latimes--2020-08-08--Coronavirus data failures add to California's struggle to deal with pandemic

This started as a week of positive news , finally , in California ’ s battle with the coronavirus .
After nearly two months of skyrocketing cases , hospitalizations and deaths , there were the first signs that the COVID-19 spike was ebbing and new cases were beginning to decline .
But by Friday , state officials were still scrambling to fix a coronavirus-tracking database that had suffered glitches , rendering the numbers inaccurate .
It came as the state marked another sober milestone : 10,000 deaths from the virus .
The breakdown in the electronic collection of coronavirus test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state is responding to the coronavirus in recent months .
It ’ s a big turnaround from the spring , when California was hailed as a model for the nation .
Dr. Mark Ghaly , California ’ s health and human services director , said Friday that between 250,000 and 300,000 results have not been uploaded to the database .
Some of those are either duplicate records or tests for other diseases the department keeps track of .
And to this point , the vast majority of coronavirus results have been negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not change the picture of the state ’ s progress when it is recorded .
“ We believe that the trend is stabilizing and coming down , ” he said .
But after a long , deadly summer turned California from exemplar to cautionary tale , officials and residents alike were floored to learn that the data being used to make life-changing decisions — whether to keep schools and businesses closed , among them — were unreliable .
In the state ’ s hard-hit Central Valley , leaders worry the problem will erode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s response to the virus .
“ We ’ re very concerned about it both from a health and safety perspective but also from a public trust perspective , ” said Stanislaus County Supervisor Kristin Olsen .
“ It is very hard to garner community trust and compliance if they don ’ t have faith in the numbers being reported.
” Even officials in counties largely in sync with the state ’ s approach were frustrated .
“ These metrics as a whole are what we used to guide our decision making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Muntu Davis said during a news briefing Thursday .
“ At the moment I don ’ t have clear expectations or understanding of what the state is finding in terms of their investigation [ of the missing data ] .
” In Orange County , where officials have at times cast doubt on the accuracy of hospitalization data and case counts , Supervisor Michelle Steel said the correct total number of infections was critical to the county ’ s plans to reopen .
“ The public health officials and policymakers across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 ’ s spread and make decisions on opening and closing schools , business and gatherings , ” she said .
“ It is essential to know the extent of the problems with the CalREDIE system and understand how it is affecting the data we report.
” Without an accurate picture of confirmed cases , many local officials who rely on the California Reportable Disease Information Exchange ( CalREDIE ) have scrambled to conduct their own tallies to understand the spread of the virus in their communities .
Several counties throughout the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That allowance , like counties ’ permission to reopen certain businesses , relies heavily on data tied to case counts and hospitalizations .
Since officials discovered the backlog , the state stopped adding and removing counties from its list of areas experiencing higher rates of transmission , which subjects them to more restrictions than other parts of California .
Thirty-eight counties , representing 97 % of the state population , are currently on the list .
San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow expressed dismay Thursday over the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubted that the numbers affect the county .
“ I wish to apologize to all the businesses that were closed this week .
I am not supportive of these actions and , for San Mateo County , I believe they are misdirected and will cause more harm than good , ” he said in a statement Thursday .
“ Our numbers indicate we are in a relatively stable state in regards to the spread of the virus.
” In the early days of the pandemic , California was a leader in the response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impose a stay-at-home order , and that was credited with keeping cases and deaths lower than in hot spots such as New York and New Jersey .
But California rapidly reopened its economy in May , and experts say that led to a jump in cases .
By July , Gov .
Gavin Newsom and other leaders had rolled back some of the reopening , and there are signs those changes are helping slow the outbreaks .
California — the nation ’ s most populous state — now leads the nation with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 10,000 deaths , it remains far behind New York , which has recorded more than 30,000 fatalities .
It ’ s unclear if the lost test results are scattered throughout the state or contained to a small number of counties .
Statewide trends do not always mirror individual counties ’ experiences .
Los Angeles County is approaching 5,000 fatalities and has topped 200,000 cases .
Trinity County has had two confirmed cases .
Earlier this week , L.A. County officials said that the lost numbers could have a large effect on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we ’ re losing some cases and that may in fact result in some small increases in transmission in the weeks ahead , ” L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Wednesday .
The county went as far as to contact 81 labs to retrieve the accurate count of lost data .
In an attempt to retrieve a full count , independent from the state , officials also asked residents to contact the public health department if they tested positive .
Ghaly said Friday that the state is developing a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deficiencies of CalREDIE “ Simply put , the CalREDIE system was not built for this volume of data , ” he said .
“ In order to create a lasting solution , we are accelerating the development of a new laboratory reporting system for COVID-19.
” Ghaly said the state would work through the backlog of records over the next 24 to 48 hours .
He said state missteps compounded a problem that began with a server outage , and he promised a full investigation .
He added that the data snafu had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the state did not change its response policies based on the incomplete information .
The state reported 6,069 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 , including 1,828 in intensive care , as of Wednesday .
In describing the problem , Ghaly said a July 25 server outage created a delay in records coming into the state ’ s lab reporting system .
The state implemented what he described as “ technical changes that allowed the records to flow into the system more quickly.
” The changes were supposed to be temporary , Ghaly said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , “ causing further delays in our reporting of lab data and creating an extensive backlog.
” “ Simultaneously , we discovered that we were not receiving data from one of our largest commercial labs for a period of five days , ” Ghaly said .
“ This was due to a certificate that the state neglected to renew timely .
This resulted in data not being able to transmit to the state.
” Ghaly identified the lab as Quest Diagnostics and said the company had been unable to send test results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 4 .
It is unclear if Los Angeles County ’ s caseload has been affected .
CalREDIE was first connected to public health departments across the state in 2012 , receiving a government technology award that summer .
But though it had been used for other important statewide efforts in the past — notably in helping gather information over concerns about the Zika virus beginning in 2015 — such uses were much more limited than its central role during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Some local health officials complained in late March that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statewide system .
And in late June , sporadic reports appeared from some counties of problems with the system ’ s data .
When asked why it took so long for local concerns about the system to come to his attention , Ghaly said he ’ s working to understand the communication issues at California Health and Human Services and the California Department of Public Health .
“ We are aware that individuals there were knowledgeable of some of these challenges , and we are doing a complete look into how that communication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it went wrong , ” Ghaly said .

Grocery workers demonstrate outside a Food 4 Less store in Los Angeles where 28 workers have reportedly become infected with COVID-19.
This started as a week of positive news, finally, in California’s battle with the coronavirus. After nearly two months of skyrocketing cases, hospitalizations and deaths, there were the first signs that the COVID-19 spike was ebbing and new cases were beginning to decline.
But by Friday, state officials were still scrambling to fix a coronavirus-tracking database that had suffered glitches, rendering the numbers inaccurate. It came as the state marked another sober milestone: 10,000 deaths from the virus.
The breakdown in the electronic collection of coronavirus test results has further rattled confidence in how the state is responding to the coronavirus in recent months. It’s a big turnaround from the spring, when California was hailed as a model for the nation.
Advertisement
Dr. Mark Ghaly, California’s health and human services director, said Friday that between 250,000 and 300,000 results have not been uploaded to the database. Some of those are either duplicate records or tests for other diseases the department keeps track of. And to this point, the vast majority of coronavirus results have been negative.
Ghaly says the glitch would probably not change the picture of the state’s progress when it is recorded.
“We believe that the trend is stabilizing and coming down,” he said.
But after a long, deadly summer turned California from exemplar to cautionary tale, officials and residents alike were floored to learn that the data being used to make life-changing decisions — whether to keep schools and businesses closed, among them — were unreliable.
In the state’s hard-hit Central Valley, leaders worry the problem will erode the already limited confidence in the government’s response to the virus.
“We’re very concerned about it both from a health and safety perspective but also from a public trust perspective,” said Stanislaus County Supervisor Kristin Olsen. “It is very hard to garner community trust and compliance if they don’t have faith in the numbers being reported.”
Even officials in counties largely in sync with the state’s approach were frustrated.
Advertisement
“These metrics as a whole are what we used to guide our decision making,” Los Angeles County health officer Dr. Muntu Davis said during a news briefing Thursday. “At the moment I don’t have clear expectations or understanding of what the state is finding in terms of their investigation [of the missing data].”
In Orange County, where officials have at times cast doubt on the accuracy of hospitalization data and case counts, Supervisor Michelle Steel said the correct total number of infections was critical to the county’s plans to reopen.
“The public health officials and policymakers across the state rely on this data to understand COVID-19’s spread and make decisions on opening and closing schools, business and gatherings,” she said. “It is essential to know the extent of the problems with the CalREDIE system and understand how it is affecting the data we report.”
Without an accurate picture of confirmed cases, many local officials who rely on the California Reportable Disease Information Exchange (CalREDIE) have scrambled to conduct their own tallies to understand the spread of the virus in their communities. Several counties throughout the state are applying for waivers to reopen schools. That allowance, like counties’ permission to reopen certain businesses, relies heavily on data tied to case counts and hospitalizations.
Since officials discovered the backlog, the state stopped adding and removing counties from its list of areas experiencing higher rates of transmission, which subjects them to more restrictions than other parts of California. Thirty-eight counties, representing 97% of the state population, are currently on the list.
San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow expressed dismay Thursday over the state’s decision to freeze its watchlist, and doubted that the numbers affect the county.
“I wish to apologize to all the businesses that were closed this week. I am not supportive of these actions and, for San Mateo County, I believe they are misdirected and will cause more harm than good,” he said in a statement Thursday. “Our numbers indicate we are in a relatively stable state in regards to the spread of the virus.”
In the early days of the pandemic, California was a leader in the response. It was the first state to impose a stay-at-home order, and that was credited with keeping cases and deaths lower than in hot spots such as New York and New Jersey. But California rapidly reopened its economy in May, and experts say that led to a jump in cases.
By July, Gov. Gavin Newsom and other leaders had rolled back some of the reopening, and there are signs those changes are helping slow the outbreaks.
California — the nation’s most populous state — now leads the nation with more than 500,000 confirmed cases. But even at 10,000 deaths, it remains far behind New York, which has recorded more than 30,000 fatalities.
It’s unclear if the lost test results are scattered throughout the state or contained to a small number of counties. Statewide trends do not always mirror individual counties’ experiences. Los Angeles County is approaching 5,000 fatalities and has topped 200,000 cases. Trinity County has had two confirmed cases.
Earlier this week, L.A. County officials said that the lost numbers could have a large effect on its caseload.
“We are really worried that we’re losing some cases and that may in fact result in some small increases in transmission in the weeks ahead,” L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Wednesday.
The county went as far as to contact 81 labs to retrieve the accurate count of lost data. In an attempt to retrieve a full count, independent from the state, officials also asked residents to contact the public health department if they tested positive.
Ghaly said Friday that the state is developing a new coronavirus tracking system because of the recent deficiencies of CalREDIE
“Simply put, the CalREDIE system was not built for this volume of data,” he said. “In order to create a lasting solution, we are accelerating the development of a new laboratory reporting system for COVID-19.”
Ghaly said the state would work through the backlog of records over the next 24 to 48 hours. He said state missteps compounded a problem that began with a server outage, and he promised a full investigation.
He added that the data snafu had no effect on hospitalization or death data and the state did not change its response policies based on the incomplete information. The state reported 6,069 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, including 1,828 in intensive care, as of Wednesday.
In describing the problem, Ghaly said a July 25 server outage created a delay in records coming into the state’s lab reporting system.
The state implemented what he described as “technical changes that allowed the records to flow into the system more quickly.”
The changes were supposed to be temporary, Ghaly said, but the state did not disable them, “causing further delays in our reporting of lab data and creating an extensive backlog.”
“Simultaneously, we discovered that we were not receiving data from one of our largest commercial labs for a period of five days,” Ghaly said. “This was due to a certificate that the state neglected to renew timely. This resulted in data not being able to transmit to the state.”
Ghaly identified the lab as Quest Diagnostics and said the company had been unable to send test results to the state from July 31 through Aug. 4.
It is unclear if Los Angeles County’s caseload has been affected.
CalREDIE was first connected to public health departments across the state in 2012, receiving a government technology award that summer.
But though it had been used for other important statewide efforts in the past — notably in helping gather information over concerns about the Zika
virus beginning in 2015 — such uses were much more limited than its central role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some local health officials complained in late March that not all labs were connected to the statewide system. And in late June, sporadic reports appeared from some counties of problems with the system’s data.
When asked why it took so long for local concerns about the system to come to his attention, Ghaly said he’s working to understand the communication issues at California Health and Human Services and the California Department of Public Health.
“We are aware that individuals there were knowledgeable of some of these challenges, and we are doing a complete look into how that communication both could have been better and where it went wrong,” Ghaly said.


latimes--2020-08-08--California to towns defying the COVID-19 shutdown: No cash for you

It was a boast heard around this Central Valley town of 30,000 , courtesy of Mayor Paul Creighton .
Atwater had not just flattened the COVID-19 case curve .
“ We ’ ve smashed the curve , ” he declared .
With just 12 confirmed cases , the City Council in mid-May declared Atwater a “ sanctuary city ” for business , allowing all businesses to reopen in defiance of California ’ s shutdown orders .
Cases have surged past 800 in Atwater .
Merced County is on the state ’ s coronavirus watch list .
And federal officials have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the nation ’ s most worrisome hot spots for the spread of the virus .
What has not changed is Atwater ’ s defiance .
City leaders refuse to rescind the sanctuary city resolution — despite the state ’ s withholding federal emergency coronavirus relief funds because of it .
“ They have tried to put a gun to our heads to make us fold , ” Creighton said at a recent City Council meeting .
“ They want our citizens to feel scared and vulnerable .
Don ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or we become the next victim in a long line of victims in today ’ s cancel culture.
” Unless Atwater scraps its sanctuary city resolution , the state will withhold up to $ 387,428 for which the city is eligible because it is violating state public health rules , the Governor ’ s Office of Emergency Services told city leaders late last month .
The state has already withheld the Atwater ’ s first allocation of $ 64,833 , said Brian Ferguson , a spokesman for the state emergency services agency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ endanger the health and welfare of its citizens , the state is going to take a close look at , '' Ferguson told The Times .
The tussle comes as COVID-19 cases have exploded in Merced County .
The county had 5,012 confirmed cases as of Friday .
On June 6 , it had just 343 cases .
Atwater had 831 confirmed cases as of Friday .
On June 6 , it had confirmed 32 cases .
Atwater has more coronavirus cases per capita than Merced county ’ s two largest cities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Banos ( population 40,000 ) , according to a Times analysis .
Despite being home to 10.6 % of the county ’ s population , the city has about 16.6 % of known infections in the county .
While California ’ s second surge of coronavirus this summer is showing signs of stabilization , the increased spread in the Central Valley are a source of deep worry among physicians and public health officials .
“ Although L.A. may be looking a bit better , there ’ s significant movement of virus from Bakersfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Stockton , ” Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House ’ s coronavirus response coordinator , said in a obtained by the Center for Public Integrity .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom has identified the Central Valley as a region in great need of resources to slow the spread of the virus .
He is sending “ strike teams ” of state , federal and local personnel there and asked state lawmakers to approve $ 52 million to improve testing , tracing and isolation protocols in eight counties : San Joaquin , Stanislaus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kings and Tulare , and Kern .
Newsom ’ s decision to target the Central Valley coincides with his funding standoff with Atwater and Coalinga , a city of 16,000 in Fresno County .
On July 23 , Mark Ghilarducci , director of the Governor ’ s Office of Emergency Services , sent letters to the city managers of Atwater and Coalinga , which passed a resolution in May declaring all businesses to be essential .
Coalinga ’ s share of the federal funds , Ghilarducci wrote , would have been up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocked the first allocation of some $ 36,000 .
“ In order to be eligible for funding , assuming it meets the other prescribed criteria , the city would need to rescind this resolution , ” Ghilarducci wrote to both cities .
The state says the cities are violating rules that govern the distribution of $ 1.8 billion allocated to California through the federal CARES Act .
California ’ s largest communities received money directly from the federal government — a total of $ 5.8 billion to counties and cities with populations over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a detailed plan to help less-populated areas .
Neither Atwater nor Coalinga will budge .
Coalinga City Manager Marissa Trejo said that , after receiving the letter , she invited state officials to participate in a special City Council meeting via Zoom to discuss rescinding the resolution .
They declined .
The City Council voted to reaffirm it .
In emails that she shared with The Times , Trejo told Office of Emergency Services officials that Coalinga was “ being held to a higher standard ” than other cities in order to receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have resolutions , she wrote , but “ they are not enforcing ” state health orders .
“ To be honest , ” she wrote , “ I am not aware of any businesses in Coalinga operating against the existing orders .
There is nowhere in Coalinga that I can dine in .
None of our restaurants are even offering outdoor dining .
I have not seen a single hair salon , barbershop or nail salon open.
” In Atwater , the politically potent “ sanctuary city ” label won support from officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on “ Fox & Friends , ” where he called state lockdown orders “ draconian.
” But it also provoked anger among some residents who called it political grandstanding .
Despite its defiance , the city last week posted on its Facebook page photos of municipal employees covering their faces and wearing matching T-shirts that said , “ Mask Up Atwater.
” At a raucous City Council meeting last week , members of the Freedom Angels Foundation — best known for their anti-vaccine activism — rallied outside City Hall in support of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video beforehand , the group ’ s co-founders said Creighton had reached out to them and asked them to show up and “ wear red as a sign of solidarity.
” At the meeting , officials — including the city manager , two council members and the police chief — who were not publicly covering their faces around the time the resolution was passed , wore masks at times .
Creighton took his off while he was on the dais .
Resident Mary McWatters said she was baffled the financially strapped city was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr .
Creighton , you believe that your constituents and Donald Trump are on your side , ” she said .
“ Well , Donald Trump is not going to bail this city out.
” Resident Theron Sanders Sr. , wearing a star-spangled bandanna around his neck , said he masked up in public to keep mom-and-pop businesses in compliance with safety rules and , therefore , open .
He wanted the sanctuary city resolution left in place .
“ We need our economy to be able to continue to grow , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to stay open .
...
I believe this ‘ plandemic ’ is entirely designed to not only bring down our economy but to destroy our president.
” The shutdowns walloped Atwater just as it was starting to claw back from the Great Recession .
Last year , the Atwater the second-most financially distressed city in the state , behind Compton .
Creighton said the city has since balanced its budget and did not count on getting state or federal help anyway .
Newsom , he told The Times , is “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Creighton said he was only trying to help small businesses devastated by the shutdown orders , which allowed chain retailers such as Walmart and Target to stay open , with varied compliance with safety rules .
Among the facilities in Merced County with an active COVID-19 outbreak is the Walmart Supercenter in Atwater , according to the county .
“ The only thing we did with the sanctuary city is allow businesses to open up , ” Creighton said .
“ We still socially distance .
We still wear masks .
We still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like we ’ re arbitrarily being picked on .
”

Randy Romero, one of few people wearing a mask, says the pledge of allegiance at an Atwater City Council meeting in May. The city declared itself a “sanctuary city” in defiance of the state’s stay-at-home orders.
It was a boast heard around this Central Valley town of 30,000, courtesy of Mayor Paul Creighton.
Atwater had not just flattened the COVID-19 case curve. “We’ve smashed the curve,” he declared.
With just 12 confirmed cases, the City Council in mid-May declared Atwater a “sanctuary city” for business, allowing all businesses to reopen in defiance of California’s shutdown orders.
Advertisement
How times have changed.
Cases have surged past 800 in Atwater. Merced County is on the state’s coronavirus watch list. And federal officials have declared the rural, agricultural Central Valley one of the nation’s most worrisome hot spots for the spread of the virus.
What has not changed is Atwater’s defiance. City leaders refuse to rescind the sanctuary city resolution — despite the state’s withholding federal emergency coronavirus relief funds because of it.
“They have tried to put a gun to our heads to make us fold,” Creighton said at a recent City Council meeting. “They want our citizens to feel scared and vulnerable. Don’t be. They want to increase political heat or we become the next victim in a long line of victims in today’s cancel culture.”
Unless Atwater scraps its sanctuary city resolution, the state will withhold up to $387,428 for which the city is eligible because it is violating state public health rules, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services told city leaders late last month.
The state has already withheld the Atwater’s first allocation of $64,833, said Brian Ferguson, a spokesman for the state emergency services agency.
“Any municipality that takes actions that endanger the health and welfare of its citizens, the state is going to take a close look at,”Ferguson told The Times.
Advertisement
The tussle comes as COVID-19 cases have exploded in Merced County. The county had 5,012 confirmed cases as of Friday. On June 6, it had just 343 cases. Atwater had 831 confirmed cases as of Friday. On June 6, it had confirmed 32 cases.
Atwater has more coronavirus cases per capita than Merced county’s two largest cities, Merced (population 83,000) and Los Banos (population 40,000), according to a Times analysis. Despite being home to 10.6% of the county’s population, the city has about 16.6% of known infections in the county.
While California’s second surge of coronavirus this summer is showing signs of stabilization, the increased spread in the Central Valley are a source of deep worry among physicians and public health officials.
“Although L.A. may be looking a bit better, there’s significant movement of virus from Bakersfield all the way up the Central Valley into Stockton,” Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House’s coronavirus response coordinator, said in a recording of a conference call obtained by the Center for Public Integrity.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has identified the Central Valley as a region in great need of resources to slow the spread of the virus. He is sending “strike teams” of state, federal and local personnel there and asked state lawmakers to approve $52 million to improve testing, tracing and isolation protocols in eight counties: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare, and Kern.
Newsom’s decision to target the Central Valley coincides with his funding standoff with Atwater and Coalinga, a city of 16,000 in Fresno County.
On July 23, Mark Ghilarducci, director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, sent letters to the city managers of Atwater and Coalinga, which passed a resolution in May declaring all businesses to be essential.
Coalinga’s share of the federal funds, Ghilarducci wrote, would have been up to $212,358. The state has already blocked the first allocation of some $36,000.
“In order to be eligible for funding, assuming it meets the other prescribed criteria, the city would need to rescind this resolution,” Ghilarducci wrote to both cities.
The state says the cities are violating rules that govern the distribution of $1.8 billion allocated to California through the federal CARES Act. California’s largest communities received money directly from the federal government — a total of $5.8 billion to counties and cities with populations over 500,000 — while the state budget includes a detailed plan to help less-populated areas.
Neither Atwater nor Coalinga will budge.
Coalinga City Manager Marissa Trejo said that, after receiving the letter, she invited state officials to participate in a special City Council meeting via Zoom to discuss rescinding the resolution. They declined. The City Council voted to reaffirm it.
In emails that she shared with The Times, Trejo told Office of Emergency Services officials that Coalinga was “being held to a higher standard” than other cities in order to receive the funds. Other cities might not have resolutions, she wrote, but “they are not enforcing” state health orders.
“To be honest,” she wrote, “I am not aware of any businesses in Coalinga operating against the existing orders. There is nowhere in Coalinga that I can dine in. None of our restaurants are even offering outdoor dining. I have not seen a single hair salon, barbershop or nail salon open.”
In Atwater, the politically potent “sanctuary city” label won support from officials across the U.S. and quickly landed Creighton on “Fox & Friends,” where he called state lockdown orders “draconian.” But it also provoked anger among some residents who called it political grandstanding.
Despite its defiance, the city last week posted on its Facebook page photos of municipal employees covering their faces and wearing matching T-shirts that said, “Mask Up Atwater.”
At a raucous City Council meeting last week, members of the Freedom Angels Foundation — best known for their anti-vaccine activism — rallied outside City Hall in support of the sanctuary city resolution. In a Facebook video beforehand, the group’s co-founders said Creighton had reached out to them and asked them to show up and “wear red as a sign of solidarity.”
At the meeting, officials — including the city manager, two council members and the police chief — who were not publicly covering their faces around the time the resolution was passed, wore masks at times. Creighton took his off while he was on the dais.
Resident Mary McWatters said she was baffled the financially strapped city was willing to lose emergency funds.
“Mr. Creighton, you believe that your constituents and Donald Trump are on your side,” she said. “Well, Donald Trump is not going to bail this city out.”
Resident Theron Sanders Sr., wearing a star-spangled bandanna around his neck, said he masked up in public to keep mom-and-pop businesses in compliance with safety rules and, therefore, open. He wanted the sanctuary city resolution left in place.
“We need our economy to be able to continue to grow,” he said. “We need to be able to stay open. ... I believe this ‘plandemic’ is entirely designed to not only bring down our economy but to destroy our president.”
The shutdowns walloped Atwater just as it was starting to claw back from the Great Recession. Last year, the state auditor ranked Atwater the second-most financially distressed city in the state, behind Compton.
Creighton said the city has since balanced its budget and did not count on getting state or federal help anyway.
Newsom, he told The Times, is “just downright bullying” his city. Creighton said he was only trying to help small businesses devastated by the shutdown orders, which allowed chain retailers such as Walmart and Target to stay open, with varied compliance with safety rules.
Among the facilities in Merced County with an active COVID-19 outbreak is the Walmart Supercenter in Atwater, according to the county.
“The only thing we did with the sanctuary city is allow businesses to open up,” Creighton said. “We still socially distance. We still wear masks. We still do good hygiene. ... It seems like we’re arbitrarily being picked on.”
Times staff writer Sean Greene contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-08-07--California colleges can reopen with a ton of restrictions, limited dorms, online classes

As California colleges and universities reopen this fall they must adhere to strict limits on in-person classes and greatly restrict dorm and campus life , state public health officials said Friday in long-awaited guidance for how campuses can operate amid a surge in COVID-19 cases .
The delay in state guidance had frustrated campuses , which have scrambled to create varying reopening plans without knowing what ultimately would be approved by county and state public health officials and how that would affect thousands of students just days from starting fall semester .
Most colleges , including the vast UC and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were planning to start the fall with mostly online classes .
The state ’ s strict rules prohibit indoor lectures for campuses located within the 38 counties on the COVID-19 monitoring list .
Some institutions , including USC and Claremont McKenna College , had abruptly scaled down plans to bring back some students to campus and announced they would begin classes this month with fully remote instruction and greatly limited access to dorms .
County health authorities — who had said they were awaiting state rules — still need to review local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assess whether they meet local and state protocols .
Los Angeles County issued its own draft guidance last week .
USC , which is set to begin classes Aug. 17 , said in a statement late Friday that it “ is currently reviewing and analyzing this guidance and will collaborate with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and other authorities to determine its impact on our plans to repopulate our campuses.
” The university said it did not anticipate changes to plans to start the semester fully online with only limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambitious reopening plans to allow as many as 20 % of classes to meet in person and students to live in single-occupancy dorms have not received state and county approval as expected , university officials said Wednesday .
In a statement , the California Department of Public Health said any reopening would depend on “ local conditions ” including epidemiologic trends , availability of testing and adequate preparedness to respond to COVID-19 cases and outbreaks .
State officials said campuses also would need to demonstrate a plan for safe distancing , a priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takeout meals , the closure of nonessential shared spaces such as lounges and COVID-19 prevention training .
Certain specialized courses , such as labs and studio art , may be offered indoors with substantial physical distancing .
“ As colleges and other institutions of higher education plan to resume in-person instruction , it ’ s critical that campuses make modifications to reduce risk , ” Dr. Erica Pan , state epidemiologist , said in a statement .
UCLA , which begins fall quarter in late September , recently announced it would reduce its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 20 % but continue to offer campus housing to 6,500 students .
Officials did not immediately respond to questions about how the state guidance might affect its reopening .
Some campuses said Friday they were ready to move forward , confident their plans met both local and state protocols Maria Klawe , president of Harvey Mudd College , alone among the five undergraduate Claremont Colleges in planning for an in-person reopening , said the state ’ s announcement gave her the confidence to welcome the 500-plus students who wish to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school also has plans for supporting students who wish to continue learning remotely .
“ My biggest sense right now is relief , ” Klawe said after reviewing the guidelines .
“ It ’ s been so much work because we had to plan for both scenarios .
I do honestly believe this is as safe as a plan that we could possibly come up with .
We have a lot of confidence in our students following our guidelines.
” Klawe said collaboration is at the heart of learning at the science-focused institution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
She said students would work in groups under a tent outdoors spaced six feet apart and wear masks unless eating .
She added that the college , which begins instruction on Aug. 24 , would consult once more with L.A. County to ensure it has approval to open in person .
“ If the guidelines remain the same , I think we ’ re fine , ” she said .
UC Berkeley and UC Merced also welcomed the state guidelines , saying they would allow the campuses to start largely remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Officials from both campuses said they had developed their plans in close consultation with local health authorities and were optimistic that they met state standards .
UC Berkeley plans to open up to one-third of its dorms and apartments to single occupants .
Lounges , residential workout facilities and academic centers will be closed for now but could open up later if users wore face coverings and maintained physical distances in keeping with public health guidelines , said Diana L. Harvey , an associate vice chancellor .
“ UC Berkeley campus leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for limited occupancy in our residence halls are in alignment with today ’ s state guidance for higher education institutions , “ Harvey said .
UC Merced plans to house fewer than 500 students in campus housing and offer most classes remotely for the first four weeks of the semester and again after Thanksgiving .
A small number of in-person experiences will be offered .
“ The plans we have developed , working with our county public health officials , have us in a really good place for the fall semester , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at UC Merced .

USC and other California colleges and universities can reopen this fall with some in-person classes and limited dorm life, according to state guidance.
As California colleges and universities reopen this fall they must adhere to strict limits on in-person classes and greatly restrict dorm and campus life, state public health officials said Friday in long-awaited guidance for how campuses can operate amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.
The delay in state guidance had frustrated campuses, which have scrambled to create varying reopening plans without knowing what ultimately would be approved by county and state public health officials and how that would affect thousands of students just days from starting fall semester.
Most colleges, including the vast UC and Cal State systems, have already announced they were planning to start the fall with mostly online classes. The state’s strict rules prohibit indoor lectures for campuses located within the 38 counties on the COVID-19 monitoring list.
Some institutions, including USC and Claremont McKenna College, had abruptly scaled down plans to bring back some students to campus and announced they would begin classes this month with fully remote instruction and greatly limited access to dorms.
Advertisement
County health authorities — who had said they were awaiting state rules — still need to review local health conditions and campus reopening plans to assess whether they meet local and state protocols. Los Angeles County issued its own draft guidance last week.
USC, which is set to begin classes Aug. 17, said in a statement late Friday that it “is currently reviewing and analyzing this guidance and will collaborate with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and other authorities to determine its impact on our plans to repopulate our campuses.”
The university said it did not anticipate changes to plans to start the semester fully online with only limited exceptions for clinical education.
Its more ambitious reopening plans to allow as many as 20% of classes to meet in person and students to live in single-occupancy dorms have not received state and county approval as expected, university officials said Wednesday.
In a statement, the California Department of Public Health said any reopening would depend on “local conditions” including epidemiologic trends, availability of testing and adequate preparedness to respond to COVID-19 cases and outbreaks. State officials said campuses also would need to demonstrate a plan for safe distancing, a priority on single-occupancy dorm rooms, availability of takeout meals, the closure of nonessential shared spaces such as lounges and COVID-19 prevention training.
Certain specialized courses, such as labs and studio art, may be offered indoors with substantial physical distancing.
Advertisement
“As colleges and other institutions of higher education plan to resume in-person instruction, it’s critical that campuses make modifications to reduce risk,” Dr. Erica Pan, state epidemiologist, said in a statement.
UCLA, which begins fall quarter in late September, recently announced it would reduce its in-person classes to about 8% from up to 20% but continue to offer campus housing to 6,500 students. Officials did not immediately respond to questions about how the state guidance might affect its reopening.
Some campuses said Friday they were ready to move forward, confident their plans met both local and state protocols
Maria Klawe, president of Harvey Mudd College, alone among the five undergraduate Claremont Colleges in planning for an in-person reopening, said the state’s announcement gave her the confidence to welcome the 500-plus students who wish to return back to campus this month. The school also has plans for supporting students who wish to continue learning remotely.
“My biggest sense right now is relief,” Klawe said after reviewing the guidelines. “It’s been so much work because we had to plan for both scenarios. I do honestly believe this is as safe as a plan that we could possibly come up with. We have a lot of confidence in our students following our guidelines.”
Klawe said collaboration is at the heart of learning at the science-focused institution, and the state guidance will permit that. She said students would work in groups under a tent outdoors spaced six feet apart and wear masks unless eating.
She added that the college, which begins instruction on Aug. 24, would consult once more with L.A. County to ensure it has approval to open in person. “If the guidelines remain the same, I think we’re fine,” she said.
UC Berkeley and UC Merced also welcomed the state guidelines, saying they would allow the campuses to start largely remote classes with some dorm living Aug. 26. Officials from both campuses said they had developed their plans in close consultation with local health authorities and were optimistic that they met state standards.
UC Berkeley plans to open up to one-third of its dorms and apartments to single occupants. Lounges, residential workout facilities and academic centers will be closed for now but could open up later if users wore face coverings and maintained physical distances in keeping with public health guidelines, said Diana L. Harvey, an associate vice chancellor.
“UC Berkeley campus leadership is delighted that our carefully considered plans for limited occupancy in our residence halls are in alignment with today’s state guidance for higher education institutions,“ Harvey said.
UC Merced plans to house fewer than 500 students in campus housing and offer most classes remotely for the first four weeks of the semester and again after Thanksgiving. A small number of in-person experiences will be offered.
“The plans we have developed, working with our county public health officials, have us in a really good place for the fall semester,” said Andrew Boyd, chief resilience officer at UC Merced.


latimes--2020-08-07--Judge issues order shutting down Ventura County church's crowded, unmasked indoor services

A Ventura County Superior Court judge Friday granted a temporary restraining order against Godspeak Calvary Chapel and pastor Rob McCoy , forbidding the church ’ s indoor services and demanding adherence to statewide and local health orders aimed at slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus .
Since May 31 , the Newbury Park church has held large , indoor services without masks or social distancing every Sunday .
Ventura County health authorities sued Godspeak and McCoy on Wednesday .
McCoy said the services included “ singing , hugging , no masks.
” “ The Constitution is not a suicide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to be consistent with public health , otherwise the one would cancel out the other , ” Judge Matthew Guasco said , according to the Thousand Oaks Acorn .
County Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas said health guidelines must be followed so that business and schools can resume and “ the most vulnerable in our community can be spared from the disease.
” The temporary restraining order will remain in effect until Aug. 31 , when another hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled .
It is unclear how McCoy and Godspeak will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with our elder board ... to decide what we will be doing , ” McCoy said in a text message .
McCoy , who resigned as a Thousand Oaks City Council member after Gov .
Gavin Newsom declared churches nonessential , previously described himself as “ willing to go to jail ” and “ willing for [ authorities ] to take [ his ] building ” rather than comply with the health orders , according to the county ’ s lawsuit .
“ It is only a matter of time — if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a significant outbreak of COVID-19 cases among the attendees , ” said county Health Officer Robert Levin , who is listed as a plaintiff in the suit .
The lawsuit came after members of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted 3 to 2 this week to use court actions to enforce COVID-19 health orders .
On Thursday , Ventura County reported three coronavirus-related deaths .
More than 8,000 positive cases have been reported in the county of nearly 850,000 , and 82 people have died .
The order does not prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can operate outside with social distance and masks or virtually .
“ The best way to gather at this time is virtually or outdoors in accordance with state orders and guidance , ” Vargas said .
“ The more we can work together to follow these guidelines , the quicker we can get back to enjoying activities indoors .
”

A parishioner prays at a Palm Sunday service inside Godspeak Calvary Chapel, which has held large, indoor services for more than two months. A judge Friday ordered the services to shut down.
A Ventura County Superior Court judge Friday granted a temporary restraining order against Godspeak Calvary Chapel and pastor Rob McCoy, forbidding the church’s indoor services and demanding adherence to statewide and local health orders aimed at slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Since May 31, the Newbury Park church has held large, indoor services without masks or social distancing every Sunday. Ventura County health authorities sued Godspeak and McCoy on Wednesday.
McCoy said the services included “singing, hugging, no masks.”
Advertisement
“The Constitution is not a suicide pact. The exercise of individual liberties has to be consistent with public health, otherwise the one would cancel out the other,” Judge Matthew Guasco said, according to the Thousand Oaks Acorn.
County Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas said health guidelines must be followed so that business and schools can resume and “the most vulnerable in our community can be spared from the disease.”
The temporary restraining order will remain in effect until Aug. 31, when another hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled.
It is unclear how McCoy and Godspeak will respond.
“I will be meeting with our elder board ... to decide what we will be doing,” McCoy said in a text message.
McCoy, who resigned as a Thousand Oaks City Council member after Gov. Gavin Newsom declared churches nonessential, previously described himself as “willing to go to jail” and “willing for [authorities] to take [his] building” rather than comply with the health orders, according to the county’s lawsuit.
“It is only a matter of time — if it has not already happened — before there is a significant outbreak of COVID-19 cases among the attendees,” said county Health Officer Robert Levin, who is listed as a plaintiff in the suit. The lawsuit came after members of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted 3 to 2 this week to use court actions to enforce COVID-19 health orders.
Advertisement
On Thursday, Ventura County reported three coronavirus-related deaths. More than 8,000 positive cases have been reported in the county of nearly 850,000, and 82 people have died.
The order does not prevent the church from holding services: Godspeak can operate outside with social distance and masks or virtually.
“The best way to gather at this time is virtually or outdoors in accordance with state orders and guidance,” Vargas said. “The more we can work together to follow these guidelines, the quicker we can get back to enjoying activities indoors.”


