Morning Briefing: The Details On Playgrounds Reopening

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Good morning, L.A.

If you have young children, you’ve probably sorely missed public playgrounds during the coronavirus shutdown. Well, we have good news – sort of. Some playgrounds in the city of L.A. and surrounding areas have reopened. (Yay!) But the regulations around them seem … difficult to enforce, at best. (Boo.)

Here’s the deal: Masks are required for kids aged two and older. A distance of six feet is required from other people. No eating or drinking. And visits should be limited to 30 minutes.

So, you’re going to have a potentially hungry and thirsty kid who has to wait their turn six feet away from the kid in front of them while futzing with their face mask … but, they’ll be on a playground, outdoors, instead of in your living room.

Worth it? We’ll leave it up to you.

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

– Jessica P. Ogilvie

Coming Up Today, October 8

Although the end date for the 2020 census has been moved back to Oct. 31 by a court, some local outreach organizations say they haven't publicized the new deadline because they’re out of money after the long and dragged out process. Caroline Champlin has more.

Need a laugh? Head to two virtual comedy festivals. Looking for a scare? Roll up to these Halloween-themed drive-in flicks. Want to sweat? Lace up for a virtual run. Christine N. Ziemba has this weekend’s best online and IRL events.

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The Past 24 Hours In LA

City Hall Scandal: Katy Perry concert tickets, a family trip to China and campaign cash: these are some of the gifts that the Chinese megadeveloper Shenzhen Hazens admitted to giving suspended City Councilman José Huizar, and why the developer has agreed to pay more than $1 million to avoid prosecution.

Opening … And Not Opening: Here are the L.A. and SoCal areas that have reopened their playgrounds and other recreational facilities. Large theme parks such as Disneyland won’t reopen any time soon.

Pandemic Repercussions: A union representing workers at Cal State Fullerton is protesting the university’s move to lay off 46 workers. Local bookstores are struggling, and are all sending the same message: If you value your local bookstore, shop there! L.A. County reported its highest single day number of new coronavirus cases since August but, overall, case numbers are at their lowest point since early May.

New Media: The pandemic has forced fire departments to accelerate their adoption of online and social media communications about big, disastrous fires. NBC's new sitcom, Connecting…, was shot remotely, with actors filming themselves at home. On this week’s episode of Servant of Pod with Nick Quah, Nick talks with Roman Mars about the origins of Mars’ podcast, 99% Invisible, which has been going strong for 10 years.

Photo Of The Day

James Fugate, co-owner of Eso Won Books in Leimert Park, works at his store during the pandemic. Independent bookstores have relied on loyal customers to stay afloat.

(Somerset New-Stein for LAist)

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This post has been updated to reflect changes in what's coming up for today.

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