“The bottom line is, the spread of this virus continues at a rate that is particularly concerning,” Newsom said from Sacramento. “We’re seeing parts of the state where we are seeing an increase not only in the total number of positive cases but a significant increase in the total number of people that are getting tested that are testing positive, meaning the positivity rate, not just the total case rate, is beginning to go up to a degree that obviously generates some concern.”
In addition to shuttering many indoor business activities, Newsom also announced the creation of Multi-Agency Strike Teams that will target businesses that have been operating without meeting health guidelines — as he phrased it, businesses that have been “thumbing their nose” or “reticent” to take steps to protect employees and customers.
The strike teams will include various state agencies, including the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, CalOSHA, Department of Business Oversight, Department of Consumer Affairs and the California Highway Patrol.
“When we talk about compliance, this isn’t just talking about mask compliance, this is talking about health and safety in our meat-packing facilities,” he said. “One should not have to put their life at risk to go to work as an essential worker.
“… It’s more education. I’m not coming out with a fist. We want to come out with an open heart, recognize the magnitude of these modifications … and what it means to small businessmen and women, what it means to communities, what it means to the economic vibrancy and health of our state, and in turn our nation.”
In ordering a halt to indoor business activities, Newsom said affected businesses in the 19-county “watch list” area are not being ordered to close entirely, but instead restrict themselves to outdoor operations. For restaurants without outdoor dining space, the order will likely force many to revert to carry-out operations.
“This doesn’t mean restaurants shut down, it means we’re trying to take many activities, these concentrated activities, and move them outdoors, which is a way of mitigating the spread of this virus,” Newsom said.
The ban on indoor operations will last for three weeks. The order affects restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos and museums, and cardrooms. He said the state is working with tribal nations that operate casinos to determine guidelines that could allow them to continue operating.
Newsom had already ordered bars closed in Los Angeles County, but he ordered Wednesday that bars also be closed in all other counties on the state’s watch list.
Counties earn spots on the state’s watch list by falling short on select criteria, such as the number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents and the overall positivity rate among people tested for the virus.
Newsom fell short of ordering all beaches to close across the state for the holiday weekend, but he closed all parking facilities at state beaches in Southern California and the Bay Area. In counties that have ordered local beach closures, state beaches will also close, Newsom said.
Los Angeles County has ordered a closure of all beaches for the Fourth of July weekend.
The governor also encouraged — but did not mandate — all counties on the watch list to consider canceling all Fourth of July fireworks displays to prevent large-scale gatherings of people that could lead to spread of the virus. Los Angeles County has already issued such an order.
“We want to again remind each and every one of you that if we want to be independent from COVID-19, we have to be much more vigilant in terms of maintaining our physical distancing from others and be much more vigilant as it relates to being in situations where we are transmitting COVID-19,” he said.
In his briefing, Newsom praised the overall efforts of counties to enforce health orders to prevent the spread of the virus, but he again warned that counties falling short in that area could face a loss of millions of dollars in state funding.
He also again warned residents to avoid public gatherings over the holiday weekend, including family gatherings, and he again urged everyone to wear face coverings and practice social distancing in public.
He said gathering with family and friends is an “understandable impulse” on the Fourth of July holiday as a way of celebrating independence.
“Clearly that spirit we appreciate and deeply respect, and I think patriotism — at least in a COVID-19 environment — can be expressed a little bit differently with consideration of our independence from COVID-19 that needs to come with conditions and considerations on wearing masks and making sure we’re physically distancing.”
Lily says
Rex Parris made a lot of people happy on the fourth of July! Fireworks were awesome.
JPB says
He sure did. But more importantly, his goal was to shift attention from his numerous idiotic mistakes. Like when he said a sheriff was shot by a person in a mental health building, and when he told residents to carry guns illegally and shoot homeless if they rob you. Lately he is hoping no one looks into the shooting of an unarmed black man in Lancaster, or the $30 million dollars he spent on a no bid contract with his friend.
Rex also hopes people will forget he sent out a racist hit mailer calling an African American veteran. Gang Candidate, and how he told a Wall Street Journal reporter that his birdie sounds were lowering crime.
By hiding behind his new found patriotism, Rex hopes people will not recall how he tried to sneak in Chinese birth tourism or how he wasted millions of tax payer dollars on things like LEAPS, Ecolution, and the DOJ lawsuit.
Rex spent a rare Saturday night in Lancaster away from his Laguna Beach House to get his face on the news and turn attention away from the fact that he sues cities for voting districts but won’t have districts in Lancaster. While the sky lit up in glorious color, Rex was hoping that we would all forget how he fought David Abber in a gym, and ruined the lives of Raymond Lee Jennings, Randy Floyd, and Esmeralda Jorge.
Thank you for the fireworks, Rex. I makes all the bad you did go away, even when you supported a homophobic and anti semetic commissioner that you appointed and how you bought your office illegally.
Lily says
I will let you carry all the bitterness every day.
JPB says
Bitterness? Lily, it’s about accountability. Rex must be held accountable for his deeds. Do you really support a person who has personally destroyed the lives of others? A politician who has squandered millions of tax dollars on pet projects and lawsuits? One who has lied time and time again?
I feel for you, Lily. I hope you have an epiphany with the reality that exists in our beloved AV.
They lie for Rex and Steve says
Lily isn’t a real Lancaster resident. Parris and Hofbauer have minions who comment here pretending to be ‘concerned citizens” who turn a blind eye to the obvious. .
Yet, all their comments look like they were written on the same old Smith-Corona typewriter.
Lily says
Wow, all this for me? I didn’t vote for Rex Parris and I don’t like his tactics at all, never have. I refuse to allow Rex Parris to dominate my thoughts, and no, I am not one of his minions. I as well as others enjoyed the fireworks put on by Rex Parris. I went to high school here, worked in aerospace, and love Lancaster and the people that have lived here for many decades. I as well as others I know carry on every day in the A.V. trying to do our best for this community, so you go right ahead and attack me personally. Stay healthy and safe.
Lily says
O.K., Hold him accountable, I tried by not voting for him.
Lily says
They lie for Rex and Steve…Sorry, you are wrong in your assessment of me. You also, stay safe and healthy.
Barbi says
… here in Lancaster, 4th of July fireworks last night were breathtaking. Never seen anything like it. Two middle fingers straight up, for Eric Garcetti and Gavin Newsom, from every living soul here in California, never have I seen so many 4th of July fireworks, in my life. Standing out in ou driveway, we had fireworks all around us, everywhere, all night long, well into the wee hour. Our mayor just made headlines worldwide, yet not one single word written about Mayor Rex’s defiance to be seen, anywhere on this news site?
An Ol' Man & His Rockin' Chair says
To be frank, I despise Dr Fauci. A career in BioMed, knowing full well the demands for protecting one’s self from these most dangerous of infections, and he stands beside the President of the United States with a simple mask anyone could purchase at their local hardware store. The conversation not in the main stream is “Herd Immunity”. Have you not listened? Dr Fauci and the Gates Foundation are in the business of creating panic. Why? In order to “create” mass hysteria . . . and a market for “their vaccine”. Ask yourself this, in states not employing this “stay at home” policy, where is the fear of COVID-19? When folks were locked down for weeks here in California, when turned loose, did anyone not expect there to be “a spike” in COVID numbers? Check the numbers, deaths related specifically to COVID-19 are decreasing. Less than 3,500 deaths in Los Angeles County. Recorded population for LA Cnty? 10-million. Do the math for yourself. I will take my chances with COVID-19 for a promissory note against my threats of cancer, automobiles, diabetes, and the common, annual flu.
John Evans says
As to your Question, what are You going to do, declare war on the government? Well let’s unpack this. In countries with central – planning /Totalitarian governments you’d have to mount an armed insurrection, a war on the government. Here, on the other hand we, you and I are the government. We advocate, associate and vote. War would only happen if the people in power destroy honest elections. Freedom requires effort. We earn our freedom every day, or we lose it. So the real question is what will you put your effort into?
Footsteps says
Well, John Evans, since everything is from someone’s perspective it depends on who thinks they’re on the side of good and righteous. What is the righteous standard these days? I hope you don’t say the Constitution, because even the president doesn’t care what the Constitution says.
John Evans says
Well Footsteps, everthing isn’t from someone’s perspective. Should someone steal what is clearly not theirs to take, the victim will condemn it no matter their world view, religious perspective or political belief system. If there are no truths that can be agreed to then it’s might makes right. If the Bill of Rights and the rights of Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness are not agreed to and respected then we are on the traditional human collision course of naked aggression and violence. If “by any means necessary” is the justification for action, if false witness is now justified because there is no longer a standard of behavior then welcome to the harsh laws of nature and watch your back. Again, individual liberty is a blessing which requires effort and is easily lost. See Hong Kong right now. Lastly we are a nation of formerly powerless immigrants. None were part of the societal power structure of the places they were from. We are the great experiment in human history, and our betters around the world despise this nation’s success. The human leftovers from other places weren’t supposed to succeed in this country we call home
Footsteps says
Well, John Evans, apparently you aren’t paying attention to what’s going on around you. The politicians we elect lie and steal all the time; certain law enforcement employees lie and steal, and of course there are plenty of false witnesses in every area in our society from the top on down. the perspective is, the ends justifies the means, therefore I (we) must be right. As for me, God is absolute truth, and every one of us will have to answer to Him according to His righteous standard, whether anyone thinks they will or not. We are witnessing the decline of our nation because we have used and abused our home and it is written.
John Evans says
Well Footsteps, I’m not sure what your point is. If I weren’t paying attention I wouldn’t have referenced Hong Kong and what is happening their right now. So let’s get real. If God is absolute truth and we will all answer to Him then you can’t support Communism, Marxism, mob violence or individual acts of non-self defense violence. You abhor destruction of property, looting, vandalism, coveting of others property. You despise people who accuse others of acts, conspiracies or evil intent without any evidence. You denounce as evil late term abortion because you are aware that the physical health of the mother in the third trimester never requires the killing of the baby…never, as in never. In fact since every child is a gift from God and God knows everyone from the very beginning when they are knit in their mother’s womb, abortion, which defies God’s sovereignty is never tolerable. You also understand that every right you enjoy was fought for by many before you, and many died in doing so. But you, footsteps, because of what you believe have hope. So in hope and humility you must speak out. Hence my point…advocate, associate and vote
Chris N says
Just remember, protesting is still encouraged! Protesting seems to be the only thing that stops Covid-19 in it’s tracks!
Laughing says
So get out there and organize a march against wearing masks and having things closed.
Sounds like a plan, a good plan, a good social disobedience plan.
It may actually change the ways things get handled.
Luke says
My social disobedience is covert and ruthless
Really says
Both political parties are an extreme embarrassment! A bunch of recalcitrant children yelling at each other, each thinking they are right. Insults hurled back and forth; it’s the liberals fault, no, it’s the right wing nut jobs fault, no, it’s the BLM, ANTIFA, white nationalists, Asians, anyone. We don’t need anyone from outside to kill us, we’re doing a fine job on our own.
Multi-Agency Strike Team says
The king of Clownifornia…
John Evans says
Our governor doesn’t give a damn about public safety. His number one job is to protect our constitutional rights recognized as inalienable; to govern in a way that promotes individual liberty, freedom and the general welfare. To respect Californian’s rights in every decision. He doesn’t, and he is a fraud, and a majority of California’s citizens seem content with his totalitarian control, or they’re afraid….In the past two weeks I ate in at IHOP, Broken Bit Steakhouse, Complexity Wine Bar and Scramblez as well as Schooner’s and BJ’s. The people there were extremely competent in following and promoting safe dining practices. But California and L A County bureaucrats don’t give a damn. They get their government check and pension no matter. And it’s the same with our Governor and local leaders. So, to you degreed, uneducated, ignorant fools who play fast and loose with Science, public health and people’s livelihoods, and who sneer at people who preserve community and society through their jobs and businesses. I pray that God gives me direction and wisdom to work for the end of your reign of terror. Friends don’t let friends vote Democrat.
Mike says
The governor is trying to clean up the mess that our incompetent president caused by his pathetic handling of this crisis. If you want to get mad at someone, get mad at him.
Shane Falco says
The president early on wanted to restrict travel from China and was called racist and incompetent. Now, those same people say he didn’t do enough.
California and the left applaud when California thumbs their nose at federal laws regarding immigration enforcement and want everyone given citizenship, benefits, healthcare and income.
Once this pandemic started, the president turned over control to the state governors to do what’s best. That’s a California liberals dream but now they have to take care of all the people California has wanted here. The governor has wanted to run things without the Federal government interference, then he and others should stop complaining how Trump “mismanaged” this when clearly the governor makes his own rules and enforcement.
Mike says
If you don’t like Liberal California, then move. You are living in the wrong state. I hear the weather’s nice in Florida. Perhaps you will feel more comfortable the way that state’s Republican Governor is handling the current pandemic.
Shane Falco says
Again…The governor of California has been given the authority to make the rules for the state. He’s enacted and enforced stay at home orders, closed business, procured PPE, had a navy ship off the coast of LA for weeks with little to no patients and yet you decry Trump for the mishandling…in California
Luke says
born here Mike, not leaving. I’m fighting back to the death
Really says
Just live your life, please.
Laughing says
Same thing is happening in red states.
Guess you should be complaining on their news boards as well.
Fed Up says
Bottom Line—Rioters and looters are to blame for this. Strange that this order should come just as people are making contact with their families again. Seems that the Dems prefer that we should be confined so that we can’t exercise our rights under the Constitution. Only BLM and ANTIFA have rights anymore, I guess. I, for one, am not going to be controlled by some old doctor, who is not an elected official, but who seems to be making policy for the USA, and a power-drunk governor!
Mike says
What are you going to do….declare war on the government?
John Evans says
To your question, in totalitarian countries the answer would and always has been…YES. In the United States of America the first response is no, unless you’re a radacalized marxist street rioter. Here the people, us, you and I are the government. To preserve our society we advocate, associate and vote. Freedom requires effort, it must be earned in little ways every day. War will happen when our leaders corrupt fair and free elections. The concern is that governmental, bureaucratic overreach by the powerful few in their desire to control the levers of power for personal gain are corrupting a fair and free vote. And their marxist street militias are being activated to coerce compliance. Free people are always a threat to petty tyrants. Don’t give away your freedom-vote!
Really says
Stop blaming BLM and ANTIFA, please.
Trumpist#1 says
Stop blaming them and lock their seditious, traitorous, communist a$$es up in prison, please. They hate our nation and want to destroy it!
MST3K says
Yes, ANTIFA, a bunch of privileged white boys and girls bringing violence to the streets. Lock them up. Then there are the white supremacists posing as ANTIFA, so lock them up too.
Chris N says
Sad but true.. everything has been restricted except for protesting and that has been encouraged.
Laughing says
Guess the red states applying the same measures are just as bad in your book.
Or does that not fit your world view?