Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Morning Brief: Racial And Ethnic Inequities Found In Vaccination Rollout
Good morning, L.A.
Amid many other concerns about the coronavirus vaccine rollout in L.A. and California, watchdog groups are becoming increasingly concerned that the inoculations aren’t reaching all residents equally.
California officials aren’t releasing demographic information about who’s received the vaccine, writes Barbara Feder Ostrov, who covers medicine and health policy for CalMatters. But once the current group of eligible people are immunized — a contingent that includes essential workers and those over the age of 65 — the state plans to switch to age-based eligibility.
That switch will remove suggestions to prioritize people with pre-existing conditions and individuals in harder-hit areas, instead lumping them in with everyone in the next age group below 65.
Support for LAist comes from
"We feel like our communities are being once again overlooked," said Rhonda Smith, executive director of the California Black Health Network.
In L.A., coronavirus vaccines have already been painfully difficult to secure, largely due to low supply. A significant percentage of new shipments are earmarked for second doses, leaving precious few to begin the inoculation process with new recipients. Plus, many residents have found the process of getting appointments for second doses confusing and slow.
Statewide, the vaccine distribution plan has come under scrutiny, and Gov. Gavin Newsom is now being questioned about his decision to enlist the help of Blue Shield to get shots into arms.
Meanwhile, data from other states is already showing racial disparities with regards to who is receiving the vaccine. For instance, according to a Kaiser Health News analysis, 1.2% of white Pennsylvanians had been vaccinated as of mid-January, compared with 0.3% of Black Pennsylvanians.
Smith notes that the pattern of Black communities being underserved by the medical system is, unfortunately, one she’s grown accustomed to seeing.
“It's nothing new,” she said, “but it's disappointing.”
Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.
Support for LAist comes from
What Else You Need To Know Today
- Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer has formally announced he's running for governor of California in 2022.
- OC Sheriff Don Barnes is fighting a judge’s order to release or transfer inmates as COVID-19 surges in the county’s jails.
- A new report identifies frontline jobs that offer a living wage, many of which can be done from home.
- There are several tried-and-true strategies for dealing with people who have fallen under the sway of disinformation that’s spreading online.
- A reader from West Hollywood shares how being bused across town as a kid in the ‘60s made her see L.A. as a "place of possibilities."
- Officials will create a protest zone at Dodger Stadium after anti-vaccine demonstrators shut down the site for an hour.
- The Kroger Co. plans to close two stores in Long Beach after a vote mandating temporary “hero pay” for grocery workers.
- Moderna has made significant progress in supplying more vaccines.
- The union representing L.A. County prosecutors is suing to stop justice reform efforts proposed by D.A. George Gascón.
- Some school districts in L.A. County are welcoming limited numbers of students back to campus this week.
- Jamie Tarses, who broke the glass ceiling for female TV executives as the first woman to run a network entertainment division, passed away yesterday morning.
Before You Go …
Ava DuVernay speaks onstage at the 2020 13th Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. (Rich Polk/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
()
This week’s from-your-couch activities are exciting. You can listen to Ava DuVernay talk about her ARRAY film initiative, tune in as Hilton Als and Jia Tolentino discuss Joan Didion, explore the LGBTQ history of Boyle Heights, and more.
Or, if all you really need is a good laugh, check out Self-Care Comedy with DeAnne Smith, Sofiya Alexandra, Anna Valenzuela, Christine Little and Sean Keane.
Support for LAist comes from
Help Us Cover Your Community
- Got something you’ve always wanted to know about Southern California and the people who call it home? Is there an issue you want us to cover? Ask us anything.
- Have a tip about news on which we should dig deeper? Let us know.
The news cycle moves fast. Some stories don't pan out. Others get added. Consider this today's first draft, and check LAist.com for updates on these stories and more. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Never miss an LAist story. Sign up for our daily newsletters.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist