latimes--2020-11-07--Fireworks, Champagne and dancing in the streets of L.A. as Biden and Harris win

The sounds of celebration rose up from the streets of Silver Lake , Hollywood , Glendale .
Angelenos rejoiced at the news Saturday that Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump to win the presidency .
In a history-making turn , Vice President-elect Kamala Harris became the first woman , the first Black person and the first Asian American to win the office .
In the hills of Echo Park , people whooped and whistled from their homes , banged drums , honked their car horns and set off thundering fireworks .
Neighbors swigged from Champagne bottles .
Similar scenes played out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with pots clanging and shouts echoing from balconies and windows .
In Koreatown , cheers broke out amid the quiet morning as people saw the news .
“ Ay , Santo Bendito [ there is a blessed saint ] , ” said another .
A dance party erupted on a street corner in Los Feliz .
The YG song “ F— Donald Trump ” blasted from one car , and outside Figaro Bistrot , patrons clapped as the national anthem played from someone ’ s phone .
A couple of blocks away , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a bagpiper played as a cowbell was rung nearby .
A cardboard sign reading “ It ’ s Over ” was pinned to a tree .
Inside Bollywood Music and Gifts in Artesia , no one had to tell Simran Garcha , 47 , about the election results .
She knew that Biden ’ s win meant Harris would become the 49th vice president of the United States .
“ We are excited to see a woman in the White House , ” Garcha said .
“ We are very proud to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An American citizen , Garcha didn ’ t vote for Trump in either election .
She did like that he was a businessman and tried to give him a chance but had trouble getting past remarks he made about immigrants .
When he lost , she said , it was a statement that Americans wanted change .
Garcha came to the U.S. in 2003 .
She opened up her small store in Little India , a stretch of Pioneer Boulevard lined with a sari shop , jewelry store and Indian restaurants .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and freedom , because life wasn ’ t as strict for a woman .
That ’ s why when she heard a woman was going to become vice president , she couldn ’ t think much but to repeat what she felt : About 100 people were celebrating at Sunset Junction in Silver Lake , waving American flags and holding up posters that read , “ Vote Him Out ” and “ Prez Biden.
” Drivers honked and grinned as they passed by .
A man in a red sweatshirt ran into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Market and high-fived all the passengers of a silver sedan , where the driver was blasting “ I ’ m Every Woman.
” Sunset Boulevard resembled a continuous , slow-moving victory parade , as motorists laid on their horns and passengers leaned out of car windows , waving flags and beating saucepans and tambourines .
“ I didn ’ t breathe since Tuesday , ” said Bernadette Colomine , taking a break from dancing on the side of the street .
“ But now , ” she said with an audible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over.
” Colomine , 62 , a voice-over actor , said she felt both “ anger and elation ” that a woman had been elected vice president .
Anger , she said , that it has taken this long ; elation that the tide has seemingly turned on what she described as the Republican Party ’ s “ war on women.
” “ It ’ s so overdue , ” Colomine said , “ and at the same time , it ’ s unbelievable it has finally happened.
” Pilar Damato , 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sidewalk along Sunset , pushing her young daughter in a stroller .
With Harris the vice-president elect , Damato , who is Black , thought back to 2008 .
“ A lot of people said , ‘ I never thought I ’ d see the day a Black person became president , ” she recalled .
“ I felt those people just hadn ’ t seen enough successful Black people .
Black people have been in positions of influence , behind the scenes , for a long time .
Black women won this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worker , Damato hopes that under a Biden administration , the country can address deep-seated issues — healthcare , income distribution , a dearth of jobs — that have riven the electorate and shaped an impression among some Americans that prosperity is a zero-sum game .
“ If people had jobs , if people had healthcare , if people had money , there ’ d be less of the notion that they ’ re competing for them with Black and brown people , ” she said For her daughter , who is mixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grow up to not be surprised when Black people , Black women , come to positions of power .
“ I feel it ’ s almost an insult to say , ‘ I ’ d have never thought ... .
’ It ’ s a testament to how we ’ re expected to be in a position to lose , to adapt to whatever circumstances someone else has set for us , ” she said .
“ And I don ’ t think my daughter will have to expect that.
” About noon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ median along a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard where “ ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER ” had been painted after massive protests earlier in the year .
They danced and played drums and chanted slogans in a happy call and response as a stream of cars passed by , almost all of the drivers honking in support .
“ Show me what America looks like !
” shouted one man into a megaphone .
“ This is what America looks like !
” came the response from the crowd .
In a corner of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Crenshaw , and Joan Scheckel , 48 , of Hollywood knelt on the ground in front of the iconic Dolby Theatre .
They clasped hands in the air between them as Hall raised his other hand in a fist to the sky .
Both said they were there to mark a moment — and an opportunity .
“ It ’ s about me using my voice to fight for change and against injustices , ” said Hall .
“ Biden and Harris are a good start , but we still have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an epoch change , ” said Scheckel .
“ This moment of grace , we walk through together .
The change will be how we act with the energy we feel right now.
” Scheckel said a lot of work went into the election win , and a lot more will be required to secure the social justice that protesters have been calling for in American streets for months .
“ Now it ’ s time to carry on and carry it deep and bring it through , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa Monica Boulevard , wearing a foam headpiece of orange locks teased up in pink curlers .
A designer had fashioned the headpieces for the show Project Runway , and McBain , 40 , snapped up 12 of them , which he and his friends bring out only on special occasions , he said : Halloween , trips to Palm Springs , and this morning , when the country learned Trump ’ s first term had ended in defeat .
For McBain , a music teacher , climate change was a key issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward to a Biden administration “ un-rolling back ” environmental protections .
He ’ s concerned that Trump still enjoys the support of a significant share of the country , and what the president might do before he leaves office , “ but I ’ m not going to worry about that today , ” he said , as a car drove past blasting Ariana Grande ’ s “ thank u , next.
” “ I ’ m going to worry about that on Monday.
” Anna Scremin had no say in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brazil , living in Los Angeles to pursue acting — but she nonetheless followed the campaign and the vote tally closely , with no small amount of trepidation .
As a member of the LGBTQ community , Scremin , 19 , had hoped voters would unseat “ someone who hates us in power.
” She drew a parallel between Trump and Jair Bolsonaro , Brazil ’ s authoritarian leader , who has made no secret of his revulsion for gay people .
And as an immigrant living in the country on a student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clear path toward citizenship under the Trump administration .
She hopes that will change with Biden in the White House .
Scremin was surprised at the smoldering emotions that defined this year ’ s election cycle .
In Brazil , she said , voting is compulsory , and feels perfunctory to many people .
Here , she said , people seem far more invested in the political process .
“ It ’ s beautiful , ” she said , “ seeing so many people trying to make change.
” Heather Fels pushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa Monica Boulevard in a stroller , the boy gripping a cardboard sign that read , “ You ’ re fired !
” For Fels , an OB-GYN , and her husband , Pablo Guzman , an anaesthesiologist , Biden ’ s victory brought a sense of profound relief .
“ For the first time in four years , I feel I can breathe , ” Fels said .
Fels said she has spent the past four years wondering if the Trump administration might at any moment restrict or force some change on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthcare to women .
Even with Trump losing reelection , she worries about the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court , further cementing a conservative majority that may prove to be Trump ’ s last and most enduring victory .
“ I ’ m absolutely concerned about the integrity of Roe v. Wade , ” Fels said .
Scattered showers that fell across the region didn ’ t dampen people ’ s enthusiasm .
A break in the rain clouds allowed a small but boisterous group of 20 Black Lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s victory and , just as importantly to them , Trump ’ s defeat , in South Pasadena .
Fahren James , a BLM organizer , wasn ’ t sure she would head to the streets because she ’ d been battling migraine headaches and fatigue .
“ This is a good day — no — a great day , ” James said .
“ I wasn ’ t going to come out here , but I had to acknowledge the work that ’ s been done to get to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new beginning for us.
” James and fellow BLM activist Victoria Patterson were putting the finishing touches on a 12-foot banner that read “ We the People.
” They unfurled the sign , which led to a ringing chorus of car horns at the busy intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Mission Street .
“ It feels amazing to be here and to have this victory because this has been a long fight , ” Patterson said .
Various organizations have used the corner as a gathering point for protests , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ re here not just to celebrate , but to recognize that it ’ s no longer ‘ just vote and you ’ re done , ’ no , ” James said .
“ Now we ’ re going to hold our elected officials accountable and we ’ re going to hold the Democratic Party accountable .
We ’ re going to celebrate and then get back to work.
” The same exultant mood was breaking out across the state .
With a bottle of Trader Joe ’ s pumpkin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wine glass in the other , Liz Coleman stood on a busy Sacramento street corner Saturday morning , celebrating what she dubbed “ the right choice.
” Nearby , family and friends waved “ Bye , Don ” signs at passing cars , with their drivers honking appreciation .
“ I ’ m so happy , ” said Coleman , looking skyward as if her prayers had been answered .
“ So happy.
” Across the city , small celebrations like hers were popping up : convertibles with passengers waving Biden signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In San Francisco , people ’ s morning routines were broken by sounds of joy .
Social media sites were awash with videos of the spontaneous eruption of sound throughout the city as the announcement was received and spread .
Hundreds later gathered at a workers ’ unite rally at Harry Bridges Plaza along the Embarcadero .
Participants in the mostly masked and socially distanced crowd occasionally broke into spontaneous bouts of dancing and even hugs as a band played music and speakers urged the crowd to continue working to keep their voices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relieved , ” said Miriam Walden , a 10th-grade teacher in the Albany public school system .
“ But we have a long struggle ahead.
” She said for activists such as herself , now was not the time to become complacent .
“ We need to get resources to our classrooms and get our students back into our schools , ” she said .
And she ’ s looking forward to waking up in January and not having to worry , every morning , whether her undocumented students would be ok. “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
In the middle of the Embarcadero , street performer Rob Bass played Kool and the Gang ’ s “ Celebration ” over and over again , while a young man in a kitty-eared headband danced nearby .
A man wearing nothing but a top hat greeted celebratory pedestrians and Rollerbladers with a nod .
Still , some places showed signs of strain from the deep political divide that has split much of the country .
About 400 Trump supporters gathered at California ’ s Capitol building , where a smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spot on a street corner , waving signs for the president-elect as a caravan of a dozen cars with Trump and American flags went by .
Trump and Biden supporters came face to face at an intersection nearby with neither side willing to cede ground or the election .
They screamed at each other that the other candidate was racist and their man had won .
While the two sides were mostly peaceful , tempers were on edge .
A skateboarder crossing the street in front of a blue Jeep with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double middle finger before spitting on the vehicle and riding away .
The driver of the Jeep jumped out and gave chase for about a half block before giving up .
Several hundred miles south in Orange County , dozens gathered along the Huntington Beach Pier , divided into camps of Biden and Trump supporters .
The sound of cars honking nearly drowned out the rain .
Danielle Manatt and Destinee Nicholson , 25 , cheered and shouted as cars with Biden signs passed and booed cars with Trump flags .
The two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Champagne .
They didn ’ t plan on joining the rally , but saw a lone Biden supporter at the corner as they were leaving Starbucks with their chestnut praline lattes .
As young women in a conservative city , they knew they should join .
The women ’ s rights advocates could not wait to see Harris at the helm .
It brought the best friends to tears .
“ She ’ s opened doors for all of us .
We shouldn ’ t have to argue that women should have rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ It ’ s like we ’ ve been going back in time , ” Nicholson said .
Hundreds of Trump supporters stood packed together at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Canon Drive in Beverly Hills waving “ Don ’ t Tread On Me ” banners , blue and black police-support flags and homemade signs as a few drones flew overhead .
“ Four more years !
” they chanted as drivers honked their support .
Occasionally a Biden/Harris supporter passed by the protest in a car or on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle finger and shouting “ You lost !
” Thomas Nguyen , 61 , took his place in a line of Trump supporters sporting a “ Vietnamese Americans for Trump ” T-shirt and waving an American flag .
The accountant was incensed by what he described as the Democrats ’ attempts to “ steal ” the election .
Asked if he would recognize Biden as president should Trump concede , Nguyen said , “ He will never concede , because the righteous will always win.
” Unlike most people at the rally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he explained that he only wore it because it was emblazoned with Trump ’ s face .
Carrie Johnson , who drove to Beverly Hills in a caravan from Mission Viejo , said she doesn ’ t recognize the Associated Press and most other news organizations calling the race in Biden ’ s favor .
“ The media doesn ’ t decide the election — the people do , ” she said .
Were Biden to take office , Johnson said she wouldn ’ t recognize him as president .
“ I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to acknowledge Biden as our president , ” she said .
“ He was not elected by the people .
They ’ ve cheated the election ; they ’ ve stolen it.
” Times staff writers David Zahniser , Sarah Parvini , Lila Seidman , Andrea Castillo , Bettina Boxall , Allison Wisk , Colleen Shalby , Maya Lau , Laura Nelson , Julia Wick , Seema Mehta , Jaclyn Cosgrove , Thomas Curwen and Gale Holland contributed to this report .

Alex Wigglesworth, Ruben Vives, Andrew J. Campa, Matthew Ormseth, Anita Chabria, Kevin Rector, Susanne Rust, Stephanie Lai

In the hills of Echo Park, people whooped and whistled from their homes, banged drums, honked their car horns and set off thundering fireworks.
In front of City Hall, they swigged from Champagne bottles.
On Hollywood Bouelvard, people took a knee.
In West Hollywood, they formed a spontaneous car parade that only grew as the news spread that Joe Biden would become the next president of the United States.
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It came as little surprise that in Los Angeles, a center of resistance to President Trump for the last four years, many people greeted Trump’s defeat with unbridled joy. Many celebrated another history-making turn: California Sen. Kamala Harris becoming the first woman, the first Black person and the first Asian American to win the vice presidency.
Saturday morning turned into a block party across the the city, a celebration more widespread — if less boisterous — than those that erupted after the Lakers and Dodgers won championships in recent weeks. In a city battered by the twin medical and economic crises posed by the coronavirus pandemic, many considered Biden’s victory a welcome respite from a grim year, a hopeful day that promised better times ahead.
A dance party erupted on a street corner in Los Feliz. YG and Nipsey Hussle’s “F— Donald Trump” blasted from one car, and outside Figaro Bistrot, patrons clapped as the national anthem played from someone’s phone.
A couple of blocks away, on a corner on Los Feliz Boulevard, a bagpiper played as a cowbell was rung nearby. A cardboard sign reading “It’s Over” was pinned to a tree.
Inside Bollywood Music and Gifts in Artesia, no one had to tell Simran Garcha, 47, about the election results. She knew that Biden’s win meant Harris would become the 49th vice president of the United States.
“We are excited to see a woman in the White House,” Garcha said. “We are very proud to see her as someone from India.”
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An American citizen, Garcha didn’t vote for Trump in either election. She did like that he was a businessman and tried to give him a chance but had trouble getting past remarks he made about immigrants.
“We work hard,” she said.
When he lost, she said, it was a statement that Americans wanted change.
Garcha came to the U.S. in 2003. She opened up her small store in Little India, a stretch of Pioneer Boulevard lined with a sari shop, jewelry store and Indian restaurants.
She moved to the U.S. for more opportunities and freedom, because life wasn’t as strict for a woman. That’s why when she heard a woman was going to become vice president, she couldn’t think much but to repeat what she felt:
“I feel very proud.”
Politics Kamala Harris makes history many times over as vice president-elect Kamala Harris will be the first female vice president, as well as the first Black and Asian American person to occupy that post.
About 100 people were celebrating at Sunset Junction in Silver Lake, waving American flags and holding up posters that read, “Vote Him Out” and “Prez Biden.” Drivers honked and grinned as they passed by. A man in a red sweatshirt ran into the intersection next to the Silver Lake Farmer’s Market and high-fived all the passengers of a silver sedan, where the driver was blasting “I’m Every Woman.”
Sunset Boulevard resembled a continuous, slow-moving victory parade, as motorists laid on their horns and passengers leaned out of car windows, waving flags and beating saucepans and tambourines.
“I didn’t breathe since Tuesday,” said Bernadette Colomine, taking a break from dancing on the side of the street. “But now,” she said with an audible exhale, “it’s all over.”
Colomine, 62, a voice-over actor, said she felt both “anger and elation” that a woman had been elected vice president. Anger, she said, that it has taken this long; elation that the tide has seemingly turned on what she described as the Republican Party’s “war on women.”
“It’s so overdue,” Colomine said, “and at the same time, it’s unbelievable it has finally happened.”
Cheers fill the air in this Los Angeles neighborhood after Biden and Harris are announced winners of the election pic.twitter.com/f4bmPMDlav — Allison Wisk (@allisonwisk) November 7, 2020
About noon, a crowd had gathered in a median along a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard where “ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER” had been painted after massive protests earlier in the year.
They danced and played drums and chanted slogans in a happy call and response as a stream of cars passed by, almost all of the drivers honking in support.
“Show me what America looks like!” shouted one man into a megaphone.
“This is what America looks like!” came the response from the crowd.
In a corner of the gathering, Dominique Hall, 30, of Crenshaw, and Joan Scheckel, 48, of Hollywood knelt on the ground in front of the iconic Dolby Theatre. They clasped hands in the air between them as Hall raised his other hand in a fist to the sky.
Both said they were there to mark a moment — and an opportunity.
“It’s about me using my voice to fight for change and against injustices,” Hall said. “Biden and Harris are a good start, but we still have a long way to go.”
Dominique Hall, 30, of Crenshaw, & Joan Scheckel, 48, of Hollywood, knelt and clasped hands.
Both said they were here to mark an opportunity.
“Biden and Harris are a good start, but we still have a long way to go,” said Hall.
“This is an epoch change,” said Scheckel. pic.twitter.com/5a6i9kYMyJ — Kevin Rector (@kevrector) November 7, 2020
Ron McBain danced on the side of Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, wearing a foam headpiece of orange locks teased up in pink curlers. A designer had fashioned the headpieces for the show “Project Runway,” and McBain, 40, snapped up 12 of them, which he and his friends bring out only on special occasions, he said: Halloween, trips to Palm Springs, and this morning, when the country learned Trump’s first term had ended in defeat.
For McBain, a music teacher, climate change was a key issue during the campaign, and he looks forward to a Biden administration “un-rolling back” environmental protections. He’s concerned that Trump still enjoys the support of a significant share of the country, and what the president might do before he leaves office, “but I’m not going to worry about that today,” he said, as a car drove past blasting Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next.” “I’m going to worry about that on Monday.”
Heather Fels pushed her 1-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son down Santa Monica Boulevard in a stroller, the boy gripping a cardboard sign that read, “You’re fired!”
For Fels, an OB-GYN, and her husband, Pablo Guzman, an anesthesiologist, Biden’s victory brought a sense of profound relief.
“For the first time in four years, I feel I can breathe,” Fels said.
Scattered showers that fell across the region didn’t dampen people’s enthusiasm.
A break in the rain clouds allowed a small but boisterous group of 20 Black Lives Matter protesters-turned-partiers to celebrate the announcement of Biden’s victory and, just as importantly to them, Trump’s defeat, in South Pasadena.
Fahren James, a BLM organizer, wasn’t sure she would head to the streets because she’d been battling migraine headaches and fatigue.
“This is a good day — no — a great day,” James said. “I wasn’t going to come out here, but I had to acknowledge the work that’s been done to get to this point and to understand that this marks a new beginning for us.”
They're honking horns, holding up "We the People" victory banners, dancing and yelling in South Pasadena on the corner of Fair Oaks Avenue & Mission Street after Joe Biden was announced the victor of the 2020 Presidential Election #Election2020 #SouthPasadena pic.twitter.com/hChgSypHUa — Andrew J. Campa (@campadrenews) November 7, 2020
The same exultant mood was breaking out across the state.
With a bottle of Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice cream liqueur in one hand and a wine glass in the other, Liz Coleman stood on a busy Sacramento street corner Saturday morning, celebrating what she dubbed “the right choice.” Nearby, family and friends waved “Bye, Don” signs at passing cars, with their drivers honking appreciation.
“I’m so happy,” said Coleman, looking skyward as if her prayers had been answered. “So happy.”
Across the city, small celebrations like hers were popping up: convertibles with passengers waving Biden signs, mask-wearing friends gathering on sidewalks.
In San Francisco, people’s morning routines were broken by sounds of joy. Social media sites were awash with videos of the spontaneous eruption of sound throughout the city as the announcement was received and spread.
Hundreds later gathered at a workers’ unite rally at Harry Bridges Plaza along the Embarcadero.
Participants in the mostly masked and socially distanced crowd occasionally broke into spontaneous bouts of dancing and even hugs as a band played music and speakers urged the crowd to continue working to keep their voices heard.
“I’m so relieved,” said Miriam Walden, a 10th-grade teacher in the Albany public school system. “But we have a long struggle ahead.”
Times staff writers David Zahniser, Kevin Rector, Sarah Parvini, Lila Seidman, Andrea Castillo, Bettina Boxall, Allison Wisk, Colleen Shalby, Maya Lau, Laura Nelson, Julia Wick, Seema Mehta, Susanne Rust, Jaclyn Cosgrove, Kailyn Brown, Arit John, Thomas Curwen and Gale Holland contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-11-07--Driver found dead in burned car in Potrero was probably trying to save dog, officials say

