that will meet weekly “ to execute the organization ’ s diversity initiatives and planned community engagement , ” the organization said in a statement .
An activist for transgender rights and a former U.S. Navy sailor , Brown also is the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles LGBT Center .
Brown “ is an exceptional leader , and I could not be more proud to pass the baton to her , ” outgoing Christopher Street West board president Estevan Montemayor said in a statement .
“ I have no doubt she will lead with inclusiveness and passion for our entire LGBTQ+ community.
” In recent years , Christopher Street West — named after the New York City street on which the Stonewall Inn stands — has been criticized as too white , too corporate and dismissive of transgender people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pride parade to protest the election of President Trump .
This year , the parade — which started in 1970 and was celebrating its 50th anniversary — was canceled because of COVID-19 .
After the May death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody , Christopher Street West announced what initially was called a solidarity march with Black Lives Matter , to be held on the same day that the LA Pride parade would have taken place .
But the Black Lives Matter Los Angeles group never endorsed the event , and numerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christopher Street West did not communicate with them before announcing its plans .
Critics said organizers had appropriated the Black Lives Matter cause in order to hold a “ mini Pride ” and for trying to organize the march collaboratively with the Los Angeles Police Department .
On June 14 , tens of thousands of people filled the streets of Hollywood and West Hollywood for the , which was organized by a newly formed group named Black LGBTQ+ Activists for Change ( or BLAC ) , whose board is composed entirely of Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times , many Black people marching that day said that they had experienced racism within the LGBTQ community and that they had felt excluded both from LA Pride and from West Hollywood , which is 76 % white .
Walking down Sunset Boulevard that day with her girlfriend , Ammie Robinson , 37 , of Huntington Park , said that as a Black and queer person and as a woman , she had a “ triple whammy ” when it came to fighting for her rights .
Her girlfriend , Kimiko McCarthy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read , “ Hey WeHo Black Queers Exist !
!
!
# MakeSpace.
” A permanent street mural reading “ All Black Lives Matter ” was painted by crews on Hollywood Boulevard last week , replacing temporary art painted before the June march .

Sharon-Franklin Brown, the new president of the board for Christopher Street West, the event producer for LA Pride.
For the first time in its 50-year history, Christopher Street West, the nonprofit organization that produces LA Pride, has named a Black transgender woman as president of its board.
Sharon-Franklin Brown will take the helm as the organization, which produces one of the nation’s oldest and largest LGBTQ celebrations, prepares to move annual events from its longtime West Hollywood home and places a renewed emphasis on diversity and social justice.
“It’s never been a more important moment for the LGBTQ-plus community and its allies to continue fighting for all of us,” Brown said in a statement. “As a robust community across Los Angeles, we value inclusiveness and diversity.”
Brown, a previous board member whose new role began last week, said she is “so humbled to have been appointed ... as the first Black trans woman to lead CSW/Los Angeles Pride and our community efforts forward, beyond the pandemic and election, and into the future.”
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In July, Christopher Street West announced that it was leaving West Hollywood after more than four decades in the iconic LGBTQ-friendly city. The nonprofit, in a letter to the West Hollywood City Council, said it would move the parade and festival in 2021. A new location has not been announced.
“The board of directors decided to take this approach for several reasons,” the letter said. “These include construction in West Hollywood Park, the changing demographics of Greater Los Angeles, our commitment to being responsive to the LGBTQIA-plus community’s needs, and our allyship and collaboration with other movements for social change.”
The event, which has taken place in West Hollywood every summer since 1979, draws hundreds of thousands of people each year and is a major economic driver for local bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other businesses that have been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
As president, Brown will work with a newly formed Christopher Street West executive committee that will meet weekly “to execute the organization’s diversity initiatives and planned community engagement,” the organization said in a statement.
An activist for transgender rights and a former U.S. Navy sailor, Brown also is the current director of human resources at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
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Brown “is an exceptional leader, and I could not be more proud to pass the baton to her,” outgoing Christopher Street West board president Estevan Montemayor said in a statement. “I have no doubt she will lead with inclusiveness and passion for our entire LGBTQ+ community.”
In recent years, Christopher Street West — named after the New York City street on which the Stonewall Inn stands — has been criticized as too white, too corporate and dismissive of transgender people.
In 2017, the annual LA Pride parade morphed into the #ResistMarch to protest the election of President Trump. This year, the parade — which started in 1970 and was celebrating its 50th anniversary — was canceled because of COVID-19.
California Coronavirus torpedoes 50th L.A. Pride parade; online celebration planned The L.A. Pride parade, which would have marked its 50th year, joins the list of events canceled or postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
After the May death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, Christopher Street West announced what initially was called a solidarity march with Black Lives Matter, to be held on the same day that the LA Pride parade would have taken place.
But the Black Lives Matter Los Angeles group never endorsed the event, and numerous leaders within the Black LGBTQ community said Christopher Street West did not communicate with them before announcing its plans. Critics said organizers had appropriated the Black Lives Matter cause in order to hold a “mini Pride” and denounced Christopher Street West for trying to organize the march collaboratively with the Los Angeles Police Department.
On June 14, tens of thousands of people filled the streets of Hollywood and West Hollywood for the All Black Lives Matter march , which was organized by a newly formed group named Black LGBTQ+ Activists for Change (or BLAC), whose board is composed entirely of Black LGBTQ people.
In interviews with The Times, many Black people marching that day said that they had experienced racism within the LGBTQ community and that they had felt excluded both from LA Pride and from West Hollywood, which is 76% white.
Walking down Sunset Boulevard that day with her girlfriend, Ammie Robinson, 37, of Huntington Park, said that as a Black and queer person and as a woman, she had a “triple whammy” when it came to fighting for her rights. Her girlfriend, Kimiko McCarthy, 31, carried a cardboard sign that read, “Hey WeHo Black Queers Exist!!! #MakeSpace.”
A permanent street mural reading “All Black Lives Matter” was painted by crews on Hollywood Boulevard last week, replacing temporary art painted before the June march.


latimes--2020-09-02--A year after Conception boat fire, families mourn: 'This should have never happened'

After the sun crept over the horizon Wednesday , the familiar soundtrack of this seaside city — crashing waves and circling seagulls — was , for a moment , drowned out by the reverberation of a chiming bell .
The chimes pierced the air 34 times — once for each of the victims who died a year ago when the Conception dive boat burned and sank off Santa Cruz Island , marking the deadliest maritime disaster in modern California history .
The incident has led to a flurry of civil and criminal legal actions focused on the role and responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its owners .
Sometime around 3:15 a.m. on Sept. 2 , 2019 , crew members aboard the Conception , a 75-foot , wood-hulled vessel , woke up to a loud noise and saw massive flames in the boat ’ s galley .
Directly below the fire , in the belly of the boat , was the main bunk room , where passengers slept , resting up for a scuba excursion .
The only escape routes were through two small exits that opened into the part of the boat that was already engulfed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but 33 passengers and one crew member sleeping below deck died in the fire .
The Santa Barbara County coroner determined that the victims died of smoke inhalation .
A preliminary National Transportation Safety Board investigation concluded that crew members had been asleep in the wheelhouse and that there was no one awake keeping watch , as is required by the U.S. Coast Guard during hours when passengers are asleep below deck .
The Coast Guard is conducting a criminal probe of the fire in consultation with the U.S. attorney in Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Firearms and Explosives and the FBI .
And , according to recently filed court documents , criminal charges appear imminent .
Many of the victims lived in California , but others were visiting from as far away as China , Singapore and India , Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said in a message recorded ahead of the anniversary .
Among them , Brown said , were scientists , engineers , athletes , immigrants , chief executives , high school students , a nutritionist , a biologist , a marine conservationist , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venture capitalist and a visual effects designer .
The victims were “ united by their mutual sense of adventure and love of the ocean , ” he said .
For the families of the victims , the anniversary stood as a solemn reminder of a devastating year .
Some of the victims ’ relatives boarded the Condor Express , a large whale-watching vessel , which carried them out to Platts Harbor .
They stopped for a moment of silence as they looked out at the crystal-clear water , down at the place where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relatives stayed on shore , spending the morning near a memorial decorated with dried sunflowers , a white rosary and a pair of swim flippers inscribed with the number 34 .
They stood before a boulder with a sea-foam green plaque that reads , “ IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES SEPTEMBER 2 , 2019.
” Yadira Alvarez-Peterson watched as her 3-year-old daughter , Renata , playfully jumped up and down near the plaque , but her mind raced with memories of her older daughter , Berenice Felipe , 16 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was a few weeks shy of her 17th birthday , had several colleges chasing after her , said Mike Peterson , her stepfather , who noted that his stepdaughter loved to teach her little sister new things .
Peterson looked over at his wife , who was staring off into the distance , and reflected on the relationship between the mother and daughter .
“ So close , ” he said .
“ It is hard to describe just how deep their bond was.
” Earlier in the morning , Kathleen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plaque .
She reached down and ran her fingers over the fourth name on the plaque : Charles “ Chuck ” McIlvain .
She thought about her son — about how deeply she missed him — and tears traced down her cheeks , falling behind her mask .
“ Time doesn ’ t heal , ” she said .
“ It is like yesterday.
” Her 44-year-old son — often Chuck or Charlie to those who loved him — was a visual effects designer with a broad smile .
He had worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lantern ” and “ Watchmen.
” “ We shouldn ’ t be here , ” McIlvain said , softly .
“ This should have never happened.
” That lament was common among the grieving loved ones .
James Adamic , who lost his sister , Diana , said he hoped to see his sister and the other victims honored not only with words , but also with actions .
He hopes to see changes through legislation , he said , as well as a deeper focus on safety among boat operators .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Adamic said .
“ Simple things like better escape hatches and fire detection could have spared us all our grief.
” Adamic said he took some solace , however , in the thought of the first responders who rushed to the scene a year ago .
They faced an impossible situation , he said , but they did their best .
“ That brings some comfort to us all , ” he said .
Several families of those killed have sued Truth Aquatics , the company that operated the Conception .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NTSB will hold a hearing in October to reveal the final results of its investigation into the cause of the fire , as well as an examination of the events that led up to the tragedy .
A Times investigation found that the Coast Guard had rejected prior NTSB recommendations for tougher fire safety rules for small boats like the Conception .
The Coast Guard , which has sole authority over such vessels , told The Times this week that the agency remains dedicated to ensuring proper safety standards and protocols for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that it hasn ’ t changed the federal regulations or design criteria for small passenger vessels , saying that officials will rely on the final findings and recommendations of the NTSB and the Coast Guard ’ s Marine Board of Investigation before implementing any rule changes .
Meanwhile , the Coast Guard ’ s probe into the tragedy appears poised to culminate in criminal charges , according to a court filing in a civil case over the boat owner ’ s liability in the deaths .
The criminal investigation has focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aboard the boat .
Civil court documents show that federal prosecutors met with Boylan , who has not commented publicly on the deadly blaze , in July and presented him with evidence that could potentially be used against him .
A conviction of so-called “ Seaman ’ s manslaughter ” carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison .
It is a charge that is sometimes brought in cases involving death at sea .
Boylan could not be reached for comment .
For McIlvain , and many of the other relatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a powerful , but sobering practice — a reminder , she said , of the loss of her precious son , but also of the 33 other families united in their devastation .
“ Unimaginable grief all over again , ” McIlvain said .
And yet , she said , she felt so much love from the other families .
Although McIlvain didn ’ t go out on a boat Wednesday morning , her daughter-in-law rode out on a dive boat , donned her gear and dove down into the deep waters to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stone and plaque with the victims ’ names rests on the ocean floor .

