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Morning Briefing: The Reopening Rush
L.A.'s Flower District, Mother's Day 2020 (Josie Huang/ LAist)
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As parts of the region begin to reopen, L.A. is in a strange limbo. This weekend, local judges were ordered to wear face masks in their courtrooms, and a firm in San Diego was given emergency authorization for an antigen test. Meanwhile, hikers flooded our newly reopened trails, and visitors to the Flower Market crowded the streets.
The push-pull dynamic will likely last for a while – we’re desperate to get out of our homes and back into the world, but we don’t actually have a way to treat the disease that’s kept us inside for so long.
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It’s disorienting, it’s a precarious dance, and if you decide to stay indoors a little while longer, that’s quite understandable. Here are some ways to stay sane.
Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today.
Coming Up Today, May 11
The Venice Art Walk and Auctions head online. The Mr. Show crew reunites. World of Wonder give you more reasons to "Stay the F*** Home." and the Pacific Opera Project presents a Mozart-Super Mario mashup viewing party. Christine N. Ziemba has this week’s best virtual events.
If you listen to Mayor Eric Garcetti’s nightly briefings, you’ve heard him discuss coronavirus case numbers, social distancing, and the economy. If you listen closely, you’ll also hear him mention the Mayor's Fund. Wondering what it is? Aaron Mendelson has the story.
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A fire broke out in Hollister Ranch last week, just north of Santa Barbara. It’s an indication that wildfire season isn't close – it's here. Jacob Margolis tells us why we're burning so early in the year, and why we're woefully unprepared, thanks to COVID-19.
Josie Huang speaks with Norma Garcia, acting director of L.A. County’s Parks and Recreation department, who says this weekend’s reopening of hiking trails “was very successful [but] not perfect.”
The Past 48 Hours In LA
L.A., California, The World: There are now 31,694 coronavirus cases and 1,531 deaths in L.A. County, and at least 67,096 cases and 2,700 deaths in California. Worldwide, there are more than 4 million cases and over 282,000 deaths.
The 2020 Vote: The special election to fill the remaining months of Katie Hill's congressional seat has become a bruising battle in the high desert, with both President Trump and former President Barack Obama weighing in.
Equality In The Film Industry: Mothers and caregivers working in animation hope to begin a conversation about improving industry conditions in their field, where women are historically underrepresented.
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The Reopening Rush: The crowded streets of the L.A. Flower District on Mother's Day were a reminder that people are growing fatigued by social distancing orders. Hiking trails reopened on Saturday — here’s what Eaton Canyon, Temescal Canyon and Griffith Park looked like.
Health And Wellness: Judges and other staff in L.A. County Superior Court must now wear face coverings in the courtroom and other public areas. Here are 5 practical tips to stay connected during isolation. The FDA gave emergency authorization to a San Diego-based corporation to manufacture a new antigen test. Top officials in L.A. County's Dept. of Mental Health say the release of more jail inmates will strain resources.
Money Matters: Latinos in the U.S. were on an historic wave of prosperity that's now threatened by devastating job loss. Organizers of an annual county-wide diaper drive in Orange County say they're worried that having to go virtual this year will significantly reduce the donations they count on.
Yes, COVID-19 Is Still Going Around: After a group of 30-40 people got together for a birthday/Easter party in Pasadena, five have coronavirus and several others are significantly ill but uncooperative with authorities. Highland Park resident Toban Nichols described his experience of having the coronavirus, including aching gums, extreme fatigue and some disturbing episodes of not being able to communicate verbally.
Final Good-Byes: On Saturday, we lost Little Richard, the King — and the Queen, as he liked to say — of rock n' roll.
Your Moment Of Zen
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Venice-based musician Matthew DeMerritt called this “a very lucky shot.” While out trying to snap a pic of the recent red tide, a heron landed in front of him. “The nice thing about herons is that they know how to stand still for long exposures,” said DeMerritt.
(Courtesy Matthew DeMerritt)
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Today, on Giving Tuesday, your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why on this Giving Tuesday, we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
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