A person found dead in the backseat of a burned car in Potrero this week was probably trying to save @ @ @ @ @ flaming vehicle , authorities said Friday .
Both the unidentified victim and animal , which @ @ @ @ @ that briefly threatened homes in the area , according to San Diego County sheriff ’ @ @ @ @ @ The cause of the fire still under investigation Friday .
The brush fire was reported @ @ @ @ @ to Lopez and Cal Fire San Diego spokesman Capt .
Thomas Shoots .
Fire crews @ @ @ @ @ spread by 3 p.m .
Authorities believe the person who died was the vehicle ’ @ @ @ @ @ out of the burning auto and then went back to try to rescue the dog @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Office will determine the cause and manner of death , Lopez said .
@ @ @ @ @ was not released .

Authorities responding to a report of a fire Thursday near Potrero found a body in a vehicle near where the three-acre brush fire started.
A person found dead in the backseat of a burned car in Potrero this week was probably trying to save a pet dog from the flaming vehicle, authorities said Friday.
Both the unidentified victim and animal died Thursday in the car fire , which sparked a three-acre brush fire that briefly threatened homes in the area, according to San Diego County sheriff’s Lt. Ricardo Lopez.
The cause of the fire still under investigation Friday.
The brush fire was reported about 2:20 p.m., according to Lopez and Cal Fire San Diego spokesman Capt. Thomas Shoots. Fire crews were able to halt its spread by 3 p.m.
Authorities believe the person who died was the vehicle’s driver, who got out of the burning auto and then went back to try to rescue the dog.
The county medical examiner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death, Lopez said. The victim’s identity was not released.
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Riggins writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.


latimes--2020-11-07--The first rainstorm of the season hits Southern California

Southern California was hit by what forecasters said was the first rain of the season Saturday .
The rain , @ @ @ @ @ will last through the afternoon .
Cloudy skies with a chance of more rain are @ @ @ @ @ .
Downtown L.A. and nearby areas could see up to a quarter-inch of rain , @ @ @ @ @ National Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard , who described the coming weather system as “ @ @ @ @ @ the season.
” The storm could also bring fresh snow to higher elevations .
Southern @ @ @ @ @ expected to see snowfall above 5,000 feet , Stewart said .
The California Department of @ @ @ @ @ use chains on their tires in mountainous areas .
Elsewhere , the same system is @ @ @ @ @ of snow to the Lake Tahoe region as it sweeps into the Sierra Nevada .
@ @ @ @ @ record or near-record high temperatures for the last week .

Rain fell on downtown Los Angeles over the weekend. A file photo shows City Hall seen through a rain-spattered window.
Southern California was hit by what forecasters said was the first rain of the season Saturday.
The rain, along with strong winds, will last through the afternoon. Cloudy skies with a chance of more rain are in the forecast for Sunday.
Downtown L.A. and nearby areas could see up to a quarter-inch of rain, said Kristen Stewart, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard, who described the coming weather system as “the first rain event of the season.”
The storm could also bring fresh snow to higher elevations. Southern California’s mountains are expected to see snowfall above 5,000 feet, Stewart said. The California Department of Transportation will require motorists to use chains on their tires in mountainous areas.
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Elsewhere, the same system is predicted to bring a foot of snow to the Lake Tahoe region as it sweeps into the Sierra Nevada. The area has been experiencing record or near-record high temperatures for the last week.


latimes--2020-11-07--Native American remains found in Santa Ana will receive ceremonial burial

In a quiet residential neighborhood in Santa Ana , city workers were digging beneath a sidewalk when they made a startling discovery four feet deep — bones .
It appeared to be a complete human skeleton .
Homicide detectives were summoned to the site in the 1600 block of West Borchard Avenue after the late October find .
But forensic investigators quickly determined that the bones were very old — at least 100 years old .
And they appeared to be those of a Native American person , perhaps a member of the Gabrielino-Tongva tribe who once lived in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two miles from the Borchard Avenue site , crews excavating for the OC Streetcar project also found ancient Native American bones .
With work continuing on the 4.1-mile streetcar line , more ancient remains could be unearthed in a county that is synonymous with suburban sprawl yet built on layers of history , from the agricultural past that inspired its name to the hunter gatherers who were its first human inhabitants .
“ It makes you wonder how many are under us every day , ” said Sgt .
Dennis Breckner , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The quest to find both sets of remains a final resting place began soon after they were identified as ancient and Native American .
As required by law , the Orange County Coroner Division notified the state Native American Heritage Commission within 24 hours .
The commission was then required to immediately contact the “ most likely descendent ” — often , a tribal representative or a tribe member with roots near where the remains were found .
In both the Santa Ana cases , the commission tapped Gabrielino-Tongva chief Anthony Morales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place and method of burial .
Similar finds are not uncommon in Orange County .
But they are always emotionally jarring , Morales said .
His ancestors buried their loved ones with no idea that suburbia would eventually rise on top of the graves .
“ Once someone ’ s buried , they should be buried forever and never see the light of day , ” said Morales , who is also known as Chief Red Blood .
“ So it ’ s kind of disturbing to us when we come across situations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take into consideration today , versus the past.
” A Tongva village is believed to have once stood on the area where both sets of remains were found .
With the Santa Ana River nearby , it was a logical spot to settle , Morales said .
Morales will now work with local officials and an archaeologist to investigate the remains and the places where they were found .
Were they men or women ?
How old were they when they died ?
How long ago did they walk this land ?
Did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discoveries were made “ in the heart of Tongva land , ” said Desiree Martinez , a Tongva tribe member and archaeologist from Baldwin Park who specializes in working with local indigenous tribes .
For at least 10,000 years , the Tongva lived in the Los Angeles Basin , northern Orange County and the Channel Islands , including Catalina .
Spanish missionaries who arrived in the 18th century renamed them the Gabrieleño , now often spelled Gabrielino , forcing them to convert to Christianity , toil as slave laborers and adopt a European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Acjachemen , referred to as the Juañeno by missionaries , lived in southern Orange County , Martinez said , with Aliso Creek dividing them from the Tongva .
Martinez said she knows a Tongva woman whose grandfather grew up near the OC Streetcar project site where the first set of remains was found .
The woman ’ s uncle may have been buried near the second site .
“ Making sure ancestors are treated with the utmost respect is the most important thing , ” Martinez said .
“ If we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want the ancestor found or located or disturbed.
” In Southern California , construction projects have sometimes uncovered large burial grounds .
During freeway construction in Long Beach in the 1950s , workers found the bones of about 100 native inhabitants .
In 2016 , more than a half-century later , the remains were reburied in the same area .
Members of the Gabrielino-Tongva tribe battled for years over almost 400 human remains exhumed during construction of a multibillion-dollar luxury housing project in Playa Vista .
During the legal battle , the remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nearby trailer before returning to the earth under an agreement reached between tribe members and developers .
In Orange County in 2007 , 164 Native American remains were found at a Huntington Beach construction site .
Last fall in the county , some portions of the 405 Freeway widening project were delayed after workers came across ancient bones .
“ Every orange grower , every green bean field operator , the Segerstrom family in South Coast Plaza , Caltrans , the freeways , anyone who ’ s dug in the oil industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground here — has ended up finding some aspects of Native American occupation , ” said Paul Apodaca , former curator of the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana who is now a professor at Chapman University .
After all the questions that can be answered are answered , Morales will find a suitable place to bury the two sets of Santa Ana remains in a traditional ceremony , held in a secluded area and attended by a small group of tribe members .
“ Through prayer , through song , through reburial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Morales said .
His ancestors ’ rest , disturbed after decades under suburban pavement , will begin again — hopefully , this time , forever .

In a quiet residential neighborhood in Santa Ana, city workers were digging beneath a sidewalk when they made a startling discovery four feet deep — bones.
It appeared to be a complete human skeleton. Homicide detectives were summoned to the site in the 1600 block of West Borchard Avenue after the late October find.
But forensic investigators quickly determined that the bones were very old — at least 100 years old. And they appeared to be those of a Native American person, perhaps a member of the Gabrielino-Tongva tribe who once lived in the area.
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A month earlier, about two miles from the Borchard Avenue site, crews excavating for the OC Streetcar project also found ancient Native American bones.
With work continuing on the 4.1-mile streetcar line, more ancient remains could be unearthed in a county that is synonymous with suburban sprawl yet built on layers of history, from the agricultural past that inspired its name to the hunter gatherers who were its first human inhabitants.
“It makes you wonder how many are under us every day,” said Sgt. Dennis Breckner, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
#PressRelease On Tuesday, 10/27/20 at approx. 9AM, in the 1600 block of W Borchard Ave, @CityofSantaAna Public Works Staff was digging to repair a sidewalk & discovered some bones approx. 4ft deep in the ground. pic.twitter.com/vG423dYVtn — SantaAnaPD (@SantaAnaPD) October 27, 2020
The quest to find both sets of remains a final resting place began soon after they were identified as ancient and Native American.
As required by law, the Orange County Coroner Division notified the state Native American Heritage Commission within 24 hours.
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The commission was then required to immediately contact the “most likely descendent” — often, a tribal representative or a tribe member with roots near where the remains were found.
In both the Santa Ana cases, the commission tapped Gabrielino-Tongva chief Anthony Morales as the descendent responsible for recommending a place and method of burial.
Similar finds are not uncommon in Orange County. But they are always emotionally jarring, Morales said. His ancestors buried their loved ones with no idea that suburbia would eventually rise on top of the graves.
“Once someone’s buried, they should be buried forever and never see the light of day,” said Morales, who is also known as Chief Red Blood. “So it’s kind of disturbing to us when we come across situations like this. But we have to take into consideration today, versus the past.”
Gabrielino-Tongva chief Anthony Morales, right, blesses the land at Los Angeles City Hall in 2019 in advance of the city’s Indigenous People’s Day. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)
A Tongva village is believed to have once stood on the area where both sets of remains were found. With the Santa Ana River nearby, it was a logical spot to settle, Morales said.
Morales will now work with local officials and an archaeologist to investigate the remains and the places where they were found.
Were they men or women? How old were they when they died? How long ago did they walk this land? Did they live in the village?
Both discoveries were made “in the heart of Tongva land,” said Desiree Martinez, a Tongva tribe member and archaeologist from Baldwin Park who specializes in working with local Indigenous tribes.
For at least 10,000 years, the Tongva lived in the Los Angeles Basin, northern Orange County and the Channel Islands, including Santa Catalina.
Spanish missionaries who arrived in the 18th century renamed them the Gabrieleño, now often spelled Gabrielino, forcing them to convert to Christianity, toil as slave laborers and adopt a European way of life.
Another tribe, the Acjachemen, referred to as the Juaneño by missionaries, lived in southern Orange County, Martinez said, with Aliso Creek dividing them from the Tongva.
Martinez said she knows a Tongva woman whose grandfather grew up near the OC Streetcar project site where the first set of remains was found. The woman’s uncle may have been buried near the second site.
“Making sure ancestors are treated with the utmost respect is the most important thing,” Martinez said. “If we had our druthers, we wouldn’t want the ancestor found or located or disturbed.”
In Southern California, construction projects have sometimes uncovered large burial grounds.
During freeway construction in Long Beach in the 1950s, workers found the bones of about 100 Native inhabitants. In 2016, more than a half-century later, the remains were reburied in the same area.
Members of the Gabrielino-Tongva tribe battled for years over almost 400 human remains exhumed during construction of a multibillion-dollar luxury housing project in Playa Vista.
During the legal battle, the remains and other artifacts rested in containers in a nearby trailer before returning to the earth under an agreement reached between tribe members and developers.
In Orange County in 2007, 164 Native American remains were found at a Huntington Beach construction site. Last fall in the county, some portions of the 405 Freeway widening project were delayed after workers came across ancient bones.
#SantaAnaPD Homicide Investigators are on scene at 2008 W 5th Street regarding the discovery of human remains (bones); as confirmed by the OCSD Coroner’s Office. The discovery was made by work crews on the OC Streetcar Project. #SAPDPIO on scene — SantaAnaPD (@SantaAnaPD) September 16, 2020
“Every orange grower, every green bean field operator, the Segerstrom family in South Coast Plaza, Caltrans, the freeways, anyone who’s dug in the oil industry — anyone who’s dug into the ground here — has ended up finding some aspects of Native American occupation,” said Paul Apodaca, former curator of the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana who is now a professor at Chapman University.
After all the questions that can be answered are answered, Morales will find a suitable place to bury the two sets of Santa Ana remains in a traditional ceremony, held in a secluded area and attended by a small group of tribe members.
“Through prayer, through song, through reburial — that’s our healing,” Morales said.
His ancestors’ rest, disturbed after decades under suburban pavement, will begin again — hopefully, this time, forever.


latimes--2020-11-08--Churches shut down by coronavirus offer refuge to immigrants released from detention