Yadira Alvarez-Peterson, right, talks about her daughter Berenice Felipe, 16, who was one of the 34 people who died in the Conception boat fire on Sept. 2, 2019. Alvarez-Peterson is holding her 3-year-old daughter, Renata.
After the sun crept over the horizon Wednesday, the familiar soundtrack of this seaside city — crashing waves and circling seagulls — was, for a moment, drowned out by the reverberation of a chiming bell.
The chimes pierced the air 34 times — once for each of the victims who died a year ago when the Conception dive boat burned and sank off Santa Cruz Island, marking the deadliest maritime disaster in modern California history.
The incident has led to a flurry of civil and criminal legal actions focused on the role and responsibility of the boat’s crew and its owners.
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Sometime around 3:15 a.m. on Sept. 2, 2019, crew members aboard the Conception, a 75-foot, wood-hulled vessel, woke up to a loud noise and saw massive flames in the boat’s galley. Directly below the fire, in the belly of the boat, was the main bunk room, where passengers slept, resting up for a scuba excursion.
The only escape routes were through two small exits that opened into the part of the boat that was already engulfed in flames. Five crew members escaped, but 33 passengers and one crew member sleeping below deck died in the fire. The Santa Barbara County coroner determined that the victims died of smoke inhalation.
Jenny Stafford, who maintains a memorial for Conception boat fire victims, at Santa Barbara Harbor on the anniversary of the accident.
(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
A preliminary National Transportation Safety Board investigation concluded that crew members had been asleep in the wheelhouse and that there was no one awake keeping watch, as is required by the U.S. Coast Guard during hours when passengers are asleep below deck.
The Coast Guard is conducting a criminal probe of the fire in consultation with the U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI.
And, according to recently filed court documents, criminal charges appear imminent.
Many of the victims lived in California, but others were visiting from as far away as China, Singapore and India, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said in a message recorded ahead of the anniversary.
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A plaque memorializing the 34 lives lost in the Conception dive boat fire. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Among them, Brown said, were scientists, engineers, athletes, immigrants, chief executives, high school students, a nutritionist, a biologist, a marine conservationist, a hairdresser, a photographer, a venture capitalist and a visual effects designer.
The victims were “united by their mutual sense of adventure and love of the ocean,” he said.
For the families of the victims, the anniversary stood as a solemn reminder of a devastating year.
Some of the victims’ relatives boarded the Condor Express, a large whale-watching vessel, which carried them out to Platts Harbor. They stopped for a moment of silence as they looked out at the crystal-clear water, down at the place where their loved ones had died.
Other relatives stayed on shore, spending the morning near a memorial decorated with dried sunflowers, a white rosary and a pair of swim flippers inscribed with the number 34. They stood before a boulder with a sea-foam green plaque that reads, “IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES SEPTEMBER 2, 2019.”
Yadira Alvarez-Peterson watched as her 3-year-old daughter, Renata, playfully jumped up and down near the plaque, but her mind raced with memories of her older daughter, Berenice Felipe, 16, who died in the tragedy.
Berenice, who was a few weeks shy of her 17th birthday, had several colleges chasing after her, said Mike Peterson, her stepfather, who noted that his stepdaughter loved to teach her little sister new things.
Peterson looked over at his wife, who was staring off into the distance, and reflected on the relationship between the mother and daughter.
“So close,” he said. “It is hard to describe just how deep their bond was.”
Earlier in the morning, Kathleen McIlvain spent some time in front of the plaque.
Petty Officer Timothy Fox, right, and other Coast Guard members visit the Conception memorial on Sept. 2. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
She reached down and ran her fingers over the fourth name on the plaque: Charles “Chuck” McIlvain.
She thought about her son — about how deeply she missed him — and tears traced down her cheeks, falling behind her mask.
“Time doesn’t heal,” she said. “It is like yesterday.”
Her 44-year-old son — often Chuck or Charlie to those who loved him — was a visual effects designer with a broad smile. He had worked on “Spider-Man,” “Green Lantern” and “Watchmen.”
“We shouldn’t be here,” McIlvain said, softly. “This should have never happened.”
That lament was common among the grieving loved ones.
James Adamic, who lost his sister, Diana, said he hoped to see his sister and the other victims honored not only with words, but also with actions. He hopes to see changes through legislation, he said, as well as a deeper focus on safety among boat operators.
“This was a completely preventable tragedy,” Adamic said. “Simple things like better escape hatches and fire detection could have spared us all our grief.”
Adamic said he took some solace, however, in the thought of the first responders who rushed to the scene a year ago. They faced an impossible situation, he said, but they did their best.
“That brings some comfort to us all,” he said.
Several families of those killed have sued Truth Aquatics, the company that operated the Conception. On Monday, the families were notified that the NTSB will hold a hearing in October to reveal the final results of its investigation into the cause of the fire, as well as an examination of the events that led up to the tragedy.
A Times investigation found that the Coast Guard had rejected prior NTSB recommendations for tougher fire safety rules for small boats like the Conception.
The Coast Guard, which has sole authority over such vessels, told The Times this week that the agency remains dedicated to ensuring proper safety standards and protocols for all small passenger vessels. The agency added that it hasn’t changed the federal regulations or design criteria for small passenger vessels, saying that officials will rely on the final findings and recommendations of the NTSB and the Coast Guard’s Marine Board of Investigation before implementing any rule changes.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard’s probe into the tragedy appears poised to culminate in criminal charges, according to a court filing in a civil case over the boat owner’s liability in the deaths.
The criminal investigation has focused on Capt. Jerry Boylan’s actions aboard the boat. Civil court documents show that federal prosecutors met with Boylan, who has not commented publicly on the deadly blaze, in July and presented him with evidence that could potentially be used against him. A conviction of so-called “Seaman’s manslaughter” carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. It is a charge that is sometimes brought in cases involving death at sea.
Boylan could not be reached for comment.
For McIlvain, and many of the other relatives, gathering with one another Wednesday was a powerful, but sobering practice — a reminder, she said, of the loss of her precious son, but also of the other families united in their devastation.
“Unimaginable grief all over again,” McIlvain said.
And yet, she said, she felt so much love from the other families. Although McIlvain didn’t go out on a boat Wednesday morning, her daughter-in-law rode out on a dive boat, donned her gear and dove down into the deep waters to honor her late husband.
Another memorial stone and plaque with the victims’ names rests on the ocean floor.


latimes--2020-09-02--Garcetti shuts off power at Cahuenga Pass party house after COVID-19 violations

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti authorized the disconnection of utilities at a Cahuenga Pass residence this week after officials said its owner and residents threw large parties in defiance of coronavirus-related health orders .
The move was the second time the city has shut off utility service at a reported party house and comes amid continued warnings about the dangers of attending or hosting crowded gatherings — which officials say heighten the risk of spreading COVID-19 .
“ COVID-19 has taken a devastating toll on our city and country .
Yet the power to stop the spread of this virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — by wearing masks , washing our hands , keeping our distance and avoiding large gatherings , ” Garcetti said in a statement Tuesday .
“ The owner and residents of this home have failed to follow our public health orders and ignored multiple warnings to stop hosting large parties .
So today , the city disconnected utilities to this house.
” Garcetti ’ s statement did not indicate precisely how long utilities would be disconnected at the property .
The mayor ’ s office also declined to provide the exact address .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorize the city to shut off water and power services to residents who hold large parties in violation of rules meant to help stem the spread of the coronavirus .
Officials said this specific house in the Cahuenga Pass hosted “ a large gathering ” on Aug. 24 , prompting a visit from the Los Angeles Police Department .
At that time , police posted warnings on the property that noted the potential consequences of violating the party prohibition — including the possibility that utilities could be shut off .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , officials said .
After that , Garcetti authorized the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to disconnect utility service at the property .
This is the second house to have its utility service shut off for such violations .
Garcetti also ordered the power cut Aug. 19 at a swanky residence on Appian Way in the Hollywood Hills that police say held parties in violation of public health orders .
Social media stars Bryce Hall and Blake Gray were charged in Los Angeles last week in connection with parties thrown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left a warning notice on a Fairfax area home in the 700 block of North Gardner Street that hosted a large party Tuesday night , according to KTLA-TV Channel 5 .
With bars , nightclubs and other nightlife spots closed due to the ongoing pandemic , authorities say some Angelenos have turned to private parties as a substitute .
Aside from the coronavirus risks , some recent gatherings have also ended in violence — with at least four shootings reported at house parties in Los Angeles County last month alone .
With the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , elected and health officials are also pleading with residents to act responsibly and avoid the kind of gatherings with friends and family they say can contribute to major spikes in coronavirus infections .
“ Gatherings — parties , cook-outs and the other activities we usually do with non-household members on holidays — can easily lead to increases in transmission , hospitalizations and deaths , ” L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement this week .
Deciding to host or attend a party , Garcetti added , “ can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ No matter how young you may be , your choices threaten your health .
If you ’ re thinking about joining a party this Labor Day weekend , cancel those plans , ” he said .
“ If you want to be able to hang out with friends in the near future , or see schools and more businesses reopen , we have to be smart , be safe and defeat this virus .
”

