Morning Brief: Vaccination Rates, In-Person Classrooms, And Still Seeking Susan

Good morning, L.A. It’s May 25.

Yesterday, L.A. County reached a milestone: more than 50% of Angelenos ages 16 and over are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

In a press conference, L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer expressed her joy at getting to this point.

“We have been making truly exciting progress in slowing the spread of COVID,” she said. “It is truly thrilling to see us reach this landmark.”

As of May 21, the county had administered more than 9.5 million doses of the vaccine, including about four million second doses. Ferrer noted that a large-scale effort is being made to disseminate vaccines in areas hardest hit by the pandemic, including East and South L.A. Vaccination rates have improved recently in those areas, thanks in part to an increase of vaccination sites that are more accessible.

“It's rewarding to see the significant progress we've made in these neighborhoods,” Ferrer said.

There were 139 new cases of COVID-19 reported yesterday. To put that in perspective, exactly one year ago, the county reported 940 new cases.

According to health officials, there are now more than 750 sites across L.A. County where residents can get vaccinated. Ferrer also said that folks who are hesitant to get the vaccine are most likely to be convinced by a family member. She emphasized that mothers and grandmothers might be the most influential of those voices.

Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A., and stay safe out there.

What Else You Need To Know Today

• LAUSD will offer all public school students the option for full-day, on-campus, in-person instruction starting in August.
• The LAUSD school board will vote on whether to remove the emergency powers given to the superintendent during the pandemic.
• On the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death, the Pacific Symphony in Orange County will perform a tribute that reflects the experiences, lessons and historic moments of the past year.

Before You Go ... This Week's Outdoor Pick: 'Desperately Seeking Susan'

The "Desperately Seeking Susan" DVD/video box cover.

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The female-founded Vidiots Foundation hosts a screening of the 1985 film, Desperately Seeking Susan, starring Rosanna Arquette and Madonna. Proceeds from the screening will go toward the film nonprofit’s relaunch of a brick-and-mortar location at the historic Eagle Theatre in Eagle Rock.

Or, you could: Tap dance in the park. Listen to the history of K-Pop. Explore African American cuisine. Visit the Getty and the Broad, which both reopen this week. Cook dumplings and scattered sushi. Dare to enter Zombie Joe’s newest scare-thru. And more.