Parts of California are being hit with the harshest coronavirus restrictions since the spring, with most businesses forced to close. How are local business owners and elected officials reacting?
Summary
Southern California will be entering a severe lockdown tonight following a shortage of ICU beds in the region, according to the California Department of Public Health.
- The order, which also covers the San Francisco Bay area, will remain for three weeks, leaving most Californians under lockdown through the Christmas holiday.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been among a spate of public officials ensnared in scandal not following their own lockdown orders, said “if we don’t act now our hospital system will be overwhelmed.”
- California wineries, which were “looking to maximize holiday season” will likely have to shutter tasting rooms, a situation that is “frustrating” for vintners who “have worked so hard to be safe” according to Michael Haney, executive director of the Sonoma County Vintners.
- One southern California business owner, Angela Marsden of the Pineapple Hill Saloon and Grill, gained notoriety for an emotional plea posted on social media.
- Her video showed the outdoor dining she is now forced to close while “a movie company right next to [her] outdoor patio” was permitted to operate food services.
- Not all local officials will enforce the state’s orders, including San Mateo County near San Francisco, and “will continue to work with businesses” so they can remain open.
- The New York Times noted many states imposing the harshest orders since the spring are filled with “pages of exceptions and fine print”.
- The Los Angeles Times’ opinion page ran a piece warning of the side effects of evictions and homelessness the new restrictions may incur on vulnerable Californians.
- Huffington Post’s reporting quoted Governor Newsom in saying the impact of Thanksgiving travel and gathering plans have yet to be felt by the state. The framing implies coronavirus cases will continue to get worse even after the new lockdowns are in place.
- Fox News’ coverage of California’s orders focused on its impact on businesses, noting the many establishment types that will have to fully close.
- The Federalist highlighted Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s announcement that he will not enforce the state’s lockdown orders, saying they are “flat-out ridiculous.”
- Angela Marsden received significant coverage from Breitbart, which detailed her viral video and her efforts to organize a protest at the home of Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. Kuehl was criticized for dining out just hours after approving a measure effectively shutting down restaurants.
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© Dallas Gerber, 2020