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti authorized the disconnection of utilities at a Cahuenga Pass residence this week after officials said its owner and residents threw large parties in defiance of coronavirus-related health orders.
The move was the second time the city has shut off utility service at a reported party house and comes amid continued warnings about the dangers of attending or hosting crowded gatherings — which officials say heighten the risk of spreading COVID-19.
“COVID-19 has taken a devastating toll on our city and country. Yet the power to stop the spread of this virus and save lives rests in our hands — by wearing masks, washing our hands, keeping our distance and avoiding large gatherings,” Garcetti said in a statement Tuesday.
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“The owner and residents of this home have failed to follow our public health orders and ignored multiple warnings to stop hosting large parties. So today, the city disconnected utilities to this house.”
Today I authorized the City to disconnect utility service at a residence in the Cahuenga Pass to stop the large parties being held there in violation of public health orders. Parties can spread the coronavirus, and hosting or attending one can put lives at risk. — MayorOfLA (@MayorOfLA) September 1, 2020
Garcetti’s statement did not indicate precisely how long utilities would be disconnected at the property. The mayor’s office also declined to provide the exact address.
Garcetti announced Aug. 5 that he would authorize the city to shut off water and power services to residents who hold large parties in violation of rules meant to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Gatherings of any size are prohibited under Los Angeles County’s coronavirus health order.
Officials said this specific house in the Cahuenga Pass hosted “a large gathering” on Aug. 24, prompting a visit from the Los Angeles Police Department. At that time, police posted warnings on the property that noted the potential consequences of violating the party prohibition — including the possibility that utilities could be shut off.
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However, the house again played host to a gathering Sunday, officials said. After that, Garcetti authorized the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to disconnect utility service at the property.
This is the second house to have its utility service shut off for such violations.
Garcetti also ordered the power cut Aug. 19 at a swanky residence on Appian Way in the Hollywood Hills that police say held parties in violation of public health orders. Social media stars Bryce Hall and Blake Gray were charged in Los Angeles last week with misdemeanors in connection with parties thrown at the rental home.
Police also left a warning notice on a Fairfax area home in the 700 block of North Gardner Street that hosted a large party Tuesday night, according to KTLA-TV Channel 5.
With bars, nightclubs and other nightlife spots closed due to the ongoing pandemic, authorities say some Angelenos have turned to private parties as a substitute. Aside from the coronavirus risks, some recent gatherings have also ended in violence — with at least four shootings reported at house parties in Los Angeles County last month alone.
With the Labor Day weekend just around the corner, elected and health officials are also pleading with residents to act responsibly and avoid the kind of gatherings with friends and family they say can contribute to major spikes in coronavirus infections.
“Gatherings — parties, cook-outs and the other activities we usually do with non-household members on holidays — can easily lead to increases in transmission, hospitalizations and deaths,” L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement this week.
Deciding to host or attend a party, Garcetti added, “can mean the difference between life and death.”
“No matter how young you may be, your choices threaten your health. If you’re thinking about joining a party this Labor Day weekend, cancel those plans,” he said. “If you want to be able to hang out with friends in the near future, or see schools and more businesses reopen, we have to be smart, be safe and defeat this virus.”


latimes--2020-09-02--Bear makes grocery store run in Lake Tahoe

Months after grocery stores were emptied at the start of California ’ s shelter-in-place order , a fully stocked market is a sight to behold .
Just ask the bear surveying the produce aisle .
For the second time in a little more than a week , a bear entered a Lake Tahoe Safeway in Kings Beach .
Squeezed between a pile of avocados and chopped fruit , the animal can be seen in a video looking around before leaving with goods in hand , er , mouth .
According to a customer ’ s cellphone footage obtained by CBS-KUTV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bear was holding a white tub of yogurt or dip in its mouth .
It ’ s unclear whether the bear is a repeat visitor from the week before , when another furry visitor was seen leaving the same store with a bag of Tostitos .
“ It appears that a bear has decided that he ’ s going to go shopping , ” Adino Baidoo said in a video of the Aug. 18 incident .
There were no reports of injury in either instance .
Bears are no strangers to the Lake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service advises against feeding the animals or interfering in their space .
“ Sadly , bears that obtain human food may lose their natural fear of humans .
Over time , they may become bold or aggressive in their attempts to obtain human food and become a threat to public safety , ” their website states .

For the second time in a little more than a week, a bear entered a Lake Tahoe Safeway in Kings Beach, shown.
Months after grocery stores were emptied at the start of California’s shelter-in-place order, a fully stocked market is a sight to behold. Just ask the bear surveying the produce aisle.
For the second time in a little more than a week, a bear entered a Lake Tahoe Safeway in Kings Beach.
Squeezed between a pile of avocados and chopped fruit, the animal can be seen in a video looking around before leaving with goods in hand, er, mouth.
WATCH: For the second time in just over a week, a Safeway grocery store in Lake Tahoe got an unexpected visitor: a bear. https://t.co/jOkLhiGUlP
(Credit: Rubī Nevarez) pic.twitter.com/MvUnankoLm — CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) August 31, 2020
According to a customer’s cellphone footage obtained by CBS-KUTV from Aug. 27, it appeared the bear was holding a white tub of yogurt or dip in its mouth.
It’s unclear whether the bear is a repeat visitor from the week before, when another furry visitor was seen leaving the same store with a bag of Tostitos.
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“It appears that a bear has decided that he’s going to go shopping,” Adino Baidoo said in a video of the Aug. 18 incident.
There were no reports of injury in either instance.
Bears are no strangers to the Lake Tahoe area. But the National Parks Service advises against feeding the animals or interfering in their space.
“Sadly, bears that obtain human food may lose their natural fear of humans. Over time, they may become bold or aggressive in their attempts to obtain human food and become a threat to public safety,” their website states.


latimes--2020-09-02--Hair salons can reopen but not malls and shops under new L.A. County plan

Los Angeles County officials announced an updated reopening plan Wednesday , keeping shopping malls shuttered while allowing barbershops and hair salons to operate indoors again under certain restrictions .
The new approach comes amid a generally improving pandemic picture that allowed Gov .
Gavin Newsom last week to issue new guidelines allowing counties — no matter their COVID-19 status — to reopen some businesses .
County officials , balancing public health concerns versus business interests in a region where unemployment has reached 20 % , opted to take a cautious approach .
Hair salons and barbershops will be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they adhere to requirements for social distancing and employees wear masks and follow other health-related mandates .
L.A. County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said the decision to reopen hair salons and barbershops was based on the county ’ s data trends , along with what the county has learned during previous reopenings .
He did not provide specific details on why restrictions for malls and shops were not lifted .
Hair salons and barbershops will be allowed to reopen Wednesday once the health officer order is posted , he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Davis said .
“ The improvements we see do not mean victory .
It is still easy to transmit , and often people who are contagious don ’ t have symptoms.
” Supervisor Hilda Solis offered more words of caution for residents .
“ We can easily be knocked off that path of recovery if we see another surge in cases after the holiday week , which is was what happened Memorial Day and the Fourth of July , ” she said .
Officials also announced some changes to school protocols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can offer in-school services for small groups of students with individualized education plans , students requiring instruction for English as a second language and students needing other specialized in-school services .
Schools can offer services to these students as long as they fully implement the county ’ s reopening protocols .
“ This will get children who are in most need of in-person learning back into the classroom , ” Davis said .
In San Francisco , plans announced Tuesday by Mayor London Breed and Public Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax also reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoor pools , indoor malls , outdoor hair salons and barbershops and outdoor personal services with some restrictions on Monday .
But indoor operations at barbershops and hair salons may not reopen until late September .
Nail salons may reopen for indoor services , with modifications at that point , as well as indoor church services , with 25 % of a building ’ s capacity for a maximum of 25 people .
The state has placed , along with 37 other counties , on Tier 1 of its reopening plan for having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county has recorded more than 242,000 cases and more than 5,800 deaths .
In recent weeks , those numbers have declined and stabilized , but August stands as the county ’ s since the pandemic hit .

Nader Salameh, left, and son Gavyn get their hair cut by Anthony Ho, left, and Christian Mikhail in the parking lot of Press Box Barber Shop in Lawndale.
Los Angeles County officials announced an updated reopening plan Wednesday, keeping shopping malls shuttered while allowing barbershops and hair salons to operate indoors again under certain restrictions.
The new approach comes amid a generally improving pandemic picture that allowed Gov. Gavin Newsom last week to issue new guidelines allowing counties — no matter their COVID-19 status — to reopen some businesses.
County officials, balancing public health concerns versus business interests in a region where unemployment has reached 20%, opted to take a cautious approach.
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Hair salons and barbershops will be allowed to operate indoors at 25% capacity if they practice social distancing, and employees wear masks and follow other health-related mandates.
The news that the county wasn’t allowing shopping malls to reopen disappointed business owners and employees who’ve struggled these past few months with enormous financial uncertainty.
At the Beverly Center, which contains almost 1 million square feet of retail space, mall officials expressed frustration with the county’s decision, saying other cities like Denver, Salt Lake City and Miami have allowed malls to reopen. Beverly Center, when opened, will implement health and safety protocols and use an advanced air filtration system recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a mall spokesperson.
“We are anxious to fully reopen so we can put a considerable number of people back to work,” said Maria Mainville, director of strategic communications at Taubman, which owns the Beverly Center and operates several other shopping centers across the country. “We have fully reopened our shopping centers without incident in every other market where we have operations. We understand that these are unprecedented times, but we would simply like an even playing field.”
Barbershop and salon owners welcomed the reopening news, but said the 25% capacity rule was still too strict.
“Landlords won’t be reducing their leases by 75%,” said Fred Jones, the legal counsel for the Professional Beauty Federation of California.
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L.A. County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said the decision to reopen hair salons and barbershops was based on the county’s data trends, along with what the county has learned during previous reopenings. He did not provide specific details on why restrictions for malls were not lifted.
“The virus is widespread in our community,” Davis said. “The improvements we see do not mean victory. It is still easy to transmit, and often people who are contagious don’t have symptoms.”
Supervisor Hilda Solis offered more words of caution for residents, especially those considering celebrating the Labor Day weekend without regard for the virus. “We can easily be knocked off that path of recovery if we see another surge in cases after the holiday week, which is was what happened after Memorial Day and the Fourth of July,” she said.
Officials also announced some changes to school protocols. Beginning Sept. 14, K-12 schools can offer in-school services for small groups of students with individualized education plans, students requiring instruction for English as a second language and students needing other specialized in-school services. Schools can offer services to these students as long as they fully implement the county’s reopening protocols.
“This will get children who are in most need of in-person learning back into the classroom,” Davis said.
In San Francisco, plans announced Tuesday by Mayor London Breed and Public Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax also reflect a cautious approach.
The city reopened outdoor pools, indoor malls, outdoor hair salons and barbershops and outdoor personal services with some restrictions on Monday. But indoor operations at barbershops and hair salons may not reopen until late September. Nail salons may reopen for indoor services, with modifications at that point, as well as indoor church services, with 25% of a building’s capacity for a maximum of 25 people.
The state has placed L.A. County , along with 37 other counties, on Tier 1 of its reopening plan for having widespread risk of the virus. The county has recorded more than 244,000 cases and almost 5,900 deaths. In recent weeks, those numbers have declined and stabilized, but August stands as the county’s deadliest month since the pandemic hit.
Times staff writers Maura Dolan and Colleen Shalby contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-09-02--Commission criticizes 'high-risk' plan to catch suspect, but says LAPD shooting justified

A team of Los Angeles police officers crafted a poor plan to catch a homicide suspect but were justified in shooting him after he drew a gun during a foot pursuit in October , the city ’ s civilian Police Commission has ruled .
By a 4-0 vote Tuesday , the panel formally disapproved of the tactics deployed by a captain , a detective and an officer involved in the incident , in which Lazzeri Frazier Jr. , 21 , was shot and killed .
The panel also ordered additional tactical training for three detectives , two officers and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report on the incident presented to them by LAPD Chief Michel Moore , the panel found the drawing of weapons by three detectives and two officers and the fatal shooting of Frazier by a detective were all within department policy .
According to the chief ’ s report , police had identified Frazier as a suspect in a homicide and in the robbery of a liquor store , each in Van Nuys .
After locating Frazier at his apartment , commanders placed officers outside to wait for Frazier to leave his home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the street — in part to avoid a barricade situation in his apartment .
Instead , after leaving his home , Frazier spotted the police and took off running , resulting in a chase and , ultimately , Frazier ’ s death on a neighborhood sidewalk from police gunfire .
The report found Frazier had raised his gun in the direction of police , leading a detective to open fire with a shotgun .
Although determining the shooting was within policy , much of what led up to it deviated from established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a homicide suspect who is believed to be armed and dangerous , the chief ’ s report found .
Altogether , it was a “ high-risk ” plan , it found .
“ The Operational Plan did not outline clear tactical strategies for surveillance , containment , and apprehension which [ led ] to a lack of coordination between the involved [ Gang and Narcotics Division ] personnel and patrol officers , ” the report found .
The report noted that a Use of Force Review Board that had also reviewed the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inadequate , ” leaving officers poorly staged and ill informed as to the specifics of the plan .
The board found the plan “ failed to utilize additional available patrol resources to maintain a perimeter , ” and that “ a lack of communication and coordination led to confusion , including when and where Frazier Jr. was preferred to be stopped , as well as which personnel would be part of the arrest team .
”

The Los Angeles Police Commission ruled officers were within policy when they fatally shot a homicide suspect in October, even if their planning for his apprehension was poor.
A team of Los Angeles police officers crafted a poor plan to catch a homicide suspect but were justified in shooting him after he drew a gun during a foot pursuit in October, the city’s civilian Police Commission has ruled.
By a 4-0 vote Tuesday, the panel formally disapproved of the tactics deployed by a captain, a detective and an officer involved in the incident, in which Lazzeri Frazier Jr., 21, was shot and killed. The panel also ordered additional tactical training for three detectives, two officers and a sergeant.
However, based on a report on the incident presented to them by LAPD Chief Michel Moore, the panel found the drawing of weapons by three detectives and two officers and the fatal shooting of Frazier by a detective were all within department policy.
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According to the chief’s report, police had identified Frazier as a suspect in a homicide and in the robbery of a liquor store, each in Van Nuys. After locating Frazier at his apartment, commanders placed officers outside to wait for Frazier to leave his home, then call in backup to apprehend him on the street — in part to avoid a barricade situation in his apartment.
Instead, after leaving his home, Frazier spotted the police and took off running, resulting in a chase and, ultimately, Frazier’s death on a neighborhood sidewalk from police gunfire. The report found Frazier had raised his gun in the direction of police, leading a detective to open fire with a shotgun.
Although determining the shooting was within policy, much of what led up to it deviated from established protocols for planning for the apprehension of a homicide suspect who is believed to be armed and dangerous, the chief’s report found. Altogether, it was a “high-risk” plan, it found.
“The Operational Plan did not outline clear tactical strategies for surveillance, containment, and apprehension which [led] to a lack of coordination between the involved [Gang and Narcotics Division] personnel and patrol officers,” the report found.
The report noted that a Use of Force Review Board that had also reviewed the incident found the operational plan was “wholly inadequate,” leaving officers poorly staged and ill informed as to the specifics of the plan.
The board found the plan “failed to utilize additional available patrol resources to maintain a perimeter,” and that “a lack of communication and coordination led to confusion, including when and where Frazier Jr. was preferred to be stopped, as well as which personnel would be part of the arrest team.”


latimes--2020-09-02--Video shows sheriff's deputies killing Dijon Kizzee. But questions remain

A video obtained by The Times of the controversial shooting of cyclist Dijon Kizzee by Los Angeles County sheriff ’ s deputies sheds more light on what happened in the fatal encounter Monday .
But questions remain .
The killing has sparked two days of protests in the Westmont community and beyond , and has become another flashpoint in the national controversy about police use of force on Black people .
Neighbors , family members and activists say that the shooting was unjustified and that the situation could have been handled without deadly force .
They noted Kizzee , 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputies and didn ’ t point any weapon at them .
Some witnesses have said they were horrified by the violence and believed Kizzee didn ’ t pose a threat .
Here is what we know : The encounter Monday afternoon began when two sheriff ’ s deputies from the South Los Angeles station spotted a man , later identified by the coroner as Kizzee , riding a bicycle in violation of vehicle codes , according to Lt. Brandon Dean .
Dean said he didn ’ t know which codes Kizzee was allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he dropped the bicycle and ran north on Budlong Avenue for a block , with deputies in pursuit , Dean said .
Deputies again tried to make contact in the 1200 block of West 109th Place , and Dean said Kizzee punched one of them in the face .
Kizzee then dropped a jacket he had been carrying , and a black handgun fell to the ground , officials said .
The Sheriff ’ s Department said Tuesday evening that Kizzee “ made a motion toward ” the gun , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dean said he did not know how many times Kizzee was shot .
Sheriff ’ s officials said a handgun was recovered at the scene .
A grainy but graphic video of the encounter obtained by The Times shows a physical altercation between Kizzee and the deputies before Kizzee tries to get away and falls to the ground .
At that point , two deputies open fire multiple times .
A wall and fencing obscure the full scene , including where Kizzee ’ s jacket falls .
A separate video reviewed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputies moments earlier .
That same video then cuts to deputies with guns drawn over his body .
A front door camera at one residents ’ home recorded sounds of 15 gunshots but did not show the actual shooting .
Alida Trejo , 52 , said she heard between eight and 11 shots .
She was sitting by her sewing machine when she looked out the window and saw a man being chased by a sheriff ’ s deputy .
Curious , she walked outside to see what was happening and saw the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neighbors were yelling at the man not to resist and telling the deputy not to shoot .
“ They say the man punched the deputy , but I never saw that happen , ” Trejo said .
Then , gunfire erupted .
Her 16-year-old daughter , Liz , was in her room taking a college prep course when she heard gunshots and her mother ’ s screams .
She ran outside and saw her mom yelling and crying hysterically , “ They killed him .
They killed him.
” Latiera Irby , 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s house Monday to get her hair done when Kizzee came up to her car on the street where he was shot as he was running from deputies .
“ He said , ‘ They ’ re coming to get me ; they ’ re coming to get me , ’ ” she said .
Kizzee offered her money to drive him away .
“ I didn ’ t know who he was running from , so I told him no.
” Shortly after , she saw him get into a scuffle with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one point , she said , the deputy backed away , then shot Kizzee .
She said that deputy and another fired at Kizzee after he had fallen to the ground .
“ He had nothing in his hands , ” she said .
Tabatha Ingram was inside the house when she was startled by gunshots .
She walked outside and saw Kizzee tumble to the ground .
Afterward , neighbors began yelling at deputies .
“ ‘ You don ’ t have to shoot him that many times !
You could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them saying .
Ed Obayashi , a Plumas County deputy sheriff and national expert on the use of force , said the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department will likely face questions about why deputies chased after the man over such a minor offense .
While deputies have discretion in those circumstances , they “ have to weigh the risk benefit of pursuing someone for a violation as minor as this , ” he said .
He said it ’ s unclear what prompted the deputies to open fire .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see a gun — and we don ’ t know what happened after that except for the shooting , ” he said .
“ We ’ re really short on facts here .
...
There ’ s , right now , obviously a lot of questions about this.
” Some community activists are harsher in their judgment .
“ The deputies essentially executed a man riding his bicycle , ” Najee Ali , a community activist , said Tuesday while standing with several of Kizzee ’ s relatives at the scene of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candles on the sidewalk , marking the spot where Kizzee died .
“ They ’ ll say he had a gun , but what they won ’ t say was that he was not armed with the gun .
He did not point the gun , ” Ali said .
“ There was no reason for deputies to shoot a running man .
”

Ruben Vives, Leila Miller, Matthew Ormseth, Luke Money, Alene Tchekmedyian

Warning: Video obtained by The Times shows the controversial shooting of bicyclist Dijon Kizzee by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies.
A video obtained by The Times of the controversial shooting of cyclist Dijon Kizzee by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies sheds more light on what happened in the fatal encounter Monday. But questions remain.
The killing has sparked two days of protests in the Westmont community and beyond, and has become another flashpoint in the national controversy about police use of force on Black people.
Neighbors, family members and activists say that the shooting was unjustified and that the situation could have been handled without deadly force.
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They noted Kizzee, 29, was trying to get away from deputies and didn’t point any weapon at them. Some witnesses have said they were horrified by the violence and believed Kizzee didn’t pose a threat.
Here is what we know:
The Sheriff account
The encounter Monday afternoon began when two sheriff’s deputies from the South Los Angeles station spotted a man, later identified by the coroner as Kizzee, riding a bicycle in violation of vehicle codes, according to Lt. Brandon Dean. Dean said he didn’t know which codes Kizzee was allegedly violating.
Deputies attempted to contact Kizzee, but he dropped the bicycle and ran north on Budlong Avenue for a block, with deputies in pursuit, Dean said. Deputies again tried to make contact in the 1200 block of West 109th Place, and Dean said Kizzee punched one of them in the face.
Kizzee then dropped a jacket he had been carrying, and a black handgun fell to the ground, officials said. The Sheriff’s Department said Tuesday evening that Kizzee “made a motion toward” the gun, and the deputies opened fire, killing him.
Dean said he did not know how many times Kizzee was shot. Sheriff’s officials said a handgun was recovered at the scene.
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The videos
A grainy but graphic video of the encounter obtained by The Times shows a physical altercation between Kizzee and the deputies before Kizzee tries to get away and falls to the ground.
At that point, two deputies open fire multiple times.
A wall and fencing obscure the full scene, including where Kizzee’s jacket falls.
A separate video reviewed by The Times showed Kizzee walking away from deputies moments earlier. That same video then cuts to deputies with guns drawn over his body.
A front door camera at one residents’ home recorded sounds of 15 gunshots but did not show the actual shooting.
The witnesses
Alida Trejo, 52, said she heard between eight and 11 shots. She was sitting by her sewing machine when she looked out the window and saw a man being chased by a sheriff’s deputy.
Curious, she walked outside to see what was happening and saw the deputy struggling to arrest the man. Neighbors were yelling at the man not to resist and telling the deputy not to shoot.
“They say the man punched the deputy, but I never saw that happen,” Trejo said.
Then, gunfire erupted. Her 16-year-old daughter, Liz, was in her room taking a college prep course when she heard gunshots and her mother’s screams. She ran outside and saw her mom yelling and crying hysterically, “They killed him. They killed him.”
Latiera Irby, 29, had stopped by her mother’s house Monday to get her hair done when Kizzee came up to her car on the street where he was shot as he was running from deputies.
“He said, ‘They’re coming to get me; they’re coming to get me,’ ” she said. Kizzee offered her money to drive him away. “I didn’t know who he was running from, so I told him no.”
Shortly after, she saw him get into a scuffle with a sheriff’s deputy. At one point, she said, the deputy backed away, then shot Kizzee. She said that deputy and another fired at Kizzee after he had fallen to the ground.
“He had nothing in his hands,” she said.
Tabatha Ingram was inside the house when she was startled by gunshots. She walked outside and saw Kizzee tumble to the ground. Afterward, neighbors began yelling at deputies.
“ ‘You don’t have to shoot him that many times! You could have Tased him,’ ” she recalled them saying.
Analysis
Ed Obayashi, a Plumas County deputy sheriff and national expert on the use of force, said the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will likely face questions about why deputies chased after the man over such a minor offense. While deputies have discretion in those circumstances, they “have to weigh the risk benefit of pursuing someone for a violation as minor as this,” he said.
He said it’s unclear what prompted the deputies to open fire.
“He drops this bundle of clothes, they see a gun — and we don’t know what happened after that except for the shooting,” he said. “We’re really short on facts here. ... There’s, right now, obviously a lot of questions about this.”
Some community activists are harsher in their judgment.
“The deputies essentially executed a man riding his bicycle,” Najee Ali, a community activist, said Tuesday while standing with several of Kizzee’s relatives at the scene of the shooting. Balloons were tied to memorial candles on the sidewalk, marking the spot where Kizzee died.
“They’ll say he had a gun, but what they won’t say was that he was not armed with the gun. He did not point the gun,” Ali said. “There was no reason for deputies to shoot a running man.”