latimes--2020-08-07--Orange County's coronavirus-related death toll passes 700

Orange County reported an additional seven COVID-19 fatalities Friday , pushing the region ’ s total death toll past 700 .
While a far cry from the record 32 deaths reported Thursday , the latest fatalities demonstrate that the novel coronavirus is continuing to take a toll on the county , even as officials weigh whether to reopen some schools for in-person instruction .
A frustration of late in that regard , for Orange County and across the state , has been significant issues with the CalREDIE electronic system , which collects information from laboratories and feeds it to state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of data failures have created a backlog of as many as 300,000 test results , the state said Friday , and left counties in the dark as to precisely how many new coronavirus infections have been confirmed in their communities .
While the exact impact on Orange County is unclear , “ we are expecting a large number of results , positive and negative , to be entered into the system when the state fixes it , ” Dr. Clayton Chau , director of the Orange County Health Care Agency and acting county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing Friday .
As it relates to schools , the California Department of Public Health recently announced guidelines for granting waivers enabling elementary schools to reopen , but indicated that counties with case rates above 200 per 100,000 residents should not consider applying .
Without accurate case data , Chau said , there ’ s no way to know whether Orange County is below that threshold .
“ In the process of calling the school back and acknowledging their application , we also inform them that , ‘ Hey , thank you for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you submitted the application , but you need to know the conversation can ’ t start until we know what our community case rate is , ’ ” Chau said .
Although the county announced only 43 new coronavirus infections Friday — boosting its cumulative total to 38,754 — officials noted that problems on the state ’ s end “ may result in a lower number of daily COVID-positive cases received and tests reported.
” The county also has now recorded 704 total COVID-19 fatalities .
An estimated 29,009 people have recovered .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ county health officials have regularly urged residents to take steps to prevent transmission of the virus — including physical distancing , regular hand washing and wearing face coverings in public .
During the pandemic , Orange County has emerged as a hot spot of mask resistance , even though public health experts have said wearing them is an effective way to decrease the spread of the coronavirus .
Though Gov .
Gavin Newsom issued a statewide order on June 18 for Californians to wear face coverings while in public , enforcement has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Costa Mesa in Orange County , have threatened to fine those who don ’ t cover up in public , but many haven ’ t .
Some law enforcement agencies also have been reluctant to enforce the mandate , saying their resources and attention are better spent elsewhere .
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes is among those who shares that opinion .
He reiterated Friday that he believes “ it ’ s not a law enforcement function to enforce compliance with face coverings.
” “ It ’ s a better use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppression , crime solving and crime prevention than to be tasked with mask compliance , ” he said during a media briefing .
He added , however , that the department doesn ’ t take a hands-off approach when it comes to encouraging compliance with health orders .
“ If somebody ’ s not compliant as a business , we will talk to them and see if we can get voluntary compliance , ” he said .
“ At times when businesses are reluctant to comply , we have taken criminal reports and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office for filing consideration .
So , it ’ s not that we aren ’ t doing anything , we just aren ’ t arresting people for not wearing a mask.
” But in response to follow-up questions , Sheriff ’ s Department spokeswoman Carrie Braun said those remarks were incorrect and that “ no reports or cases have been provided ” to the D.A .
's office .
“ Deputies have taken information reports on non-compliant businesses , sometimes coupled with referrals to state agencies .
That has been sufficient to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email .

Orange County reported an additional seven COVID-19 fatalities Friday, pushing the region’s total death toll past 700.
While a far cry from the record 32 deaths reported Thursday, the latest fatalities demonstrate that the novel coronavirus is continuing to take a toll on the county, even as officials weigh whether to reopen some schools for in-person instruction.
A frustration of late in that regard, for Orange County and across the state, has been significant issues with the CalREDIE electronic system, which collects information from laboratories and feeds it to state and local health departments.
Advertisement
A series of data failures have created a backlog of as many as 300,000 test results, the state said Friday, and left counties in the dark as to precisely how many new coronavirus infections have been confirmed in their communities.
While the exact impact on Orange County is unclear, “we are expecting a large number of results, positive and negative, to be entered into the system when the state fixes it,” Dr. Clayton Chau, director of the Orange County Health Care Agency and acting county health officer, said during a media briefing Friday.
As it relates to schools, the California Department of Public Health recently announced guidelines for granting waivers enabling elementary schools to reopen, but indicated that counties with case rates above 200 per 100,000 residents should not consider applying.
Without accurate case data, Chau said, there’s no way to know whether Orange County is below that threshold.
“In the process of calling the school back and acknowledging their application, we also inform them that, ‘Hey, thank you for the application, I’m glad you submitted the application, but you need to know the conversation can’t start until we know what our community case rate is,’” Chau said.
Advertisement
Although the county announced only 43 new coronavirus infections Friday — boosting its cumulative total to 38,754 — officials noted that problems on the state’s end “may result in a lower number of daily COVID-positive cases received and tests reported.”
The county also has now recorded 704 total COVID-19 fatalities. An estimated 29,009 people have recovered.
As case counts continue to rise, county health officials have regularly urged residents to take steps to prevent transmission of the virus — including physical distancing, regular hand washing and wearing face coverings in public.
During the pandemic, Orange County has emerged as a hot spot of mask resistance, even though public health experts have said wearing them is an effective way to decrease the spread of the coronavirus.
Though Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide order on June 18 for Californians to wear face coverings while in public, enforcement has been another issue. Several Southern California cities, including Costa Mesa in Orange County, have threatened to fine those who don’t cover up in public, but many haven’t.
Some law enforcement agencies also have been reluctant to enforce the mandate, saying their resources and attention are better spent elsewhere.
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes is among those who shares that opinion. He reiterated Friday that he believes “it’s not a law enforcement function to enforce compliance with face coverings.”
“It’s a better use of our resources to go after crime suppression, crime solving and crime prevention than to be tasked with mask compliance,” he said during a media briefing.
Tracking coronavirus in Orange County The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County, including cases, deaths, closures and restrictions.
He added, however, that the department doesn’t take a hands-off approach when it comes to encouraging compliance with health orders.
“If somebody’s not compliant as a business, we will talk to them and see if we can get voluntary compliance,” he said. “At times when businesses are reluctant to comply, we have taken criminal reports and submitted them to the district attorney’s office for filing consideration. So, it’s not that we aren’t doing anything, we just aren’t arresting people for not wearing a mask.”
But in response to follow-up questions, Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Carrie Braun said those remarks were incorrect and that “no reports or cases have been provided” to the D.A.’s office.
“Deputies have taken information reports on non-compliant businesses, sometimes coupled with referrals to state agencies. That has been sufficient to obtain compliance,” she wrote in an email.


latimes--2020-08-07--L.A. might cancel real estate projects tied to City Hall corruption

Los Angeles could revoke city permits and approvals for real estate projects if the City Council finds that developers or their representatives engaged in corruption , under a new ordinance proposed by City Atty .
Mike Feuer .
In a letter to council members , Feuer said the city needs an effective tool to address development decisions “ tainted by corruption and fraud ” and to help restore public faith in City Hall .
He urged the council to pass the ordinance swiftly and “ put it to use ” on projects implicated in the ongoing probe .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the specter of corruption and fraud that looms over the city ’ s land-use decision-making process , ” he wrote .
Feuer ’ s proposal comes weeks after the arrest of Councilman Jose Huizar , who has been accused by federal prosecutors of heading a criminal enterprise fueled by bribes from developers .
Huizar pleaded not guilty this week to bribery , money laundering , racketeering and several other charges .
The investigation has netted guilty pleas from former Councilman Mitchell Englander , former Huizar aide George Esparza , real estate consultant George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several real estate projects have been mentioned in the criminal indictment , but so far no developers have been arrested or publicly charged .
Although prosecutors have not named the projects in the criminal case , details in the Huizar indictment make clear that they have concluded the alleged bribery schemes involve : • A planned at the corner of Hill Street and Olympic Boulevard .
• A being built in the Arts District .
• A proposed for property occupied by the L.A. Grand Hotel Downtown on Figueroa Street .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ L.A. Live entertainment complex with new hotel and residential towers .
An attorney for Shenzhen Hazens , the developer of the Luxe project , said he is unaware of any legal authority that would allow the city to take “ unilateral action ” to stop the company from receiving its building permits .
“ Instead , this action appears to violate the law and could subject the city to significant liability , ” said the lawyer , Ben Reznik .
“ It is also worth noting that the project will be an enormous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as it is expected to generate hundreds of construction jobs and , once completed , hundreds of permanent jobs.
” Feuer already moved in June to rescind approvals for the sale of alcoholic beverages and live entertainment at the planned Luxe project .
The city attorney said that at his direction , the building department also had placed holds on permits for projects connected to the case .
Land-use attorneys told The Times that whether the city can block such projects could hinge , in part , on whether developers have obtained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can complete a project even after government officials change the rules about what can be built .
Feuer ’ s proposed ordinance states that developers have no vested rights if their permits or approvals were “ procured by corruption or fraud.
” Under the draft law , the council could vote to revoke approvals or terminate applications for building projects in which developers , owners or their representatives have violated corruption laws or falsified facts .
Revoking city approvals for such a project would require a two-thirds vote of the council .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ implicated in the alleged wrongdoing would be barred from being involved in the process , according to the ordinance .
The law would also allow real estate developers and others to be barred from pursuing future developments in Los Angeles for a set period of time , or ban them permanently .
Jill Stewart , an editor and activist involved with the group Livable California , said that Feuer “ seems to be coming from the right place.
” But she argued the proposed ordinance “ doesn ’ t touch the other half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected officials themselves.
” “ Who will watch the elected leaders as they watch the developers ?
” Stewart asked , complaining that the council had drastically pared back a package of proposed campaign finance reforms backed by the city Ethics Commission .
“ The electeds have to bend to intensive reform to win back the public , and they know this.
” Among the four projects , the 77-story skyscraper on Figueroa Street has not yet been approved .
The other three projects have been approved and either have not begun construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carmel Partners , which is building the 35-story tower , and Dae Yong Lee , developer of the project at Olympic and Hill , did not provide comment on the proposed ordinance .
Stuart Waldman , president of Valley Industry and Commerce Assn.
, said the proposed ordinance would put the city on a “ slippery slope , ” allowing officials to go after projects that “ they just don ’ t like.
” Waldman also questioned whether the city can go after developers who haven ’ t admitted guilt or had charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city were to stop the project , that would cost these developers a significant amount of money , and those developers would turn around and sue the city , ” he said .
Determining whether a project is tainted by corruption could be contested terrain .
Carmel Partners has previously stated that the Huizar criminal complaint contains false or misleading statements , but did not elaborate .
The firm said members of its executive and management committees did not knowingly participate in a pay-to-play scheme .
Attorney Ariel Neuman , who is representing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is cooperating in the federal investigation and looks forward to “ a swift resolution clearing his name.
” In recent weeks , several council members have called for the city to look at repealing approvals for projects mentioned in the criminal case .
AIDS Healthcare Foundation , a nonprofit group that has been a vocal player in local debates over development , sued the city earlier this week to stop some projects vetted by Huizar and Englander .
Feuer is running for mayor in 2022 and will probably have to contend with questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , FBI agents raided the city attorney ’ s office as part of an investigation into the city ’ s handling of billing problems at the Department of Water and Power .

L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer has proposed an ordinance that would allow the city to repeal approvals for building projects in which developers or their representatives engaged in corruption.
Los Angeles could revoke city permits and approvals for real estate projects if the City Council finds that developers or their representatives engaged in corruption, under a new ordinance proposed by City Atty. Mike Feuer.
In a letter to council members, Feuer said the city needs an effective tool to address development decisions “tainted by corruption and fraud” and to help restore public faith in City Hall. He urged the council to pass the ordinance swiftly and “put it to use” on projects implicated in the ongoing probe.
“The city must take decisive action to address the specter of corruption and fraud that looms over the city’s land-use decision-making process,” he wrote.
Advertisement
Feuer’s proposal comes weeks after the arrest of Councilman Jose Huizar, who has been accused by federal prosecutors of heading a criminal enterprise fueled by bribes from developers. Huizar pleaded not guilty this week to bribery, money laundering, racketeering and several other charges.
Proposed Ordinance on Revoking Building Approvals Proposed ordinance allowing Los Angeles to revoke building approvals
The investigation has netted guilty pleas from former Councilman Mitchell Englander, former Huizar aide George Esparza, real estate consultant George Chiang and political fundraiser Justin Jangwoo Kim. Several real estate projects have been mentioned in the criminal indictment, but so far no developers have been arrested or publicly charged.
Although prosecutors have not named the projects in the criminal case, details in the Huizar indictment make clear that they have concluded the alleged bribery schemes involve:
• A 20-story residential tower planned at the corner of Hill Street and Olympic Boulevard.
• A 35-story tower being built in the Arts District.
• A 77-story skyscraper proposed for property occupied by the L.A. Grand Hotel Downtown on Figueroa Street.
• Plans to replace the Luxe City Center Hotel across from the L.A. Live entertainment complex with new hotel and residential towers.
An attorney for Shenzhen Hazens, the developer of the Luxe project, said he is unaware of any legal authority that would allow the city to take “unilateral action” to stop the company from receiving its building permits.
“Instead, this action appears to violate the law and could subject the city to significant liability,” said the lawyer, Ben Reznik. “It is also worth noting that the project will be an enormous benefit to the citizens of Los Angeles, as it is expected to generate hundreds of construction jobs and, once completed, hundreds of permanent jobs.”
Advertisement
Feuer already moved in June to rescind approvals for the sale of alcoholic beverages and live entertainment at the planned Luxe project. The city attorney said that at his direction, the building department also had placed holds on permits for projects connected to the case.
Land-use attorneys told The Times that whether the city can block such projects could hinge, in part, on whether developers have obtained “vested rights,” which ensure they can complete a project even after government officials change the rules about what can be built.
Letter from City Attorney Mike Feuer Letter from Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer on proposed ordinance
Feuer’s proposed ordinance states that developers have no vested rights if their permits or approvals were “procured by corruption or fraud.” Under the draft law, the council could vote to revoke approvals or terminate applications for building projects in which developers, owners or their representatives have violated corruption laws or falsified facts.
Revoking city approvals for such a project would require a two-thirds vote of the council. Any city employee or official who is implicated in the alleged wrongdoing would be barred from being involved in the process, according to the ordinance.
The law would also allow real estate developers and others to be barred from pursuing future developments in Los Angeles for a set period of time, or ban them permanently.
Jill Stewart, an editor and activist involved with the group Livable California, said that Feuer “seems to be coming from the right place.” But she argued the proposed ordinance “doesn’t touch the other half of L.A.’s corruption problem — the elected officials themselves.”
“Who will watch the elected leaders as they watch the developers?” Stewart asked, complaining that the council had drastically pared back a package of proposed campaign finance reforms backed by the city Ethics Commission. “The electeds have to bend to intensive reform to win back the public, and they know this.”
Among the four projects, the 77-story skyscraper on Figueroa Street has not yet been approved. The other three projects have been approved and either have not begun construction or are under way.
Representatives of Carmel Partners, which is building the 35-story tower, and Dae Yong Lee, developer of the project at Olympic and Hill, did not provide comment on the proposed ordinance.
Stuart Waldman, president of Valley Industry and Commerce Assn., said the proposed ordinance would put the city on a “slippery slope,” allowing officials to go after projects that “they just don’t like.” Waldman also questioned whether the city can go after developers who haven’t admitted guilt or had charges brought against them.
“If the city were to stop the project, that would cost these developers a significant amount of money, and those developers would turn around and sue the city,” he said.
Determining whether a project is tainted by corruption could be contested terrain. Carmel Partners has previously stated that the Huizar criminal complaint contains false or misleading statements, but did not elaborate. The firm said members of its executive and management committees did not knowingly participate in a pay-to-play scheme.
Attorney Ariel Neuman, who is representing Lee, has said previously that Lee is cooperating in the federal investigation and looks forward to “a swift resolution clearing his name.”
In recent weeks, several council members have called for the city to look at repealing approvals for projects mentioned in the criminal case. AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a nonprofit group that has been a vocal player in local debates over development, sued the city earlier this week to stop some projects vetted by Huizar and Englander.
Feuer is running for mayor in 2022 and will probably have to contend with questions about a separate federal probe. Last year, FBI agents raided the city attorney’s office as part of an investigation into the city’s handling of billing problems at the Department of Water and Power.


latimes--2020-08-07--Ventura County firefighters rescue chickens from fiery demise

Some ingenuity , a set of children ’ s oxygen masks and a little empathy helped Ventura County firefighters make the best of a fowl situation as about 18 members rescued seven chickens from a garage fire in Camarillo on Thursday afternoon .
Capt .
Brian McGrath , a county Fire Department spokesman , said firefighters arrived at a detached garage ablaze in Camarillo Heights at 3:45 p.m .
Though it took only 15 minutes to douse the blaze , several nearby chickens demonstrated signs “ of distress and disorientation.
” “ The firefighters were on scene and knew it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing them , ” McGrath said .
“ It was decided to get them as much oxygen as needed.
” The department is equipped with pet oxygen masks for dogs and cats , but those devices were useless because they were created for animals with snouts , not beaks , McGrath said .
Firefighters improvised and pulled out pediatric masks and placed them near the beaks of several chickens while gently massaging their bodies .
McGrath said the masks could not be directly strapped to the creatures because too much oxygen would also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portion of the face covering with their hands to allow for a mixture with regular air .
“ They were just trying to do what they could do to reinvigorate the chickens , ” McGrath said of the firefighters .
“ It doesn ’ t happen very often where we have birds or reptiles that we ’ re trying to save , but if they are alive , we ’ ll try to keep them that way.
” McGrath was unaware of the total number of chickens on the premises but was confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an earlier report that only four birds were revived .
It is believed the fire started on a nearby patch of grass and brush that included debris and lawn decorations .
An investigation is underway .
Only the detached garage burned and there was no damage to the nearby home .
The homeowner did thank firefighters for their efforts in rescuing the chickens , McGrath said .
“ As I ’ ve learned in this career , you never know what ’ s important to a homeowner , ” McGrath said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard , do the best we can and hope we can save what we can save .
”

Members of the Ventura County Fire Department rescued and revived seven chickens that suffered smoke inhalation during a fire Thursday in a garage in Camarillo Heights.
Some ingenuity, a set of children’s oxygen masks and a little empathy helped Ventura County firefighters make the best of a fowl situation as about 18 members rescued seven chickens from a garage fire in Camarillo on Thursday afternoon.
Capt. Brian McGrath, a county Fire Department spokesman, said firefighters arrived at a detached garage ablaze in Camarillo Heights at 3:45 p.m. Though it took only 15 minutes to douse the blaze, several nearby chickens demonstrated signs “of distress and disorientation.”
“The firefighters were on scene and knew it was smoke inhalation and it was possibly killing them,” McGrath said. “It was decided to get them as much oxygen as needed.”
Advertisement
The department is equipped with pet oxygen masks for dogs and cats, but those devices were useless because they were created for animals with snouts, not beaks, McGrath said.
Firefighters improvised and pulled out pediatric masks and placed them near the beaks of several chickens while gently massaging their bodies.
McGrath said the masks could not be directly strapped to the creatures because too much oxygen would also be injurious, so firefighters muffled a portion of the face covering with their hands to allow for a mixture with regular air.
#LemonFire; FF’s found multiple chickens at the residence. 4 were revived using oxygen after being exposed to smoke and heat. @Vcfd pic.twitter.com/PYzt2CZXtq — VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) August 6, 2020
“They were just trying to do what they could do to reinvigorate the chickens,” McGrath said of the firefighters. “It doesn’t happen very often where we have birds or reptiles that we’re trying to save, but if they are alive, we’ll try to keep them that way.”
McGrath was unaware of the total number of chickens on the premises but was confident “a majority survived” and corrected an earlier report that only four birds were revived.
Advertisement
It is believed the fire started on a nearby patch of grass and brush that included debris and lawn decorations. An investigation is underway.
Only the detached garage burned and there was no damage to the nearby home. The homeowner did thank firefighters for their efforts in rescuing the chickens, McGrath said.
“As I’ve learned in this career, you never know what’s important to a homeowner,” McGrath said. “We’re always going to try hard, do the best we can and hope we can save what we can save.”


latimes--2020-08-06--California tops 10,000 coronavirus-related deaths

The death toll from the coronavirus in California surpassed 10,000 people on Thursday , a mark that underscores how a state that was once hailed as a pandemic success story is now struggling to slow outbreaks .
The surge of the coronavirus in California over the last two months had several causes , including the reopening of the economy that allowed COVID-19 to spread rapidly among low-wage workers , many of them Latino essential workers whose employers haven ’ t followed new infection control rules .
But summer celebrations among young people is also a recurring problem , and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreaks .
As of Friday morning , California had at least 541,494 confirmed cases and 10,028 deaths .
California now has more cases than any other state , but the death toll is still well below that of New York , which has recorded more than 32,700 fatalities .
Los Angeles County has by far the most deaths in the state , with at least 4,869 .
On Thursday , the county hit another somber milestone , topping 200,000 total cases .
A big problem persists in agricultural areas of California , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Joaquin Valley has seen hospitalizations increase 500 % over the last two months .
There are some signs that the surge may be peaking in California on average , although it will take a few more weeks to know for sure .
A Los Angeles Times analysis on Monday found that its first weekly reduction in new confirmed coronavirus cases for the first time in 12 weeks .
For the seven-day period that ended Sunday , California reported 59,697 new coronavirus cases , a drop of 9 % from the previous week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record .
If the trends continue , it would mark a turning point after weeks of record hospitalizations that began in mid-June , the result of California starting to rapidly reopen the economy in May .
But a serious breakdown in the electronic collection of coronavirus test data has raised questions about how accurate the numbers are , frustrating health officials .
Some public health officials have resorted to counting results by hand , and a growing number of counties have warned the public that statistics provided by the state on infection rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the electronic system for gathering and analyzing COVID-19 infection rates affect the state ’ s ability to track the spread of the virus and could be resulting in significant undercounts of infections across the state .
The data processing problem , however , has not affected the tracking of hospitalizations .
And hospitalizations statewide have begun to improve .
California experienced its highest number of average daily COVID-19 hospitalizations about two weeks ago ; the week of July 20 , there were an average of 6,969 people in hospitals statewide .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That improvement was the first time in 10 weeks California has seen such a reduction in average daily hospitalizations .

Sean Greene, Rong-Gong Lin II, Colleen Shalby, Iris Lee

The death toll from the coronavirus in California surpassed 10,000 people on Thursday, a mark that underscores how a state that was once hailed as a pandemic success story is now struggling to slow outbreaks.
The surge of the coronavirus in California over the last two months had several causes, including the reopening of the economy that allowed COVID-19 to spread rapidly among low-wage workers, many of them Latino essential workers whose employers haven’t followed new infection control rules. But summer celebrations among young people is also a recurring problem, and one particularly frustrating to officials trying to slow outbreaks.
As of Friday morning, California had at least 541,494 confirmed cases and 10,028 deaths. California now has more cases than any other state, but the death toll is still well below that of New York, which has recorded more than 32,700 fatalities.
Advertisement
Los Angeles County has by far the most deaths in the state, with at least 4,869. On Thursday, the county hit another somber milestone, topping 200,000 total cases.
A big problem persists in agricultural areas of California, such as the Central Valley.
The eight-county San Joaquin Valley has seen hospitalizations increase 500% over the last two months.
There are some signs that the surge may be peaking in California on average, although it will take a few more weeks to know for sure.
A Los Angeles Times analysis on Monday found that California has now experienced its first weekly reduction in new confirmed coronavirus cases for the first time in 12 weeks. For the seven-day period that ended Sunday, California reported 59,697 new coronavirus cases, a drop of 9% from the previous week of 65,634 cases, which was a record.
If the trends continue, it would mark a turning point after weeks of record hospitalizations that began in mid-June, the result of California starting to rapidly reopen the economy in May.
Advertisement
But a serious breakdown in the electronic collection of coronavirus test data has raised questions about how accurate the numbers are, frustrating health officials. Some public health officials have resorted to counting results by hand, and a growing number of counties have warned the public that statistics provided by the state on infection rates are unreliable.
The ongoing technical problems with the electronic system for gathering and analyzing COVID-19 infection rates affect the state’s ability to track the spread of the virus and could be resulting in significant undercounts of infections across the state.
The data processing problem, however, has not affected the tracking of hospitalizations. And hospitalizations statewide have begun to improve.
California experienced its highest number of average daily COVID-19 hospitalizations about two weeks ago; the week of July 20, there were an average of 6,969 people in hospitals statewide. That number fell last week to 6,632. That improvement was the first time in 10 weeks California has seen such a reduction in average daily hospitalizations.