This afternoon after my walk, I went to 99 Cent Only and stocked up on yogurt, but still no baking powder!

I did get some snacks, cherry tomatoes, and ice cream. Also another pair of the sturdy latex cleaning gloves. I wore an old N95 under a cloth mask, since the spacing isn't very good in their stores. Maybe I'll try Aldi tomorrow.

Paper products seem to be in good supply everywhere now although no sign of even the low strength rubbing alcohol. If you eat Udi's gluten free bread, 99 Cent Only had a lot of the white sandwich loaf in the freezer cases.

Newsom has blinked, a little.

https://www.latimes.com/california/s...-retail-pickup

Some retail stores allowed to reopen for curbside pickup, counties and/or cities can submit "containment plans". Maybe he thought they risk losing court challenges on beach closures in Orange County.

"The governor’s plan also expands decision-making at the local level, allowing some communities to move further ahead into the second phase of the reopening process at their own pace and open more businesses — such as restaurant dining rooms — beyond those outlined in the statewide policy."

I understand the urge to loosen regulations that impact the economy, which will have to happen eventually, and at least Newsom's trying to go slowly.

But don't understand the Constitutional argument on the right to hang out at the beach. Someone will have to explain it to me.

I guess you can placate some people with a little retail therapy....

My county, Nevada County, has begun to prepare for a gradual phased reopening.

https://yubanet.com/regional/nevada-...at-home-order/

I went to my first farmer's market of the season this morning, what a pleasure. Everyone wearing masks & "don't touch the produce" signs with vendors doing all the handling. That wasn't ideal from a shopper's perspective but happy to comply if it means I can get fresh produce from growers in the area.

I should add to the above that our total confirmed cases in Nevada County has been 41, 1 death, 38 recovered, 2 active, so relatively low numbers.

https://nevcounty.maps.arcgis.com/ap...fa3fae4cf33458

Glad things are improving for you, Madam P. 5 OC beaches are or will open this week including Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach but I think the parking lots may still be closed which is sort of stupid with temps hitting 80+ close to the coast (I live less than 2 miles from the ocean). Folks still have to stay a safe distance from others, which most do anyway under normal circumstances.
I live in LA County however so lots of things are still shutdown and if I do not get my hair cut I will scream.

I was listening to Newsom's press conference today on the radio. Laguna Beach is only open 6 to 10 a.m. weekday mornings, only allowing active use such as walking, exercising and surfing. Laying down a towel on the sand and hanging out, for example, is not allowed.

https://www.ocregister.com/2020/05/0...ited-use-only/

It seems that Huntington, Seal Beach and Dana Point are also approved.

There has to be some relationship to a public purpose. If people can be controlled to distance themselves the same way that they are supposed to at public parks and narrow sidewalks, there is probably no legal way to win a lawsuit that is a total ban on beach walking/running while still allowing other outside activities.

Case in point a ridiculous amount of close walking and people sitting and standing on Bluff Top Park in Long Beach. Same with some narrow trails, people running up right behind walkers. The bike path along the LA River is a virtual bicycle freeway. It would be a lot easier and safer to space out on the sand.

BTW I went to the Ralphs on "the Hill" today after a visit to the South Coast Botanic Garden.

I got the last bag of whole wheat flour, baking powder, bacon and black-eyed peas.

MmePerdu, I hope your county's numbers stay low, but the level of testing is low too, as it is everywhere in the state, so you really don't know how many cases there are or have been. And you're not on an island. Next door in Placer and Yuba counties, there are more than 150 known active cases and who-knows-how-many unknown, asymptomatic cases.

My husband and I learned last week that we were exposed to Covid in February by a known source or perhaps earlier by an unknown source. We were never sick but have just tested positive for the virus' antibodies. I don't know how or if L.A. County considers that sort of info in their counts, so how many others like us haven't been tested and aren't being counted?

What?? Not an island?? Damn!! Would it help if we were? Like the UK? I guess not. Guess we'll just have to pay attention then.

The beaches in San Diego County are open, with the parking lots closed to reduce the number of people who will be on the beach. The same rules are in force and the police drive the beach telling people lying on towels in groups that they have to move. Most people don't do that, they're walking jogging, surfing, whatever and maintaining physical distance. It can be done and if you want the beaches to be open you have to follow the rules. We have not had a problem.

The first weekend our trails were opened, they were mobbed just as you describe. So they were closed again. Not everyone wants to go to the beach. People need to learn how they have to behave. Those who refuse to learn spoil it for everyone else.

"May 5, 2020 at 4:47 PM No active cases of COVID-19 in Nevada County at this time."