latimes--2020-09-02--Meet the California residents stuck behind fire lines after defying evacuation orders

When authorities ordered Noah Standridge to evacuate his home amid the CZU Lightning Complex fire two weeks ago , he refused to flee .
Instead , he stayed behind to knock back the flames encroaching on his hilltop Boulder Creek house — wearing nothing but a T-shirt , shorts and flip-flops .
Late last week , Standridge stood on the porch of his home — encircled by an entire neighborhood burned to the ground .
He recalled how slowly the fire moved , and is convinced that much of that destruction was totally preventable .
“ I used a water-filled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it back , ” said Standridge , a former lecturer at Stanford University , husband and father of five children ranging in ages from 6 to 17 .
“ The only reason my house is the only one still standing is because I stayed here to defend it.
” Standridge and scores of other residents throughout Boulder Creek and Bonny Doon defied evacuation orders as the CZU fire moved through the Santa Cruz Mountains during the last two weeks of August .
They are now stuck in the mountains , reluctant to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t let them return home if they travel out to secure food , water and other necessities .
Usually in California , a fire blows through and homeowners are allowed back to their homes — or what is left of them —in a few days .
In the CZU fire , the flames are so spread out and in such rugged territory , the process is different .
Evacuation orders are slowly being lifted for some areas , but authorities have suggested that the hardest hit parts of the fire zone could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power lines and roads are repaired .
Many , like Standridge , are living off of non-perishable food supplies left in their homes — such as peanut butter , cans of sardines and ramen noodles .
Others , like Dutch Schultz , a retired electrician who lives in Bonny Doon , have ponds of bass , blue gill and crawdads , as well as chickens and fruiting trees , with which to supplement their diets .
“ I ’ m not a survivalist , ” said Schultz , as he guided a team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But I always have made sure to have six months of supplies for six people .
Just seems prudent.
” But the outside world is calling to them .
Standridge , for instance , is a Stage 4 colon cancer patient , and he needs to get chemotherapy in Santa Rosa next week .
If he misses his appointment , he risks both his health and his ability to stay in the clinical trial .
“ But if I can ’ t get back in , I can ’ t defend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which he noted is not in imminent danger .
As of Tuesday , the 85,000-acre fire had destroyed 1,200 structures and was 43 % contained , with the flames recently dampened somewhat by cooler air and a heavy marine layer , that has been leaving dew on Standridge ’ s deck .
As he drove around the immediate neighborhood , however , he pointed to smoldering roots and flaming tree stumps , which he said could light a passing leaf on fire — potentially sending embers to his home .
“ There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if I was shut out , ” he said .
Schultz , who said he is tending to several senior citizens in his area who also refused to evacuate , is aching for company .
He ’ s lonely without his wife , TV or the internet .
He ’ s relegated to watching old DVDs — admitting sheepishly to a visitor that he ’ s rewatched the movies “ Tommy Boy ” and “ Princess Bride ” several times over the last two weeks .
“ But , if I leave , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my house and my neighbors ’ homes ?
” he said , referring to the seniors he cares for .
He said he initially left his home when the evacuation orders were first issued , but came back two days later .
The neighborhood around Schultz ’ s property , which abuts Empire Grade — a long , winding road that runs along a ridge running from just west of Boulder Creek down to Santa Cruz — was scorched : Trees blackened by the fire , the ground a uniform layer of gray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cars , propane tanks and outdoor sheds littering the horizon .
The fire took a seemingly haphazard path — whole neighborhoods were destroyed , with one house or garden untouched among the carnage .
“ It ’ s crazy looking , right ?
” said Jim Czerniez , a Santa Clara County Fire Department captain , speculating the fires followed the path of erratic winds .
He and his crew were on the scene soon after the fires began Aug. 16 .
He said a few nights later , strong winds swept up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wall pushed along Empire Grade , burning everything in its path .
Roughly a week later , the fire had died down to a smoky ground fire , but because the state ’ s firefighting resources were stretched thin across the Bay Area responding to multiple fires in multiple counties and regions , fewer firefighters were on the scene than would ordinarily be there .
As residents read news accounts documenting the dearth of firefighting forces , many felt compelled to stay and fight .
While Standridge ’ s wife and children fled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stayed behind to protect their home .
“ Frankly , I wish more of us had stayed , ” said Standridge , pointing to a burned out fire engine on his neighbor ’ s charred driveway .
“ We could have used that.
” There is no official tally on the number of stragglers in the area who refused to leave .
Estimates from residents and firefighters put the number north of 100 and south of 1,000 — with best guesses between 300 and 600 .
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about every California wildfire , some people refuse to leave .
She said the state ’ s firefighting force is not in the business of physically removing people from their homes , but cautions that those who stay not only endanger their own lives , but those of firefighters , and others who have stayed behind .
“ If something happens to them and the firefighters have to respond to save them , then they ’ re not able to respond to fires or others who need rescuing , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pediatric gastroenterologist with Stanford Children ’ s Hospital , and Jonah Torres , a cannabis distributor , were driving around Bonny Doon — tending to evacuated neighbors ’ gardens , yards and household needs .
Fink said their wives , who evacuated with their families from Bonny Doon , had coordinated with other neighbors and created a list of chores for the two men to complete .
With a portable water tank in the back of their flatbed pickup truck , the two men pumped water from a neighbor ’ s home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the street , and watered the plants on the porch of another neighbor ’ s house .
The potted plants were green , if a little dry .
Around the porch , on the ground below , a black line in the dirt separated the charred land around the house from the immediate lawn and sidewalk circling the home .
“ It ’ s incredible how just a small fire line like this prevented the house from burning down , ” said Torres , shaking his head .
The two men had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon .
They said they were meeting others who had stayed in the evacuation zone for dinner .
It ’ s a ritual that takes place nightly , with left-behind neighbors sharing the food they ’ ve kept with one another .
They said authorities in the zone have been tolerant of their presence .
But they know if they leave , they won ’ t be allowed back in .
“ We smile , wave and keep out of their way on the road , ” said Torres .
“ As long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get what we need done .
Us and them .
”

When authorities ordered Noah Standridge to evacuate his home amid the CZU Lightning Complex fire two weeks ago, he refused to flee. Instead, he stayed behind to knock back the flames encroaching on his hilltop Boulder Creek house — wearing nothing but a T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops.
Late last week, Standridge stood on the porch of his home — encircled by an entire neighborhood burned to the ground. He recalled how slowly the fire moved, and is convinced that much of that destruction was totally preventable.
“I used a water-filled flower pot and my feet to keep it back,” said Standridge, a former lecturer at Stanford University, husband and father of five children ranging in ages from 6 to 17. “The only reason my house is the only one still standing is because I stayed here to defend it.”
Standridge and scores of other residents throughout Boulder Creek and Bonny Doon defied evacuation orders as the CZU fire moved through the Santa Cruz Mountains during the last two weeks of August. They are now stuck in the mountains, reluctant to leave, fearing that public safety officers won’t let them return home if they travel out to secure food, water and other necessities.
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Usually in California, a fire blows through and homeowners are allowed back to their homes — or what is left of them —in a few days. In the CZU fire, the flames are so spread out and in such rugged territory, the process is different. Evacuation orders are slowly being lifted for some areas, but authorities have suggested that the hardest hit parts of the fire zone could be shut down for weeks — as power lines and roads are repaired.
Dutch Schultz is a retired electrician who defied the orders to evacuate Bonny Doon. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Many, like Standridge, are living off of non-perishable food supplies left in their homes — such as peanut butter, cans of sardines and ramen noodles. Others, like Dutch Schultz, a retired electrician who lives in Bonny Doon, have ponds of bass, blue gill and crawdads, as well as chickens and fruiting trees, with which to supplement their diets.
“I’m not a survivalist,” said Schultz, as he guided a team from the L.A. Times around his property. “But I always have made sure to have six months of supplies for six people. Just seems prudent.”
But the outside world is calling to them.
Standridge, for instance, is a Stage 4 colon cancer patient, and he needs to get chemotherapy in Santa Rosa next week. If he misses his appointment, he risks both his health and his ability to stay in the clinical trial.
Noah Standridge, wearing flip-flops, walks on a blackened hill looking for hot spots near his home. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
“But if I can’t get back in, I can’t defend my home,” he said, which he noted is not in imminent danger. As of Tuesday, the 85,000-acre fire had destroyed 1,200 structures and was 43% contained, with the flames recently dampened somewhat by cooler air and a heavy marine layer, that has been leaving dew on Standridge’s deck.
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As he drove around the immediate neighborhood, however, he pointed to smoldering roots and flaming tree stumps, which he said could light a passing leaf on fire — potentially sending embers to his home.
“There’d be nobody here to protect this if I was shut out,” he said.
Schultz, who said he is tending to several senior citizens in his area who also refused to evacuate, is aching for company.
He’s lonely without his wife, TV or the internet. He’s relegated to watching old DVDs — admitting sheepishly to a visitor that he’s rewatched the movies “Tommy Boy” and “Princess Bride” several times over the last two weeks.
“But, if I leave, who’d be here to watch my house and my neighbors’ homes?” he said, referring to the seniors he cares for.
He said he initially left his home when the evacuation orders were first issued, but came back two days later.
The neighborhood around Schultz’s property, which abuts Empire Grade — a long, winding road that runs along a ridge running from just west of Boulder Creek down to Santa Cruz — was scorched: Trees blackened by the fire, the ground a uniform layer of gray ash, and the skeletons of burned cars, propane tanks and outdoor sheds littering the horizon.
The fire took a seemingly haphazard path — whole neighborhoods were destroyed, with one house or garden untouched among the carnage.
Charred remains of a structure lost to the CZU Lightning Complex fire on Pinecrest Drive in Boulder Creek, Calif. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
It’s left even seasoned firefighters perplexed.
“It’s crazy looking, right?” said Jim Czerniez, a Santa Clara County Fire Department captain, speculating the fires followed the path of erratic winds.
Advertisement
He and his crew were on the scene soon after the fires began Aug. 16. He said a few nights later, strong winds swept up the fire, and that a terrifying wall pushed along Empire Grade, burning everything in its path.
Roughly a week later, the fire had died down to a smoky ground fire, but because the state’s firefighting resources were stretched thin across the Bay Area responding to multiple fires in multiple counties and regions, fewer firefighters were on the scene than would ordinarily be there.
As residents read news accounts documenting the dearth of firefighting forces, many felt compelled to stay and fight.
While Standridge’s wife and children fled for safety in Los Altos, he stayed behind to protect their home.
“Frankly, I wish more of us had stayed,” said Standridge, pointing to a burned out fire engine on his neighbor’s charred driveway. “We could have used that.”
Paul Lellman and Jared Lomeli, firefighters from Santa Clara County, survey the damage caused by the CZU Lightning Complex fire in Bonny Doon, Calif. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
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There is no official tally on the number of stragglers in the area who refused to leave. Estimates from residents and firefighters put the number north of 100 and south of 1,000 — with best guesses between 300 and 600.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff said that in just about every California wildfire, some people refuse to leave.
She said the state’s firefighting force is not in the business of physically removing people from their homes, but cautions that those who stay not only endanger their own lives, but those of firefighters, and others who have stayed behind.
“If something happens to them and the firefighters have to respond to save them, then they’re not able to respond to fires or others who need rescuing,” she said.
Chris Fink, a pediatric gastroenterologist with Stanford Children’s Hospital, tends evacuated neighbors’ gardens, yards and household needs. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
On Saturday afternoon, Chris Fink, a pediatric gastroenterologist with Stanford Children’s Hospital, and Jonah Torres, a cannabis distributor, were driving around Bonny Doon — tending to evacuated neighbors’ gardens, yards and household needs.
Fink said their wives, who evacuated with their families from Bonny Doon, had coordinated with other neighbors and created a list of chores for the two men to complete.
With a portable water tank in the back of their flatbed pickup truck, the two men pumped water from a neighbor’s home on Conifer Lane, then drove it across the street, and watered the plants on the porch of another neighbor’s house.
Advertisement
The potted plants were green, if a little dry. Around the porch, on the ground below, a black line in the dirt separated the charred land around the house from the immediate lawn and sidewalk circling the home.
“It’s incredible how just a small fire line like this prevented the house from burning down,” said Torres, shaking his head.
The two men had a dozen more errands to do that afternoon. They said they were meeting others who had stayed in the evacuation zone for dinner. It’s a ritual that takes place nightly, with left-behind neighbors sharing the food they’ve kept with one another.
They said authorities in the zone have been tolerant of their presence. But they know if they leave, they won’t be allowed back in.
“We smile, wave and keep out of their way on the road,” said Torres. “As long as we stay, we can all get what we need done. Us and them.”
Jonah Torres, a cannabis distributor, waters plants on a patio of an evacuated neighbor in Bonny Doon, Calif. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)