Before Tsegai fled Eritrea and made the months-long journey to the United States to seek asylum , his image of this country was colored by what he ’ d seen on TV .
America , he thought , was the kind of place where people could be welcomed in with nothing and manage to turn their lives around .
But when the 30-year-old arrived last year on Christmas Day , officials cuffed his wrists and ankles and led him to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility , where he spent eight months detained .
Tsegai asked The Times to identify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fear of persecution .
“ I didn ’ t expect it , so it was a very terrifying experience , ” he said through an interpreter .
A nonprofit paid Tsegai ’ s $ 25,000 bond and on Sept. 8 , he was released from the Adelanto ICE Processing Facility and moved into an Episcopal church two hours east of Los Angeles .
“ Now that I am out of the ICE facility , I can see the true America that I had envisioned , ” he said .
“ There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s so much good outside of the ICE facility.
” Tsegai is one of a growing number of immigrants across the country finding temporary refuge in houses of worship rendered empty by the coronavirus pandemic , after being released from detention facilities .
It ’ s the latest iteration of the sanctuary movement , which began in the 1980s as U.S. church leaders responded to the plight of Central Americans seeking political asylum during the civil wars that wracked the region .
With President Trump ’ s election and subsequent hardline enforcement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shield those they felt deserved to stay .
ICE has a of generally avoiding enforcement activities at “ sensitive locations ” including churches .
The Trump administration has said that , if reelected , he would double down on immigration restrictions , limiting asylum grants , punishing sanctuary cities and expanding the so-called travel ban .
Alternatively , former Vice President Joe Biden has vowed to dismantle Trump ’ s sweeping changes .
The most recent twist varies from traditional political sanctuary , in which some people remain on church property for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICE .
The COVID-19 pandemic has added urgency to offering shelter to immigrants .
More than 7,000 detainees have tested positive for the coronavirus across the country , , and eight have died of COVID-19 .
With outbreaks infecting hundreds at some facilities , including 242 at Adelanto , immigrant advocates have mobilized to seek the release of as many as possible .
In response to federal lawsuits in California , judges have compelled the release of hundreds of immigrants at the state ’ s five ICE facilities to permit space for social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one scathing order last month , U.S. District Judge Terry Hatter accused federal officials of “ straight up dishonesty ” while directing ICE to reduce the population at Adelanto by more than one-third .
Other detainees have been released on bond pending the outcome of their cases in immigration court .
California isn ’ t the only place where churches have stepped up .
Congregations in states such as Texas , and the region including Maryland , Virginia and Washington , D.C. , are sheltering immigrants released from detention , said Myrna Orozco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with and tracks the sanctuary movement .
“ The sanctuary movement definitely paved the way for congregations to be creative in how they offer welcome to folks , ” Orozco said .
With detention centers still flaring up as COVID-19 hotspots , she said , “ hopefully this will continue to increase as people are released.
” Before they can be released from detention , immigrants must provide the address of a legal sponsor to federal officials .
For many , it ’ s the address of a relative or friend .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one .
In an organized resistance to Trump ’ s policies , hundreds of people had once pledged to being released from detention centers .
But the pandemic has forced many families to tighten their social circles , cutting off a key source of transitional housing .
That leaves congregations such as Heritage United Methodist Church in South Los Angeles to fill the gap .
Lead pastor the Rev .
Ivan Sevillano said he understands intimately the plight of immigrants : He lived for 10 years without legal status after overstaying his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historically Black church dating to the 1880s , has long served the surrounding homeless community , offering people Sunday breakfast , showers and the ability to park in the church lot .
Its 15-member leadership board voted last summer to begin taking in immigrants released from detention centers .
“ Though we don ’ t open for services , always throughout the week we are doing something for someone , ” Sevillano said .
“ Many of us Christians preach but don ’ t act .
The important thing is also to act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need help.
” On a sunny Thursday afternoon in the Heritage parking lot , Guillermo Torres , immigration program director at the nonprofit Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice , led three women to his Subaru Outback .
From the trunk , they pulled brooms , a mop and buckets with Pine Sol , bleach and Windex .
They set to work converting the church ’ s dusty basement into a home for released detainees .
The space , which includes a large community room with a piano and foosball table , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hadn ’ t been utilized in years .
A leak in the kitchen sink would need fixing and some of the countertop tiles were cracked and loose , but the microwave and blender worked and the cupboards were stocked with cookware , dishes and utensils .
The classroom , which was piled with old chair desks , couches and sheet music , would soon be transformed into a bedroom with five beds and soft yellow walls .
Members of Nikkei Progressives , a Japanese American community organization , dropped off boxes of shirts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Torres led them on a tour of the church and unfinished living space .
CLUE has coordinated with six churches in the greater L.A. area willing to take in immigrants , he said .
Others have offered help with donations , food and logistics .
Torres said the effort shows there are more humane alternatives to detention .
It also paints faith communities in a positive light , he said , particularly during a time when some have been shown to dehumanize immigrants and other vulnerable populations .
“ This shows the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ This gives a lifeline to people that otherwise would not have a lifeline.
” With no foreseeable end to COVID-19 , Torres expects more detainees to need housing as they are released from detention .
Back at the Episcopal church in San Bernardino County , Tsegai starts his mornings with a prayer .
A Christian and an ethnic minority in Eritrea , he said he was falsely accused of criticizing the government .
After surviving four years in prison labor camp , he escaped , leaving his mother and six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ danger befell him in ICE custody .
At the Adelanto facility , Tsegai and the other detaintsees stayed glued to the TV , watching updates about the spread of COVID-19 .
“ I didn ’ t think I ’ d get out of there alive , ” he said .
Tsegai ’ s days are significantly quieter than before .
He goes on long walks around the neighborhood .
He cooks meals for himself — cubed beef with berbere seasoning or in a spicy tomato sauce .
He spends time talking to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he ’ s coming back .
He can ’ t give them an answer .
But for now , at least , he is savoring the new sense of freedom and safety , relishing the simplest pleasures .
“ I have a room of my own .
I have plenty of food .
I can move around .
”

Tsegai, 30, who fled persecution in Eritrea, holds a rosary given to him by family members. After he was released from the Adelanto ICE Processing Facility on Sept. 8, an Episcopal church two hours east of L.A. took him in. Shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic, some churches are housing immigrants released from detention.
Before Tsegai fled Eritrea and made the months-long journey to the United States to seek asylum, his image of this country was colored by what he’d seen on TV.
America, he thought, was the kind of place where people could be welcomed in with nothing and manage to turn their lives around.
But when the 30-year-old arrived last year on Christmas Day, officials cuffed his wrists and ankles and led him to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, where he spent eight months detained. Tsegai asked The Times to identify him only by his first name out of fear of persecution.
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“I didn’t expect it, so it was a very terrifying experience,” he said through an interpreter.
: Tsegai, 30, who fled persecution in Eritrea over being a being member of an ethnic minority, sits in the doorway of his room while staying in a church on September 22, 2020 in San Bernardino county, California. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
A nonprofit paid Tsegai’s $25,000 bond and on Sept. 8, he was released from the Adelanto ICE Processing Facility and moved into an Episcopal church two hours east of Los Angeles.
“Now that I am out of the ICE facility, I can see the true America that I had envisioned,” he said. “There’s so much kindness, there’s so much good outside of the ICE facility.”
Tsegai is one of a growing number of immigrants across the country finding temporary refuge in houses of worship rendered empty by the coronavirus pandemic, after being released from detention facilities.
It’s the latest iteration of the sanctuary movement, which began in the 1980s as U.S. church leaders responded to the plight of Central Americans seeking political asylum during the civil wars that wracked the region.
With President Trump’s election and subsequent hardline enforcement of illegal immigration, congregations again have mobilized to shield those they felt deserved to stay. ICE has a long-standing policy of generally avoiding enforcement activities at “sensitive locations” including churches.
Advertisement
The Trump administration has said that, if reelected, he would double down on immigration restrictions, limiting asylum grants, punishing sanctuary cities and expanding the so-called travel ban. Alternatively, former Vice President Joe Biden has vowed to dismantle Trump’s sweeping changes.
The most recent twist varies from traditional political sanctuary, in which some people remain on church property for months or years to avoid arrest by ICE. The COVID-19 pandemic has added urgency to offering shelter to immigrants.
More than 7,000 detainees have tested positive for the coronavirus across the country, according to ICE , and eight have died of COVID-19. With outbreaks infecting hundreds at some facilities, including 242 at Adelanto, immigrant advocates have mobilized to seek the release of as many as possible.
In response to federal lawsuits in California, judges have compelled the release of hundreds of immigrants at the state’s five ICE facilities to permit space for social distancing, quarantine and isolation. In one scathing order last month, U.S. District Judge Terry Hatter accused federal officials of “straight up dishonesty” while directing ICE to reduce the population at Adelanto by more than one-third.
Other detainees have been released on bond pending the outcome of their cases in immigration court.
California isn’t the only place where churches have stepped up. Congregations in states such as Texas, and the region including Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., are sheltering immigrants released from detention, said Myrna Orozco at Church World Service, which works with and tracks the sanctuary movement.
“The sanctuary movement definitely paved the way for congregations to be creative in how they offer welcome to folks,” Orozco said. With detention centers still flaring up as COVID-19 hotspots, she said, “hopefully this will continue to increase as people are released.”
Before they can be released from detention, immigrants must provide the address of a legal sponsor to federal officials. For many, it’s the address of a relative or friend. But some, like Tsegai, arrive knowing no one.
In an organized resistance to Trump’s policies, hundreds of people had once pledged to open their homes to immigrants being released from detention centers. But the pandemic has forced many families to tighten their social circles, cutting off a key source of transitional housing.
That leaves congregations such as Heritage United Methodist Church in South Los Angeles to fill the gap. Lead pastor the Rev. Ivan Sevillano said he understands intimately the plight of immigrants: He lived for 10 years without legal status after overstaying his visa from Peru.
Heritage, a historically Black church dating to the 1880s, has long served the surrounding homeless community, offering people Sunday breakfast, showers and the ability to park in the church lot. Its 15-member leadership board voted last summer to begin taking in immigrants released from detention centers.
“Though we don’t open for services, always throughout the week we are doing something for someone,” Sevillano said. “Many of us Christians preach but don’t act. The important thing is also to act because there are people out there that need help.”
Volunteers Celia Ortiz, left, and her granddaughter Jael Serrano-Altamirano help clean a kitchen at Heritage United Methodist Church in South Los Angeles in preparation for arriving migrants. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)
On a sunny Thursday afternoon in the Heritage parking lot, Guillermo Torres, immigration program director at the nonprofit Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, led three women to his Subaru Outback. From the trunk, they pulled brooms, a mop and buckets with Pine Sol, bleach and Windex.
They set to work converting the church’s dusty basement into a home for released detainees. The space, which includes a large community room with a piano and foosball table, an industrial kitchen and a classroom, hadn’t been utilized in years.
A leak in the kitchen sink would need fixing and some of the countertop tiles were cracked and loose, but the microwave and blender worked and the cupboards were stocked with cookware, dishes and utensils. The classroom, which was piled with old chair desks, couches and sheet music, would soon be transformed into a bedroom with five beds and soft yellow walls.
Members of Nikkei Progressives, a Japanese American community organization, dropped off boxes of shirts, shoes and backpacks stuffed with toiletries.
Torres led them on a tour of the church and unfinished living space. CLUE has coordinated with six churches in the greater L.A. area willing to take in immigrants, he said. Others have offered help with donations, food and logistics.
Torres said the effort shows there are more humane alternatives to detention. It also paints faith communities in a positive light, he said, particularly during a time when some have been shown to dehumanize immigrants and other vulnerable populations.
“This shows the true meaning of religion,” he said. “This gives a lifeline to people that otherwise would not have a lifeline.”
With no foreseeable end to COVID-19, Torres expects more detainees to need housing as they are released from detention.
George Iheanacho, an asylum seeker from Nigeria, prepares to mop the kitchen floor at the Methodist church where he has been been staying two hours east of Los Angeles. Shuttered by the coronavirus pandemic, some churches are taking in immigrants released from detention. Iheanacho was arrested by ICE in 2019 after overstaying his tourist visa. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Back at the Episcopal church in San Bernardino County, Tsegai starts his mornings with a prayer. A Christian and an ethnic minority in Eritrea, he said he was falsely accused of criticizing the government. After surviving four years in prison labor camp, he escaped, leaving his mother and six children behind.
A different type of danger befell him in ICE custody. At the Adelanto facility, Tsegai and the other detaintsees stayed glued to the TV, watching updates about the spread of COVID-19.
“I didn’t think I’d get out of there alive,” he said.
Tsegai’s days are significantly quieter than before. He goes on long walks around the neighborhood. He cooks meals for himself — cubed beef with berbere seasoning or in a spicy tomato sauce. He spends time talking to his children, who call frequently to ask when he’s coming back.
He can’t give them an answer. But for now, at least, he is savoring the new sense of freedom and safety, relishing the simplest pleasures. “I have a room of my own. I have plenty of food. I can move around.”
Interpreter Zion Yohannes contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-11-08--Muslim voters want more than 'just a seat' at the table from President-elect Joe Biden