That's great. I hope it holds. Stay safe.

Me, too, thanks.

I hate to be shallow, but I can't wait for my hairdresser, who works alone in her own room in a creative studio space, to be able to reopen. She needs the money, I need the color! The upside to all of this is even with two inches of growth, still no grey!

Long Beach Announcement
The City of Long Beach continues to track below Los Angeles County in COVID-19 infections and fatalities. The City has ample hospital capacity whereas about 50% of beds are available on any given day. The City also has secured more than 225 ventilators, and at any given time, 70% of these ventilators remain available for emergent use. These factors, in addition to robust testing, will allow some additional retail and recreational areas to open in the coming days. Changes will be closely monitored, with physical distancing remaining a primary concern. Effective on May 8, 2020 with proper sanitation and physical distancing protocols in place prior to operation: The following businesses may operate for curbside pickup or delivery only. Businesses that provide: *Flowers *Toys *Music *Books *Clothing *Sporting goods *Golf courses may operate. Golf carts are permitted so long as the golf carts are cleaned with disinfectant qualified for use against COVID-19 between uses. Concession stands and restaurants located at a golf course may operate for take-out only. (The operation of retail shops at golf courses is not allowed.) *Public trails and trailheads (DeForest Wetlands, Nature Center and Willow Springs) will be open, provided that individuals engage in physical distancing measures including wearing a face covering while in close contact with other people. Face coverings are not required while engaging in physically distanced exercise. (Parking lots with access to trailheads will be open to facilitate access to trails only.) *Car dealership showrooms open for sales with adherence to distancing and infection control protocols. For more information or guidance, business owners or workers can call 562.570.4BIZ (4249). Effective on May 11, 2020, the following locations will open to the public, provided physical distancing measures are strictly adhered to: *Tennis courts, so long as proper sanitation and physical distancing protocols are in place prior to operation *Archery *Disc golf *Bike and pedestrian paths along the sanded portion of the beach *Park parking lots (Beaches remain closed, as do beach parking lots)

They didn't mention it, but a large proportion of cases and deaths in LB are associated with nursing homes, the Federal Prison, etc.

Does that mean that you are no longer at risk of either contracting or communicating the virus? If so, I really envy you. That is definitely my fantasy scenario: finding out that I test positive for antibodies without having experienced any symptoms.

LucieV, there is still so much that's unknown... Although the test we had (Abbott Labs) is supposedly 99% accurate, that's not 100%. There is the possibility of false positives and false negatives. There is also no data to indicate whether the presence of antibodies insures against future infection, so our doctor (who is also a close friend) says we must continue precautions. Well, we haven't been obsessively careful, but we have no problem carrying on with basic SAH, masks, distancing, etc. But it does reduce my anxiety a bit as I interact with my 97 y.o. mother, bring her groceries, do a little housework for her, etc.

Thanks for the response, Jean. Sounds like you have a wise doctor. But as far as I'm concerned, even "a bit" of anxiety reduction vis-a-vis this invisible monster is something to appreciate, imo!
I am impressed that your mom is 97. Is she basically healthy?
The oldest living members of my family are my uncle and aunt, both in their 90s, and both are living (separately, because divorced, but very amicably) in a gated community. They're both tough and self-reliant, maybe even stubborn, and I admire them. My cousin (their youngest son) just turned 50, and he lives within 10 miles of them, but if I know my uncle, he's refusing help from anybody.

My mom is amazing. She accepts help but rarely asks for it, so I often have to just show up and "do." Up until a few years ago, she was swimming laps alone in her condo pool a couple of times a week. We finally told her she couldn't swim unless someone was with her, and that person needed to be much younger, so not her 86 y.o. pal. She published her first book at the age of 80, and in non-Covid times hosts a small writers' group in her home once a month. She has a steel-trap long-term memory, although her hearing and eyesight are fading. My idol.

Now that I think of it, I think I get my low anxiety for most things from her. She's just not a worrier by nature. At the beginning of the SAH, the scary news reports and the weird shortages in the grocery aisles, she often commented that she'd been through much worse. She lived through the London Blitz, endured war rationing, had to leave school to work at 17, and says she's happy watching Netflix, reading books, writing, and having groceries delivered directly to her (LOL). I know she'll be thrilled when she can get out and about, but she's not straining at the leash.

Jean, she truly sounds idolizable. I want to be her when I grow up.

Yeah, me too. I'm a time-wasting slug in comparison.

Los Angeles County beaches are now open for walking, running, swimming, surfing. Parking lots are still closed as are the bike path, piers, and walkways. Basically: Keep moving, no congregating. Wear a mask (except when in the water) and keep proper distancing. No beach volleyball, no beach chairs.

If people get stupid, they'll close the beaches again.

Why close the parking lots? That is just stupid, so only people who can walk, bike or run to the beach can get there and the rest of us can just suck it up because a few stupid idiots MIGHT not follow the rules? That is punishing the majority who DO follow the rules. Instead open up the beaches and parking lots to all and arrest and/or fine the idiots and violatores. I do agree with keeping the volleyball nets closed for awhile longer.

Yes, it is somewhat silly to keep the parking lots at the beach closed, especially for the disabled and those with annual beach parking passes (which I have for Santa Monica, they have a super cheap parking pass for seniors). They are open for beach resident parking, however. I think the reason why, in part, is that they have had problems with RVs taking residence in droves in the parking lots and figure those who live in them may squat and make it hard to get them out.

On another note, LA's mayor yesterday mandated masks for all who are outside . . . don't have to have them ON while outside, but "readily available" if some bozo jogger sneaks up within unsocial distancing area (gosh, we used to call this "personal space") . . . because you KNOW the stealth jogger is going to be not wearing a mask and sweating and breathing heavily as he/she passes! (This happened to me. Scared the crap out of me. I didn't mince words).

Opening the parking lots adjacent to the beach would encourage too many people to "come on down."

My husband and I walked to the beach today and, even without nearby parking, there were LOTS of people on the sand and MANY surfers in the water. The rules are "keep moving and don't congregate." Beach chairs, umbrellas, and lounging on the sand are all prohibited. And yet... the police had to keep driving up and down the beach with bullhorns telling people not to lounge around, keep moving, don't congregate. The bike path is still closed, and signs are posted, but additional police had to stay near the path and use bullhorns to tell people to walk their bikes. We don't have a huge police force, and it felt like a lot of it was assigned to these babysitting tasks. More people could have been overwhelming.

I can't tell whether people are stupid, don't bother to find out the guidelines or just don't give an eff about the rules. There seems to be no understanding that the more we follow the rules now, the sooner this could be over. So, I'm betting on stupid.

Can someone explain the rationale for people being allowed to move (walk, run) on the beach, but not SIT at a safe distance from others on the beach? Racking my brain for an evidence-based reason. Maybe someone here knows?

There is none -- Like many of the rules, they seem to be making things up as they go along. . . . Went from 'flattening the curve' - to 'don't overwhelm the hospitals' (many of our hospitals are in dire financial condition because there are almost no patients - covid or non-covid) - to 'prevent any contagion at all'. Just another goal post move IMO It would be next to impossible for sitting on a beach to be a risk.

Thank you, JanisJ. Exactly what I was thinking. Many directives in different cities, counties, states seem absurd, and literally, non-sensical. Two people from the same family of four can be together on a motorboat--three cannot. Liquor stores are closed and "unsafe" in one state, but open in an adjoining state . On and on and on. I read a warning to avoid seaspray, as virus particles can travel long distances in it and infect a distant unsuspecting person. It's a lot easier to follow whatever directives (rules/orders) exist when they align with "science" (which of course also varies) and not pure fear.

That said, if anyone knows why it would be dangerous to sit on a beach safely distanced from others, vs walking on it, I'm all ears.

" Went from 'flattening the curve' - to 'don't overwhelm the hospitals' (many of our hospitals are in dire financial condition because there are almost no patients - covid or non-covid) - to 'prevent any contagion at all'. Just another goal post move IMO It would be next to impossible for sitting on a beach to be a risk."

Flattening the curve IS so the healthcare system WON"T be overwhelmed. It is not "the next thing"--it is all ONE thing. And for heavens' sake the reason the hospitals are in bad financial shape is because of the COVID cases and not being able to do elective surgeries and other things that people go to hospitials for that MAKES THE MONEY FOR HOSPITALS.

+1

Not sitting on a beach makes sense to me. It keeps numbers down. Congregating is the problem, unlikely if one must keep moving.

We were at the beach north of Palm Beach a couple of weeks ago. We were far from other people (and on the move :-) . Many people ignored the rules about no sitting, no beach chairs, no picnics, no coolers, etc. which BTW were posted at all the entrances. However, except for the people who couldn't be bothered to walk 10' from the entrance, noone was congregating - every group/family was appropriately distanced from every other group/family. I hate when people don't follow the rules; on the other hand, I agree with those who say sitting should be fine, as long as you're social distancing.

Sitting on a beach does not require 'congregating'. A single or couple or family group would be 100% safe on any strip of sand anywhere - as long as they weren't sitting close to other singles, couples or family groups.

Gretchen: "Flattening the curve IS so the healthcare system WON"T be overwhelmed. It is not "the next thing"--it is all ONE thing. And for heavens' sake the reason the hospitals are in bad financial shape is because of the COVID cases and not being able to do elective surgeries and other things that people go to hospitals for that MAKES THE MONEY FOR HOSPITALS. "

Things are different in different parts of the country . . . which is another reason the rules are so abstruse/unfathomable. Unfortunately 80% of the commentary/coverage is from a NYC/Wash DC/LA perspective. Our hospitals are almost empty of any sort of patient including covid-19. The Corps of Engineers built up all these emergency hospitals - one in my area is being leased for $800,000 and cost a couple million $$ to fit out . . . and has had less than TEN patients total and there is ONE in patient now. At the same time some of our our local permanent hospitals are running less than 25% full. The health care system is now perfectly capable of handling things even if there is a spike in one or more regions. Because NYC metro area and LA have their very specific serious problems/issues doesn't justify keeping people from sitting on beaches.

"The health care system is now perfectly capable of handling things even if there is a spike in one or more regions. Because NYC metro area and LA have their very specific serious problems/issues doesn't justify keeping people from sitting on beaches."

To me this is a sort of cavalier statement--our hospitals are empty so they can take a spike. Fill 'em up. One other reason they are empty of non-COVID cases is that a LOT of people are not ready to go out and test the waters nor are the doctors who could use the business. My husband has to have a procedure next week and i am not at all happy about going into a hospital setting for any of us. We will quarantine when we get back--but it is prety much the same anyway.
As for sitting on the beach--one pair multiplies into many pairs. There is just no background. As was just said on TV here by Cuomo, who is going to coordinate with other states before opeining beaches--When Georgia opened barber shops, people drove from other states. Same with the beaches.
So far, our retirement community is COVID free. Another top notch one nearby has had their first two and we can hope there will be no more--but the doctor we have says it is just like lighting a fire.
Personally I think your state and governor have done a great job--let him finish it.
Trump is now attacking our NC governor for being cautious--'cause we were stupid enough to accept having the Republican convention here. I hope our citty people get a backbone and cancel it--why would we want thousands coming into our town, especially since a lot of them are the gun carrying protesters who want to open "cause it's their right to do anything they want when they want". One of them got Covid after protesting in Raleigh a couple of weeks ago--and quickly, so she probably already had it and infected others.

The problem is that a lot of people DON'T sit at a safe distance from others. Perhaps on more remote beaches in the state, people do the right thing. But here, on my L.A.-area beach, there were large groups of people yesterday trying to set up their usual "day camps" on the sand. Most were not wearing masks (which is also a requirement), and it was clear that most were not family units that are living together but rather friends. Once you let couples and families park themselves, it becomes difficult if not impossible then to prevent the others from doing the same.

As with every baby step we take toward normalcy, give people an inch and they take a mile. It's like herding cats.

+1

Again -- totally an LA / NY perspective. Since Georgia 'ill advisedly' re-opened their numbers have actually continued to go down. And on beaches, it is simple enough to break up groups and move them along. Seems a better idea than forbidding anyone from sitting on a beach. To require masks whenever outdoors (unless interacting in a group) has absolutely no scientific basis.

And things like Garcetti cutting off water and utilities to 'non-essential' businesses . . . And even the list of essential vs non-essential is pretty irrational. Donut shops are essential, book shops aren't. My problem is these draconian rules are just encouraging people to revolt. Better to have reasonable rules that allow for social distancing and hygiene that people can understand instead of dictatorial fiats.

Donut shops can do curbside pickup. If bookshops were open, people would browse, sit and read, what they usually do in bookshops. I think bookshops are allowed to have curbside pickup now too. Brief interaction with another person-not-in-you-household and who is, like you, wearing a mask, is far less likely to spread the virus than the prolonged contact in, say, a hair or nail salon. There are logical scientific reasons for all these rules, but when they affect something someone wants to do, they will call them stupid and illogical and not based on science.

I think Georgia's numbers are going up. A lot.

[QUOTE=janisj;17106204]Sitting on a beach does not require 'congregating'. A single or couple or family group would be 100% safe on any strip of sand anywhere - as long as they weren't sitting close to other singles, couples or family groups.

No, it doesn't require congregating, but as you say, "as long as they weren't sitting close to other singles, couples or family groups." The problem, as we all know, is not people who distance themselves from other groups, it's people who don't. And as long as there are morons in the world the rest of us must bend over backwards to make it clear what's required. Hence, some rules that seem extreme to the sensible majority, to protect us from that minority who aren't equipped to get the drift (or who simply get off on defying it).