Morning Briefing: The Reopening Rush

L.A.'s Flower District, Mother's Day 2020 (Josie Huang/ LAist)

()

Never miss a morning briefing, subscribe today to get our A.M. newsletter delivered to your inbox.

As parts of the region begin to reopen, L.A. is in a strange limbo. This weekend, local judges were ordered to wear face masks in their courtrooms, and a firm in San Diego was given emergency authorization for an antigen test. Meanwhile, hikers flooded our newly reopened trails, and visitors to the Flower Market crowded the streets.

The push-pull dynamic will likely last for a while – we’re desperate to get out of our homes and back into the world, but we don’t actually have a way to treat the disease that’s kept us inside for so long.

It’s disorienting, it’s a precarious dance, and if you decide to stay indoors a little while longer, that’s quite understandable. Here are some ways to stay sane.

Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today.

— Jessica P. Ogilvie

Coming Up Today, May 11

The Venice Art Walk and Auctions head online. The Mr. Show crew reunites. World of Wonder give you more reasons to "Stay the F*** Home." and the Pacific Opera Project presents a Mozart-Super Mario mashup viewing party. Christine N. Ziemba has this week’s best virtual events.

If you listen to Mayor Eric Garcetti’s nightly briefings, you’ve heard him discuss coronavirus case numbers, social distancing, and the economy. If you listen closely, you’ll also hear him mention the Mayor's Fund. Wondering what it is? Aaron Mendelson has the story.

A fire broke out in Hollister Ranch last week, just north of Santa Barbara. It’s an indication that wildfire season isn't close – it's here. Jacob Margolis tells us why we're burning so early in the year, and why we're woefully unprepared, thanks to COVID-19.

Josie Huang speaks with Norma Garcia, acting director of L.A. County’s Parks and Recreation department, who says this weekend’s reopening of hiking trails “was very successful [but] not perfect.”

The Past 48 Hours In LA

L.A., California, The World: There are now 31,694 coronavirus cases and 1,531 deaths in L.A. County, and at least 67,096 cases and 2,700 deaths in California. Worldwide, there are more than 4 million cases and over 282,000 deaths.

The 2020 Vote: The special election to fill the remaining months of Katie Hill's congressional seat has become a bruising battle in the high desert, with both President Trump and former President Barack Obama weighing in.

Equality In The Film Industry: Mothers and caregivers working in animation hope to begin a conversation about improving industry conditions in their field, where women are historically underrepresented.

The Reopening Rush: The crowded streets of the L.A. Flower District on Mother's Day were a reminder that people are growing fatigued by social distancing orders. Hiking trails reopened on Saturday — here’s what Eaton Canyon, Temescal Canyon and Griffith Park looked like.

Health And Wellness: Judges and other staff in L.A. County Superior Court must now wear face coverings in the courtroom and other public areas. Here are 5 practical tips to stay connected during isolation. The FDA gave emergency authorization to a San Diego-based corporation to manufacture a new antigen test. Top officials in L.A. County's Dept. of Mental Health say the release of more jail inmates will strain resources.

Money Matters: Latinos in the U.S. were on an historic wave of prosperity that's now threatened by devastating job loss. Organizers of an annual county-wide diaper drive in Orange County say they're worried that having to go virtual this year will significantly reduce the donations they count on.

Yes, COVID-19 Is Still Going Around: After a group of 30-40 people got together for a birthday/Easter party in Pasadena, five have coronavirus and several others are significantly ill but uncooperative with authorities. Highland Park resident Toban Nichols described his experience of having the coronavirus, including aching gums, extreme fatigue and some disturbing episodes of not being able to communicate verbally.

Final Good-Byes: On Saturday, we lost Little Richard, the King — and the Queen, as he liked to say — of rock n' roll.

Your Moment Of Zen

Venice-based musician Matthew DeMerritt called this “a very lucky shot.” While out trying to snap a pic of the recent red tide, a heron landed in front of him. “The nice thing about herons is that they know how to stand still for long exposures,” said DeMerritt.

(Courtesy Matthew DeMerritt)

()

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.

DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Get our daily newsletters for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.

SUBSCRIBE
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy