10/9/2020 Supervisors to press governor on reopening | Public Safety | highlandnews.net https://www.highlandnews.net/news/public_safety/supervisors-to-press-governor-on-reopening/article_8d29d6de-0989-11eb-97ba-1726a7077bd9.html 1/2 https://www.highlandnews.net/news/public_safety/supervisors-to-press-governor-on- reopening/article_8d29d6de-0989-11eb-97ba-1726a7077bd9.html BREAKING Supervisors to press governor on reopening Oct 8, 2020 The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday, Oct. 6, to submit a resolution to Gov. Gavin Newsom urging for more stable and consistent measures for reopening the county and its economy during the coronavirus pandemic. The resolution focuses on three specic requests: • Make the process counties must follow to reopen businesses more stable and predictable. • Attach the state’s testing metric to a xed number rather than the ever-changing median testing number of all 58 counties. • Allow communities that have experienced historically low rates of infection (such as those in the county’s rural areas) to reopen. “The constantly changing criteria for reopening counties have been devastating to our residents and businesses,” said Board Chairman Curt Hagman. “Our county has adhered to all state public health guidelines. We have slowed the spread of COVID-19. We have lowered hospitalization rates, increased capacity and protected skilled nursing facilities. We have implemented extensive testing
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10/9/2020 Supervisors to press governor on reopening | Public Safety | highlandnews.net
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Coronavirus Unit Nurse In San Bernardino CountyDies From COVID-19 ComplicationsBy CBSLA Staff October 7, 2020 at 10:33 pm Filed Under: Coronavirus, KCAL 9, Sally Fontanilla, San Bernardino County
APPLE VALLEY (CBSLA) — A Southern California nurse who was onthe frontline helping coronavirus patients ended up sufferingserious COVID-19 complications that led up to her death onMonday.
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51-year-old Sally Fontanilla dedicated 20 years of her life to caringfor others, and just two weeks shy of her 52nd birthday, she passedaway.
(Source: GoFundMe/Fontanilla Family)
Her husband Ben, who also works at St. Mary Medical Center inApple Valley, said they were concerned about her safety during thepandemic because of the risk factors she had, including asthma,diabetes, bronchitis and carrying excess weight.
She ended up getting seriously ill from coronavirus symptoms andwas sent to the intensive care unit and had been on a ventilator fortwo months.
Now, her surprising death has family and other loved ones shockedbut comforted by the impact she left behind.
RELATED: San Bernardino County Reports 301 New CoronavirusCases, 967 Additional Deaths
“She always had an infectious personality. Willing to help, therewith a smile,” said Fontanilla’s friend Megan. “We wanted everyoneto know what an amazing person she was.”
Fontanilla took a few months off work during the beginning of thepandemic to help protect herself and then returned to the hospitalin the summer when she thought her risk would be lower. However,that’s when cases in San Bernardino County peaked.
She worked in the hospital’s coronavirus unit and took severalprecautions as required by health of�cials, but the risk was stillthere, and at some point, she was exposed.
“We take all our precautions. We wear our masks, our shields, ourgowns, our gloves, but you never know,” a coworker said.
To date, 967 people with coronavirus in San Bernadino County havedied and infections are on the rise.
One of Fontanilla’s former coronavirus patients set up a GoFundMeto help support the family. More than $11,600 has been raised sofar.
By By JOSH CAINJOSH CAIN | | [email protected]@scng.com | Los Angeles Daily News | Los Angeles Daily News
PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: October 8, 2020 at 5:55 p.m.October 8, 2020 at 5:55 p.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: October 8, 2020 at 6:02 p.m.October 8, 2020 at 6:02 p.m.
Hundreds of drivers gathered with their cars at the Loma Linda Medical CenterHundreds of drivers gathered with their cars at the Loma Linda Medical Centerparking garage on Saturday night, Oct. 3, 2020 before sheriff’s deputies broke upparking garage on Saturday night, Oct. 3, 2020 before sheriff’s deputies broke upthe event. (Photo by OnScene.TV)the event. (Photo by OnScene.TV)
The mayor of Loma Linda said he’s worried a car show that brought thousands ofThe mayor of Loma Linda said he’s worried a car show that brought thousands of
mostly young people to a hospital parking lot last weekend may end up settingmostly young people to a hospital parking lot last weekend may end up setting
back San Bernardino County’s ability to get out from under state-mandatedback San Bernardino County’s ability to get out from under state-mandated
shutdowns amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.shutdowns amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
NEWSNEWSCRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETYCRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Loma Linda mayor worriedLoma Linda mayor worriedcrowds at car show could posecrowds at car show could poseCOVID setbackCOVID setback
City officials are still looking into how the car show, City officials are still looking into how the car show, which brought hundreds ofwhich brought hundreds of
luxury and sports cars to the parking structure of Loma Linda University Medicalluxury and sports cars to the parking structure of Loma Linda University Medical
CenterCenter on Saturday, Oct. 3, along with as many as 3,000 eager onlookers, was able on Saturday, Oct. 3, along with as many as 3,000 eager onlookers, was able
to descend on the area, apparently without anyone knowing in advance how bigto descend on the area, apparently without anyone knowing in advance how big
the event was going to be.the event was going to be.
Videos show large crowds of people, some with masks but many others without,Videos show large crowds of people, some with masks but many others without,
packing into the structure and gathering around the cars with cell phones out,packing into the structure and gathering around the cars with cell phones out,
recording.recording.
While it’s unclear whether anyone may have been exposed to coronavirus at theWhile it’s unclear whether anyone may have been exposed to coronavirus at the
outdoor event, Mayor Phill Dupper said he was disappointed so many peopleoutdoor event, Mayor Phill Dupper said he was disappointed so many people
showed up, flouting the county’s social distancing and mask-wearingshowed up, flouting the county’s social distancing and mask-wearing
recommendations.recommendations.
“It is unfortunate people don’t realize their actions can affect so many others,”“It is unfortunate people don’t realize their actions can affect so many others,”
Dupper said in an email. “Although I don’t believe the kids who showed up for theDupper said in an email. “Although I don’t believe the kids who showed up for the
event meant any harm, they potentially put ALL of the citizens in San Bernardinoevent meant any harm, they potentially put ALL of the citizens in San Bernardino
County at a disadvantage.”County at a disadvantage.”
The county remains in the state’s purple tier, the highest status for coronavirusThe county remains in the state’s purple tier, the highest status for coronavirus
spread being tracked by the California Department of Public Health.spread being tracked by the California Department of Public Health.
As of Thursday, San Bernardino County’s rate of positive coronavirus tests wasAs of Thursday, San Bernardino County’s rate of positive coronavirus tests was
still at more than 9.2 cases per 100,000. That number increased from the weekstill at more than 9.2 cases per 100,000. That number increased from the week
before, before, meaning any wider reopening of the county won’t take place until Oct. 20meaning any wider reopening of the county won’t take place until Oct. 20..
The car show on Saturday was supposed to be small. Konrad Bolowich, LomaThe car show on Saturday was supposed to be small. Konrad Bolowich, Loma
Linda’s assistant city manager, said the event was approved about three weeksLinda’s assistant city manager, said the event was approved about three weeks
ago.ago.
In their application, the event organizers were planning a gathering of 15 to 20In their application, the event organizers were planning a gathering of 15 to 20
cars. Attendees would have been required to socially distance and stay in theircars. Attendees would have been required to socially distance and stay in their
own cars when possible.own cars when possible.
That’s not what happened.. At around 9 p.m. when the event was slated to begin,That’s not what happened.. At around 9 p.m. when the event was slated to begin,
thousands of people began pouring into the parking lot adjacent to Loma Lindathousands of people began pouring into the parking lot adjacent to Loma Linda
University’s medical school and hospital.University’s medical school and hospital.
Among the organizers was the Loma Linda University Church and its youthAmong the organizers was the Loma Linda University Church and its youth
ministry, which worked with car show promoter OriginKazoku to put on theministry, which worked with car show promoter OriginKazoku to put on the
show. Dupper said things quickly got out of hand.show. Dupper said things quickly got out of hand.
“The best we can tell, unknowingly, the church put some things out on social“The best we can tell, unknowingly, the church put some things out on social
media and it grew legs,” Dupper said. “Our belief is it was not their intention andmedia and it grew legs,” Dupper said. “Our belief is it was not their intention and
when it started getting out of control, no one there knew what to do.”when it started getting out of control, no one there knew what to do.”
Deputies ended up helping clear the area of attendees after several hours.Deputies ended up helping clear the area of attendees after several hours.
Dupper said the event never would have been approved if city officials knew howDupper said the event never would have been approved if city officials knew how
big it was going to get. The mayor and Bolowich said the city would be looking atbig it was going to get. The mayor and Bolowich said the city would be looking at
its permit approvals process to figure out how to make sure it doesn’t happenits permit approvals process to figure out how to make sure it doesn’t happen
again. Dupper also said at least one other event in the city is now being put onagain. Dupper also said at least one other event in the city is now being put on
hold out of caution.hold out of caution.
A spokesman for the county’s Department of Public Health also said the eventA spokesman for the county’s Department of Public Health also said the event
should not have happened. Officials have not said yet whether they are aware ofshould not have happened. Officials have not said yet whether they are aware of
any exposures to coronavirus among event attendees.any exposures to coronavirus among event attendees.
In a statement, leaders at Loma Linda University Church said they “failed toIn a statement, leaders at Loma Linda University Church said they “failed to
anticipate that the event would grow so far beyond what we had planned.”anticipate that the event would grow so far beyond what we had planned.”
“We got it wrong, and we’re sorry,” they said. “We want to be a good neighbor, and“We got it wrong, and we’re sorry,” they said. “We want to be a good neighbor, and
we obviously failed this past Saturday evening.”we obviously failed this past Saturday evening.”
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Schools reopening, pandemic highlightvirtual State of the CountyRene Ray De La Cruz Victorville Daily PressPublished 10:46 a.m. PT Oct. 8, 2020
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre said over 50 county schoolshave been granted state waivers for on-campus instruction since Lucerne ValleyElementary became one of the first in California to gain approval in August.
Alejandre commended the county Board of Supervisors and the county Department of PublicHealth for "looking at the data" concerning a return to the classroom in areas where he saidCOVID-19 has had less of an effect.
"There's a number of areas in our county that don't have the (same) impact as others,"Alejandre said. "The transmission rates are lower. The positivity rates are lower. And so theyhave the data in their own districts to then submit waivers to the state to get approval to haveinstruction at their schools."
Alejandre, who spoke via Zoom on Wednesday morning during the 2020 State of the County,said 23 other schools were pending approval for waivers.
According to the CDPH on Wednesday evening, 64 schools in the county had received statewaivers, including Riverside Preparatory School in Oro Grande and Victor Valley SeventhDay Adventist in Victorville.
Other schools in the High Desert that received waivers were Oro Grande Elementary, VictorValley Christian, Zion Lutheran in Victorville, New Life Christian in Hesperia and AppleValley Christian Academy.
Since schools began closing statewide in March, “distance learning has been embeddedwithin all of our school districts,” according to Alejandre, who said the country has trainednearly 25,000 educators on how to use digital learning platforms to effectively reach theirstudents.
Wednesday's virtual State of the County, meanwhile, was hosted by the Victor ValleyChamber of Commerce and led by 1st District Supervisor Robert Lovingood.
The presentation also included several county leaders, such as Sheriff John McMahon, whoshared an overview of highlights accomplished by their departments or organizations.
The online presentation also served as an informal farewell for Lovingood, 62, whose secondterm ends this year. The supervisor, who was first elected in 2012, announced in August thathe would not seek a third term.
During the event, Lovingood shared his frustration with the state’s response to the COVID-19pandemic, which has halted the full opening of schools, churches andnonessential businesses throughout the county.
On Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to submit a resolution toGov. Gavin Newsom requesting the reopening of communities that have experiencedhistorically low rates of infection.
McMahon said the Sheriff’s Department's "workload," as well as the number ofinmates, decreased during the beginning of the pandemic. He added, however, that withtime,both had started to increase again.
This year, the Sheriff’s Department monitored several peaceful protests locally in the wake ofGeorge Floyd's death, and McMahon said a few of them were attended by “paid” protestersand activists.
“There are people that come to these protests from out of the area, they are paid to be there,”McMahon said. “They have discussions on whether or not they’re going to get arrested andwhich ones are going to get arrested. It’s all planned.”
McMahon emphasized that the department respects the right of individuals to peacefullyprotest, adding that deputies will protect them as they do so. He also said people will getarrested when they break the law.
McMahon praised the efforts of Dr. Derek King, the assistant superintendent of studentservices at Excelsior Charter Schools and Undersheriff Shannon Dicus, who worked toestablish the first citizen workgroup program in Apple Valley.
The program consists of community leaders and Sheriff’s station officials who will meetmonthly to improve community relations between law enforcement and the public.
“That first meeting was a big success ... and we are going to roll it out across the entirecounty,” McMahon said.
McMahon said the department is in the process of creating a “Next Gen” group of youngerpeople to meet regularly to discuss matters concerning to that age group, and to buildrelationships.
Lovingood, meanwhile, said the High Desert Training Center, located at the SouthernCalifornia Logistics Airport in Victorville, continues to target in-demand skills training forthose living in the area.
The 66,000-square-foot center, which was provided by Sterling Capital Investments,Prologis and Exquadrum, will train individuals for jobs that will “pay living wages,”Lovingood said.
“The High Desert Manufacturing Council, the County Workforce Development and VictorValley College worked together to bring this forward,” Lovingood said. He added that thecenter will train the younger generation in jobs that will be vacated by the baby boomerswho have already retired or are planning to do so.
The 2020 State of the County presentation video may be viewed on the Victor ValleyChamber YouTube channel.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.
By By RYAN HAGENRYAN HAGEN | | [email protected]@scng.com | The Sun | The Sun
PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: October 8, 2020 at 5:18 p.m.October 8, 2020 at 5:18 p.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: October 8, 2020 at 5:19 p.m.October 8, 2020 at 5:19 p.m.
San Bernardino County businesses and nonprofits have until Oct. 31 to apply forSan Bernardino County businesses and nonprofits have until Oct. 31 to apply for
money to help them weather the effects of the novel money to help them weather the effects of the novel coronaviruscoronavirus and the and the
shutdowns associated with it, the county announced Thursday.shutdowns associated with it, the county announced Thursday.
The county extended the deadline and expanded the program, which previouslyThe county extended the deadline and expanded the program, which previously
offered $2,500 to participants. Another $1,200 per organization is now availableoffered $2,500 to participants. Another $1,200 per organization is now available
to to restaurants and retail stores that had to move outdoorsrestaurants and retail stores that had to move outdoors in response to state in response to state
regulations, as well as fitness facilities, service businesses and churches.regulations, as well as fitness facilities, service businesses and churches.
The $2,500 is available to eligible small businesses with one to 100 employees.The $2,500 is available to eligible small businesses with one to 100 employees.
The county also offers support and partnership to other businesses that want toThe county also offers support and partnership to other businesses that want to
become a COVID Complaint Business Partner, according to a county newsbecome a COVID Complaint Business Partner, according to a county news
release.release.
To receive funds, businesses must demonstrate compliance with state and countyTo receive funds, businesses must demonstrate compliance with state and county
public health orders.public health orders.
LOCAL NEWSLOCAL NEWS
San Bernardino CountySan Bernardino Countybusinesses can get money forbusinesses can get money forcoronavirus reliefcoronavirus relief
Since launching in May, the county has approved applications from more thanSince launching in May, the county has approved applications from more than
4,000 businesses and has awarded more than $10 million to reimburse or offset4,000 businesses and has awarded more than $10 million to reimburse or offset
costs directly related to compliance with the protocols.costs directly related to compliance with the protocols.
The county has $30 million available to The county has $30 million available to give to businessesgive to businesses..
More information and an application is available at More information and an application is available at https://sbcovid19.com/covid-https://sbcovid19.com/covid-
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Ryan HagenRyan Hagen | Reporter| ReporterRyan Hagen covers San Bernardino County and politics for the SouthernRyan Hagen covers San Bernardino County and politics for the SouthernCalifornia News Group. Since he began covering Inland Empire governments inCalifornia News Group. Since he began covering Inland Empire governments in2010, he's written about a city entering bankruptcy and exiting bankruptcy;2010, he's written about a city entering bankruptcy and exiting bankruptcy;politicians being elected, recalled and arrested; crime; a terrorist attack; �res;politicians being elected, recalled and arrested; crime; a terrorist attack; �res;ICE; �ghts to end homelessness; �ghts over the location of speed bumps; andICE; �ghts to end homelessness; �ghts over the location of speed bumps; andpeople's best and worst moments. A graduate of Pepperdine University, hepeople's best and worst moments. A graduate of Pepperdine University, he
By By JEFF HORSEMANJEFF HORSEMAN | | [email protected]@scng.com | The Press- | The Press-EnterpriseEnterprisePUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: October 8, 2020 at 2:48 p.m.October 8, 2020 at 2:48 p.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: October 8, 2020 at 2:48October 8, 2020 at 2:48p.m.p.m.
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San Bernardino CountySan Bernardino County
San Bernardino County now has more than 57,000 confirmed San Bernardino County now has more than 57,000 confirmed coronaviruscoronaviruscases and 974 COVID-19 deaths in numbers updated Thursday, Oct. 8, bycases and 974 COVID-19 deaths in numbers updated Thursday, Oct. 8, bycounty public health officials.county public health officials.
Here are the latest numbers, according to county and state public healthHere are the latest numbers, according to county and state public healthofficials.officials.
Confirmed cases:Confirmed cases: 57,203 total, up 380 from Wednesday, Oct. 7, averaging 258 57,203 total, up 380 from Wednesday, Oct. 7, averaging 258reported per day in the past weekreported per day in the past week
LOCAL NEWSLOCAL NEWS
San Bernardino County reportsSan Bernardino County reports380 new coronavirus cases, 7380 new coronavirus cases, 7new deathsnew deaths
Deaths:Deaths: 974 total, up seven from Wednesday, averaging 2.7 reported per day in 974 total, up seven from Wednesday, averaging 2.7 reported per day inthe past weekthe past week
Hospital survey:Hospital survey: 205 confirmed and 44 suspected patients hospitalized 205 confirmed and 44 suspected patients hospitalizedWednesday, including 45 confirmed and 5 suspected patients in the ICU, withWednesday, including 45 confirmed and 5 suspected patients in the ICU, with25 of 25 facilities reporting. The number of confirmed patients is up 24.2%25 of 25 facilities reporting. The number of confirmed patients is up 24.2%from a week earlier.from a week earlier.
People tested:People tested: 665,992 total, up 5,643 from Wednesday, averaging 5,220 665,992 total, up 5,643 from Wednesday, averaging 5,220reported per day in the past weekreported per day in the past week
Resolved cases (estimate):Resolved cases (estimate): 54,223 total, up 141 from Wednesday, averaging 226 54,223 total, up 141 from Wednesday, averaging 226per day in the past weekper day in the past week
Reopening planReopening plan tier: tier: Purple (widespread risk level). Many non-essential Purple (widespread risk level). Many non-essentialindoor business operations are closed.indoor business operations are closed.
New cases per day per 100,000 residents: 9.2, as of TuesdayNew cases per day per 100,000 residents: 9.2, as of TuesdayCase rate adjusted for testing volume: 9.6, as of TuesdayCase rate adjusted for testing volume: 9.6, as of TuesdayTest positivity rate: 6.4%, as of TuesdayTest positivity rate: 6.4%, as of TuesdayPositivity rate in socioeconomically challenged neighborhoods: 8.1%, asPositivity rate in socioeconomically challenged neighborhoods: 8.1%, asof Tuesdayof TuesdayWhat s̓ next: San Bernardino County is meeting one criteria to move to aWhat s̓ next: San Bernardino County is meeting one criteria to move to aless-restrictive tier (positivity rate of 8% or less) but not the otherless-restrictive tier (positivity rate of 8% or less) but not the other(adjusted case rate of 7.0 or less). When it has met all three for two(adjusted case rate of 7.0 or less). When it has met all three for twoconsecutive weeks, it can advance. The state updates numbers and tiersconsecutive weeks, it can advance. The state updates numbers and tierson Tuesdays.on Tuesdays.
To see a map and list of cases, deaths and per-capita rates by community,To see a map and list of cases, deaths and per-capita rates by community,click click herehere..
Here is a look at how the county s̓ numbers have changed each day:Here is a look at how the county s̓ numbers have changed each day:
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Coronavirus updates: California’s COVID-19rates plateauing, but a few counties regress
BY MICHAEL MCGOUGH
OCTOBER 08, 2020 12:52 PM, UPDATED OCTOBER 08, 2020 04:17 PM
St. John Vianney School in Rancho Cordova reopens for in-person instruction Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic. It was one of19 private schools, all serving K-6 students, granted waivers last week to reopen in Sacramento County. BY DANIEL KIM
Data continue to reflect positive progress in California’s fight to limit spread of thecoronavirus, but as some parts of the state fare better than others, health officialscontinue to warn people not to let their guard down.
California’s hospitalization figures remain in relatively good shape, with the statehealth department as of Thursday reporting a little over 2,300 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in hospital beds and about 650 in the ICU.
Each are less than a third of peak totals recorded over the summer. After almost twomonths of consistent and steady decline starting in late July, though, bothhospitalization figures have been trending for about the past two weeks on more ofa “plateau,” as Gov. Gavin Newsom phrased it Monday in a news briefing.
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Another key metric, test positivity rate, also appears to be plateauing, but it’s doingso at the lowest rate recorded since state health officials began keeping track.
The California Department of Public Health said Thursday that only 2.6% ofdiagnostic COVID-19 tests performed in the last two weeks have returned positive.When that metric drops, it suggests true spread of the virus may be decreasingsignificantly.
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Like hospitalizations, test positivity is now roughly one-third of the peak rateobserved in late July, when 7.5% of tests were returning positive.
The World Health Organization recommends a positivity rate below 5% beforereopening. California uses 8% positivity as one of its thresholds for counties toimprove from its most restrictive purple tier into the red tier within its currentreopening framework. A rate below 5% is a requirement for the orange tier, and theleast restrictive yellow tier is only available for counties with fewer than 2% of testscoming back positive. Eight counties were allowed to loosen business and indooractivity restrictions this week.
In another bit of good news, Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly saidduring a Tuesday news conference that the state has not seen “a connection betweenincreased transmission and school reopening or in-person learning.”
Ghaly called this an encouraging but early sign. Schools have yet to widely reopen innumerous counties, including Sacramento and Yolo in the capital region as well asLos Angeles, the state’s most populous.
Ghaly, Newsom and local health officials continue to emphasize remaining diligentand continuing to avoid social gatherings — which they’ve blamed as a key factor inthe summer surge in infections, spreading the highly infectious respiratory diseasebetween friends and loved ones — as the state’s progress will be tested by gradualeconomic reopening, the continuing academic year, flu season and colder weatherthat’ll keep people indoors for longer time periods.
At least 16,361 Californians have died among 834,800 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to state data updated Thursday.
A DOZEN COUNTIES FAILED TO MEET NEW ‘EQUITY’ REQUIREMENT
Now for the bad news: Opposite the eight counties that got the state’s blessing forfurther reopening, points of concern arose for 14 others throughout California inthis week’s update to the state’s tier list, coded by color. The four tiers, from most toleast restrictive, are purple, red, orange and yellow.
The list, which is updated by CDPH each Tuesday, saw Shasta and Tehama countiesmove into more restrictive stages in the reopening process due to spiking rates of
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new infections, down to red and purple, respectively. Those were the first twodemotions, coming in Week 5 of California’s new system.
Three other counties — El Dorado, Fresno and Riverside — also did not maintain thenecessary metrics for their current tiers, and face demotion as early as next week ifnumbers stay deficient for a second consecutive week.
Additionally, the state health department this week implemented a new “healthequity” metric to go along with the other main two reopening criteria of newinfections per 100,000 residents and test positivity rate.
In its first week, 12 counties, including three listed above for other issues failed tomeet the equity mark: Contra Costa, Fresno, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, SanDiego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Shasta and Sonoma.
The equity metric is a bit more complex than the other two. In a nutshell, CDPH isrequiring counties to demonstrate low viral activity in their most disadvantagedneighborhoods. The state is doing so by looking at census tracts that rank in thelowest 25% according to the state’s composite Health Places Index, and requiringthat test positivity rates in those area meet, or come within a few fractions of apercentage point of meeting, the same positivity rate cutoffs required acrosscounties as a whole.
CDPH says counties won’t be demoted to a worse tier for failing to meet the healthequity requirement, but they can’t move forward, either, until they meet this marktwo weeks in a row. The metric only applies to counties with more than 106,000residents, a list made up of the 35 most populous of California’s 58 counties.
90 SACRAMENTO COUNTY RESIDENTS DIED OF VIRUS LAST MONTH
September has overtaken July as Sacramento County’s second-deadliest month of thecoronavirus crisis, according to data updated by county health officials Wednesday.
At least 90 county residents died of COVID-19 last month, a figure still continuing togrow several days into October as official death determinations from the final fewdays of September are added.
The month’s death toll has surpassed the 88 deaths in July. August remains by far theworst month of the ongoing pandemic in terms of local fatalities, with about 170Sacramento County deaths in the weeks that followed the region’s most intensespikes in new infections, hospitalizations and ICU admissions.
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NEWSOM STAFFER TESTS POSITIVE
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Coronavirus: Get news and updates emailed to you from The Sacramento BeeMARCH 06, 2020 12:51 PM
A staff member in Newsom’s office tested positive for COVID-19 this week,prompting deep-cleaning and contact tracing.
The Governor’s Office has not identified the employee or said whether they workedin the governor’s Capitol office, but said in a statement that the employee has “notinteracted with the governor or staff that routinely interacts with the governor.”
It’s unclear how many staff members may have been exposed.
The Governor’s Office also said it learned on Monday another state employee “whoworks in a shared workspace with some staff from the Governor’s Office” had alsotested positive for the virus.
LATEST SACRAMENTO-AREA NUMBERS: NEARLY 600 DEAD
Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, El Dorado, Sutter and Yuba counties have combined for580 COVID-19 deaths and over 34,000 infections since the coronavirus crisis beganimpacting the region seven months ago.
Sacramento County health officials have reported 23,523 all-time infections and 447deaths, with 103 new cases added Thursday.
Sacramento County had 87 patients in hospital beds and 30 in intensive care units,according to state data updated Thursday. The numbers are down from peaks ofabout 280 hospitalized and 90 in the ICU as of late July.
Sacramento is in the red tier.
Yolo County health officials have reported a total of 56 COVID-19 deaths among 2,918infections, reporting nine new cases Thursday after seven new cases Wednesday.There were three infected patients in Yolo County hospitals and none in ICUs,according to state data updated Thursday. The county currently has five ICU bedsavailable.
Yolo has seen outbreaks at several long-term care facilities, which account for 151 ofthe total cases and 27 of its deaths. The county hasn’t reported a new case at one ofthose facilities since Sept. 23.
Yolo County is in the red tier and could be promoted to orange as early as next weekif its infection and positivity rates remain low.
Placer County has reported a total of 3,730 cases and 51 deaths, with 20 new casesreported Thursday. The county disclosed four deaths last week. There were 13people hospitalized specifically for COVID-19 in Placer County and none in the ICUThursday, the county says.
Placer’s hospitalized total had plateaued at around 65 in early-to-mid August beforedeclining sharply; the ICU total peaked at 16 on Aug. 25.
Like Yolo, Placer is on track to be promoted to the orange tier next week.
El Dorado County has reported a total of 1,232 COVID-19 cases and four deaths. Thecounty reported 3 new cases Thursday and 13 new cases Wednesday. One infectedpatient was hospitalized in the county Thursday, with none requiring intensive care,
according to state data. The county reported one death in July, one in August and twoin September.
El Dorado is in the orange tier, but was put on notice by the state this week aboutfalling out of that tier. If its metrics don’t return to meet orange criteria next week,the county will have to return to the red tier. That would force a few types ofbusinesses to close while others would have tighter capacity restrictions applied.
Sutter County has reported a total of 1,770 COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths afterreporting three new cases Wednesday afternoon. The county reported one deathMonday. There were two infected patient hospitalized in the county, with none inintensive care, as of Wednesday, the county said.
In neighboring Yuba County, a total of 1,217 residents have been infected withCOVID-19 and 10 have died, with one death reported Monday. The county reportedsix new cases Wednesday afternoon. There were five infected people in Yuba Countyhospitals Wednesday, with two of them in intensive care, the county said.
Sutter and Yuba share a health office, but Yuba County got the go-ahead to moveforward into the red tier this week, while Sutter County will have to wait until atleast next Tuesday.
U.S. DEATH TOLL UP TO 212,000 AS WORLD PASSES 36 MILLION INFECTED
The United States accounts for more than 212,000 of the world’s nearly 1.06 milliondeaths, and nearly 7.6 million of 36.3 million global lab-confirmed infections,according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
Next by death toll are Brazil at 148,000, India at 105,000, Mexico at 82,000, the UnitedKingdom at nearly 43,000 and Italy at just over 36,000. Peru, Spain and France haveeach seen between about 32,500 and 33,000 residents die of the respiratory infection.
Brazil recently surpassed 5 million cases, joining the U.S. and India (6.8 million) asthe only two countries anywhere near that mark. Next closest is Russia, with 1.2million reported COVID-19 infections.
The Bee’s Andrew Sheeler and Hannah Wiley contributed to this story.
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By By CITY NEWS SERVICECITY NEWS SERVICE | | [email protected]@socalnews.com | |
PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: October 8, 2020 at 3:35 p.m.October 8, 2020 at 3:35 p.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: October 8, 2020 at 4:59 p.m.October 8, 2020 at 4:59 p.m.
People with appointments pull up to be tested for coronavirus at the new drive-inPeople with appointments pull up to be tested for coronavirus at the new drive-intesting center at the Forum in Inglewood, on Tuesday, April 14. (Courtesy County oftesting center at the Forum in Inglewood, on Tuesday, April 14. (Courtesy County ofLos Angeles)Los Angeles)
NEWSNEWS
Health officer says he’s keepingHealth officer says he’s keepingwatch on L.A. County coronaviruswatch on L.A. County coronavirusspikespikeOn Thursday, the number of new positive cases dippedOn Thursday, the number of new positive cases dippedfrom Wednesday's surge — 1,280 new cases and 21from Wednesday's surge — 1,280 new cases and 21deaths — bringing the county's totals since the pandemicdeaths — bringing the county's totals since the pandemicbegan to 278,665 cases and 6,726 deaths.began to 278,665 cases and 6,726 deaths.
One day after the county reported its highest daily number of new coronavirusOne day after the county reported its highest daily number of new coronavirus
cases in six weeks, Los Angeles County’s health officer said Thursday if thecases in six weeks, Los Angeles County’s health officer said Thursday if the
numbers continue to be elevated, experts will have to dig into the data to see ifnumbers continue to be elevated, experts will have to dig into the data to see if
they can determine a cause of the spike.they can determine a cause of the spike.
“We’ll see what those final numbers look like (Thursday),” Dr. Muntu Davis told“We’ll see what those final numbers look like (Thursday),” Dr. Muntu Davis told
reporters in an online briefing. “My suspicion is that they won’t be as high. But ifreporters in an online briefing. “My suspicion is that they won’t be as high. But if
we’re seeing a few days or even throughout the whole week some increases, we’llwe’re seeing a few days or even throughout the whole week some increases, we’ll
have to look closer at our data to figure out if there’s some commonality amonghave to look closer at our data to figure out if there’s some commonality among
those increases in cases.”those increases in cases.”
Davis said the spike is too far removed from Labor Day to be linked to the holidayDavis said the spike is too far removed from Labor Day to be linked to the holiday
weekend, and it’s too early to tell if it can be linked to any recent reopening ofweekend, and it’s too early to tell if it can be linked to any recent reopening of
businesses.businesses.
The county on Wednesday reported 1,645 new COVID-19 cases, the highestThe county on Wednesday reported 1,645 new COVID-19 cases, the highest
daily number since Aug. 22. Public health director Barbara Ferrer said whendaily number since Aug. 22. Public health director Barbara Ferrer said when
announcing the figure that a one-day spike doesn’t indicate a trend, but added,announcing the figure that a one-day spike doesn’t indicate a trend, but added,
“This is something we need to watch closely.”“This is something we need to watch closely.”
On Thursday, the number of new positive cases dipped from Wednesday’s surgeOn Thursday, the number of new positive cases dipped from Wednesday’s surge
— 1,280 new cases and 21 deaths — bringing the county’s totals since the— 1,280 new cases and 21 deaths — bringing the county’s totals since the
pandemic began to 278,665 cases and 6,726 deaths.pandemic began to 278,665 cases and 6,726 deaths.
Hospitalizations continued to inch upward, with 709 people getting treatment inHospitalizations continued to inch upward, with 709 people getting treatment in
hospitals, 28% of whom in intensive care units. Hospitalizations were at 696 as ofhospitals, 28% of whom in intensive care units. Hospitalizations were at 696 as of
Wednesday, up from 685 on Tuesday and 674 on Monday.Wednesday, up from 685 on Tuesday and 674 on Monday.
Thursday’s update did not include current numbers from Pasadena and LongThursday’s update did not include current numbers from Pasadena and Long
Beach, cities that operate their own independent health departments. LongBeach, cities that operate their own independent health departments. Long
Beach reported 64 new cases Thursday, for a total of 12,281; the city’s death tollBeach reported 64 new cases Thursday, for a total of 12,281; the city’s death toll
remained at 249. Pasadena reported four new cases, for a total of 2,640; its deathremained at 249. Pasadena reported four new cases, for a total of 2,640; its death
toll rose by one, to 129.toll rose by one, to 129.
Wednesday’s eyebrow-raising increase came at a critical time for the county,Wednesday’s eyebrow-raising increase came at a critical time for the county,
which continues to languish in the strictest level of the state’s four-tier economic-which continues to languish in the strictest level of the state’s four-tier economic-
reopening roadmap. The county’s recent testing positivity rate is low enough toreopening roadmap. The county’s recent testing positivity rate is low enough to
qualify the county to move up to a less-restrictive tier, but the average dailyqualify the county to move up to a less-restrictive tier, but the average daily
number of new cases needs to drop to about 700 per day before any movementnumber of new cases needs to drop to about 700 per day before any movement
will occur.will occur.
10/8/2020 Health officer says he’s keeping watch on L.A. County coronavirus spike – Daily Bulletin
As of Wednesday, the county’s rate of new cases per 100,000 residents wasAs of Wednesday, the county’s rate of new cases per 100,000 residents was
averaging 7.4, above the limit of seven needed to move out of the state’saveraging 7.4, above the limit of seven needed to move out of the state’s
restrictive purple tier.restrictive purple tier.
Ferrer noted that the county’s recent daily average case numbers have fallen toFerrer noted that the county’s recent daily average case numbers have fallen to
levels not seen in late April and early May, so Wednesday’s spike could prove tolevels not seen in late April and early May, so Wednesday’s spike could prove to
be an anomaly.be an anomaly.
Davis said a key element of reducing virus transmission is contact tracing, and theDavis said a key element of reducing virus transmission is contact tracing, and the
county has been having success on that front. He said 63% of people who havecounty has been having success on that front. He said 63% of people who have
contracted the virus in the county have taken part in contact-tracing interviews,contracted the virus in the county have taken part in contact-tracing interviews,
while the rest either declined to be interviewed or couldn’t be located.while the rest either declined to be interviewed or couldn’t be located.
He also said more than half of people interviewed provided “at least one contactHe also said more than half of people interviewed provided “at least one contact
for follow-up.”for follow-up.”
“This is very good news, as our ability to reach out to people who may be“This is very good news, as our ability to reach out to people who may be
potentially infected is a very important tool we have in identifying and slowingpotentially infected is a very important tool we have in identifying and slowing
the spread of the virus,” Davis said. “Speaking to cases and identifying their closethe spread of the virus,” Davis said. “Speaking to cases and identifying their close
contacts is a very important part of reducing transmission of COVID-19.”contacts is a very important part of reducing transmission of COVID-19.”
He urged anyone who receives a call from the county to speak to contact tracers,He urged anyone who receives a call from the county to speak to contact tracers,
noting that the call will be displayed on people’s phones as either “L.A. Publicnoting that the call will be displayed on people’s phones as either “L.A. Public
Health” or with the number 833-641-0305.Health” or with the number 833-641-0305.
“I will say that every time we’re able to talk to a person, we’re able to provide“I will say that every time we’re able to talk to a person, we’re able to provide
information, find out who might have also been exposed and inform them of theirinformation, find out who might have also been exposed and inform them of their
potential risk,” Davis said. “So the more we can do that, the higher percentage wepotential risk,” Davis said. “So the more we can do that, the higher percentage we
can do that, the more likely we are to be able to stop the transmission amongcan do that, the more likely we are to be able to stop the transmission among
people who many not know that they were exposed.”people who many not know that they were exposed.”
After months of closure, indoor shopping malls were permitted to reopenAfter months of closure, indoor shopping malls were permitted to reopen
Wednesday, though limited at 25% of capacity and with food courts and commonWednesday, though limited at 25% of capacity and with food courts and common
areas remaining closed. That follows nail salons, which were permitted to reopenareas remaining closed. That follows nail salons, which were permitted to reopen
indoors last week; card rooms, which were allowed to open outdoors on Monday;indoors last week; card rooms, which were allowed to open outdoors on Monday;
and outdoor playgrounds, which were cleared to reopen at the discretion ofand outdoor playgrounds, which were cleared to reopen at the discretion of
individual cities.individual cities.
The county this week also began accepting waiver applications from schools thatThe county this week also began accepting waiver applications from schools that
want to offer in-person instruction for pre-kindergarten through second gradewant to offer in-person instruction for pre-kindergarten through second grade
students. Ferrer said about 26 schools have submitted waiver requests so far.students. Ferrer said about 26 schools have submitted waiver requests so far.
10/8/2020 Health officer says he’s keeping watch on L.A. County coronavirus spike – Daily Bulletin
On Tuesday, the county quietly authorized breweries and wineries that don’tOn Tuesday, the county quietly authorized breweries and wineries that don’t
have their own kitchens to reopen for outdoor service, provided they partnerhave their own kitchens to reopen for outdoor service, provided they partner
with a third-party food provider. All alcohol sales for on-site consumption atwith a third-party food provider. All alcohol sales for on-site consumption at
breweries and wineries must be accompanied by a “bona fide meal” purchase.breweries and wineries must be accompanied by a “bona fide meal” purchase.
Customers must be seated at tables, and they must make a reservation at leastCustomers must be seated at tables, and they must make a reservation at least
one day in advance, under the health order.one day in advance, under the health order.
Bars across the county remain closed, except in Long Beach, which this weekBars across the county remain closed, except in Long Beach, which this week
allowed them to reopen with outdoor operations if they partner with a third-allowed them to reopen with outdoor operations if they partner with a third-
party food provider and link all alcohol sales to food purchases. Long Beach has itsparty food provider and link all alcohol sales to food purchases. Long Beach has its
own health department separate from the county.own health department separate from the county.
Ferrer stressed that the number of hospitalizations has been trending downwardFerrer stressed that the number of hospitalizations has been trending downward
for weeks, now sitting well below the July averages of about 2,200 a day.for weeks, now sitting well below the July averages of about 2,200 a day.
“It’s good news and we believe it reflects both improved therapy and care for“It’s good news and we believe it reflects both improved therapy and care for
patients with COVID-19 that may lead to shorter lengths of stay, as well as thepatients with COVID-19 that may lead to shorter lengths of stay, as well as the
fact that we know we have a much younger population of residents who arefact that we know we have a much younger population of residents who are
infected now, and they may be less likely as a group overall to requireinfected now, and they may be less likely as a group overall to require
Coronavirus UpdateCoronavirus Update Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus coverage in your area,Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus coverage in your area,
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A Hidden Cost of Covid: Shrinking Mental-Health ServicesHospitals have cut psychiatric, substance-abuse beds as demand grows; ‘she crashed and there was nosafety net for her crashing’
By | Photographs by Gabriela Bhaskar for TheWall Street JournalUpdated Oct. 9, 2020 11�21 am ET
Shalini Ramachandran
Listen to this article15 minutes
Hospitals across New York state have repurposed or closed hundreds of psychiatric, detoxand drug-rehabilitation beds over the past six months to make room for Covid-19 patients,leading to a cascading crisis in mental-health care.
Treatment has become harder to find just as the pandemic has driven higher demand forservices, according to interviews with behavioral-health workers, patients and patients’families.
About 400 psychiatric beds remain closed for care—more such closures than in the pastfive years, according to the state’s Office of Mental Health. About 150 addiction beds inhospitals are similarly shut, according to the state’s Office of Addiction Services andSupports. The overall number of such beds had risen slightly over the past five years.
Hospitals have also closed behavioral-health beds in other states including Illinois,Massachusetts and Texas, along with Washington, D.C. The closures are pronounced inNew York, a state hit hard by the coronavirus.
New York health-care workers described patients being discharged early to free up spaceeven though many still showed signs of psychosis and mania. Some hospitals that keptunits open were overwhelmed, they said.
Imani Fecu, 24 years old, who struggled with schizoaffective and bipolar disorder, wasdischarged from Health + Hospitals/Kings County, a public hospital, days after beingadmitted in late March.
Her grandmother, Sandra Lindie, along with her caregivers, thought it was too soon forMs. Fecu to stabilize on new antipsychotic and mood medications. “She crashed and therewas no safety net for her crashing,” said Ms. Lindie.
At one time, Ms. Fecu had enrolled in New York University and volunteered teachingJavaScript. She also struggled with heroin and being separated from her incarceratedmother. After her discharge, she rejected her medications and struggled to find a suitable
Psychiatric beds in New York’s generalhospitals
Beds closed betweenMarch and July*
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
2010 ’15 ’20
*Some may have reopened since the end of JulySource: New York's Of�ice of Mental Health
treatment program, say her caregivers, who were reluctant to force her back to thehospital.
On June 25, Ms. Lindie returned to her Brooklyn home with takeout and found hergranddaughter dead on the floor. She said police found heroin and a needle in her room.The spokeswoman for the city hospital system declined to comment on Ms. Fecu, citingpatient privacy, but said that all decisions were made using expert clinical judgment.
The bed cuts in New York were even higher in the spring and early summer when Covid-19surged through. That represented the sharpest reduction in the general-hospitalpsychiatric bed count in at least a decade: 542 beds across 27 hospitals were repurposedor closed—10.6% of such beds—according to the state mental-health office. At least 403
Some of Imani Fecu's belongings.
Sandra Lindie found Ms. Fecu unconscious in a room that she now keeps locked up.
10/9/2020 A Hidden Cost of Covid: Shrinking Mental-Health Services - WSJ
detox and rehab beds in hospitals and community settings were also off-limits, about 13%of total such beds, the state addiction-services office said.
“There are not enough providers, not enough beds, and not enough hands on deck,” saidAbby Venzor, a New York therapist whose patient tried unsuccessfully to find treatmentat 10 different hospitals.
The state’s mental-healthcare system was already strained, with bed counts falling as thestate closed its psychiatric facilities in favor of community mental-health support andgeneral hospitals cut services.
The closures nationwide have forced more patients to turn to a critical tier of mental-healthcare—community organizations that help people outside of hospitals—but thosegroups have struggled to keep up. A September survey of more than 300 such U.S. groupsfound that 65% had canceled, rescheduled or turned away patients, according to theNational Council for Behavioral Health.
Some, including the New York State Nurses Association, worry hospitals will use themoment to close psychiatric units. Inpatient treatment of psychosis costs patients anaverage $1,351 per bed a day, while a range of common cardiac care costs between $28,000and $86,000, the group says.
“Behavioral health is the money-losing service line,” said Harsh Trivedi, a board trustee ofthe American Hospital Association and chief executive of Sheppard Pratt, a privatebehavioral-health hospital in Maryland. He said steep Covid-related financial losseshelped spur U.S. hospitals to close beds.
NewYork-Presbyterian closed its Allen Hospital’s 30-bed psychiatric unit.
10/9/2020 A Hidden Cost of Covid: Shrinking Mental-Health Services - WSJ
Poor reimbursement from insurers including Medicaid helped drive nationwide closureseven before the coronavirus pandemic, said a spokesman for Westchester Medical CenterHealth Network, a system that closed beds in suburban New York.
Nationally, no one knows the true number of the recent closures mainly because hospitalsmoved quickly and didn’t need to offer detailed reporting on the moves, thanks to federaland state waivers allowing the immediate repurposing of behavioral-health beds whenthe pandemic struck. The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesAdministration and several state departments of public health said they didn’t havecomplete data.
New York’s mental-health office said it expected all beds repurposed to come back onlineeventually. Agency spokesman James Plastiras said the state had “sufficient capacity”despite the changes and hadn’t received reports of people being denied admission due topandemic-related closures.
10/9/2020 A Hidden Cost of Covid: Shrinking Mental-Health Services - WSJ
Several hospitals say behavioral-health beds are closed to comply with Gov. AndrewCuomo’s order that hospitals have a surge plan in case of a second wave of Covid-19.Cuomo administration officials said the order didn’t mandate a certain number or type ofbeds remain closed for treatment, just that hospitals have a plan in place.
Hospitals say behavioral-health admissions slowed overall, as much as 40% from Marchthrough June in Northwell’s case, in part because of fears of catching Covid-19 insidehospitals.
A City Under StressInteractions with New York City's free mental-health support service—texts, calls, app visits and onlineservices—have risen in 2020 compared with 2019. Contacts to the nonpro�it Crisis Text Line are up, too.
2019 2020
Total conversations with the Crisis Text Line,March 1�July 17
NYC Well total monthly answered contacts*
30,000
2019 26,86725,000 2020 33,064
20,000
Top issues discussed, March 1�July 1715,000
40% Anxiety/stress10,000
5,000 RelationshipsDepression/sadness
030
March April May June July Aug.
NYC Well total monthly web sessions School
125,000Isolation/loneliness
20
Suicidal ideation100,000
Covid-1975,000
10 Self harm50,000
Finances25,000
0 0March April May June July Aug. 2019 ’20
*includes calls, texts and chatsSources: ThriveNYC; Crisis Text Line
10/9/2020 A Hidden Cost of Covid: Shrinking Mental-Health Services - WSJ
As lockdowns eased, admissions snapped back and are now at pre-pandemic levels,according to the state’s mental-health office. Northwell’s behavioral-health admissionsgrew 26% in June compared with May; they grew 23% over the same period across NewYork City’s public health-care system known as NYC Health + Hospitals.
Nurses and psychiatrists say the number of psychiatric and overdose patients has steadilyrisen in the summer and early fall. They include essential workers such as bus drivers anddoctors suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as recovering Covid-19patients who have no history of psychosis breaking down.
A spokeswoman for Health + Hospitals said the network hadn’t reached or exceeded itspsychiatric-bed capacity. Northwell executives said that the system had no troubleaccommodating patients and that most of the offline beds would remain closed for theforeseeable future.
Based on the number of psychiatric beds closed in New York since March, and the lengthof the average patient stay, the nonprofit Treatment Advocacy Center estimated that14,000 psychiatric admissions were lost—people who may have needed hospitaltreatment but weren’t able to get it. “People don’t stop getting sick just because there’snowhere to treat them,” said John Snook, the group’s executive director.
Closed for careIn the rush to convert beds for critically-ill Covid-19 patients, NewYork-PresbyterianBrooklyn Methodist Hospital closed its two, 25-bed psychiatric units in late March.Several patients who were still psychotic were discharged rather than transferred forcontinued care, several health-care workers there said.
Emergency medical technician Goldy Landau was called in to help transport patients. Onewoman had schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, drug-addiction and a history of assaultingstaff. Nurses told Ms. Landau that the woman, who was sedated and restrained for thetrip, wasn’t ready to go to her group home.
When the woman woke up during the transport, and Ms. Landau explained why she wasleaving, she said the woman asked, “All the crazies are going to be walking in the street?”
In Manhattan, NewYork-Presbyterian also closed its Allen Hospital’s 30-bed psychiatricunit, which serves mostly diverse, low-income, Medicaid patients, according to Allennurse Alana Ribowsky.
Nurses say they since have seen former patients who couldn’t get care now actingerratically on the streets. Irving Campbell, a nurse at NewYork-Presbyterian’s BrooklynMethodist, said he saw a patient who “at his best is a functional, former engineer,”looking disheveled and picking up cigarette butts off the ground.
The units, which typically see around 1,500 people a year, remain closed. The closures byprivate hospitals such as NewYork-Presbyterian strained safety-net hospitals such asNassau University Medical Center on Long Island and those in the Health + Hospitalsnetwork as Covid-19 surged in the spring.
NUMC discharged 80 psychiatric patients in 10 days then as it moved to repurpose 56% ofits behavioral-health beds, said Constantine Ioannou, NUMC’s chairman of psychiatry.Health + Hospitals hurried to turn 382 behavioral-health beds over for Covid patients.
NewYork-Presbyterian said its “commitment to behavioral health is unwavering” and thatit was “working with regulatory agencies on a plan to reopen behavioral health beds inBrooklyn and Northern Manhattan” while remaining prepared for another coronavirussurge.
A similar dynamic was playing out in the suburban counties north of New York City,where the Westchester Medical Center Health Network of 10 hospitals serves several
Irving Campbell is among nurses who say they have seen former patients who couldn’t get careacting erratically in public.PHOTO: DAVE SANDERS�NEW YORK STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION
‘This place is unsafe.’— Nurse Jeri Wessberg, who worked at a facility run by Westchester Medical Center Health Network.
10/9/2020 A Hidden Cost of Covid: Shrinking Mental-Health Services - WSJ
In the spring, the system closed its Kingston units of 60 psychiatric and drug-recoverybeds. Nurses said that patients began backing up in the windowless psychiatricemergency room, forcing some to wait as many as four days for a transfer.
Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan said he feared the Kingston closures wereendangering the community, citing a rise in opioid-overdose deaths. Overall, substance-related fatalities are up 114% through August, and suicides have doubled in the countysince March, compared with the same periods in 2019.
Many patients are transferred from Kingston to Westchester facilities between 20 and 90miles away, including Poughkeepsie’s Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital. Former patientsand Kingston nurses reassigned there say discharged were rushed.
Detox nurse Jeri Wessberg filed complaints about improper care with the state. She wrotethat staffers once had to use Narcan, an antidote for overdoses, to revive a patient afteradministering medication doses a doctor had ordered. “This place is unsafe,” said Ms.Wessberg, who said she decided to take an unpaid furlough in September rather thancontinue to work at Mid-Hudson.
10/9/2020 A Hidden Cost of Covid: Shrinking Mental-Health Services - WSJ
Inadequate supply of basics, like bathrooms and phones, in the new 15-bed overflowpsychiatric unit led to brawls between patients, according to more than a dozen formerpatients and nurses. They said that psychiatric-staffing shortages mean thatinexperienced technicians are often caring for patients. The nurses say that has led toexcessive “Code Greys”—when security is called and staffers medicate or restrain anoncompliant patient.
The Westchester Medical health system said in a statement provided by spokesmanAndrew LaGuardia that patients received high-quality care and were discharged safely.He added that hospitals with behavioral-health services are “experiencing severe staffingshortages.”
Westchester said it was discussing solutions “to maintain, not shrink, current behavioralhealth bed counts, and expand outpatient behavioral health services.” It said it hadn’t
Jeri Wessberg, a detox nurse, �iled complaints about improper care at a Poughkeepsie, N.Y. hospital in theWestchester Medical Center Health Network. The system had closed behavioral-health beds in Kingston, N.Y.,where a sign was posted in support of reopening them.
10/9/2020 A Hidden Cost of Covid: Shrinking Mental-Health Services - WSJ
experienced excessive “Code Greys,” longer emergency-room wait times or supplyshortages.
System already strainedMost of New York’s behavioral-health bed closures are in New York City, where Covid-19hit the worst.
Hospital systems there say the closures didn’t result in less treatment because of loweradmissions overall. But patients, families and health-care workers say the Covid-19closures made things worse with a system already under strain.
“We’re hearing from people who, in their hour of need, are being turned away fromhospitals, discharged prematurely, or forced to stay in facilities far from their homes,”said Matt Kudish, executive director of NYC’s chapter of the National Alliance for MentalHealth, which has heard from many families.
Mental-healthcare workers at the city’s Rikers Island jail complex say that some detaineesreleased during the pandemic were coming back in after committing crimes. “They can’tget services when they get out and they are sick,” said Alicia Butler, a Rikers psychiatricnurse.
Robert Memory, a former community health worker who sought help in July atMontefiore Medical Center’s Bronx emergency room, said he was discharged too early andtried two days later to overdose on pills and alcohol. “I was in a deep dark place with thepandemic and no support,” except a cat, said Mr. Memory.
When he sought care at Montefiore, he was transferred to Brunswick Hospital Center onLong Island. He said the ambulance worker told him there were no other beds in New YorkCity.
10/9/2020 A Hidden Cost of Covid: Shrinking Mental-Health Services - WSJ
A Montefiore spokeswoman declined to comment on Mr. Memory’s account, citing patientprivacy.
Nassau University Medical Center on Long Island was among the hospitals during thespring surge that under new federal and state rules could quickly pivot behavioral-healthbeds for coronavirus patients.
One of the patients it discharged in the summer was Nurys Caceres’s 22-year-old son—released after 10 days, she said, “in a full mania.”
She said the spring of isolation was “the kiss of death” for her son, a former Stony BrookUniversity student diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression.
In late July, Ms. Caceres called police after her son stormed out of the house, saying heplanned to jump in front of a train. He was taken to NUMC. He was discharged 12 hourslater, but Ms. Caceres said the hospital didn’t tell her.
Police found him four days later in Harlem. They got him to Health + Hospitals/Harlem,which transferred him to Brunswick on Long Island, Ms. Caceres said. That hospital
Robert Memory says he was discharged too early from a hospital in the Bronx.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PANDEMIC
Who Is Dying From Covid-19? Why?•
Covid-19 Vaccines: What’s Coming and When?•
Four Di�erent Family Members. Four Di�erent Covid-19 Outcomes.•
discharged him in 10 days, unstable and rejecting the lithium they had prescribed, hismother said.
“The patients that are coming through the doors are 100% more extreme and acute thanhave ever been through the doors before,” said Mike Devery, Brunswick’s chief qualityofficer, who declined to comment on individual patients. He said the hospital hasn’t feltpressure to discharge early and many patients have had successful outcomes.
Within weeks, Ms. Caceres said, her son took all his lithium pills in an attempt to killhimself and wound up back at NUMC.
Dr. Ioannou, the NUMC psychiatry chairman, said the hospital began reopening beds inlate July, but with a slightly lower capacity because of coronavirus-related precautions.
He declined to comment on patient cases, but said that coronavirus restrictions hadstrained communications with families and that discharges were hard on them because“outpatient programs are still more or less shut down.”
He said the hospital often kept patients longer than others do and took pride in helpingthose without resources. “You’re going to have outcomes that are perhaps a little worseand you’re going to have complicated cases,” he said. “There is nothing worse thanwatching a child suffer.”
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10/9/2020 A Hidden Cost of Covid: Shrinking Mental-Health Services - WSJ
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By By THE EDITORIAL BOARDTHE EDITORIAL BOARD | | [email protected]@scng.com | |PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: October 8, 2020 at 9:58 a.m.October 8, 2020 at 9:58 a.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: October 8, 2020 at 9:58October 8, 2020 at 9:58a.m.a.m.
San Bernardino resident David Brown and his brother wear matching Vote T-shirtsSan Bernardino resident David Brown and his brother wear matching Vote T-shirtsat the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters office, where early voting gotat the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters office, where early voting gotunderway Monday, Oct. 5, 2020. (Photo by Cindy Yamanaka, The Press-underway Monday, Oct. 5, 2020. (Photo by Cindy Yamanaka, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)Enterprise/SCNG)
Most Californians are frustrated by the high cost of government and getMost Californians are frustrated by the high cost of government and getirritated as it expands both in staffing and the taxes it takes to supply services.irritated as it expands both in staffing and the taxes it takes to supply services.But in San Bernardino County, an effort to rein in the size of government, viaBut in San Bernardino County, an effort to rein in the size of government, viaMeasure K, is the wrong way to go.Measure K, is the wrong way to go.
OPINIONOPINION
Reject Measure K in SanReject Measure K in SanBernardino County, the wrongBernardino County, the wrongway to downsize governmentway to downsize government
Once again, when asked if there s̓ any evidence that capping the pay of countyOnce again, when asked if there s̓ any evidence that capping the pay of countysupervisors in such a way would or would be expected to result in a moresupervisors in such a way would or would be expected to result in a morefiscally responsible county government, none was offered.fiscally responsible county government, none was offered.
