Inland Communities of Color Receiving Vaccinations at Slower Rate, Data Shows

2/4/2021 Inland communities of color receiving vaccinations at slower rate, data shows – Press Enterprise ___

NEWS •• News Inland communities of color receiving vaccinations at slower rate, data shows

Victorville resident Marvin Abella, 32, receives his second vaccination shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine by licensed vocational nurse Mayra Aceves at Arroyo Valley High School in San Bernardino on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. 500 second doses were scheduled to be given out Thursday with another 500 scheduled for Friday. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

By DEEPA BHARATH || [email protected] || OrangeOrange CountyCounty Register PUBLISHED: February 3, 2021 at 6:42 p.m. || UPDATED:UPDATED: February 3, 2021 at 6:42 p.m.

https://www.pe.com/2021/02/03/inland-communities-of-color-receiving-vaccinations-at-slower-rate-data-shows/?utm_medium=social&utm_c… 1/8 2/4/2021 Inland communities of color receiving vaccinations at slower rate, data shows – Press Enterprise Communities of color are behind when it comes to being vaccinated for the coronavirus, a disparity Inland Empire officials say they are working to address.

In Riverside County, where 50% of the population is Latino, for example, only 17.9% of those who have been vaccinated are Latino while 44.9% are White, county officials said Wednesday, Feb. 3. Meanwhile, 4.1% of the total number of vaccinations administered have been given to African Americans and 10.7% toto AsianAsian Americans,Americans, whichwhich eacheach representrepresent aboutabout 6.5%6.5% ofof thethe countyʼscountyʼs population. Native American and Pacific Islander residents, who represent 0.8% and 0.3% of the population, respectively, account for 0.6% and 0.7% of thosethose vaccinated.vaccinated.

San Bernardino County officials said Wednesday they donʼt have a demographic breakdown for vaccinations, but are working to cull the data fromfrom thethe stateʼsstateʼs database.database.

To keep communities of color better informed about the pandemic, safety measures and vaccine distribution, several community partners collaborated toto launchlaunch thethe Inland Empire Media Roundtable Wednesday.Wednesday.

The first Zoom briefing featured public information officers from Riverside and San Bernardino counties as well as the Riverside County Public Health Department who answered questions from representatives of several media outlets representing communities of color, specifically Black, Latino and Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

https://www.pe.com/2021/02/03/inland-communities-of-color-receiving-vaccinations-at-slower-rate-data-shows/?utm_medium=social&utm_c… 2/8 2/4/2021 Inland communities of color receiving vaccinations at slower rate, data shows – Press Enterprise

Fontana resident Karen Ho, 59, receives her second vaccination shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine by licensed vocational nurse Mayra Aceves at Arroyo Valley High School in San Bernardino on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. 500 second doses were scheduled to be given out Thursday with another 500 scheduled for Friday. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

Overcoming challenges

Riverside County has had its share of challenges reaching out and getting its message to communities of color, but is now trying to do so through community partners including nonprofits and faith leaders, said Jose Arballo Jr., a spokesman for the Riverside County Department of Public Health. The county has administered 127,000 doses of the vaccine and a majority of those who have received them are White, he said.

“Latinos, Asian Americans and African American people have not been served as well as we would have liked, and weʼre working to change that,” Arballo said at the Roundtable meeting Wednesday.

The county has reached Latino farm workers in the Coachella Valley by holding threethree communitycommunity clinics,clinics, includingincluding oneone atat thethe OurOur LadyLady ofof SoledadSoledad RomanRoman Catholic Church, said county spokeswoman Brooke Federico. The countyʼs 211 call center is available to register people who donʼt have access to the Internet, donʼt know how to use it or donʼt speak English, she said. While the average wait time on the phone line this week has been an hour, the county is working on hiring more people to take calls and cut wait times, Federico said.

https://www.pe.com/2021/02/03/inland-communities-of-color-receiving-vaccinations-at-slower-rate-data-shows/?utm_medium=social&utm_c… 3/8 2/4/2021 Inland communities of color receiving vaccinations at slower rate, data shows – Press Enterprise San Bernardino County has set up a dedicated phone line, which is staffed 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. County spokesman David Wert said Wednesday officials are looking to open up the line, which gets about 2,000 calls a day, during the weekends as well. The number is 909-387-3911.

Officials said the Inland Empire has way more eligible people than vaccines right now.

“Itʼs very hard to predict from one week to next how many doses we get,” Wert said, adding that San Bernardino County is planning to open a vaccination supersite Thursday,Thursday, Feb.Feb. 4,4, atat thethe OntarioOntario ConventionConvention CenterCenter andand anotheranother vaccination clinic in Victorville that will include an agreement with the transit authority to provide free transportation to seniors who may need it.

Access and information

The percentage of Latinos who have been getting vaccinated in Riverside County has been going down steadily in recent weeks, especially after the state said only thosethose 6565 andand olderolder cancan bebe vaccinatedvaccinated,, saidsaid KarthickKarthick Ramakrishnan,Ramakrishnan, director of UC Riversideʼs Center for Social Innovation.

“When you prioritize speed, equity suffers,” he said. “People who may not have a broadband connection or someone who may not have the ability to take time off work suffer the most. Everyone is talking about vaccine hesitancy. But what we should be talking about is access.”

Ramakrishnan, who is a strategic partner in the Roundtable initiative, said public officials must take the first step, as Riverside County did, to acknowledge inequities in vaccine distribution in order to find solutions to the problem.

https://www.pe.com/2021/02/03/inland-communities-of-color-receiving-vaccinations-at-slower-rate-data-shows/?utm_medium=social&utm_c… 4/8 2/4/2021 Inland communities of color receiving vaccinations at slower rate, data shows – Press Enterprise

Kaiser Permanente’s Dwayne Millsaps, Respiratory Therapist gets a Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from LVN Rachel Bentley, ambulatory care, during Kaiser’s “Fabulous First” vaccines at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Riverside on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press- Enterprise/SCNG)

Finding solutions

In the Latino community, the issue has been something as simple as people not having an email account, said Luz Gallegos, community programs director at Perris-based Training Occupational Development Educating Communities (TODEC)(TODEC) LegalLegal Center,Center, whichwhich servesserves migrantmigrant communitiescommunities inin thethe InlandInland Empire and Imperial County. The center is one of the countyʼs community partners to help reach out to Latino residents.

“Weʼve mainly been helping people register and provide an email address,” Gallegos said.

Her group is also busy debunking myths, dispelling fears and addressing misinformation among the largely-immigrant community, Gallegos said.

“One big myth is that the Trump administration is tracking people with chips in vaccines and there was another one that the vaccine could kill people with underlying conditions,” she said. “They get this misinformation largely from rumors in the community or social media like Facebook or WhatsApp.”

https://www.pe.com/2021/02/03/inland-communities-of-color-receiving-vaccinations-at-slower-rate-data-shows/?utm_medium=social&utm_c… 5/8 2/4/2021 Inland communities of color receiving vaccinations at slower rate, data shows – Press Enterprise Communication can be a significant challenge in Black communities in the Inland Empire as well, said Michelle Burroughs, director of community engagement and outreach at the UC Riverside School of Medicineʼs Center for Healthy Communities.

“The community doesnʼt understand when itʼs going to be their turn,” she said. “Health officials need to find trusted outlets to disseminate information about thethe vaccines.vaccines. ItIt maymay bebe faithfaith organizations,organizations, communitycommunity centers,centers, thethe locallocal paperpaper or social media. Not everyone listens to the news or tunes in to city council meetings.”

County officials should also find multiple ways for people to secure vaccination appointments, Burroughs said.

“Donʼt have online appointments only,” she said. “Have a way for them to call in toto scheduleschedule anan appointment.”appointment.”

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Deepa Bharath | Reporter Deepa Bharath covers religion for The Orange County Register and the Southern California Newspaper Group. Her work is focused on how religion, race and ethnicity shape our understanding of what it is to be American and https://www.pe.com/2021/02/03/inland-communities-of-color-receiving-vaccinations-at-slower-rate-data-shows/?utm_medium=social&utm_c… 6/8 2/4/2021 New group to help Inland communities of color get timely coronavirus information – San Bernardino Sun

NEWS •• News New group to help Inland communities of color get timely coronavirus information

The Inland Empire Media Roundtable launched on Wednesday, Feb. 3, with its first media briefing on Zoom with the goal of helping communities of color get accurate and timely information about the coronavirus pandemic, vaccine distribution and public safety health measures. (Photo courtesy of the Inland Empire Media Roundtable)

By DEEPA BHARATH || [email protected] || OrangeOrange CountyCounty Register PUBLISHED: February 3, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. || UPDATED:UPDATED: February 3, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

https://www.sbsun.com/2021/02/03/new-group-to-help-inland-communities-of-color-get-timely-coronavirus-information/?utm_campaign=soci… 1/4 2/4/2021 New group to help Inland communities of color get timely coronavirus information – San Bernardino Sun The Inland Empire Media Roundtable on Wednesday, Feb. 3, launched an Inland Empire-wide effort to help communities of color get accurate and timelytimely informationinformation aboutabout thethe coronavirus pandemic,pandemic, vaccine distribution,distribution, andand public safety health measures.

Wednesdayʼs Zoom discussion featured public information officers from Riverside and San Bernardino counties as well as the Riverside County Public Health Department who answered questions from representatives of several media outlets representing communities of color, specifically Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

The Roundtable builds on local partnersʼ successful efforts to organize community media around the issue of census outreach,, saidsaid ArmandoArmando Carmona, partner at Tzunu Strategies, one of the coordinators.

“The Inland Empire is in a breakout moment, with community organizations and community media taking leadership to diversify the voices and stories that represent the region,” he said.

It is crucial for government agencies and health providers to prioritize investmentsinvestments andand engagementengagement withwith locallocal mediamedia thatthat serviceservice communitiescommunities ofof color, said Paulette Brown-Hinds, founder and CEO of Voice Media Ventures.

“Black and Brown communities are facing the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, including disproportionate deaths and economic suffering,” she said, adding that communities of color have been severely under-represented among those who have received the vaccine.

The Roundtable is a great place to talk about pressing issues such as inequities inin vaccinevaccine distributiondistribution andand outreachoutreach toto communitiescommunities ofof color,color, saidsaid KarthickKarthick Ramakrishnan, director of UC Riversideʼs Center for Social Innovation and a strategic partner in the effort.

“This was a powerful space in so many ways,” he said. “Itʼs one thing for a county PIO to call each individual reporter or for a reporter to call a PIO. But to have everyone in one space is extremely efficient.”

Carmona said the Roundtable plans to hold a similar press briefing once every twotwo weeks.weeks.

Newsroom Guidelines News Tips Contact Us Report an Error https://www.sbsun.com/2021/02/03/new-group-to-help-inland-communities-of-color-get-timely-coronavirus-information/?utm_campaign=soci… 2/4 2/4/2021 San Bernardino County teachers now eligible for coronavirus vaccination – San Bernardino Sun

LOCAL NEWS •• News San Bernardino County teachers now eligible for coronavirus vaccination

By RYAN HAGEN || [email protected] || TheThe SunSun PUBLISHED: February 3, 2021 at 5:14 p.m. || UPDATED:UPDATED: February 3, 2021 at 6:32 p.m.

Teachers who will be in classrooms this school year are now eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines inin SanSan BernardinoBernardino County,County, butbut theyʼlltheyʼll getget themthem fromfrom school districts so appointments at vaccine clinics will go to seniors, the county announced Wednesday, Feb. 3.

The county also said that this week it will open several weeks worth of vaccination appointments for senior citizens and announce plans to open more community vaccination centers.

A mobile vaccination program to serve seniors close to their homes is also coming, a county news release stated.

Itʼs part of a new focus on getting as many seniors vaccinated as possible.

“Seniors are most at-risk from COVID-19,” Curt Hagman, chairman of the county Board of Supervisors, said in a written statement. “Thatʼs why the County has no higher priority than making sure we quickly reach and serve everyone in our county 65 and over.”

The county had been focusing on seniors as well as first responders, but learnedlearned thisthis weekweek thatthat allall policepolice officersofficers andand firefightersfirefighters workingworking inin thethe countycounty who want to be vaccinated have been provided with vaccination opportunities, thethe releaserelease states.states.

https://www.sbsun.com/2021/02/03/san-bernardino-county-teachers-now-eligible-for-coronavirus-vaccination/?utm_campaign=socialflow&ut… 1/4 2/4/2021 San Bernardino County teachers now eligible for coronavirus vaccination – San Bernardino Sun The countyʼs strategy is meant to allow vaccinations for teachers currently doing in-person instruction or who plan to return to the classroom during the current school year, without disrupting service to seniors.

Schools and districts will work with local vaccine providers to serve eligible teachersteachers ratherrather thanthan createcreate competitioncompetition betweenbetween seniorsseniors andand teachersteachers forfor online appointments, the release stated.

The strategy came from several weeks of talks with San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre, school districts and private schools throughoutthroughout thethe countycounty toto createcreate strategiesstrategies forfor vaccinatingvaccinating teachers,teachers, accordingaccording toto thethe release.release.

“The Countyʼs wise management of vaccines and productive partnerships with vaccine providers such as hospitals and pharmacies are helping us to begin creating a safe environment for teachers and students, which is essential in our efforts to control the virus and return our communities to normal life,” Hagman said. “Best of all, we are doing this in a way that does not interfere with the availability of appointments to seniors.”

When available, vaccine appointments can be made at https://sbcovid19.com/vaccine/.. PeoplePeople cancan alsoalso signsign upup atat thethe sitesite forfor notifications when appointment become available.

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https://www.sbsun.com/2021/02/03/san-bernardino-county-teachers-now-eligible-for-coronavirus-vaccination/?utm_campaign=socialflow&ut… 2/4 2/4/2021 Why there was an hours-long wait at coronavirus vaccination super site in San Bernardino County – Press Enterprise ___

LOCAL NEWS •• News Why there was an hours-long wait at coronavirus vaccination super site in San Bernardino County

Vehicles wait in line as they enter Auto Club Speedway in Fontana during San Bernardino County’s first “super site” vaccination event Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. As of 1 p.m. the line to enter the racetrack stretched to north of Foothill Boulevard, about 3 miles. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

By RYAN HAGEN || [email protected] || TheThe SunSun PUBLISHED: February 3, 2021 at 6:29 p.m. || UPDATED:UPDATED: February 3, 2021 at 6:48 p.m.

https://www.pe.com/2021/02/03/why-there-was-an-hours-long-wait-at-coronavirus-vaccination-super-site-in-san-bernardino-county/?utm_so… 1/5 2/4/2021 Why there was an hours-long wait at coronavirus vaccination super site in San Bernardino County – Press Enterprise Snarled traffics and several hours of delays greeted many who came to San Bernardino Countyʼs first coronavirus vaccination supersuper sitesite Tuesday,Tuesday, Feb.Feb. 2,2, but most were able to get their shot.

And the “headaches” at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana taughttaught officialsofficials lessonslessons forfor thethe nextnext massmass vaccinationvaccination eventevent andand forfor givinggiving thethe secondsecond dosedose ofof thethe vaccinevaccine atat thethe Speedway,Speedway, countycounty spokesmanspokesman DavidDavid WertWert said.said.

Out of 3,500 appointments scheduled, 3,235 people were vaccinated, Wert said.

Though some on social media said their older relatives had to leave because theythey couldnʼtcouldnʼt waitwait inin thethe carcar thatthat long,long, WertWert saidsaid thethe 265265 vaccinesvaccines thatthat werenʼtwerenʼt given out were because of people who were ineligible or who had missed their appointment.

Itʼs typical for about 15% of those who make a vaccine appointment to miss it, he said.

The remaining vaccines will be used at another event, he said.

Gates to the Auto Club Speedway closed at 7:08 p.m., just over an hour after the event was scheduled to end, but Wert said he didnʼt know when the last person was vaccinated. No one was turned away unless they were ineligible, he said.

While some counties have struggled with people showing up at the end of events to be vaccinated with “left-over” vaccines, Wert said that wasnʼt a problem. Some people did show up without appointments, in many cases because they thought they should be eligible. They were sent home. The main cause of the delay was people showing up well before their appointment time, he said.

“We had made it clear in all our messaging to show up 15 minutes early, no earlier, but we had a lot of people thinking, ʻIf 15 minutes is good, an hour is better,ʼ” he said. “Then, when word got out that there was a line, that caused more people to go to the site.”

Officials donʼt want to blame anyone, but that lengthened the line considerably, he said.

When those vaccinated Tuesday return for a second dose March 2, officials will move more cars into the unused space within the Speedway and screen people while theyʼre along Cherry Avenue, he said.

Portable toilets were available in the line, he said.

https://www.pe.com/2021/02/03/why-there-was-an-hours-long-wait-at-coronavirus-vaccination-super-site-in-san-bernardino-county/?utm_so… 2/5 2/4/2021 Why there was an hours-long wait at coronavirus vaccination super site in San Bernardino County – Press Enterprise Upland resident Michelle Menes said she took her mother to be vaccinated at thethe SpeedwaySpeedway andand waitedwaited threethree hourshours fromfrom thethe timetime theythey reachedreached CherryCherry Avenue.

They had prepared for a long wait, and within the Speedway itself, workers were helpful and pleasant, she said.

“Unfortunately, there were no signs or traffic control at intersections so it was pretty chaotic,” she said. “Inside, the Speedway was organized but took a while. Hopefully next month is better.”

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Ryan Hagen | Reporter Ryan Hagen covers San Bernardino County and politics for the Southern California News Group. Since he began covering Inland Empire governments inin 2010,2010, he'she's writtenwritten aboutabout aa citycity enteringentering bankruptcybankruptcy andand exitingexiting bankruptcy;bankruptcy; politicians being elected, recalled and arrested; crime; a terrorist attack; res; ICE; ghts to end homelessness; ghts over the location of speed bumps; and people's best and worst moments. A graduate of Pepperdine University, he teaches journalism classes at Cal State San Bernardino. His https://www.pe.com/2021/02/03/why-there-was-an-hours-long-wait-at-coronavirus-vaccination-super-site-in-san-bernardino-county/?utm_so… 3/5 2/4/2021 Coronavirus hospitalizations fall below 1,000 in San Bernardino County – Press Enterprise ___

LOCAL NEWS •• News Coronavirus hospitalizations fall below 1,000 in San Bernardino County

By RYAN HAGEN || [email protected] || TheThe SunSun PUBLISHED: February 3, 2021 at 5:32 p.m. || UPDATED:UPDATED: February 3, 2021 at 5:32 p.m.

ThisThis criticalcritical coveragecoverage isis beingbeing providedprovided freefree toto allall readers. Support reporting like this with a subscription to The Press-Enterprise. Special Offer: Just 99¢ for 3 months.

Support local journalism

San Bernardino County has fewer than 1,000 patients in the hospital with a confirmed case of COVID-19 forfor thethe firstfirst timetime sincesince Dec.Dec. 7.7.

The 969 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Tuesday, Feb. 2, represent a 46% drop from the Jan. 5 peak, when 1,785 people with confirmed cases were in thethe hospital.hospital. AnotherAnother 4343 werewere hospitalizedhospitalized withwith aa suspectedsuspected casecase asas ofof Tuesday,Tuesday, when the state last updated hospitalization statistics.

During the summer peak — the worst period of the virus until late November — thethe countycounty sawsaw aa highhigh ofof 638638 peoplepeople hospitalizedhospitalized withwith confirmedconfirmed COVID-19.COVID-19.

https://www.pe.com/2021/02/03/coronavirus-hospitalizations-fall-below-1000-in-san-bernardino-county/?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_me… 1/5 2/4/2021 Coronavirus hospitalizations fall below 1,000 in San Bernardino County – Press Enterprise San Bernardino County released numbers Wednesday, Feb. 3, for that day and for Tuesday. Because of outages at the stateʼs virus data tracking system and other scheduling and process changes at the state level, the county is now getting state updates at a different time of day, county spokesman David Wert said.

It then takes county workers a long time to add the information to the county dashboard, leading to the delay in reporting Tuesdayʼs numbers, Wert said.

The county reported 296 cases and 61 deaths Tuesday, and 588 cases and 49 deaths Wednesday. The county is working through a laglag inin deathdeath reportsreports,, soso manymany deathsdeaths fromfrom weeksweeks agoago areare beingbeing reportedreported forfor thethe firstfirst time.time.

Here are the latest numbers, according to county and state public health officials.

San Bernardino County

Confirmed cases: 275,960275,960 total,total, upup 588588 fromfrom Tuesday,Tuesday, averagingaveraging 949949 reportedreported perper day in the past week

Deaths: 1,9661,966 total,total, upup 4949 fromfrom Tuesday,Tuesday, averagingaveraging 31.431.4 reportedreported perper dayday inin thethe past week

Hospital survey: 969969 confirmedconfirmed andand 4343 suspectedsuspected patientspatients hospitalizedhospitalized Tuesday,Tuesday, includingincluding 252252 confirmedconfirmed andand eighteight suspectedsuspected patientspatients inin thethe ICU,ICU, withwith 2525 ofof 2525 facilitiesfacilities reporting.reporting. TheThe numbernumber ofof confirmedconfirmed patientspatients isis downdown 19.9%19.9% fromfrom aa week earlier.

Tests: 2,245,0592,245,059 total,total, upup 14,28214,282 fromfrom Tuesday,Tuesday, averagingaveraging 12,18612,186 reportedreported perper dayday inin thethe pastpast weekweek

Resolved cases (estimate): 268,961268,961 total,total, upup 1,8011,801 fromfrom Tuesday,Tuesday, averagingaveraging 1,7021,702 per day in the past week

Vaccinations: TheThe countycounty hashas beenbeen allocatedallocated 169,375169,375 dosesdoses asas ofof FridayFriday andand isis notnot saying how many doses have been administered.

Reopening plan tier:tier: PurplePurple (widespread(widespread riskrisk level;level; manymany nonessentialnonessential indoorindoor business operations are closed) based on these metrics as of Tuesday:

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New cases per day per 100,000 residents: 59.4 Case rate adjusted for testing volume: 50.2 Test positivity rate: 12.7% (13.9% in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods) Whatʼs next: To advance to the red tier and reopen more businesses, San Bernardino County would need an adjusted case rate of 7.0 or below and both positivity rates below 8.0% for two consecutive weeks.

To see a map and list of cases, deaths and per-capita rates by community, click here..

Here is a look at how the countyʼs numbers have changed each day:

Staff writer Nikie Johnson contributed to this report.

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Tags: All Readers,, Coronavirus,, Health,, public health,, Top Stories IVDB,, Top Stories RDF,, Top Stories Sun

Ryan Hagen | Reporter Ryan Hagen covers San Bernardino County and politics for the Southern California News Group. Since he began covering Inland Empire governments in 2010, he's written about a city entering bankruptcy and exiting bankruptcy; https://www.pe.com/2021/02/03/coronavirus-hospitalizations-fall-below-1000-in-san-bernardino-county/?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_me… 3/5 2/4/2021 UPDATE: Fontana has had 36,945 coronavirus cases and 214 deaths as of Feb. 2 | News | fontanaheraldnews.com

https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/update-fontana-has-had-36-945-coronavirus-cases-and-214- deaths-as-of-feb-2/article_51059172-663e-11eb-a18e-3b056372f695.html

FEATURED UPDATE: Fontana has had 36,945 coronavirus cases and 214 deaths as of Feb. 2

Feb 3, 2021

A long line of cars could be seen outside Auto Club Speedway in Fontana on Feb. 2, when 3,500 people were vaccinated for COVID-19. (Contributed photo by Gilbert Gonzalez)

Fontana has had 36,945 conrmed cases of the coronavirus and 214 deaths as of Feb. 2, according to the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health.

Overall in the county, there have been a total of 275,372 cases and 1,917 deaths.

Although the case totals have continued to rise, the rate of the increase dropped signicantly during the month of January after a huge spike in November and December.

https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/update-fontana-has-had-36-945-coronavirus-cases-and-214-deaths-as-of-feb-2/article_51059172-663e-11e… 1/2 2/4/2021 UPDATE: Fontana has had 36,945 coronavirus cases and 214 deaths as of Feb. 2 | News | fontanaheraldnews.com Health ofcials are hoping that the number of cases will continue to plunge once more people get vaccinated. However, while the demand for vaccinations has been tremendous, the number of available vaccines is relatively low at this point.

In the meantime, ofcials are urging local residents to follow all the necessary health guidelines -- including wearing face masks and practicing social distancing -- in order to help contain COVID-19. Residents are also encouraged to get tested.

There are two testing sites available on weekdays in Fontana: Jack Bulik Center, 16581 Filbert Street, and the Jessie Turner Center, 15556 Summit Avenue.

Testing is free and does not require insurance. Testing is available by appointment only by visiting sbcovid19.com.

https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/update-fontana-has-had-36-945-coronavirus-cases-and-214-deaths-as-of-feb-2/article_51059172-663e-11e… 2/2 2/4/2021 Super Bowl gatherings a concern for Fauci as High Desert authorities increase enforcement

NEWS Super Bowl gatherings a concern for Fauci as High Desert officials increase enforcement on roads Jose Quintero Victorville Daily Press Published 6:39 p.m. PT Feb. 3, 2021 Updated 6:40 p.m. PT Feb. 3, 2021

The nation’s top infectious disease expert doesn’t want the Super Bowl to turn into a super spreader, and local authorities announced extra patrol on roadways to stop impaired motorists.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, said Wednesday that when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it.”

During TV interviews, Fauci said now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties because they might be infected with COVID-19 and could sicken others.

Big events — like Sunday’s game in Tampa, Florida, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — are always a cause for concern over the potential for virus spread, Fauci said.

“You don’t want parties with people that you haven’t had much contact with,” he told NBC’s “Today” show. “You just don’t know if they’re infected, so, as difficult as that is, at least this time around, just lay low and cool it.”

Meanwhile, extra San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputies will be patrolling roadways on Sunday in Hesperia and Victorville.

Meanwhile, Barstow Police Department Capt. Andy Espinoza Jr. said residents can expect to see additional DUI patrol along city streets on Sunday.

Both sheriff’s stations in Hesperia and Victorville announced the beefed-up patrol this week. Each asked residents to safely enjoy the showdown that pits quarterbacks Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes against one another for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

https://www.vvdailypress.com/story/news/2021/02/03/super-bowl-gatherings-concern-fauci-high-desert-authorities-increase-enforcement/4381840001/… 1/2 2/4/2021 Super Bowl gatherings a concern for Fauci as High Desert authorities increase enforcement

It remains unclear whether the Apple Valley and Victor Valley stations will also have extra deputies working. Inquiries sent to those stations were not immediately returned Wednesday.

Deputies in Hesperia and Victorville will be “looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs,” including prescription or over-the-counter medications.

“If you are watching the game at home and plan to have a drink or two, stay at home,” sheriff’s officials said in a statement. “Have a family member who hasn’t been drinking go out on your behalf or have your food delivered.

“Although many watch parties will be virtual this year, it’s important to plan ahead, designate a sober driver or simply stay at home for the night.”

Funding for the additional enforcement is provided by a California Office of Traffic Safety grant through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Contributing: The Associated Press.

Daily Press reporter Jose Quintero may be reached at 760-951-6274 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @DP_JoseQ.

https://www.vvdailypress.com/story/news/2021/02/03/super-bowl-gatherings-concern-fauci-high-desert-authorities-increase-enforcement/4381840001/… 2/2 2/4/2021 Coronavirus deaths lead to lifting of cremation limits in Riverside County – Press Enterprise ___

LOCAL NEWS •• News Coronavirus deaths lead to lifting of cremation limits in Riverside County

By JEFF HORSEMAN || [email protected]@scng.com || TheThe Press-EnterprisePress-Enterprise PUBLISHED: February 3, 2021 at 4:56 p.m. || UPDATED:UPDATED: February 3, 2021 at 4:56 p.m.

Citing the rising coronavirus deathdeath toll,toll, thethe SouthSouth CoastCoast AirAir QualityQuality ManagementManagement District on Wednesday, Feb. 3, temporarily lifted limits on cremating human remains in Riverside County.

The district, which is responsible for reducing air pollution in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, also extended orders lifting cremation limits inin OrangeOrange andand LosLos AngelesAngeles counties.counties.

Normally, the district limits how often crematories can burn human remains each month. But Riverside Countyʼs public health department and sheriffʼs/coronerʼs office asked for the limits to be temporarily suspended, a district news release states.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially increased the number of deaths in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties compared to pre-pandemic years,” the release read. Other restrictions imposed by crematory permits, including the need to vent contaminants through air pollution control technology, remain in effect.

San Bernardino County has not asked for its crematory limits to be suspended, according to district spokeswoman Nahal Mogharabi.

The order lifting cremation limits is in effect until Saturday, Feb. 13.

https://www.pe.com/2021/02/03/coronavirus-deaths-lead-to-lifting-of-cremation-limits-in-riverside-county/ 1/3 2/4/2021 CVS to start COVID-19 vaccinations around Southern California – Orange County Register ___

NEWS •• News CVS to start COVID-19 vaccinations around Southern California

CVS pharmacist John Nguyen prepares a dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the Emerald Court senior living community in Anaheim, CA on Friday,, January 8, 2021. The vaccine was optional for staff and residents. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)

By IAN WHEELER || [email protected]@scng.com || OrangeOrange CountyCounty RegisterRegister PUBLISHED: February 3, 2021 at 9:51 a.m. || UPDATED:UPDATED: February 3, 2021 at 4:03 p.m.

Pharmacy giant CVS announced Tuesday, Feb. 2, it would begin COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible groups at 100 of its stores across California starting Feb. 11. https://www.ocregister.com/2021/02/03/cvs-to-start-covid-19-vaccinations-around-southern-california/ 1/4 2/4/2021 CVS to start COVID-19 vaccinations around Southern California – Orange County Register The shots will be offered at Southern California locations in cities including Los Angeles, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Irvine, though CVS Health spokeswoman Monica Prinzing said the handful of cities listed in a news release Tuesday would not be the only places with participating stores.

“The list of specific stores will be available on CVS.com asas storesstores receivereceive shipments of vaccine and appointments become available,” Prinzing said.

People prioritized to get shots under public health guidelines – currently, health care workers, seniors age 65 and older and long-term care residents – must register in advance on CVS’s website oror throughthrough thethe CVSCVS PharmacyPharmacy app.app. AnyoneAnyone without internet access can call customer service at 800-746-7287.

CVS, like other vaccine administrators, is working with limited supplies and will not administer doses to walk-ups without appointments, the company said.

CVS previewed its plans the same day the Biden administration announced the federalfederal governmentgovernment wouldwould start shipping coronavirus vaccines directly to retail pharmacies asas partpart ofof thethe WhiteWhite House’sHouse’s strategystrategy toto speedspeed upup vaccinationsvaccinations nationwide.

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https://www.ocregister.com/2021/02/03/cvs-to-start-covid-19-vaccinations-around-southern-california/ 2/4 2/4/2021 Despite months to prep, why California lags on COVID vaccination – PublicCEO

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Despite months to prep, why California lags on COVID vaccination

Recent News

San Mateo County Board of

Supervisors pass ambitious climate goals for County operations February 4, 2021

Governor Newsom Sites will serve as the pilot announces pilot partnership with Biden project for federal eorts to Administration to open community vaccination open vaccination sites sites in Los Angeles, Oakland nationwide February 4, 2021

Q&A with

https://www.publicceo.com/2021/02/governor-newsom-announces-pilot-partnership-with-biden-administration-to-open-community-vaccination-sites-in-l… 1/4 2/4/2021 Governor Newsom announces pilot partnership with Biden Administration to open community vaccination sites in Los Angeles, Oakland – … These sites will provide targeted support to California JPIA member Dylan Feik, city manager communities hit hardest by of Monrovia and recipient of two 2020 COVID-19 and its impacts ICMA Local Government Excellence awards California Governor February 3, 2021 Gavin Newsom and the Biden-Harris First nature- Administration today announced a pilot project to establish inspired community vaccination sites in Oakland and Los Angeles. play area in south These pilot sites, which will be based at the Oakland- Santa Rosa opens to the public Alameda Coliseum and California State University, Los February 3, 2021 Angeles, are part of the wider eort to establish 100 vaccination sites nationwide in the federal administration’s Santa rst 100 days. The sites will be co-run by the Federal Monica Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of oers California through the Governor’s Oce of Emergency support to additional low- Services (Cal OES). income seniors through Preserving Our Diversity “In the ght against COVID-19, partnership is key, especially Program when it comes to reaching Californians in underserved February 3, 2021 areas,” said Governor Newsom. “These new sites will help us get available supply to some of the California communities most in need. I thank the Biden Administration for standing with us as we continue our eorts to safely, swiftly and equitably vaccinate all Californians.”

“Both of these sites are perfect examples of how FEMA is working around the clock to support state led, federally supported vaccine delivery,” said Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton. “Today’s announcement is a signicant step forward in the ongoing eort to ensure every American who wants a vaccine will receive a vaccine.”

FEMA will provide resources and federal stang support to establish these new community vaccination centers as well https://www.publicceo.com/2021/02/governor-newsom-announces-pilot-partnership-with-biden-administration-to-open-community-vaccination-sites-in-l… 2/4 2/4/2021 Governor Newsom announces pilot partnership with Biden Administration to open community vaccination sites in Los Angeles, Oakland – … as operational support.

The two locations chosen for these eorts are in some of the most diverse and socioeconomically challenged communities in the country. They are also communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and are home to essential workers who have borne the brunt of keeping the economy open over the past year.

The goal of establishing these joint federal pilot sites is to continue to expand the rate of vaccinations in California in an ecient, eective and equitable manner, with an explicit focus on making sure that communities with a high risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection are not left behind.

In order to expand the reach of these state-federal sites further into the communities, each of these new sites will be paired with two mobile vaccination clinics which can be deployed to multiple locations to amplify and provide distribution to areas that otherwise lack sucient support.

Preparations and buildout of these two locations are now underway and the sites are expected to be open to eligible members of the public beginning February 16. Registration for vaccine appointments at these two sites will be available through the state’s MyTurn scheduling system in the coming days.

The State of California is coordinating closely with FEMA to ensure the vaccine doses used at these sites will not decrease the available supply for other sites in the hosting counties.

February 4, 2021 | Cities, COVID-19, Crisis Management, Federal Government Aairs, Public Health, State Government Aairs https://www.publicceo.com/2021/02/governor-newsom-announces-pilot-partnership-with-biden-administration-to-open-community-vaccination-sites-in-l… 3/4 2/4/2021 Newsom hopeful ‘compromise’ can be reached for high school sports to return safely – San Bernardino Sun

SPORTSHIGH SCHOOL SPORTS •• News Newsom hopeful ‘compromise’ can be reached for high school sports to return safely Newsom says it's import that COVID-19 case rates 'continue to move in the direction they're moving'

By DAN ALBANO || [email protected] || OrangeOrange CountyCounty RegisterRegister PUBLISHED: February 3, 2021 at 4:51 p.m. || UPDATED:UPDATED: February 3, 2021 at 11:14 p.m.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, Feb. 3 offered optimism to those who support high school sports returning to competition immediately, but he also defended the state health departmentʼs guidance that has left athletes in several sports wondering if, or when, their seasons can be played.

While speaking in Northern California about a new vaccination site coming to thethe Oakland-AlamedaOakland-Alameda Coliseum,Coliseum, NewsomNewsom confirmedconfirmed thatthat hehe hashas beenbeen inin “very“very direct conversations” about high school and youth sports amid the pandemic and hopes for a safe return featuring “compromise.”

“Iʼm very, very hopeful that we can find a compromise here and I believe thatʼs possible as long as these case rates continue to move in the direction theyʼre moving,” he said. “We want to see this happen. We want to do it safely.”

Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the Health and Human Services Agency, announced this week that the stateʼs 14-day average positivity rate has dropped toto 7.27.2 %,%, aa 38%38% decreasedecrease overover thethe pastpast twotwo weeks.weeks. MostMost countiescounties inin thethe state,state, however, remain in the purple tier for widespread risk of coronavirus.

https://www.sbsun.com/2021/02/03/newsom-hopeful-compromise-can-be-reached-for-high-school-sports-to-return-safely/?utm_content=tw-… 1/4 2/4/2021 Newsom hopeful ‘compromise’ can be reached for high school sports to return safely – San Bernardino Sun Under the guidance of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), high school sports are using the stateʼs tiered monitoring system according to levellevel ofof contactcontact andand indoorindoor oror outdooroutdoor setting.setting.

Cross country is the only designated fall or Season 1 sport approved for competition for a county in the purple tier. Fall sports such as football, boys and girls water polo and girls volleyball face uncertain futures because theyʼre grouped in the orange tier, or moderate risk.

The national federation that governs high school sports on Tuesday abandoned itsits tiertier systemsystem forfor sportssports inin favorfavor ofof assessingassessing thethe riskrisk ofof COVD-19.COVD-19. NewsomNewsom referenced the stateʼs Jan. 25 start date to allow competition for purple sports, but he added his team is “trying to work through these different tiers.”

The state has been meeting with the grassroots group Let Them Play CA and thethe GoldenGolden StateState HSHS FootballFootball CoachesCoaches Community,Community, anotheranother advocacyadvocacy group.group.

“A lot of this is driven by football and folks wanting to get a football season in, and Iʼm deeply sensitive to that,” Newsom said. “I recognize all of the benefits (of(of youthyouth sports),sports), physicalphysical andand mental,mental, asas wellwell asas thethe benefitsbenefits toto teachersteachers andand parents that have kids who are engaged in physical activities.”

Newsom said he wasnʼt concerned about the lawsuit filed last week by two San Diego student-athletes that seeks an immediate return to play but also called it “quite legitimate” in terms of its goal.

Let Them Play CA reacted with optimism to Newsomʼs remarks as it prepares forfor anotheranother roundround ofof talkstalks Thursday,Thursday, Feb.Feb. 4.4.

“Weʼre very encouraged,” co-founder Brad Hensley of Carlsbad said. “Weʼre cautiously excited about the continued communication weʼre having and working toward a win-win solution to get youth sports back.”

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Tags: Dan Albano,, High School All Sports,, high school football,, high school news https://www.sbsun.com/2021/02/03/newsom-hopeful-compromise-can-be-reached-for-high-school-sports-to-return-safely/?utm_content=tw-… 2/4 2/4/2021 Community partnerships are critical to vaccine success – San Bernardino Sun

OPINION Community partnerships are critical to vaccine success

Farida Uddin, a 65-year-old Corona resident, receives a dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine inside the Corona High School gymnasium Thursday,, Jan.Jan. 14,14, 2021, as shots expand to those 65 and older in Riverside County. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

By KARTHICK RAMAKRISHNAN || PUBLISHED: February 3, 2021 at 7:00 a.m. || UPDATED:UPDATED: February 3, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.

https://www.sbsun.com/2021/02/03/community-partnerships-are-critical-to-vaccine-success/ 1/5 2/4/2021 Community partnerships are critical to vaccine success – San Bernardino Sun Vaccine hesitancy, vaccine logistics, and vaccine inequity. These are some of thethe biggestbiggest challengeschallenges facingfacing CaliforniaCalifornia andand thethe restrest ofof thethe countrycountry today.today. AsAs wewe move quickly to get as many people vaccinated in high-risk communities as possible, it is important to remember that our communities encountered very similar challenges with respect to the 2020 Census count.

Just as many groups are hesitant to trust government and scientific experts on thethe safetysafety andand efficacyefficacy ofof vaccines,vaccines, manymany groupsgroups werewere mistrustfulmistrustful ofof thethe federalfederal government and reluctant to provide the Census Bureau their personal information.information. TheThe censuscensus countcount alsoalso encounteredencountered significantsignificant logisticallogistical challenges during the course of the pandemic, needing better coordination between federal, state, and local government agencies. Finally, Census 2020 also generated significant equity concerns for many historically uncounted communities, including immigrants, communities of color, low-income populations, and more.

Of course, the logistical concerns are much more severe now with the COVID- 19 vaccine rollout. It was challenging during the 2020 Census to ensure sufficient staffing to make in-person visits during the pandemic and get people toto fillfill outout theirtheir CensusCensus forms.forms. TheThe logisticallogistical challengeschallenges forfor thethe vaccinevaccine areare much more severe given the scarcity of vaccines and need to safely store and deploy millions of doses through injections.

Still, many of the insights from Census outreach remain relevant today, and we need to reactivate those broad community partnerships in order to ensure a successful vaccine rollout. One major insight is the importance of trusted messengers. Census outreach taught us that government agencies need to rely on a diverse array of trusted messengers, such as faith-based organizations and community media, to ensure high levels of participation.

Indeed, regions like the Inland Empire and Los Angeles County saw the creation of strong coalitions of ethnic media and local media that helped build trusttrust andand deliverdeliver timelytimely andand reliablereliable informationinformation toto ensureensure highhigh levelslevels ofof community participation. These same coalitions are regrouping now for vaccine outreach, and county health officials can play a helpful role in reaching out to community media and raise their visibility and importance.

Another major insight from the Census outreach work is the importance of viewing community organizations as partners in the work, and not simply as communications channels or delivery mechanisms. This means co-designing rather than dictating solutions like deciding where to deploy mobile vaccine units, or determining which community partners to deputize for vaccine registration.

https://www.sbsun.com/2021/02/03/community-partnerships-are-critical-to-vaccine-success/ 2/5 2/4/2021 Community partnerships are critical to vaccine success – San Bernardino Sun Finally, we also need to collect and analyze timely data on racial disparities, languagelanguage barriers,barriers, andand otherother inequitiesinequities inin vaccinationvaccination inin orderorder toto ensureensure thatthat communities with the greatest risk of COVID-related deaths are being tended toto asas quicklyquickly andand comprehensivelycomprehensively asas possible.possible.

Thankfully, many counties and communities are organizing to build stronger civic infrastructure on the foundations of Census outreach and COVID response. This week, public health agencies from the counties of Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino met with the Center for Social Innovation at UCR and the IE Media Roundtable, to build on existing vaccine equity efforts and map out a coordinated tri-county community partnership that will ensure greater equity and efficiency when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations.

Similar solutions are being built in Orange County and San Diego County, with census outreach partners working with each other and with county health agencies to improve vaccine outreach. There is still a lot of work to be done. For example, Orange County is struggling to provide language support beyond Spanish and Vietnamese, and its vaccine appointment app has encountered significant challenges. And while San Diego Countyʼs vaccine dashboard provides a great model for other counties to monitor progress on vaccinations, it still shows severe racial equity concerns that need to be addressed.

Despite these challenges, it is important that government agencies are recognizing the significance of community partnerships to solve pressing problems. We are hopeful that these partnerships will survive and grow well past the pandemic, as foundations for a stronger civic infrastructure that can be deployed to solve future problems — from emergency situations like earthquakes, forest fires, and future pandemics to chronic issues like food insecurity,insecurity, housinghousing insecurity,insecurity, andand mentalmental healthhealth challenges.challenges.

Karthick Ramakrishnan is professor at the University of California, Riverside and director of the Center for Social Innovation.

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https://www.sbsun.com/2021/02/03/community-partnerships-are-critical-to-vaccine-success/ 3/5 2/4/2021 California debates teacher vaccines for reopening schools - Los Angeles Times

CALIFORNIA

Teachers face pressure to return even before COVID-19 vaccinations completed

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/california-debates-teacher-vaccines-reopening-schools 1/18 2/4/2021 California debates teacher vaccines for reopening schools - Los Angeles Times

Aalisa Brown raises her hand for help during an afterschool program at Rio Vista Elementary School in El Monte. The El Monte City School District is providing extra help to children of essential workers while campuses remain closed. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

By HOWARD BLUME, DEBORAH NETBURN, LUKE MONEY, RONG-GONG LIN II

FEB. 4, 2021 5 AM PT

The battle over reopening California schools intensified Wednesday when Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Biden administration said campuses can safely reopen without teachers being vaccinated — and unions pushed back, calling for school workers to be immunized as part of any sweeping reopening effort to return students to classrooms.

Echoing the debate, the Southern California chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics called for schools to open immediately, asserting that the harms of keeping children out of school outweigh the risks of reopening. Meanwhile, United Teachers Los https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/california-debates-teacher-vaccines-reopening-schools 2/18 2/4/2021 California debates teacher vaccines for reopening schools - Los Angeles Times Angeles accused officials of playing politics with the lives of its members, students and their families.

The ferment over reopening has become more urgent in the state’s counties as coronavirus infection rates and other health metrics trend in a positive direction — which could soon allow for the reopening of campuses that have been closed since last March in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, among others. Already, 18 counties outside of Southern California are permitted to open elementary campuses under recently adopted state guidelines.

State and federal officials have insisted for some time that campuses for kindergarten through 12th grade students can reopen safely without teachers being vaccinated — and they reiterated that point Wednesday.

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“There is increasing data to suggest that schools can safely reopen, and that safe reopening does not suggest that teachers need to be vaccinated, ” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the new director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a briefing of the White House COVID-19 response team.

When asked about the CDC director’s comments, Newsom said he subscribes “to the Biden administration’s point of view, reinforced again today in their press conference, that we can safely reopen schools with [an] appropriate level of support.”

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/california-debates-teacher-vaccines-reopening-schools 3/18 2/4/2021 California debates teacher vaccines for reopening schools - Los Angeles Times The governor was more blunt in an online symposium last week of the Assn. of California School Administrators. He said that if vaccinations for all school workers were a precondition for returning to classrooms this academic year, “we might as well just tell people the truth: There will be no in-person instruction in the state of California. Just tell them the truth.”

On Wednesday, Newsom insisted that he has done his part by prioritizing teachers — placing them in an upper tier of eligibility for vaccines.

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However, under state rules, it’s up to local health authorities to decide whether teachers and other school workers have access to vaccines now or later — when supplies become more abundant.

CALIFORNIA Schools can safely move to reopen even if teachers are not all vaccinated, Newsom says https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/california-debates-teacher-vaccines-reopening-schools 4/18 2/4/2021 California debates teacher vaccines for reopening schools - Los Angeles Times Feb. 3, 2021

In L.A. County, higher-priority groups, including healthcare workers and those 65 and older, are eligible for vaccines, whereas teachers are not. In Long Beach, which has its own health department, school district employees are eligible for immunizations, although they face the same challenges scheduling appointments as others.

A spokesperson for the California Teachers Assn. praised the intent of the Biden administration to open schools safely and the CDC’s efforts to “make up for lost time” in the wake of the Trump administration.

The union said that the state should prioritize school employees in order of greatest need to open campuses in phases — and also to protect employees in campuses already open.

“They should get vaccines to all employees required to report in-person and before the students return to campus,” said Claudia Briggs.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/california-debates-teacher-vaccines-reopening-schools 5/18 2/4/2021 California debates teacher vaccines for reopening schools - Los Angeles Times CALIFORNIA Southern California pediatricians call for L.A.-area schools to immediately reopen Feb. 3, 2021

Los Angeles Unified Supt. Austin Beutner has said it’s crucial that health officials target school employees for vaccination while campuses are closed so that this impediment to reopening is removed.

“It won’t be sufficient to vaccinate some school staff now and others far down the road,” Beutner added.

Campuses in the nation’s second-largest school district have been prepped to operate safely for instruction and to serve as community immunization centers, he said.

Because of complex and evolving guidelines — and health conditions — some suburban and rural California school districts have reopened. Others successfully applied for elementary school waivers to reopen or took advantage of rules allowing in-person services for students with special needs.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/california-debates-teacher-vaccines-reopening-schools 6/18 2/4/2021 California debates teacher vaccines for reopening schools - Los Angeles Times The reluctance of some districts to reopen, including L.A. Unified, has prompted litigation. In San Francisco on Wednesday, city officials took the unusual step of suing their own school system for not ramping up in-person services.

CALIFORNIA San Francisco, amid school renaming flap, sues its school district to reopen during pandemic Feb. 3, 2021

Teachers in other parts of the country have embraced or acquiesced to a return to in- person instruction — without vaccines — although the issue remains in play in some regions where infections have spiked.

Chicago teachers have threatened to strike over a back-to-campus order that was put on hold at the last minute as negotiations continue over making campuses safer. In New York City, which has lower case rates than L.A., the school system opened 1,052 schools in December, the vast majority for younger students, and has been plagued with frequent shutdowns because of outbreaks.

In another union pushback, the two statewide teachers unions — CTA and the California Federation of Teachers — have opposed all in-person instruction in counties that are in https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/california-debates-teacher-vaccines-reopening-schools 7/18 2/4/2021 California debates teacher vaccines for reopening schools - Los Angeles Times the worst tier for coronavirus spread. That tier is coded with the color purple — and 54 of 58 counties fall into that level, encompassing all major population centers.

The state’s recently revised rules allow for elementary campuses to reopen when the seven-day average of daily cases is 25 or fewer per 100,000 people. That’s nearly four times greater than the levels it would take to exit the purple tier, which until last month had been the governor’s standard.

CALIFORNIA State tightens rules for reopening schools as high COVID-19 rates hold districts back Jan. 15, 2021

Newsom points to what he sees as a building body of studies to justify the relaxed standard.

Dr. Eric Toner, a senior scholar with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said increasing evidence suggests that elementary-age children don’t transmit the virus as much as adults, and that the virus doesn’t make them as sick.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/california-debates-teacher-vaccines-reopening-schools 8/18 2/4/2021 California debates teacher vaccines for reopening schools - Los Angeles Times

“I don’t fault anybody for imposing the school closures,” he said. “The consensus now is that reopening schools does make sense.”

One widely cited study looked at 11 North Carolina school districts with a total of 100,000 students and staff. In the first nine weeks of the 2020-21 school year, researchers recorded 773 coronavirus infections among teachers, students and staff. Of these, 32 infections appeared to originate at school, according to a report in the journal Pediatrics.

Researchers found no cases of students transmitting the virus to adults. When transmission did occur, it was mostly related to poor adherence to masking rules, including one cluster linked to children eating together, the study authors wrote.

Masks were part of extensive safety measures that included having students attend in- person classes part-time in small groups on a staggered schedule, along with screening for symptoms, maintaining physical distancing between students and enhanced cleaning and handwashing.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/california-debates-teacher-vaccines-reopening-schools 9/18 2/4/2021 California debates teacher vaccines for reopening schools - Los Angeles Times

At the time of the study, all of the counties with participating schools were recording about 14 to 28 new infections per 100,000 residents per day. Current infection rates are higher both in Southern California and in North Carolina, where the schools that were studied remain open.

Outbreaks can occur even when schools have extensive mitigation strategies in place, including masking, distancing, air filtration and coronavirus testing, said Michael Lachmann, an evolutionary biologist at the Santa Fe Institute.

However, his research suggests that outbreaks can be quickly contained. In one study, fewer than 10% of infected people spread the virus to anyone else, and when that did happen, it spread to about five others.

“With all mitigation measures, the virus spreads in school, but not uncontrollably,” he said. “Each outbreak stops on its own, or due to testing” for the infection.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/california-debates-teacher-vaccines-reopening-schools 10/18 2/4/2021 California debates teacher vaccines for reopening schools - Los Angeles Times The case for reopening schools immediately is not as clear-cut as some want it to be, said Theresa Chapple-McGruder, an epidemiologist in the Washington, D.C., area who specializes in maternal and child health and has advised 27 school districts on their reopening plans.

“There are a lot of holes in the data,” Chapple-McGruder said. “We don’t have good rates of children being tested. And we know that children are more likely to be asymptomatic” when infected.

She added that it’s important to remember that “children live within families,” and the disease spreads easily within households.

“We need to be limiting our exposure to the virus, either through schooling at home, working from home — any ways that we can try and manage to stay safe at home — is really the same message that needs to be out today as it was six months ago, when the virus was not at such high peaks as it is today,” she said. “We need to be focused on those same prevention strategies that we used then.”

Leaders of Southern California Chapter 2 of the American Academy of Pediatrics said Wednesday that they’ve seen more than enough evidence to call for an immediate return to in-person services. This group, which represents 1,500 professionals in a

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/california-debates-teacher-vaccines-reopening-schools 11/18 2/4/2021 California debates teacher vaccines for reopening schools - Los Angeles Times seven-county Southern California region, advocated as early as June for a return to campus.

CALIFORNIA Latino COVID-19 deaths hit ‘horrifying’ levels, up 1,000% since November in L.A. County Jan. 30, 2021

The union that represents L.A. teachers, librarians, nurses and counselors said the pediatricians understated researchers’ warnings that preventing transmission in schools requires reducing levels of infection in the community.

“Saying the temporary trauma from distance learning is greater than illness and death of family members conveniently minimizes the reality that COVID-19 disproportionately impacts” families of color in Los Angeles, said Cecily Myart-Cruz, president of United Teachers Los Angeles. “Although, thankfully, serious illness and death among children is rare, 78% of the children who have died in the U.S. are children of color.”

Myart-Cruz also had strong words for officials pushing for a rapid return.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/california-debates-teacher-vaccines-reopening-schools 12/18 2/4/2021 California debates teacher vaccines for reopening schools - Los Angeles Times “If this disease was disproportionately killing white children, parents and grandparents, the response to COVID-19 from our politicians would have looked very different,” she said.

The union and school officials are currently negotiating what a return to campus would look like.

Times staff writers Taryn Luna and Melissa Gomez contributed to this report.

CALIFORNIA EDUCATION COVID-19 PANDEMIC

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Howard Blume

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Howard Blume covers education for the Los Angeles Times. He’s won the top investigative reporting prize from the L.A. Press Club and print Journalist of the Year from the L.A. Society of Professional Journalists chapter. He co-hosts “Deadline L.A.” on KPFK, which the press club named best radio public affairs show in 2010. He teaches tap dancing and has two superior daughters.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/california-debates-teacher-vaccines-reopening-schoolsDeborah Netb rn 13/18 2/4/2021 Schools can reopen before all teachers get COVID vaccine - Los Angeles Times

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CALIFORNIA

Schools can safely move to reopen even if teachers are not all vaccinated, Newsom says

Students work on after-school activities Tuesday at Rio Vista Elementary School in El Monte, which is providing extended learning pods to children of essential workers and school district sta and students whose grades are at risk. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

By LUKE MONEY, RONG-GONG LIN II

FEB. 3, 2021 1:37 PM PT https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-03/schools-can-reopen-before-all-teachers-get-covid-vaccine 1/8 2/4/2021 Schools can reopen before all teachers get COVID vaccine - Los Angeles Times

Gov. Gavin Newsom said he believes schools can begin to reopen even if all teachers are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19, provided that proper safety measures and supports are in place — although some teachers unions, including United Teachers Los Angeles, have said vaccinations should be a prerequisite to resuming in-person instruction.

“We can safely reopen schools as we process a prioritization to our teachers of vaccinations,” Newsom said Wednesday.

“I’d love to have everybody in the state vaccinated that chooses to be vaccinated,” he said during a briefing held to announce the future opening of a new community vaccination center at the Oakland Coliseum. “Not only would I like to prioritize teachers, we are prioritizing teachers.”

Newsom’s comments came the same day that Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said schools can safely reopen even if all teachers are not vaccinated against COVID-19.

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“I ... want to be clear that there is increasing data to suggest that schools can safely reopen, and that safe reopening does not suggest that teachers need to be vaccinated in order to reopen safely,” Walensky said at a briefing of the White House COVID-19 response team Wednesday. “Vaccination of teachers is not a prerequisite for safe reopening of schools.”

Jeff Zients, coordinator of President Biden’s COVID-19 task force, said Wednesday that the president wants schools to reopen and to stay open.

“And that means that every school has the equipment and the resources to open safely, not just private schools or schools in wealthy areas, but all schools,” Zients said.

A commentary by CDC researchers published in the Journal of the American Medical Assn. last month concluded that a path exists to “return primarily or fully to in-person instructional delivery,” but actions that need to be taken https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-03/schools-can-reopen-before-all-teachers-get-covid-vaccine 2/8 2/4/2021 Schools can reopen before all teachers get COVID vaccine - Los Angeles Times include “steps to reduce community transmission and limiting school-related activities such as indoor sports practice or competition that could increase transmission risk.”

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There‘s little evidence that on-campus instruction has contributed meaningfully to increased community transmission, the researchers wrote. But there have been some notable exceptions.

In Israel, for instance, two infected students triggered a large outbreak within two weeks of their high school’s reopening in May. That outbreak was blamed in part on crowded classrooms and insufficient physical distancing. Also, because of hot weather, student were exempted from using face masks and air conditioners recycled interior air in closed rooms.

But overall, the CDC team wrote, most evidence “has been reassuring” because the kind of rapid spread seen in nursing homes and crowded workplaces has not been reported in schools. “Preventing transmission in school settings will require addressing and reducing levels of transmission in the surrounding communities through policies to interrupt transmission (e.g., restrictions on indoor dining at restaurants),” the researchers wrote.

A number of counties in California are finally seeing new daily coronavirus case rates fall to levels low enough — less than 25 new infections a day per 100,000 residents — that would allow more elementary schools to open if school operators chose to do so. But new daily coronavirus case rates would have to fall to a lower level of less than 7 a day per 100,000 residents to allow middle and high schools to reopen.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-03/schools-can-reopen-before-all-teachers-get-covid-vaccine 3/8 2/4/2021 Schools can reopen before all teachers get COVID vaccine - Los Angeles Times ADVERTISEMENT

On Tuesday, Los Angeles County’s adjusted daily new case rate was 38.7 per 100,000, the state Department of Public Health reported. L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer has suggested that it could be a matter of weeks before the threshold to allow districts to more fully reopen elementary schools is reached.

California officials are now only allowing healthcare workers, people living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and seniors age 65 and over access to the vaccine. Teachers and educators are in the next group set to receive the vaccine, but there is no formal timeline for when they will begin to be inoculated.

When asked about the CDC director’s latest comments, Newsom said he subscribes “to the Biden administration’s point of view, reinforced again today in their press conference, that we can safely reopen schools with [an] appropriate level of support.” Doing so, he added, also will require “accountability in terms of enforcing the rules of the road.”

United Teachers Los Angeles and other teachers unions have balked at resuming in-person instruction before teachers are inoculated. L.A. Unified Supt. Austin Beutner has said it is critical that health officials specifically target school employees for vaccination while campuses are closed so that this impediment to reopening is removed.

“Vaccinating school staff will help get school classrooms opened sooner,” Beutner said this week.

Times staff writer Howard Blume contributed to this report.

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https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-03/schools-can-reopen-before-all-teachers-get-covid-vaccine 4/8 2/4/2021 CDC chief: Schools can reopen before teachers are vaccinated - Los Angeles Times

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Schools can reopen before teachers are vaccinated, CDC chief says

Kindergarten teacher Bridget Vorland prepares her classroom at Alta Vista Elementary School, where students in grades K through 2 were able to return this week under a waiver. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

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FEB. 3, 2021 10:54 AM PT

https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2021-02-03/schools-can-reopen-before-teachers-are-vaccinated-cdc-chief-says 1/6 2/4/2021 CDC chief: Schools can reopen before teachers are vaccinated - Los Angeles Times

The director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that schools can safely reopen even if teachers are not vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Vaccination of teachers is not a prerequisite for safe reopening of schools,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky said during a briefing by the White House COVID-19 response team.

Walensky cited CDC data showing that social distancing and wearing a mask significantly reduce the spread of the virus in school settings.

Some teachers’ unions, including United Teachers Los Angeles, have balked at resuming in-person instruction before teachers are inoculated. L.A. Unified Supt. Austin Beutner has said it is critical that health officials specifically target school employees for vaccination while campuses are closed so that this impediment to reopening is removed.

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“Vaccinating school staff will help get school classrooms opened sooner,” Beutner said this week.

CALIFORNIA Southern California pediatricians call for L.A.-area schools to immediately reopen Feb. 3, 2021

Teachers are prioritized as “essential workers” under the CDC’s vaccination guidance, though many have yet to receive doses as the nation continues to face a shortage of the vaccine.

President Biden has pledged to ensure nearly all K-8 schools will reopen for in-person instruction in the first 100 days of his administration.

https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2021-02-03/schools-can-reopen-before-teachers-are-vaccinated-cdc-chief-says 2/6 2/4/2021 CDC chief: Schools can reopen before teachers are vaccinated - Los Angeles Times

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White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients called on Congress to pass additional funding to ensure schools have the resources necessary to support reopening.

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Here’s how long it will take to California prioritizes age as it adjusts vaccinate everyone in California vaccine distribution, Gov. Newsom against COVID-19 says

JANUARY 25, 2021 6:29 AM JANUARY 25, 2021 1:49 PM https://www.sacbee.com/article248994890.html 3/6 2/4/2021 How New Vaccine News Gives Hope for Spring, if Enough People Get the Shots - The New York Times

Vaccine News Gives Hope for Spring, if Enough People Get the Shots New data from several vaccine trials offer positive signs, but many public health experts say emerging variants mean the next few months will be a race against the virus.

By Katie Thomas and Rebecca Robbins

Feb. 3, 2021

As coronavirus infections surged around the country in early November — and as the prospect of a long, dark winter loomed — it was not clear if any of the vaccines in development would pan out.

Now, three months later, the picture is very different. Two highly effective Covid vaccines are rolling out around the country. Three others appear to be slightly less robust, but still offer strong, and in some cases complete, protection against severe disease and death.

In the past week alone, Novavax and Johnson & Johnson reported that their vaccines offered good protection, including against new, more contagious variants of the coronavirus. And a new analysis from the University of Oxford suggests its vaccine, developed with AstraZeneca, has the potential to slow transmission and works especially well when second doses are delayed.

After a sputtering launch, vaccination in the United States is speeding up: More than 27 million Americans have received a first dose, and more than six million have been fully vaccinated. That pace has accelerated enough that President Biden, facing criticism that his administration’s goal of giving out 100 million shots in his first 100 days in office was too modest, last week revised the target upward to 150 million shots.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale University. “We’re still living with deadly disease because we haven’t vaccinated enough people, but once we do, it’s going to really change the way we live and deal with this virus.”

But even as there are reasons for hope in the spring and summer, many public health experts remain pessimistic about the next couple of months. Several warned that the world was nowhere near clear of a pandemic that has taken nearly 450,000 lives in the United States and 2.2 million around the globe.

Vaccinations have accelerated in wealthy countries, but poorer countries are getting left behind. In the United States, wealthier, white residents are getting access to the vaccine more frequently than Black and Latino people, who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Although cases in the United States have fallen in recent weeks, they are still at levels that are nearly twice as high as last summer’s peak, even as some major cities, like Chicago and New York, are opening indoor dining and other activities. The rollbacks on restrictions are also coming as contagious new variants circle the globe, some of which appear to make the vaccines less effective.

Medical workers prepared doses of vaccine behind beer taps at Fenway Park in Boston, the location of a mass vaccination site. Joseph Prezioso/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/03/health/covid-vaccines.html?surface=home-discovery-vi-prg&fellback=false&req_id=316828245&algo=identity&va… 1/5 2/4/2021 How New Vaccine News Gives Hope for Spring, if Enough People Get the Shots - The New York Times Dr. Eric Topol, a clinical trials expert at Scripps Research in San Diego, recalled feeling hopeful as recently as December that the pandemic could be tamed in the United States by June, thanks to the ﬂurry of encouraging vaccine data. But as the picture grew clearer in the past few weeks about the threat posed by new, more contagious variants of the virus spreading in other countries that have begun to turn up in the United States — particularly the B.1.1.7 variant ﬁrst seen in Britain — his optimism has faded.

“The variants changed everything,” Dr. Topol said.

Preliminary studies have shown that the vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax and Johnson & Johnson appear to work against the B.1.1.7 variant, and that they are also effective — although less so — against the variant first identified in South Africa. Even in the case of that variant, Johnson & Johnson’s study showed that it still protected against severe disease.

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Some of the ﬁrst people to be vaccinated are seeing glimpses of a path out of the pandemic.

At Bloom Senior Living, a chain of senior living facilities in the Southeast and the Midwest, ofﬁcials have gradually begun to reopen their doors to indoor visitors at ﬁve of their nine sites.

Those decisions were driven by community infection rates, but another factor has made Bloom ofﬁcials comfortable with the idea: As many as 96 percent of residents at facilities that have been visited by pharmacy vaccination teams have agreed to get a shot.

“It means everything for them to be able to see their adult children and hopefully eventually their grandchildren — to feel like they’re living life again,” said Bradley Dubin, principal of the ﬁrm that owns the Bloom facilities.

The effects of the U.S. vaccination campaign may be starting to show up in the data. The number of conﬁrmed coronavirus cases among nursing residents declined in each of the ﬁrst three full weeks that vaccines were given in nursing homes, according to data that nursing homes report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s not clear how much of that is because of vaccinations.

In Vermont, where 85 percent of people living in long-term care facilities have agreed to get at least their ﬁrst shot of a vaccine, ofﬁcials said this week that they were planning to soon ease visiting restrictions at these homes, though they have not set a date for doing so.

The immunization drive in nursing homes is one part of a vaccination campaign in the United States that has been gaining momentum after weeks of frustrating delays. The United States is now giving out an average of 1.3 million shots per day, and in some states, like Alaska and New Mexico, more than 10 percent of the population has received at least one of two required doses of a vaccine.

State and local health authorities are setting up mass vaccination drives, such as at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, and are working with the National Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The campaign is also increasingly expanding into the pharmacies where many Americans are accustomed to getting vaccines.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/03/health/covid-vaccines.html?surface=home-discovery-vi-prg&fellback=false&req_id=316828245&algo=identity&va… 2/5 2/4/2021 How New Vaccine News Gives Hope for Spring, if Enough People Get the Shots - The New York Times

Volunteers helped people waiting to be cleared to leave after receiving a vaccine at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, Calif. Mario Tama/Getty Images

There are hopeful signs on the supply front, as well.

On Tuesday, the federal government said it would allocate a minimum of 10.5 million doses of coronavirus vaccines to states for the next three weeks. At the same time, Moderna is talking to the Food and Drug Administration about ﬁlling its vials with 15 doses instead of the current 10, a change that could boost that company’s output by 50 percent.

In addition, Pﬁzer has said it can deliver 200 million doses to the United States by May, two months ahead of schedule, because it is now counting an additional dose in its vaccine vials.

Covid-19 Vaccines › Answers to Your Vaccine Questions

Am I eligible for the Covid vaccine in my state?

Currently more than 150 million people — almost half the population — are eligible to be vaccinated. But each state makes the final decision about who goes first. The nationʼs 21 million health care workers and three million residents of long-term care facilities were the first to qualify. In mid-January, federal officials urged all states to open up eligibility to everyone 65 and older and to adults of any age with medical conditions that put them at high risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from Covid-19. Adults in the general population are at the back of the line. If federal and state health officials can clear up bottlenecks in vaccine distribution, everyone 16 and older will become eligible as early as this spring or early summer. The vaccine hasnʼt been approved in children, although studies are underway. It may be months before a vaccine is available for anyone under the age of 16. Go to your state health website for up-to-date information on vaccination policies in your area

Is the vaccine free? https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/03/health/covid-vaccines.html?surface=home-discovery-vi-prg&fellback=false&req_id=316828245&algo=identity&va… 3/5 2/4/2021 How New Vaccine News Gives Hope for Spring, if Enough People Get the Shots - The New York Times Is the vaccine free?

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Hundreds of millions of additional vaccine doses from Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Novavax could further expand supply by summer.

Although the newer vaccines have not demonstrated the same high level of overall efﬁcacy as Moderna and Pﬁzer did last year, and two have not yet reported results from their U.S. clinical trials, several vaccine experts have pointed to an overlooked but highly promising detail: All of the vaccines have shown excellent protection against the severe form of Covid-19 that leads to hospitalization and death.

“What I want to avoid is for people to be sick to the point of hospitalization or tragically passing away from Covid-19,” said Dr. Stefan Baral, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The news that the vaccines protect against those outcomes, he said, is “incredibly uplifting.”

The challenge, though, “is getting to the point where we can actually get enough people vaccinated to start seeing those beneﬁts at a population scale,” said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at Georgetown University’s Center for Global Health Science and Security. “My biggest concerns right now are that people are not taking the precautions that they should be taking in the short term so that we can get to that point comfortably in the months to come.”

Experts have said it’s still too early to see the broad public health effects of mass immunization in the United States. But another country — Israel — offers hope. Researchers in that country, which leads the world in vaccinating its population, have reported a signiﬁcant drop in infection after just one dose of Pﬁzer’s shot, and better than expected results after two shots, preliminary data that experts have described as encouraging.

“This is what can happen if things go right,” said Dr. Iwasaki, of Yale.

Doses ready to be deployed at a vaccination center at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. John Locher/Associated Press

To attain that goal, however, the United States will need to move quickly, keeping the virus in check as highly contagious variants become more common.

Health ofﬁcials will also have to get better at providing access to the vaccines to those who are most vulnerable to Covid-19. Early vaccination data, which is incomplete, shows people from wealthier, white neighborhoods have been ﬂooding vaccination appointment systems and taking an outsize share of the limited supply.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/03/health/covid-vaccines.html?surface=home-discovery-vi-prg&fellback=false&req_id=316828245&algo=identity&va… 4/5 2/4/2021 How New Vaccine News Gives Hope for Spring, if Enough People Get the Shots - The New York Times The same dynamics are also playing out globally. Wealthy countries have purchased much of the worldwide supply of vaccines, meaning that many poorer nations are likely to lag in vaccinating their citizens. On Wednesday, an international program to supply Covid-19 vaccines at low or no cost to countries around the world announced plans to deliver more than 300 million doses by June 30. But that is not enough to vaccinate everyone.

“I think in the rich world, we have a lot to feel good about for vaccines, but globally, it’s a different story,” said Marc Lipsitch, professor of epidemiology and director of the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Dr. Baral, of Johns Hopkins, cares for the residents of several homeless shelters in Toronto. Last month, he said, he vaccinated residents at a shelter for older men. “It was this incredible sense of relief — you could see it on their faces,” he said. “We’re in a different place than we were six months ago.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/03/health/covid-vaccines.html?surface=home-discovery-vi-prg&fellback=false&req_id=316828245&algo=identity&va… 5/5 2/4/2021 New agreement between Victorville, San Bernardino County Fire could 'save some more lives'

NEWS New agreement between Victorville, San Bernardino County Fire could 'save some more lives' Martin Estacio Victorville Daily Press Published 5:26 p.m. PT Feb. 3, 2021 Updated 5:30 p.m. PT Feb. 3, 2021

An agreement city officials say will reduce response times for emergencies, such as car crashes and strokes, has been approved by the Victorville City Council.

The City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously in favor of the automatic aid agreement between the Victorville Fire and San Bernardino County Fire departments.

As part of the agreement, fire engines from both departments can be dispatched to a call based on proximity, regardless of whether an emergency occurs within city or county boundaries.

Previously, the city and county operated under a mutual aid agreement, which required prior authorization for assistance and a potentially longer wait time for someone in need of emergency services.

The agreement appeared to be a sign of lessening tensions between the two agencies, which started when the city canceled its decade-long contract for County Fire services and opted to restart its own fire department.

City Manager Keith Metzler said during Tuesday’s meeting that both departments had “come a long way” since then.

The transition back to the city-run Victorville Fire Department was contentious at times, with County Fire union officials opposing the switch and rocky negotiations over extending the contract to avoid a lapse in service.

After Victorville Fire officially began operating in March 2019, the City Council received an unsettling report later that year that some city-owned fire equipment — which the county was responsible for maintaining per its contract — was found missing or damaged. https://www.vvdailypress.com/story/news/2021/02/03/new-agreement-between-victorville-san-bernardino-county-fire-could-save-some-more-lives/436… 1/2 2/4/2021 New agreement between Victorville, San Bernardino County Fire could 'save some more lives'

In the report, submitted that June, city officials suggested that some damage may have been intentional.

A County Fire spokesperson said at the time that the department was a “professional organization, and we expect professionalism at all times from each of our employees.”

Metzler said the now-improved relationship between the departments was likely due to a change in leadership.

Dan Munsey became the county’s new fire chief in November 2019 — about eight months after Victorville Fire started up again — while John Becker was appointed Victorville’s interim fire chief last August after Greg Benson abruptly resigned.

“I think the confluence of that change has made both of our organizations much more open to letting the past be the past and moving forward and just focusing on what is the best public service to the residents regardless of whether they’re in Victorville or Adelanto or Hesperia,” Metzler said.

Victorville had automatic aid agreements with other agencies like the Apple Valley Fire Protection District, Cal Fire, and the Bureau of Land Management in place before Tuesday's approval.

Becker said the new agreement could “possibly save some more lives” in some areas because the boundaries separating the two departments' jurisdictions had essentially been dropped thanks to the new agreement.

The Victorville Fire chief mentioned Victor Valley College, as one example, which sits within the city’s jurisdiction but could now be served by a closer County Fire engine in Spring Valley Lake should the need arise.

“So if you’re having a heart attack and you’re closer to a Victorville unit, even though it’s in San Bernardino County, we’re going to respond,” he said.

Daily Press reporter Martin Estacio may be reached at 760-955-5358 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @DP_mestacio.

https://www.vvdailypress.com/story/news/2021/02/03/new-agreement-between-victorville-san-bernardino-county-fire-could-save-some-more-lives/436… 2/2 2/4/2021 Lewis Library in Fontana has reopened inside services | News | fontanaheraldnews.com

https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/lewis-library-in-fontana-has-reopened-inside- services/article_b3bdfa84-6580-11eb-a42a-6b11345f1e3c.html Lewis Library in Fontana has reopened inside services

Feb 2, 2021

The Lewis Library and Technology Center, which had been closed for inside services, has now reopened for families.

The Lewis Library and Technology Center has opened up again.

With the lifting of the stay at home order in San Bernardino County, libraries in the county were permitted to reopen inside services effective Feb. 2.

In addition, the Lewis Library in Fontana will continue to offer its "library to-go services” after reopening to ensure residents have the option of entering the facility or receiving services and materials at the door.

https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/lewis-library-in-fontana-has-reopened-inside-services/article_b3bdfa84-6580-11eb-a42a-6b11345f1e3c.html 1/2 2/4/2021 Lewis Library in Fontana has reopened inside services | News | fontanaheraldnews.com Inside services will be available Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The library closed its doors for several months in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The facility opened back up for a period of time, only to close again in December due to the state's stay at home order.

"Please be assured that the library continues to take all necessary precautions in creating a safe environment for customers and staff by adhering to CDC and state guidelines for reopening," said Librarian Beth Djonne.

This reopening does not include joint use libraries such as the Summit and Kaiser branches, which will remain closed at this time.

The library is located at 8437 Sierra Avenue. For more information, call (909) 574-4500.

https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/lewis-library-in-fontana-has-reopened-inside-services/article_b3bdfa84-6580-11eb-a42a-6b11345f1e3c.html 2/2 2/4/2021 Mayor says Fontana will thrive despite pandemic, but federal help is needed | News | fontanaheraldnews.com

https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/mayor-says-fontana-will-thrive-despite-pandemic-but-federal- help-is-needed/article_7199e9b0-665c-11eb-9d5c-3b99bbc189f3.html Mayor says Fontana will thrive despite pandemic, but federal help is needed

By RUSSELL INGOLD Feb 3, 2021

Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren said cities need help from the federal government in order to ght the coronavirus.

Fontana has been hit hard by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but Mayor Acquanetta Warren is certain that the city will be able to move forward and bolster the physical and nancial health of its residents.

"COVID-19 has clearly been a game-changer, but we're working all around it," Warren said in an interview with the Herald News prior to the taping of her State of the City Address on Jan. 28. "We're not letting COVID-19 take us down."

https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/mayor-says-fontana-will-thrive-despite-pandemic-but-federal-help-is-needed/article_7199e9b0-665c-11eb-9… 1/3 2/4/2021 Mayor says Fontana will thrive despite pandemic, but federal help is needed | News | fontanaheraldnews.com Part of the city's ability to thrive will depend on how much assistance Fontana will get from the federal government, she said. She acknowledged that the city is facing monetary difculties right now; last year, millions of dollars had to be cut from Fontana's budget due to the crisis.

"Our budget is in trouble, but we're doing everything in our power to keep our resources intact, and that includes not doing layoffs at the city, as well as assisting our business community in any fashion we can," Warren said.

Warren, a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, said she is spending lots of time making phone calls seeking help for all cities so that they can backll their budgets.

In fact, Warren was one of more than 400 mayors from across the country who signed a bipartisan letter which was sent to leaders in Congress, asking them to approve President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief proposal. Biden's plan would include $350 billion for state and local governments, while a counter-proposal by 10 Senate Republicans leaves out that provision.

The letter sent by the U.S. Conference of Mayors stated that providing direct nancial assistance to all cities is "long overdue."

"President Biden’s American Rescue Plan contains such assistance as part of an aggressive strategy to contain the virus, increase access to life-saving vaccines, and create a foundation for sustainable and inclusive recovery," the letter said.

"American cities and our essential workers have been serving at the frontlines of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic for nearly a year. We have been charged with executing herculean public health efforts and an unprecedented emergency response. Despite immense scal pressure, your local government partners oversaw those efforts, while trying to maintain essential services and increase our internal capacity to provide support for residents and businesses who have been crippled by a tanking economy."

Fontana has already been increasing that aid for hurting people, Warren said.

"We did give out more than 320 rental assistance and mortgage assistance checks totaling more than $500,000," she said.

https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/mayor-says-fontana-will-thrive-despite-pandemic-but-federal-help-is-needed/article_7199e9b0-665c-11eb-9… 2/3 2/4/2021 Mayor says Fontana will thrive despite pandemic, but federal help is needed | News | fontanaheraldnews.com Warren mentioned that the city received a "wonderful" donation of 25,000 N95 masks from Christian Okoye, a former pro football player who has been involved in many philanthropic efforts. "This is going to assist ofcers and re personnel as well as our senior community," Warren said.

City ofce buildings remain closed to the public due to the health restrictions, but the employees remain hard at work, Warren said.

"Our Community Services Department calls more than 200 seniors daily to check on how they are doing," she said.

She has heard from many residents wanting to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, and she reminds them that San Bernardino County is in charge of distributing the vaccines. But whenever the vaccines become available, "this city is ready to open up its doors, and you will be able to get them."

A huge vaccination event took place on Feb. 2 at Auto Club Speedway, located in the unincorporated county area of Fontana, and ofcials said similar events could be held at that location in the near future.

Fontana has had more than 36,000 cases of the coronavirus since the pandemic began early in 2020, and more than 200 Fontana residents have died from COVID-19. However, the number of new cases has been declining in recent weeks.

Also, despite the economic turmoil, many new businesses continue to be established in Fontana, Warren said.

https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/mayor-says-fontana-will-thrive-despite-pandemic-but-federal-help-is-needed/article_7199e9b0-665c-11eb-9… 3/3 2/4/2021 Concerned Residents of Bloomington fight for quality of life, oppose warehouse saturation - Inland Empire Community News Concerned Residents of Bloomington ght for quality of life, oppose warehouse saturation By Manny B. Sandoval - February 3, 2021

The Slover Distribution Center in Bloomington sits only feet away from the home of Concerned Neighbors of Bloomington Co-founders Thomas and Kim Rocha.

The Concerned Residents of Bloomington are speaking out in opposition to the forthcoming Howard Industrial Partners warehouse development project that will demolish 213 homes in the community.

The affected homes are along Santa Ana Avenue to the north, Maple Avenue and Linden Avenues to the east, Jurupa Avenue to the south, and Alder Avenue to the west.

The developer plans on releasing its Environmental Impact Report in late spring and in the meantime, residents are asking neighbors to sign a public letter before February 8 to

iecn.com/concerned-neighbors-of-bloomington-fight-for-their-livelihood-amid-warehouse-oversaturation/?fbclid=IwAR2V95uYsdFQhpAVjaF17NoBCoc… 1/3 2/4/2021 Concerned Residents of Bloomington fight for quality of life, oppose warehouse saturation - Inland Empire Community News call on the County Board of Supervisors to reject the development project and to instead find alternatives that advance economic and environmental justice.

“There are so many inconsistencies with the community-led plans the county has previously committed to. When planning with the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors we envisioned Bloomington to keep its rural, family-oriented nature, not be turned into a warehouse mecca. We asked for sidewalks, road improvements, sewers, new houses, and more grocery stores,” said resident Thomas Rocha.

The Bloomington Business Park Specific Plan would result in the County of San Bernardino changing the zoning from large acre residential to medium density residential of 24 acres by San Bernardino Avenue to the south, Hawthorne Avenue to the north, and Locust Avenue to the west.

In recent years, the neighborhood has already endured the development of the Slover Distribution Center, which is only half a mile away from Bloomington High School.

Hundreds of neighbors whose homes are located off Laurel Avenue have formed together to speak out in fear of what the future could hold should this proposed distribution center come to fruition.

“Some of the biggest concerns these residents are facing include emissions from diesel pollution, which are known to cause asthma and even an array of cancers. This neighborhood’s level of contamination is already filled with many carcinogens; it’s like smoking a pack of cigarettes per day,” shared Andrea Vidaurre, Peoples Collective for Environmental Justice representative.

The residents are saying the success of e-commerce in the Inland Empire has disproportionately brought air quality and health burdens to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

“In 2020, Southern California experienced 157 bad ozone and smog days and had up to 30 days of excessive particle pollution. Particle and smog pollution are both driven up by diesel truck pollution and have also been linked to higher COVID-19 mortality rates. Approving this project with lackluster input from affected homeowners is a form of environmental racism and injustice. They’re turning Bloomington into a diesel death zone,” said Anthony Victoria, People’s Collective for Environmental Justice communications coordinator. iecn.com/concerned-neighbors-of-bloomington-fight-for-their-livelihood-amid-warehouse-oversaturation/?fbclid=IwAR2V95uYsdFQhpAVjaF17NoBCoc… 2/3 2/4/2021 Concerned Residents of Bloomington fight for quality of life, oppose warehouse saturation - Inland Empire Community News Some other complaints in the neighborhood include concern over increased traffic, outdoor safety for children, and noise.

“One of my many concerns is the increase of traffic in the area, especially on Cedar Avenue as we’ve already experienced large bouts of it with an increase of diesels going back and forth to warehouse ports in our neighborhood. What should be a 15-minute work commute to Riverside now takes me upwards of an hour on Thursdays and Fridays,” shared resident Melissa Gomez.

While traffic is a concern for many, almost all residents of Bloomington hold concern over the air quality for children in the community.

“The Slover Distribution Center is so close to Bloomington High School. I have one child who attends this school and two other children who will be attending soon and I’m so concerned with them outdoors playing sports due to the air quality. With the proposed site I would literally have a warehouse in my backyard and lose the essence of our outdoor livelihood due to being boxed in by logistic centers,” said resident Ana Carlos.

As the Concerned Neighbors of Bloomington were never formally notified of the project, they are calling upon the community to sign its petition to put a stop to the Bloomington Business Park Specific Plan at https://bit.ly/3reKVvn.

Manny B. Sandoval

Manny B. Sandoval is passionate about reporting on local politics, with much ethical regard. Sandoval holds a Bachelor of Art's Degree in Communication from California State University, San Bernardino. He is passionate about giving back and using his voice to recognize non-profit organizations around the Inland Empire. Sandoval is quite typical, he loves going to the gym, hikes, he loves music, writing (of course), talking, his family and friends, learning, but most of all, he loves coffee. He has a background in reporting, announcing, audio production and public relations.

iecn.com/concerned-neighbors-of-bloomington-fight-for-their-livelihood-amid-warehouse-oversaturation/?fbclid=IwAR2V95uYsdFQhpAVjaF17NoBCoc… 3/3 2/4/2021 Apple Valley to live stream closing arguments in right-to-take trial against Liberty Utilities

COURTS Apple Valley to live stream closing arguments in right-to-take trial against Liberty Utilities Matthew Cabe Victorville Daily Press Published 2:35 p.m. PT Feb. 3, 2021 Updated 4:09 p.m. PT Feb. 3, 2021

Apple Valley officials announced Tuesday that the town will live stream closing arguments in its eminent domain case against Liberty Utilities, which are scheduled to take place Thursday and Friday.

San Bernardino Superior Court, where the right-to-take trial is being heard, is closed to the public amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but Thursday and Friday’s proceedings can be viewed live on Apple Valley’s Public, Education and Government (PEG), which is commonly referred to as AppleValley.TV, according to a town press release.

Both Thursday and Friday's hearings are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. with Judge Donald Alvarez presiding. Closing arguments will conclude each day at 4 p.m. A break for lunch will occur from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Visit www.AppleValley.TV to watch the closing arguments. Once on the page, click the green “WATCH LIVE” button. The town’s public access channel can also be viewed by Spectrum customers on channel 186 and Frontier customers on channel 29.

The town filed its lawsuit to acquire Liberty Utilities’ water system by eminent domain in January 2016 when the system was owned by Ranchos Water Company. The decision followed what Apple Valley officials described as public outcry over increasing water rates.

At the time, town officials characterized the water company as a monopoly that had raised rates on customers by more than 65% since 2002.

For years, town officials have contended that public ownership would result in more opportunity for customers to have a say in rate-setting and other water-related decisions.

https://www.vvdailypress.com/story/news/courts/2021/02/03/apple-valley-live-stream-closing-arguments-right-take-trial-against-liberty-utilities/4380272… 1/2 2/4/2021 Apple Valley to live stream closing arguments in right-to-take trial against Liberty Utilities

In June 2017, voters passed a measure that allows Apple Valley to issue up to $150 million in revenue bond debt to acquire Liberty if the town is successful in taking the system.

Opening arguments began in October 2019. Attorneys for Liberty argued that the town is “unprepared and unequipped” to operate the water system — a contention the company must prove in court, the Daily Press reported.

Liberty attorney George Soneff said in court that former Apple Valley Public Works Director Greg Snyder confirmed the town’s plan was to “hire as many Liberty employees as we can” if the water system fell under public ownership.

Snyder, who resigned in September 2018, had been hired, in part, because of his expertise in the water industry.

Town Manager Doug Robertson previously told the Daily Press he would be able to fill the void Snyder left because he had served as a general manager of the Victorville Water District during his tenure in that neighboring city.

On Tuesday, town officials said they and Liberty submitted final briefings and rebuttals late last year after delays caused by court closures during the pandemic. Court records on Wednesday showed the last hearing in the case was held remotely on Dec. 15.

Unlike the outcome of criminal cases, which is determined by a jury, Apple Valley’s right-to- take trial will be decided by Alvarez.

“Sometime after hearing closing arguments, Judge Alvarez will render his decision (as to) whether the Town has the right to acquire the Liberty Utilities water system by eminent domain,” Apple Valley’s press release said.

Should Alvarez side with the town, a valuation phase would begin to determine the value of the water system, which would be decided by a jury.

According to previous reporting, if Apple Valley loses the eminent domain case, the town would likely be on the hook for its own legal costs and Liberty's — neither of which have been disclosed to the public, but are estimated well into the millions of dollars.

Daily Press Managing Editor Matthew Cabe can be reached at [email protected] or 760-490-0052. Follow him on Twitter @DP_MatthewCabe.

https://www.vvdailypress.com/story/news/courts/2021/02/03/apple-valley-live-stream-closing-arguments-right-take-trial-against-liberty-utilities/4380272… 2/2 2/4/2021 This year's homeless count was canceled. Should we rethink it? - Los Angeles Times

CALIFORNIA

This year’s homeless count was canceled. Is it time to rethink it?

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/this-years-homeless-count-is-canceled-is-it-time-to-rethink-it 1/16 2/4/2021 This year's homeless count was canceled. Should we rethink it? - Los Angeles Times Marisol Barroso, left, a Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, outreach worker, surveys a client named Ace last week in Inglewood. With L.A. County’s annual count of homeless people canceled this year because of the pandemic, some are suggesting it’s time to move on from the massive volunteer eort to a more data-savvy method. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

By DOUG SMITH | SENIOR WRITER

FEB. 4, 2021 5 AM PT

Los Angeles County’s annual homeless count is a civic ritual bringing thousands of volunteers together in a common cause. It is also a reckoning with the shortcomings of all that’s been done to salve the county’s most perplexing human crisis.

So its cancellation this year due to the risk of spreading the coronavirus has had a multifaceted fallout — a loss of civic engagement, uncertainty over how much the COVID-19 pandemic has added to homelessness and, possibly most consequential, the potential loss of federal dollars that would be triggered by a higher count.

But for those who see sharp and timely data as a keystone in the fight against homelessness, the hiatus has created an opportunity to reimagine a process that is inherently blunt and slow.

“Is now a time to really look at a way to do the count differently?” asked Jennifer Hark- Dietz, deputy chief executive officer and executive director of PATH, a statewide homeless housing and services agency. “I love the idea of a data system that kind of replaces this three-day count, to some degree.”

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https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/this-years-homeless-count-is-canceled-is-it-time-to-rethink-it 2/16 2/4/2021 This year's homeless count was canceled. Should we rethink it? - Los Angeles Times

The flaws in the annual count are manifest. It occurs only once a year, at best yielding a snapshot of homelessness on three days and nights in January.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/this-years-homeless-count-is-canceled-is-it-time-to-rethink-it 3/16 2/4/2021 This year's homeless count was canceled. Should we rethink it? - Los Angeles Times Tents pitched by homeless people at Irwin Avenue and West 101st Street in Inglewood. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

But that snapshot can’t be seen until four or five months later, after a field survey and statistical analysis that is subject to various types of error and changes of methodology. Also problematic: The numbers become less accurate as the data are sliced into smaller areas.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, which conducts the count, breaks out estimates by city and census tract, but not for pinpoint locations.

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“You should know how many people are on the beach today as opposed to last year,” said Rick Cole, a veteran local official who has been city manager of several cities and advised L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti on homelessness. “You should know how many folks are at Lincoln Park.”

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/this-years-homeless-count-is-canceled-is-it-time-to-rethink-it 4/16 2/4/2021 This year's homeless count was canceled. Should we rethink it? - Los Angeles Times Some homeless services providers think that could be done with existing data. The federally mandated Homeless Management Information System, used by outreach workers and case managers to track their clients, contains information on 69,000 people in Los Angeles County, including their locations, mental and physical conditions and notes on what’s being done for them — applying for Social Security, a driver’s license or subsidized housing.

At best, the information they enter into the data system is incomplete, said Janey Rountree, executive director of the California Policy Lab at UCLA, a research group that analyzes data for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.

Since the system only has information about people who are known to outreach workers, it leaves some homeless people out. The street count is still needed to show how homelessness is trending, she said.

But others see the database as an untapped resource.

“We have so much rich data that the outreach workers are tracking,” Hark-Dietz said. “And it seems like an opportunity for us to look at that system and see if maybe there are tweaks we need to do in order to get a more accurate number.”

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/this-years-homeless-count-is-canceled-is-it-time-to-rethink-it 5/16 2/4/2021 This year's homeless count was canceled. Should we rethink it? - Los Angeles Times

Nurse Leah administers a nasal swab test for COVID-19 to a homeless client named Ace in Inglewood. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

That’s exactly what’s happening in other places, said Beth Sandor, co-director of Built for Zero, a national organization that works with homeless officials in 84 communities, not including Los Angeles.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/this-years-homeless-count-is-canceled-is-it-time-to-rethink-it 6/16 2/4/2021 This year's homeless count was canceled. Should we rethink it? - Los Angeles Times

She contends the human and financial resources L.A. expends on the count would be better used to provide what she calls “actionable” information.

“The first question is, ‘Why we are collecting this information and what are we using it for?’” she said. Besides helping individuals, it’s “so we can know how we are doing in real time. Are all our investments and strategies adding up to help end homelessness?”

Built for Zero communities — including Jacksonville, Fla.; Maricopa County, Ariz.; and Denver — produce monthly reports tracking the number of homeless people in their areas, how many are new to the system, how many exited and whether they obtained housing or just disappeared.

LAHSA’s executive director, Heidi Marston, said in an email response to questions from The Times that the agency is now working on tools that will use existing data to “provide the public with updated information on the state of homelessness and our system’s performance.” She expects these tools to be available later this year.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/this-years-homeless-count-is-canceled-is-it-time-to-rethink-it 7/16 2/4/2021 This year's homeless count was canceled. Should we rethink it? - Los Angeles Times

But that won’t take the place of the annual count, which is federally mandated, she said.

Sandor said that Built for Zero has urged the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to allow communities to submit reports from their homeless information systems in lieu of a physical count. During the pandemic, HUD has moved a step in that direction, accepting data from communities that can show it is “comprehensive,” said spokeswoman Meaghan Lynch.

That’s a high bar for sprawling Los Angeles County, where there are hundreds of camps, outreach workers are stretched thin and not every homeless person cooperates.

During a break in the rain last week, LAHSA’s Marisol Barroso and Jaime Montoya were among a dozen outreach workers joined by three nurses working a blocklong stretch of tents and makeshift shelters beside Interstate 405 in Inglewood.

They used a smartphone app to screen residents for COVID-19 and urge them to be tested for the virus. The app led them through a series of questions that branched off to different triggers depending on the answer— a call to 911, a referral to the county quarantine/isolation system or a screening for temporary housing. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/this-years-homeless-count-is-canceled-is-it-time-to-rethink-it 8/16 2/4/2021 This year's homeless count was canceled. Should we rethink it? - Los Angeles Times At some tents, no one responded to their calls. Out of 40 to 50 people presumed to be living at the encampment, they were able to screen four. One who showed COVID symptoms declined the referral to isolation.

Meanwhile, Richard Wise, an outreach worker with Catholic Charities’ St. Margaret’s Center in Lennox, spent a good hour on a collapsing chair he brought with him, going over housing options with a disabled client who does not meet the criteria for permanent supportive housing but is physically unable to get around to apply for benefits that could support his rent.

Given the obstacles to collecting data directly from homeless people, efforts are being made to tap other sources.

UberMedia, Inc., a company that harnesses mobile phone data for commercial applications, has demonstrated a public service application that tracks homeless people. Designed to show movement patterns, rather than count individuals, it wouldn’t be a substitute for the physical count. But it shows the potential for new data strategies.

In his recent stint as Santa Monica’s city manager, Cole set up a system that enlists police, fire and public works employees to record data on homeless people. The city contracted with Akido Labs, a healthcare data management firm, to build a phone app for city employees to track heavy users of public services. It’s integrated with the https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/this-years-homeless-count-is-canceled-is-it-time-to-rethink-it 9/16 2/4/2021 This year's homeless count was canceled. Should we rethink it? - Los Angeles Times Westside homeless service providers St. Joseph Center, Step-Up on Second and The People Concern.

When a city employee logs an encounter with anyone in the database, the app automatically sends an alert to a service provider connected to that person.

“I think it’s especially relevant in this era of searching for alternatives to incarceration,” said senior human services analyst Brian Hardgrave. “This person’s behavior is problematic, but is there some other person who could come out and get them to whatever the next step is?”

Over the last half of 2019, the system recorded 744 police and fire encounters with 120 people in the database, Hardgrave said.

LAHSA, has similar sources of real-time data.

One is an online tool called LA-HOP. It allows anyone to request an outreach worker to respond to a homeless person. In its 2½ years, LA-HOP has received 26,000 reports.

LAHSA also contracted with Akido Labs early in the pandemic to build the Hot Spot database that Barroso and Montoya were using.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/this-years-homeless-count-is-canceled-is-it-time-to-rethink-it 10/16 2/4/2021 This year's homeless count was canceled. Should we rethink it? - Los Angeles Times

Colleen Murphy, LAHSA’s manager of coordinated system access, said 38,000 surveys have been taken. They are compiled daily into a report the agency uses to alert the Department of Health Services to outbreaks.

In her email reply, Marston said all these sources will be used in the new tools being developed this year.

For Hark-Dietz of PATH, that will be a welcome step forward. But, diverging from those who believe the annual count should be abandoned, she looks forward to its return.

“It is an opportunity to connect community members to the work that we do,” she said. “I think those are really irreplaceable moments where you are able to decrease the stereotypes and really share with folks, just that homelessness can happen to anyone.”

CALIFORNIA HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The stories shaping California Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-04/this-years-homeless-count-is-canceled-is-it-time-to-rethink-it 11/16 2/4/2021 Water lawsuit settled with Redlands and 2 other cities in San Bernardino County – Daily Bulletin

LOCAL NEWS •• News Water lawsuit settled with Redlands and 2 other cities in San Bernardino County

By JENNIFER IYER || [email protected]@scng.com || RedlandsRedlands DailyDaily FactsFacts PUBLISHED: February 3, 2021 at 4:40 p.m. || UPDATED:UPDATED: February 3, 2021 at 4:41 p.m.

A lawsuitlawsuit againstagainst severalseveral citiescities andand thethe countycounty ofof SanSan BernardinoBernardino overover failingfailing toto filefile water efficiency reports required by the state has been settled and the jurisdictions are now working on fulfilling the terms of the settlements.

The Natural Resources Defense Council estimated 340 cities and counties in the state did not file one or more annual reports on permit programs for new irrigated landscapes,landscapes, robbingrobbing thethe publicpublic ofof criticalcritical informationinformation regardingregarding locallocal conservationconservation efforts.

The lawsuit was filed in December 2019 against Redlands, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and the county.

The group said it targeted these agencies because of the number of reports they failedfailed toto file,file, andand thethe largelarge amountamount ofof growthgrowth inin thethe areaarea meantmeant thethe then-missingthen-missing reports applied to more permits.

The respondents filed their missing reports shortly after the cases were filed, said Ed Osann, the nonprofit’s director of National Water Use Efficiency, in an email.

“Before the court could act, we entered into settlement negotiations with each of the four jurisdictions, and final settlements have been signed with all four,” he said.

The county was the last to confirm its settlement agreement, which happened Jan. 11, due to the holiday break and staff changes, Osann said.

https://www.dailybulletin.com/2021/02/03/water-lawsuit-settled-with-redlands-and-2-other-cities-in-san-bernardino-county/?utm_campaign=s… 1/4 2/4/2021 Water lawsuit settled with Redlands and 2 other cities in San Bernardino County – Daily Bulletin The settlements require each agency to commit to filing timely reports to the state forfor atat leastleast fivefive years;years; identifyidentify thethe locallocal officialofficial responsibleresponsible forfor filingfiling thethe reports;reports; andand pay the group’s attorney fees.

The cities also agreed to post their reports online. Redlands and the county agreed to bring local rules into full compliance with the state rules, and to come up with recommendations to improve tracking and administration of landscape permits.

Chino Hills and Redlands will also inventory city properties for water use and post updated municipal water consumption data online, Osann said.

The state started requiring the reports in 2015, in the midst of a major drought..

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Tags: city-government,, courts,, Environment,, government,, water

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