Morning Briefing: Stepping Up And Doubling Down

Community health worker Joseph Becerra is a part of a team of medical providers that go out on the streets and treat L.A.’s unhoused communities. Speaking to Alyssa Jeong Perry, Becerra said that the work is particularly meaningful to him because he used to live on the streets himself:

"My heart is for this,” he said, “because I understand what it is to not have or to be looked down on."

Becerra is among myriad Angelenos who are trying to rise to the challenge that COVID-19 is presenting in their jobs. Community college administrators are working to anticipate an increased need for mental health and basic needs services. Educators who teach special needs kids are fighting to get remote lesson plans and other programs in place. And a coalition of advocates has been tirelessly outspoken to get some of L.A.’s juvenile detainees released.

Heading into this weekend, when a lot of us are truly starting to feel the grind of the stay-at-home order, it’s a great time to remember our community members who are going above and beyond to help others. We’re sending a big thank you to everyone.

Hang in there, L.A.

The Past 24 Hours In LA

L.A., California, The World: There are now 11,391 coronavirus cases in L.A. County. There are 28,887 cases in California, and over 2.2 million worldwide.

Education: The closure of school districts everywhere has created new challenges for educators trying to teach the state's most vulnerable students. As emotional pressures rise, some community college administrators worry they won't be able to meet students' needs.

Health And Wellness: California’s frontline doctors are increasingly optimistic about their ability to safely treat COVID-19 patients. Joseph Becerra helps health care providers locate patients who live on the streets. Some kids’ medicine can’t be provided over the phone, like vaccines that start at 2 months old.

Safety Concerns Mount: A coalition of youth justice advocates called once again for the release of some of L.A.’s juvenile detainees. L.A. County's domestic violence hotline and some shelters for abused women have seen a spike in calls.

Entertainment: San Diego’s Comic-Con is cancelled, but you can watch our first "Unwind Live" virtual event with comedian Drew Carey. Or, if you’re sick of jigsaw puzzles and video conferencing, we have another suggestion: Work on becoming a better you.

Money In The Time Of…: More financial help is coming for California’s small businesses and gig employees. Only about 45% of Angelenos currently still have their jobs. Southern California airports have seen traffic plummet by more than 90%.

Go Ahead And Drink The Water: Can a person get the coronavirus from their home or work water supply? The simple answer is: not really.

First Person: Erick Galindo visits the Downey First Christian Church’s food bank the day before Easter. “Some people came in bunny ears. Some came in tejanas. They all wore masks.”

In Non-COVID-19 News

"The Last Dance," which premieres Sunday on ESPN, is a 10-part documentary series about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls' 1998 season.

Stephan Franck’s new comic, Palomino, is a neo-noir story set in L.A.’s 1980s country music club scene. It centers around North Hollywood's real-life, now defunct Palomino Club.

We've highlighted a handful of restaurants, organized by neighborhood, currently offering grocery and pantry items on their delivery and take-out menus.

Your Moment Of Zen

It may seem like everything has ground to a halt, but this image of a girl posing in her cap and gown (an appropriate distance away from others) in Lancaster, CA poppy fields where the annual spring bloom is underway reminds us that life goes on, for hopeful graduates and nature alike.

(Photo by Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

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