Sponsors of the ballot initiative intend to somehow reduce the size ofSponsors of the ballot initiative intend to somehow reduce the size ofgovernment by punishing people who serve on the county s̓ board ofgovernment by punishing people who serve on the county s̓ board ofsupervisors. They would do this by cutting supervisorsʼ pay and limiting theirsupervisors. They would do this by cutting supervisorsʼ pay and limiting theirterms. Such an action would do long-term damage to the county s̓ ability toterms. Such an action would do long-term damage to the county s̓ ability toserve constituents.serve constituents.
Under the current county charter, supervisors can serve three consecutiveUnder the current county charter, supervisors can serve three consecutiveterms before being termed out. Their pay is no higher than the average paid toterms before being termed out. Their pay is no higher than the average paid tosupervisors in San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties.supervisors in San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties.
Measure K backers want to limit supervisors to a single term, saying this wouldMeasure K backers want to limit supervisors to a single term, saying this wouldprevent them from kowtowing to the desires of special interests they d̓ need forprevent them from kowtowing to the desires of special interests they d̓ need forre-election. They also want to cut their pay to $5,000 a month.re-election. They also want to cut their pay to $5,000 a month.
First, an elected official would have little incentive to fulfill campaign promisesFirst, an elected official would have little incentive to fulfill campaign promisesor provide constituent services if serving a single term. Voters would have noor provide constituent services if serving a single term. Voters would have noway to hold accountable a supervisor who did not perform as promised.way to hold accountable a supervisor who did not perform as promised.
The proponents of Measure K assert that limiting supervisors to one termThe proponents of Measure K assert that limiting supervisors to one termwould ensure that only individuals devoted to serving their community wouldwould ensure that only individuals devoted to serving their community wouldbe in office and therefore be able to get things done. But when asked forbe in office and therefore be able to get things done. But when asked forevidence from any of the nations̓ thousands of counties or correlates that aevidence from any of the nations̓ thousands of counties or correlates that aone-term limit would achieve this, the proponents are unable to offer any.one-term limit would achieve this, the proponents are unable to offer any.
Second, limiting pay in such a draconian fashion would limit the pool ofSecond, limiting pay in such a draconian fashion would limit the pool ofcandidates to the well-off. Likely, few run now in an attempt to get rich,candidates to the well-off. Likely, few run now in an attempt to get rich,although, granted, a six-figure income is larger than the median earned byalthough, granted, a six-figure income is larger than the median earned byregular workers in San Bernardino County, as K supporters never tire ofregular workers in San Bernardino County, as K supporters never tire ofpointing out.pointing out.
But the supervisors do much more than meet every other week. They attendBut the supervisors do much more than meet every other week. They attendnumerous other board and commission meetings, keep offices open tonumerous other board and commission meetings, keep offices open toperform constituent services, make numerous public appearances and lead orperform constituent services, make numerous public appearances and lead orserve on board committees or panels dealing with myriad county policies andserve on board committees or panels dealing with myriad county policies andpractices.practices.
Third, as weʼve seen in state government, one consequence of term limits is aThird, as weʼve seen in state government, one consequence of term limits is astrengthening of the power of unelected staffers and county officials whosestrengthening of the power of unelected staffers and county officials whosecareers would span the terms of numerous elected officials by default.careers would span the terms of numerous elected officials by default.
10/9/2020 Reject Measure K in San Bernardino County, the wrong way to downsize government – San Bernardino Sun
Punitive pay cuts and a single term may feel good to supporters, but it s̓ anPunitive pay cuts and a single term may feel good to supporters, but it s̓ anindirect way of achieving the goal of cutting back county government with noindirect way of achieving the goal of cutting back county government with noevidence it will achieve desirable results and plenty of reason to think it will doevidence it will achieve desirable results and plenty of reason to think it will domore significantly more harm than good.more significantly more harm than good.
If supervisors back expanded government, and you donʼt like that, vote themIf supervisors back expanded government, and you donʼt like that, vote themout. Measure K wonʼt achieve that; the ballot box will.out. Measure K wonʼt achieve that; the ballot box will.
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John Russo receives League ofJohn Russo receives League ofCalifornia Cities LifetimeCalifornia Cities Lifetime
Achievement AwardAchievement AwardThe League of California Cities Past Presidents Council todayThe League of California Cities Past Presidents Council today
announced the selection of the former city manager, cityannounced the selection of the former city manager, city
attorney, city council member, and League Board ofattorney, city council member, and League Board of
Directors member John Russo as the recipient of the 2020Directors member John Russo as the recipient of the 2020
Past Presidents’ Lifetime Achievement Award. He receivedPast Presidents’ Lifetime Achievement Award. He received
the honor today during the opening General Session of the League’s 2020 Annual Conference & Expo.the honor today during the opening General Session of the League’s 2020 Annual Conference & Expo.
When John Russo stepped down from the League board, including a successful term as president,When John Russo stepped down from the League board, including a successful term as president,
former Executive Director Chris McKenzie wrote the following in former Executive Director Chris McKenzie wrote the following in Western CityWestern City magazine: magazine:
“No one can listen to John speak without believing he understands the powerful call that motivates city“No one can listen to John speak without believing he understands the powerful call that motivates city
officials to serve their communities.”officials to serve their communities.”
After graduating from Yale with honors and finishing law school at New York University, John became aAfter graduating from Yale with honors and finishing law school at New York University, John became a
legal aid lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1987, at 28 years old, Russo moved to Oakland where he knewlegal aid lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1987, at 28 years old, Russo moved to Oakland where he knew
no one. Seven years later, he was elected to the Oakland city council in a landslide.no one. Seven years later, he was elected to the Oakland city council in a landslide.
John is the only person in California who has worked as a city council member, a full time city attorney,John is the only person in California who has worked as a city council member, a full time city attorney,
and a city manager. His municipal roles have been varied, and so have the cities in which he hasand a city manager. His municipal roles have been varied, and so have the cities in which he has
served: Oakland, Alameda, Riverside, and Irvine.served: Oakland, Alameda, Riverside, and Irvine.
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The money behind SacramentoThe money behind Sacramento
Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s ‘strongMayor Darrell Steinberg’s ‘strong
Today’s award honors an unusual public service career, studded with recognition. John was the firstToday’s award honors an unusual public service career, studded with recognition. John was the first
recipient of the League’s Champion of Local Democracy award. His innovative “Oakland Neighborhoodrecipient of the League’s Champion of Local Democracy award. His innovative “Oakland Neighborhood
Law Corps” won the National League of Cities Award for Municipal Excellence and also the League ofLaw Corps” won the National League of Cities Award for Municipal Excellence and also the League of
California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence.California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence.
In 2004, John was named Public Lawyer of the Year by In 2004, John was named Public Lawyer of the Year by California LawyerCalifornia Lawyer magazine. magazine.
The League Past Presidents’ Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 1996 and is given annuallyThe League Past Presidents’ Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 1996 and is given annually
to an individual who has made a significant and unique contribution to the state of his or herto an individual who has made a significant and unique contribution to the state of his or her
community over an extended period of years. Preference is given to nominees with close ties to cities;community over an extended period of years. Preference is given to nominees with close ties to cities;
however, nominees may also be selected from the categories of local government leaders,however, nominees may also be selected from the categories of local government leaders,
academics/teachers, authors, media producers, community leaders, and state or national leaders.academics/teachers, authors, media producers, community leaders, and state or national leaders.
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By By BRIAN WHITEHEADBRIAN WHITEHEAD | | [email protected]@scng.com | The Sun | The SunPUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: October 9, 2020 at 8:00 a.m.October 9, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: October 9, 2020 at 8:00October 9, 2020 at 8:00a.m.a.m.
San Bernardino County welfare office personnel recently moved into a new welfareSan Bernardino County welfare office personnel recently moved into a new welfareoffice at West 27th Street and Little Mountain Drive in northern in San Bernardinooffice at West 27th Street and Little Mountain Drive in northern in San Bernardinoas seen on Wednesday May 20, 2020. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Dailyas seen on Wednesday May 20, 2020. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley DailyBulletin/SCNG)Bulletin/SCNG)
LOCAL NEWSLOCAL NEWS
San Bernardino placesSan Bernardino placesrestrictions on where new socialrestrictions on where new socialservice facilities can goservice facilities can goDebate over what was required of such centersDebate over what was required of such centersstarted last yearstarted last year
Those looking to build or operate any type of social service facility within 750Those looking to build or operate any type of social service facility within 750feet of a residentially-zoned property in San Bernardino now must obtain afeet of a residentially-zoned property in San Bernardino now must obtain aconditional-use permit to ensure compatibility with the surrounding area.conditional-use permit to ensure compatibility with the surrounding area.
Debate over what was required of such centers began last year, when northernDebate over what was required of such centers began last year, when northernSan Bernardino residents San Bernardino residents learnedlearned the county s̓ new Transitional Assistance the county s̓ new Transitional AssistanceDepartment, or TAD, facility was being raised at West 27th Street and LittleDepartment, or TAD, facility was being raised at West 27th Street and LittleMountain Drive, a stone s̓ throw from houses.Mountain Drive, a stone s̓ throw from houses.
Elected officials and residents of the Muscupiabe and Blair ParkElected officials and residents of the Muscupiabe and Blair Parkneighborhoods subsequently challenged neighborhoods subsequently challenged how the project was approvedhow the project was approved. The. The38,150-square-foot building just east of the 215 Freeway, opponents told city38,150-square-foot building just east of the 215 Freeway, opponents told cityand county bodies, would and county bodies, would impactimpact traffic, safety and their overall quality of life. traffic, safety and their overall quality of life.
Though ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the county from using theThough ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the county from using thefacility as its facility as its new welfare officenew welfare office, residents compelled the city to change how, residents compelled the city to change howsimilar projects are evaluated going forward.similar projects are evaluated going forward.
The City Council on Wednesday, Oct. 7, approved several amendments to theThe City Council on Wednesday, Oct. 7, approved several amendments to thecity s̓ Development Code that clearly outline minimum distancingcity s̓ Development Code that clearly outline minimum distancingrequirements between social service facilities and other sensitive uses,requirements between social service facilities and other sensitive uses,obligations to direct traffic away from residential neighborhoods and permitobligations to direct traffic away from residential neighborhoods and permitrequirements for all such buildings within 750 feet of houses.requirements for all such buildings within 750 feet of houses.
Additional points of clarification include defined hours of operation andAdditional points of clarification include defined hours of operation andmanagement and security plans for all proposed social service centers.management and security plans for all proposed social service centers.
Establishing new standards, city staffers said in a report for council members,Establishing new standards, city staffers said in a report for council members,will ensure these facilities “are located in areas best suited to serve the targetwill ensure these facilities “are located in areas best suited to serve the targetcommunities, while protecting existing residential neighborhoods from undocommunities, while protecting existing residential neighborhoods from undoimpacts.”impacts.”
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By By BRIAN WHITEHEADBRIAN WHITEHEAD | | [email protected]@scng.com | The Sun | The SunPUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: October 8, 2020 at 11:52 a.m.October 8, 2020 at 11:52 a.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: October 8, 2020 at 11:54October 8, 2020 at 11:54a.m.a.m.
An elected official in San Bernardino who has had contact with or received aAn elected official in San Bernardino who has had contact with or received acampaign contribution from a commercial cannabis license applicant now hascampaign contribution from a commercial cannabis license applicant now hasto publicly disclose those dealings before deciding who gets a permit.to publicly disclose those dealings before deciding who gets a permit.
Doing so, city leaders say, will go a long way in demonstrating transparencyDoing so, city leaders say, will go a long way in demonstrating transparencyand ensuring all applicants are provided a fair and open process.and ensuring all applicants are provided a fair and open process.
Council members Theodore Sanchez, Sandra Ibarra, Juan Figueroa, HenryCouncil members Theodore Sanchez, Sandra Ibarra, Juan Figueroa, HenryNickel and Bessine Richard favored the move Wednesday, Oct. 7.Nickel and Bessine Richard favored the move Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Councilmen Fred Shorett and Jim Mulvihill opposed.Councilmen Fred Shorett and Jim Mulvihill opposed.
“For too long we have had “For too long we have had pay-for-play,pay-for-play, for too long,” said Sanchez, who has for too long,” said Sanchez, who haschampioned the adoption of such a standard for weeks. “In eight of the last 10championed the adoption of such a standard for weeks. “In eight of the last 10elections, the individual who has raised the most money has won the election.elections, the individual who has raised the most money has won the election.What does that mean? It means special interest money runs the politics in thisWhat does that mean? It means special interest money runs the politics in thiscity.”city.”
LOCAL NEWSLOCAL NEWS
San Bernardino leaders mustSan Bernardino leaders mustdisclose contact withdisclose contact withcommercial cannabiscommercial cannabisapplicantsapplicantsDiscussion on the additional integrity standardsDiscussion on the additional integrity standardswas continued to a later datewas continued to a later date
Early last month, not long after Early last month, not long after removing capsremoving caps on all cannabis operations but on all cannabis operations butretail, San Bernardino leaders agreed to license retail, San Bernardino leaders agreed to license as many as 17 commercialas many as 17 commercialcannabis dispensariescannabis dispensaries in town. in town.
While most policymakers favored the disclosure requirement Wednesday, theWhile most policymakers favored the disclosure requirement Wednesday, thecouncil stopped short of approving additional standards for those seekingcouncil stopped short of approving additional standards for those seekingpermits.permits.
Up for consideration this week were rules prohibiting applicants fromUp for consideration this week were rules prohibiting applicants fromcontacting any elected official during the application process; providing gifts tocontacting any elected official during the application process; providing gifts toelected officials or city staffers 12 months before submitting an application,elected officials or city staffers 12 months before submitting an application,while the application is pending and for at least 12 months after a permit iswhile the application is pending and for at least 12 months after a permit isawarded; and donating more than $250 to a campaign while his or herawarded; and donating more than $250 to a campaign while his or herapplication is pending.application is pending.
“We should be deciding (who gets permits) on the merits of the business“We should be deciding (who gets permits) on the merits of the businessproposal,” Sanchez said. “Some applicants wouldʼve had licenses already had itproposal,” Sanchez said. “Some applicants wouldʼve had licenses already had itnot been for us playing favorites.”not been for us playing favorites.”
Discussion on the additional integrity standards was continued to a later date.Discussion on the additional integrity standards was continued to a later date.
“Iʼm 100% for disclosure, but to put arbitrary limits (on campaign“Iʼm 100% for disclosure, but to put arbitrary limits (on campaigncontributions), I think this opens us up” to potential litigation, Nickel said.contributions), I think this opens us up” to potential litigation, Nickel said.“Anything we get from anybody is disclosed, but to put this limitation on is“Anything we get from anybody is disclosed, but to put this limitation on isopening us up for disparate treatment of a particular industry with particularopening us up for disparate treatment of a particular industry with particularindividuals running particular businesses. We canʼt single out one industry.”individuals running particular businesses. We canʼt single out one industry.”
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — With a divided nation on edge as Election Day approaches, Californiais warning local officials to prepare for disruption at polling places and potential cases ofvoters being intimidated or blocked from casting ballots.
In a memo to county election officials this week, the secretary of state’s office reminded themit is a felony for any person to possess a firearm at a voting location or in the immediatevicinity, unless authorized by authorities, and it’s also illegal to threaten anyone in an attempt
California braces for potential disruption,threats at pollsBy MICHAEL R. BLOOD today
The memo from Jana M. Lean, chief of the state elections division, encouraged local officialsto contact their law enforcement or California Highway Patrol “to ensure preparedness.”
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Early voting for the Nov. 3 election started this week in the nation’s most populous state,which has 21.2 million registered voters, about 3 million more than in 2016.
The secretary of state’s office office said the memo was not something the agency had issued tolocal officials in prior elections. It comes as President Donald Trump has been urging hissupporters to go the polls and “watch very carefully.” A Trump adviser in battlegroundWisconsin has said to expect more aggressive poll watching.
Trump lost California by over 4 million votes in 2016 and is expected to be trounced again —he is widely unpopular in the heavily Democratic state. But both parties are fighting overcompetitive House seats and contentious ballot proposals on worker rights, taxes and crimeand punishment.
The presidential campaigns, working in concert with the Republican and Democratic parties,are aggressively recruiting volunteers around the country to keep watch over polling places.Former Vice President Joe Biden told those attending a July fundraiser that his campaign has600 attorneys and 10,000 volunteers ready to ensure voters can cast ballots.
In Ventura County, California, volunteer training is underway, said county GOP ChairmanMike Osborn. “We are deploying people mainly to make sure the ballots are handledproperly,” Osborn said.
California braces for potential disruption, threats at polls
In Los Angeles County, home to 10 million people, Democrats will have a call center for votersto phone in problems, as well as sending monitors to polling places.
The county party is “absolutely” concerned about possible intimidation, said party chair MarkGonzalez.
Monitoring the votes at polling places is allowed in most states, but rules vary.
Another concern for Democrats: It’s the first election in nearly 40 years in which theRepublican National Committee isn’t barred from coordinated poll-monitoring activities.Democrats fear that could open the door to voter intimidation, the reason the courts havelargely prohibited Republicans from poll monitoring since the early 1980s.
Under California law, it’s a felony if any person “makes use of or threatens to make use of anyforce, violence, or tactic of coercion or intimidation” to discourage any person from voting, orforcing them to do so. It is legal for citizens to observe in-person voting, but state lawprohibits any intimidation or security guards being stationed at polling locations.
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California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Democrat, said he expected a safe election but thestate’s 58 counties need to be ready for potential trouble, including any efforts to threaten orharass voters, or challenge someone’s right to vote.
Voter intimidation can include threats of physical harm, or brandishing weapons. His officewill have poll monitors throughout the state, which is routine in elections.
Voters “should be assured that we are in close contact with elections officials across the state,and will address any issues,” Padilla said.
If a dispute or disruption breaks out, the memo suggests that “most incidents can beeffectively diffused ... with a calm demeanor and approach that advises persons that they areengaged in prohibited activity that violates state law.”
The memo noted that many county election offices already have contacted local lawenforcement to provide them with locations for polling and ballot drop boxes “in the event
there is a situation where law enforcement is needed.”
In Orange County, where Republicans are seeking to win back four House seats lost in 2018,Registrar Neal Kelley said he had not seen any indication of a greater level of threat this yearcompared to other elections but “we’re just not sitting back saying it’s not going to happen. ...We’re planning.”
Investigators from the county district attorney’s office will be available on Election Day, ifneeded. In past elections, Kelley said there have been examples of voters being blocked frompolling places, or attempting to intimidate voters.
With an extensive radio system in place, “we can respond ... within seven minutes, roughly, toany vote center anywhere in the county,” he said.
The office also coordinates with the FBI and other federal agencies, which watch for unusualonline activity that could suggest a problem.
As for potential intimidation, “the bottom line for me is getting the word out to voters thatwe’re not going to tolerate it,” Kelley said.