In the lead-up to the midterm election two years ago , Sara Deen noticed that many fellow Muslims in her South Bay community weren ’ t voters .
Some didn ’ t understand the process .
More lacked faith that their voice would matter , or had trouble navigating a ballot .
She decided to prepare a voter guide and hand it out to friends and members of her mosque during Friday prayers .
This year , she ’ s seen an increase in engagement from Muslim voters — friends and acquaintances alike .
They ‘ ve asked for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her recommendations and debated their merits over WhatsApp and Zoom .
“ I love it , and it means people are coming into their voice in my community , ” said Deen , a Rancho Palos Verdes resident .
“ But what ’ s been disappointing is how often it feels like other politicians want to co-opt our voice , but are not super interested in what we have to say.
” In an election year defined by the coronavirus pandemic , calls for social justice and economic uncertainty , a record number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and headed to the polls , continuing a surge in voter registration and political engagement seen after President Trump took office in 2016 , according to Emgage , a national get-out-the-vote group that focuses on Muslims .
Emgage Action , an arm of Emgage , endorsed and supported President-elect Joe Biden .
After their newfound voices resonated loudly in battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania , community members say , Muslim voters want more than just a seat at the table from Biden and his administration .
They , like other minority communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions that are being made at a national level , not merely relegated to community town halls with campaign surrogates or visits from candidates in even-numbered years , when their presence could help tip close elections .
Muslim organizers say that voters have often felt ignored by presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle , with the exception of Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ two presidential campaigns .
They expect thoughtful engagement on key issues and inclusion from the next administration , including considering Muslims for cabinet- and upper-level positions .
Many were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee , engaged with voters as part of Emgage ’ s “ Million Muslim Votes ” plan , pledged to end the Trump administration ’ s travel ban on several Muslim-majority nations , and promised to fill the position of Muslim American liaison in the White House Office of Public Engagement .
“ The idea is that Muslims will be included in a Biden-Harris administration , ” Deen , 41 , said .
“ I am somewhere between cautiously optimistic and doubtful.
” Nationwide , some 78 % of eligible Muslims reported being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 60 % in 2016 , data from the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding show .
And there are fewer “ insha ’ Allah voters ” — those who plan to vote in an upcoming election but haven ’ t registered — this year , ISPU noted .
Deen would like to see Muslims in the next administration transcend what she calls “ the first level of inclusion ” that involves minorities who won ’ t “ shake the status quo , ” she said .
The community organizer hopes that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equal weight and equal consideration.
” “ Equal agency in driving policy in this country — that ’ s what I would like to see , ” she said .
“ But I don ’ t know if we are there yet.
” This year , 110 Muslim candidates were on general-election ballots across 24 states and Washington D.C. , according to an analysis from the Muslim organizations Jetpac , the Council on American-Islamic Relations and MPower Change .
All four members of the “ Squad , ” the group of progressive female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adversaries , were reelected .
Two — Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota — are Muslim .
“ Increasing our political representation is a critical part of defeating the violent rise of Islamophobia here and around the world because it forces elected officials and the media to include our perspective in the narrative on healthcare , the economy , criminal-legal system and every other issue impacting American life , ” said Mohammed Missouri , executive director of Jetpac .
For years , Muslim voters have watched as President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Islam hates us ” and calling for a “ total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.
” His administration passed a travel ban on Muslim-majority nations in 2017 and has repeatedly cut the cap for refugee admissions at a time when many Middle Eastern refugees are seeking U.S. asylum .
That — paired with Muslim American organizations ’ outreach and educational work — led to historic turnout this week , said , Youssef Chouhoud , an assistant professor of political science at Christopher Newport University .
“ Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some sort of representation , when it comes to not just decisions with regards to where Muslims [ live ] but in terms of broader national policy as well , ” he said .
During the 2018 midterm elections , about 76 % of Muslims who cast ballots voted for a Democrat , while only 13 % voted for a Republican , according to a 2019 study by ISPU .
It would be a mistake , however , to assume that all Muslim voters automatically lean to the left , Chouhoud said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Latino voters , who despite their diversity have been painted as sure-fire Democrats .
“ Muslims are no different , ” he said .
“ Not all Muslims are of one mind , and so that ’ s going to be a bit of a balancing act for the Biden administration.
” Rim Manaa would like to see Biden address discrimination and harassment against Muslims across the country .
The 53-year-old software engineer , who lives in Sierra Madre , first began working for get-out-the-vote campaigns when she supported Barack Obama ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organized for both Emgage and other civic engagement campaigns , calling potential voters in Nevada and Arizona and helping them register to vote .
“ All I want is respect for me and my family , ” Manaa said .
“ My daughter is in college .
I want people to respect her .
I don ’ t want people to attack her because she is Muslim or her mom wears a headscarf.
” The Muslim community also would like to see the Biden administration change refugee limits to allow more people into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic low under Trump , said Hussam Ayloush , executive director of CAIR ’ s Greater Los Angeles office — something that he hopes Muslim Americans themselves will be involved with as part of Biden ’ s team .
“ We are definitely expecting a presence at a more senior level , and more serious engagement , ” he said .
“ We don ’ t just want to be updated .
We hope that experts in our community will be included in these decisions before they happen.
” In addition to revoking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deliver on promises the campaign made in community meetings to end “ the unfair linking ” of Muslims with national security concerns through federal programs ostensibly aimed at “ countering violent extremism , ” Ayloush said .
Under Trump , 85 % of the “ countering violent extremism ” grants awarded by the Dept .
of Homeland Security explicitly targeted Muslims and other minority groups , including immigrants and refugees , more than under the Obama administration , according to an analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice , a nonpartisan policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Law .
“ We are hopeful that this injustice will be over , ” Ayloush said .
“ It should never be linked to any one specific community.
” After listening to a khutbah during Friday prayers , Fareed Farukhi said that he doesn ’ t want “ token appreciation ” from Biden .
Farukhi , who lives in Orange County , said Muslim voters made a difference in the election in states including Michigan and Nevada .
They deserve to be involved in all aspects of the government , be it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the administration , the 64-year-old said .
“ We have earned our stripes , ” he said .
“ You can not say , ‘ I got your votes , thank you very much ’ and then make some token appointments .
”

Beverly Babcock, left, Adela Majer, and Caitlin Al-Ansari meet for pastries and coffee at Qahwah House in Dearborn, Mich., where there is a large Muslim community.
In the lead-up to the midterm election two years ago, Sara Deen noticed that many fellow Muslims in her South Bay community weren’t voters. Some didn’t understand the process. More lacked faith that their voice would matter or had trouble navigating a ballot.
She decided to prepare a voter guide and hand it out to friends and members of her mosque during Friday prayers. This year, she’s seen an increase in engagement from Muslim voters — friends and acquaintances alike. They’ve asked for her help explaining state propositions, pored over her recommendations and debated their merits over WhatsApp and Zoom.
“I love it, and it means people are coming into their voice in my community,” said Deen, a Rancho Palos Verdes resident. “But what’s been disappointing is how often it feels like other politicians want to co-opt our voice but are not super interested in what we have to say.”
In an election year defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty and calls for social justice, a record number of Muslims have mailed in their ballots and headed to the polls, continuing a surge in voter registration and political engagement seen after President Trump took office in 2016, according to Emgage, a national get-out-the-vote group that focuses on Muslims. Emgage Action, an arm of Emgage, endorsed and supported President-elect Joe Biden.
After their newfound voices resonated loudly in battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, community members say, Muslim voters want more than just a seat at the table from Biden and his administration. They, like other underrepresented communities, want to be part of the decisions that are being made at a national level, not merely relegated to community town halls with campaign surrogates or visits from candidates in even-numbered years, when their presence could help tip close races.
Muslim organizers say that voters have often felt ignored by presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle, with the exception of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ two presidential campaigns. They expect thoughtful engagement on key issues and inclusion from the next administration, including considering Muslims for Cabinet- and upper-level positions.
Many were encouraged when Biden, as the Democratic nominee, engaged with voters as part of Emgage’s Million Muslim Votes plan, pledged to end the Trump administration’s travel ban on several Muslim-majority nations and promised to fill the position of Muslim American liaison in the White House Office of Public Engagement.
“The idea is that Muslims will be included in a Biden-Harris administration,” Deen, 41, said. “I am somewhere between cautiously optimistic and doubtful.”
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Nationwide, some 78% of eligible Muslims reported being registered to vote in 2020, up from 60% in 2016, data from the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding show. And there are fewer “insha’Allah voters” — those who plan to vote in an upcoming election but haven’t registered — this year, the ISPU noted.
Deen would like to see Muslims in the next administration transcend what she calls “the first level of inclusion” that involves minorities who won’t “shake the status quo,” she said. The community organizer hopes that “our voices and our opinions are given equal weight and equal consideration.”
“Equal agency in driving policy in this country — that’s what I would like to see,” she said. “But I don’t know if we are there yet.”
This year, 110 Muslim candidates were on general-election ballots across 24 states and Washington, D.C., according to an analysis from the Muslim organizations Jetpac, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and MPower Change. All four members of the “Squad,” the group of progressive female U.S. House members who are outspoken Trump adversaries, were reelected. Two — Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota — are Muslim.
“Increasing our political representation is a critical part of defeating the violent rise of Islamophobia here and around the world because it forces elected officials and the media to include our perspective in the narrative on healthcare, the economy, criminal-legal system and every other issue impacting American life,” said Mohammed Missouri, executive director of Jetpac.
For years, Muslim voters have watched as President Trump campaigned across the country, declaring that “Islam hates us” and calling for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.” His administration passed a travel ban on Muslim-majority nations in 2017 and has repeatedly cut the cap for refugee admissions at a time when many Middle Eastern refugees are seeking U.S. asylum.
That — paired with Muslim American organizations’ outreach and educational work — led to historic turnout last week, said Youssef Chouhoud, an assistant professor of political science at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va.
“Now, they expect some sort of a voice, some sort of representation, when it comes to not just decisions with regards to where Muslims [live] but in terms of broader national policy as well,” he said.
Muslim American voters secured Biden’s Pennsylvania victory!
Our Million Muslim Votes Campaign made over 170,000 calls to mobilize Muslims in PA.
This contributed to a historic turnout of over 57,000 Muslim early/absentee votes in PA, up from 4,700 in 2016!#Election2020results pic.twitter.com/kvhH7qWnDo — Emgage Action (@EmgageAction) November 6, 2020
During the 2018 midterm elections, about 76% of Muslims who cast ballots voted for a Democrat, while only 13% voted for a Republican, according to a 2019 study by the ISPU. It would be a mistake, however, to assume that all Muslim voters automatically lean to the left, Chouhoud said.
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He compared that stereotype to misconceptions of Latino voters, who despite their diversity have been painted as surefire Democrats.
“Muslims are no different,” he said. “Not all Muslims are of one mind, and so that’s going to be a bit of a balancing act for the Biden administration.”
Rim Manaa would like to see Biden address discrimination and harassment against Muslims across the country.
The 53-year-old software engineer, who lives in Sierra Madre, first began working for get-out-the-vote campaigns when she supported Barack Obama’s reelection. This year, she organized for both Emgage and other civic engagement campaigns, calling potential voters in Nevada and Arizona and helping them register to vote.
“All I want is respect for me and my family,” Manaa said. “My daughter is in college. I want people to respect her. I don’t want people to attack her because she is Muslim or her mom wears a headscarf.”
The Muslim community also would like to see the Biden administration change refugee limits to allow more people into the country after the U.S. reached a historic low under Trump, said Hussam Ayloush, executive director of CAIR’s Greater Los Angeles office — something that he hopes Muslim Americans themselves will be involved with as part of Biden’s team.
“We are definitely expecting a presence at a more senior level, and more serious engagement,” he said. “We don’t just want to be updated. We hope that experts in our community will be included in these decisions before they happen.”
In addition to revoking the travel ban, he wants Biden to deliver on promises the campaign made in community meetings to end “the unfair linking” of Muslims with national security concerns through federal programs ostensibly aimed at “countering violent extremism,” Ayloush said.
Under Trump, 85% of the “countering violent extremism” grants awarded by the Department of Homeland Security explicitly targeted Muslims and other minority groups, including immigrants and refugees, more than under the Obama administration, according to an analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice, a nonpartisan policy institute at the New York University School of Law.
“We are hopeful that this injustice will be over,” Ayloush said. “It should never be linked to any one specific community.”
After listening to a khutbah during Friday prayers, Fareed Farukhi said that he doesn’t want “token appreciation” from Biden. Farukhi, who lives in Orange County, said Muslim voters made a difference in the election in states including Michigan and Nevada.
They deserve to be involved in all aspects of the government, be it in healthcare policy, science or other parts of the administration, the 64-year-old said.
“We have earned our stripes,” he said. “You cannot say, ‘I got your votes, thank you very much’ and then make some token appointments.”


latimes--2020-11-07--L.A. County reports third straight day with more than 2,000 new COVID-19 cases

Los Angeles County health officials Saturday announced more than 2,400 new COVID-19 cases , marking the third consecutive day with more than 2,000 confirmed infections and signaling that the disease is “ widespread and increasing in L.A. County.
” Infections are surging in L.A. County and around much of the nation in daily numbers not seen since August , according to a news release from the county Department of Public Health .
County officials also confirmed 15 more deaths from the disease .
“ Our metrics this week are concerning and confirm that transmission of COVID-19 is widespread and increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in its statement .
“ To date , Public Health identified 319,977 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 7,170 deaths.
” There are 840 people with COVID-19 in county hospitals ; 30 % of them are in intensive care , officials said .
County health officials cautioned residents to avoid crowds and the kind of street celebrations happening across the country in the wake of the presidential election , warning that such events “ are places where it is very easy and very likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us remember that no matter how we feel , we all have an obligation to protect each other from COVID-19 , ” said Barbara Ferrer , director of the L.A. County Department of Public Health .
“ Gathering with people outside of your household , especially in settings where people are shouting , chanting or singing and not distancing , can easily lead to increased cases of COVID-19.
” Ferrer added that attending street celebrations and protests “ will slow down our recovery and can result in more illness and deaths .
”

Los Angeles County health officials Saturday announced more than 2,400 new COVID-19 cases, marking the third consecutive day with more than 2,000 confirmed infections and signaling that the disease is “widespread and increasing in L.A. County.”
Infections are surging in L.A. County and around much of the nation in daily numbers not seen since August, according to a news release from the county Department of Public Health. County officials also confirmed 15 more deaths from the disease.
“Our metrics this week are concerning and confirm that transmission of COVID-19 is widespread and increasing in L.A County,” the department said in its statement. “To date, Public Health identified 319,977 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 7,170 deaths.”
There are 840 people with COVID-19 in county hospitals; 30% of them are in intensive care, officials said.
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County health officials cautioned residents to avoid crowds and the kind of street celebrations happening across the country in the wake of the presidential election, warning that such events “are places where it is very easy and very likely for COVID-19 to spread.”
“Let us remember that no matter how we feel, we all have an obligation to protect each other from COVID-19,” said Barbara Ferrer, director of the L.A. County Department of Public Health. “Gathering with people outside of your household, especially in settings where people are shouting, chanting or singing and not distancing, can easily lead to increased cases of COVID-19.”
Ferrer added that attending street celebrations and protests “will slow down our recovery and can result in more illness and deaths.”


latimes--2020-11-08--UC San Diego deals with COVID-19 by erecting tents for classes, study space

UC San Diego has erected four large , outdoor tents near the center of campus to give students a place to study and listen to lectures that would pose little risk of exposing people to the novel coronavirus .
Health officials say that a combination of social distancing and the breezy outdoor air would make it hard for the virus to spread .
The new mini-village is part of “ Return to Learn , ” UCSD ’ s effort to enable a comparatively small number of students to live on campus and take some courses in person .
The 80-foot-by-60-foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students — strikingly different than indoor lecture halls , where 200-student classes are held .
The outdoor classrooms will include an array of amenities , such as WiFi , podcasting equipment , microphones and LCD display screens .
Campus officials say they may use the structures for a handful of events this fall .
But UCSD won ’ t begin to routinely use them for lectures until the winter quarter begins in January .
The tents are designed to withstand significant rain and wind .
Several thousand UCSD students are currently taking one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else is taking courses entirely online .
Early on , UCSD said the anxiety caused by the pandemic and the heavy emphasis on online courses was likely to cut the university ’ s fall enrollment by about 800 students .
But the opposite happened .
The school says its overall enrollment jumped by 840 , reaching 40,473 .
It was the first time in UCSD ’ s 60-year history that it has surpassed 40,000 .
The school could surpass its official capacity of 41,400 next year .
That was not supposed to happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students and university staff have tested positive for COVID-19 since Oct. 1 , a comparatively small number given UCSD ’ s size .
School officials are considering an expansion of its already large testing program , and might let students administer nose swab tests themselves .
The tests would be analyzed by the university .

UC San Diego has erected four large, outdoor tents near the center of campus to give students a place to study and listen to lectures that would pose little risk of exposing people to the novel coronavirus.
Health officials say that a combination of social distancing and the breezy outdoor air would make it hard for the virus to spread.
The new mini-village is part of “Return to Learn,” UCSD’s effort to enable a comparatively small number of students to live on campus and take some courses in person.
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The 80-foot-by-60-foot outdoor classrooms can accommodate up to 50 students — strikingly different than indoor lecture halls, where 200-student classes are held.
The outdoor classrooms will include an array of amenities, such as WiFi, podcasting equipment, microphones and LCD display screens.
Campus officials say they may use the structures for a handful of events this fall. But UCSD won’t begin to routinely use them for lectures until the winter quarter begins in January. The tents are designed to withstand significant rain and wind.
Several thousand UCSD students are currently taking one or more classes in person. Everyone else is taking courses entirely online.
Early on, UCSD said the anxiety caused by the pandemic and the heavy emphasis on online courses was likely to cut the university’s fall enrollment by about 800 students. But the opposite happened. The school says its overall enrollment jumped by 840, reaching 40,473. It was the first time in UCSD’s 60-year history that it has surpassed 40,000. The school could surpass its official capacity of 41,400 next year. That was not supposed to happen until 2035.
A total of 72 students and university staff have tested positive for COVID-19 since Oct. 1, a comparatively small number given UCSD’s size. School officials are considering an expansion of its already large testing program, and might let students administer nose swab tests themselves. The tests would be analyzed by the university.
Robbins writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.


latimes--2020-11-08--Winter storm brings rain, snow and cold temperatures to L.A. area

A winter storm brought scattered rain showers to the Los Angeles area Sunday and dumped snow on the mountains .
Temperatures were 10 to 20 degrees cooler than normal , a trend that was expected to persist for much of the week , said Kathy Hoxsie , meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard .
“ It ’ s nothing unusual , ” she said .
“ It ’ s just that we ’ re finally seeing the overall weather patterns changing and a winter pattern is starting to set up.
” Snow levels were expected to drop to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though they could fall a little lower on the Antelope Valley side , she said .
The Grapevine was expected to see 1 to 2 inches of snow at the pass level accompanied by gusty winds .
“ Travelers need to really focus on driving more slowly , ” Hoxsie said .
Due to the precipitation , the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an advisory warning to avoid the ocean near discharging storm drains , creeks and rivers because the water is likely to be contaminated by bacteria , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisory was in effect through Tuesday morning but could be extended , officials said .
Rain and mountain snow was also forecast to fall in Central California through Sunday night , with forecasters hoping the precipitation would dampen wildfires in the Sierra and finally cleanse the atmosphere in the San Joaquin Valley .
To the east , the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the mountains of Riverside and San Bernardino counties that was in effect through 10 p.m. Sunday .
Forecasters were calling for gusty winds and snow accumulation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 to 6,000 feet and up to 12 inches at 7,000 to 8,000 feet .
Light snow was falling in Big Bear on Sunday morning atop the 5 inches that accumulated there Saturday during the first significant winter storm of the season , said Ivory Small , meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego .
The morning temperature there was expected to be a chilly 4 degrees Monday and 10 degrees Tuesday , he said .
The rain and snow was expected to end late Sunday night , but the cooler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a while .
There was a chance of a warmup ahead of another storm system that could bring more rain and snow Thursday and Friday , Hoxsie said , but things were expected to then cool off again .
Though it wasn ’ t enough to put much of a dent in the region ’ s rainfall deficit , the wet weather was a welcome salve for areas that were recently burned by wildfires .
So far , the showers have been sufficient to wet the burn areas but not so torrential as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If the rain comes down slow enough , it can seep in , ” she said .
The storm system was also helping to clear the air of the smoke that has lingered for weeks due to the unprecedented year of fire .
“ It kind of pushes all the pollution and things out of the area , ” Small said .
“ It ’ s going to be pretty crystal clear tomorrow .
”

Downtown Los Angeles can be seen from Boyle Heights on a rainy day.
A winter storm brought scattered rain showers to the Los Angeles area Sunday and dumped snow on the mountains.
Temperatures were 10 to 20 degrees cooler than normal, a trend that was expected to persist for much of the week, said Kathy Hoxsie, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
“It’s nothing unusual,” she said. “It’s just that we’re finally seeing the overall weather patterns changing and a winter pattern is starting to set up.”
Snow levels were expected to drop to about 3,000 feet in most mountain areas, though they could fall a little lower on the Antelope Valley side, she said.
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The Grapevine was expected to see 1 to 2 inches of snow at the pass level accompanied by gusty winds.
“Travelers need to really focus on driving more slowly,” Hoxsie said.
Due to the precipitation, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an advisory warning to avoid the ocean near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers because the water is likely to be contaminated by bacteria, chemicals, debris and trash. The advisory was in effect through Tuesday morning but could be extended, officials said.
Rain and mountain snow was also forecast to fall in Central California through Sunday night, with forecasters hoping the precipitation would dampen wildfires in the Sierra and finally cleanse the atmosphere in the San Joaquin Valley.
To the east, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the mountains of Riverside and San Bernardino counties that was in effect through 10 p.m. Sunday. Forecasters were calling for gusty winds and snow accumulation ranging from up to 4 inches at 5,000 to 6,000 feet and up to 12 inches at 7,000 to 8,000 feet.
Light snow was falling in Big Bear on Sunday morning atop the 5 inches that accumulated there Saturday during the first significant winter storm of the season, said Ivory Small, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego. The morning temperature there was expected to be a chilly 4 degrees Monday and 10 degrees Tuesday, he said.
The rain and snow was expected to end late Sunday night, but the cooler temperatures were forecast to stick around for a while. There was a chance of a warmup ahead of another storm system that could bring more rain and snow Thursday and Friday, Hoxsie said, but things were expected to then cool off again.
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Though it wasn’t enough to put much of a dent in the region’s rainfall deficit, the wet weather was a welcome salve for areas that were recently burned by wildfires. So far, the showers have been sufficient to wet the burn areas but not so torrential as to disrupt them, Hoxsie said.
“If the rain comes down slow enough, it can seep in,” she said.
The storm system was also helping to clear the air of the smoke that has lingered for weeks due to the unprecedented year of fire.
“It kind of pushes all the pollution and things out of the area,” Small said. “It’s going to be pretty crystal clear tomorrow.”