With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Troops Bring Military Efficiency To Cal State LA Vaccination Center
A California Army National Guard soldier directs cars toward the vaccine lanes (Sharon McNary/LAist)
()
About 200 troops in fatigues started their deployment at Cal State LA on Tuesday, part of the federal government's attempt to speed up vaccinations and get 150 million people their shots in 100 days.
The troops came from Fort Carson, Colorado and the California Army National Guard, and organized the operation with military efficiency. On Tuesday they vaccinated 3,000 people. Ultimately it's hoped they'll be able to handle 6,000 a day.
It's a quick process. Platoons of ten cars are instructed to drive forward bumper-to-bumper into the vaccine lane set up in a large parking lot.
"Once they're all lined up," said Sergeant First Class Gerardo Guzman, "each customer gets a questionnaire. And then shortly after one of our medics will go ahead and administer the vaccine."
Support for LAist comes from
After a short wait to make sure there’s no bad reaction, all ten cars are released and the next ten drive in.
At a press conference at the site, Governor Newsom said the location had been chosen to be near communities which had been hit disproportionately hard by the pandemic.
"This is a framework of focus, not just on efficiency, not just speed, but on the issue of equity," he said.
He made clear that the site's allocation of vaccines will be supplied directly by the federal government, and would not affect California's allocation.
Sgt. First Class Gerardo Guzman said he was proud to be doing this work. "Personally, I took the vaccine myself. So this is something I do believe in."
You'll need an appointment to get a vaccine at the site. Go to myturn.ca.gov
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our nonprofit public service journalism: Donate now.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
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.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist