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Some SoCal Legislators Push To Reopen Theme Parks
State legislators from Southern California have introduced a bill that would allow amusement parks to open sooner than planned.
Currently, smaller theme parks can open when their county hits the state’s Orange Tier, defined as virus transmission being moderate. Larger parks can open when their county reaches the Yellow Tier — defined as minimal transmission.
Democratic Assembly member Sharon Quirk-Silva, whose north Orange County district includes Knott's Berry Farm and borders Disneyland, co-authored a bill that would bump larger amusement park openings to the Orange Tier.
“Theme parks ... are in the business of moving people safely,” she said. “They're outdoor venues, predominantly. And it's time for us to start the road to recovery.”
The bill is co-authored by Republican Assembly member Suzette Martinez Valladares of Santa Clarita, whose district includes Six Flags Magic Mountain.
The bill goes next to the Assembly Entertainment Committee, which is chaired by Quirk-Silva.
When challenged on the issue in the past, Gov. Gavin Newsom has held fast to the decision to hold off on theme parks reopening.
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