SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom moved to further ease the coronavirus choke-hold on California's economy Tuesday by allowing more businesses to reopen and following through on his promise to swiftly approve requests from counties to move ahead more quickly if they have been minimally harmed by the pandemic. Business offices can...
California Recommends Masks for Servers, Disposable Menus
SACRAMENTO — California is recommending restaurants screen guests for symptoms, have servers wear masks and keep diners at least six feet apart once they reopen under guidance released Tuesday to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration didn't set a strict limit on the number of diners...
California Senate Proposal Tackles Rents, Economic Recovery
SACRAMENTO — The government would cover rent payments for some low-income Californians impacted by the coronavirus under a proposal backed by state Senate leaders. The Senate wants to forgive rents for low-income tenants, giving landlords tax credits equal to the value of their missed payments, which they can keep or...
First 2 California Counties Get OK to Reopen Ahead of Others
SACRAMENTO — The first two California counties received state approval Tuesday to more quickly reopen some services as state officials gradually relax restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. The California Department of Public Health posted documents from Butte and El Dorado counties on its website with a...
Western Governors Ask Congress for $1T in Aid to States
LAS VEGAS — Governors and legislative leaders from five western states that are coordinating their response to the coronavirus outbreak asked Congress on Monday to send $1 trillion to state and local governments across the U.S. in the next federal aid package. Officials from California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington...
With 50 COVID Deaths and Over 1,000 Infections, Tulare County Urges Masks
Deaths from COVID-19 rose to 50 in Tulare County on Monday as the total number of confirmed infections pushed past 1,150 in the area. Meanwhile, county health officials are urging residents to wear face masks around others outside the home to slow the spread of the virus. Ten additional deaths...
Is This Allowed? Confusing Rules, Enforcement in California
SACRAMENTO — Manager Lisa Trino thought she was doing everything right at Spencer’s Cafe in Bakersfield. “Out of 25 tables we were only using nine tables, and all staff was wearing masks and using gloves and we were practicing social distancing,” she said. Customers loved being able to sit down...
California Nail, Hair Salons Plead to Open With Other Shops
WESTMINSTER — California officials have rattled off numerous shops and businesses that can now start reopening under rules aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus — but hair and nail salons are nowhere on the list. For more than a week, salon owners have clamored to get back to...
As California Reopening Begins, Newsom Says Expect More Soon
SACRAMENTO — The most significant reopening of the California economy during the coronavirus pandemic started Friday with tens of thousands of businesses cleared to open with limitations and Gov. Gavin Newsom expressing optimism it might not take long for the state to reach the next level that includes eating in...
California Outlines Reopening Plan for Retail and Counties
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom outlined changes to the state's stay-at-home order that take effect Friday. They allow more retailers to reopen and counties to move forward more quickly with reopening plans if they meet specific criteria. How Is the Stay-At-Home Order Easing? Retail stores across the state can reopen,...