his mother Elizabeth McCann asked. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California changed its rules overnight Wednesday to allow outdoor playgrounds to stay open in regions under strict stay-home orders, apparently swayed by … Maurice Jewel Taylor Sr. made a court appearance before a judge suspended proceedings until a mental competency hearing. Nickolas Estrada, who is a … ", She said she was glad to see the state act quickly after the KPBS story and her letter, and that the new rules about handwashing and social distancing "seemed obvious. Shirley Weber would be only the fourth woman to ever hold the position of California secretary of state and the first Black woman to do so in state history. Yellow caution tape remained up as Maintenance crews at Griffith Park said they hadn’t received word yet to remove the tape. Gavin Newsom unveiled it last week, the closure of playgrounds sparked particular backlash — with parents expressing outrage and confusion about why their children’s play areas would be off-limits while places like malls remain open. Investigative Reporter. On December 3rd, California Gov. Playgrounds were not part of any phased reopening plans at the local or state level, even though a growing body of evidence shows that COVID-19 is much more likely to be passed when breathing and talking, not by touching surfaces. "If … California allows playgrounds to reopen after long wait for families. SACRAMENTO (AP/CBS13) — In an overnight rule change, California public health officials will allow outdoor playgrounds to stay open in regions … All outdoor playgrounds across California can now reopen as of Tuesday, according to an announcement from the California Department of Public Health. Those long-established benefits make playgrounds essential spaces for children. California has backpedaled on closing playgrounds as part of its stay-at-home order after parents and legislators argued that children need outdoor play for their health. No. Most local parks have remained open, but you may not be able to access some indoor facilities (i.e. If Parks Are Open, Why Aren't The Playgrounds? Above: A playground is unused and closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Mission Bay Park, July 3, 2020. Get the day's top news — ranging from local to international — straight to your inbox each weekday morning. “We encourage all children and families to get outdoors during this challenging time for exercise, fresh air and good mental health while avoiding sites where people congregate and where social distancing is not possible,” Bay said in an email. Following an outcry from parents and some legislators, California will keep playgrounds open despite a surge in coronavirus cases. The status of playgrounds … Last week, Gov. Thank you @GavinNewsom for listening! Many parents were furious that playgrounds remained closed while indoor places like bars and restaurants opened. Grocery stores and other essential businesses have been hit hard by the coronavirus surge, further straining services that must stay open despite the stay-at-home order. Idris’ mother, Denni Kephart, and Felix’s father, Jarrod Quon, met at the park for their children to play after they heard LA County playgrounds would re-open. California officials on Wednesday reversed course and are now allowing playgrounds in the state to reopen, following backlash from state lawmakers and … "If it's not too crowded and we'll bring our hand sanitizer, maybe some cleaning supplies to wipe a few things down first," she said. In this commentary, Jeffrey Klausner and Phil Ginsburg argue that California Governor Gavin Newson made the correct call to allow playgrounds to reopen. With coronavirus spreading in L.A. County supermarkets, here are some tips for shopping safely. … Playgrounds can remain open under California’s new stay-at-home orders, state officials said Wednesday, quietly reversing their original lockdown rules following intense public backlash. "I'm going to play on the slide," he said. By KEVIN YAMAMURA. I've done in-depth investigations on political campaigns, police officer misconduct and neighborhood quality of life issues. Want more KPBS news?Find us on Twitter and Facebook, or sign up for our newsletters. Though several aspects of California’s latest regional stay-at-home order have come under fire since Gov. Keep up with all the latest news, arts and culture, and TV highlights from KPBS. Angry parents won’t let officials slide over closed playgrounds, packed malls. On Wednesday Dec. 9, the state of California decided playgrounds could remain open even with new restrictions after parents and lawmakers urged Gov. “These decisions are really hard decisions, and again, it’s a balance of trying to make sure that we’re allowing children to get some physical exercise and have some activity and knowing that there’s risk every time we go to places where there can be a lot of intermingling,” she said during a briefing. Four-year-old James McCann, who lives in University Heights and had been mourning the loss of his local Trolley Barn Park playground, was very excited to hear the news. ", RELATED: San Diego Beaches, Parks And Restaurants Are Open, But Playgrounds Remain Closed. Supermarkets in L.A. County see unprecedented coronavirus infection rates. deputy sheriff indicted, charged with breaking into dead man’s home. The updated state guidance , posted today, states that “playgrounds may remain open to facilitate physically distanced personal health and wellness through outdoor exercise.” KPBS Financial Playgrounds located on schools that remain open for in-person instruction, and not accessible by the general public, may remain open and must follow guidance for … SACRAMENTO (AP/CBS13) — In an overnight rule change, California public health officials will allow outdoor playgrounds to stay open in regions under strict stay-home orders. SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Jan 3, 2021, Stream now or tune in Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV, announcement from the California Department of Public Health, letter signed by 23 state representatives, Playgrounds To Remain Open In San Diego County, Disney To Expand Downtown Disney Into California Adventure Park, California's Feared Surge Of Virus Cases Hasn't Happened, San Diego To Open Its 289 Playgrounds Saturday, Joining County, Carlsbad, San Diego County Reports 2,381 New COVID-19 Cases As More Vaccines Arrive, Trump Pardons 15 People, Including Former San Diego Rep. Duncan Hunter, Assemblywoman Weber Nominated To Become Next California Secretary Of State, SECRETS OF THE DEAD: King Arthur's Lost Kingdom, Outbreak Of Deadly Bacterial Disease Affecting Dogs Reported In San Diego, Congress Seals Agreement On COVID Relief, Government Funding, Live Blog: San Diego County Reports 2,381 New COVID-19 Cases As More Vaccines Arrive, San Diego County Restaurants Exempt From State's COVID-19 Restrictions, Judge Rules. Playgrounds. Following an outcry from parents and some legislators, California will keep playgrounds open despite a surge in coronavirus cases. Gavin Newsom had … LATEST UPDATES: Tracking COVID-19 | Racial Justice. Law enforcement broke up three ‘super-spreader’ events in L.A. County last weekend. Villanueva’s top aide allegedly used racial slur to describe Black, Latino employees. For many parents confounded by an array of official dictates, closing playgrounds crossed a line in the sandbox. Griffith Park may be open, but not the Observatory). + Subscribe to our podcasts. On December 3rd, California Gov. This prompted an immediate backlash from parents, medical professionals, and some state legislators who insisted that outdoor play for children is not only safe but essential for children’s health and well-being. “With distance learning, having access to public playgrounds is more important now than ever.”. The status of playgrounds … California reversed course on Wednesday, stating that playgrounds can remain open under the state's COVID-19 restrictions following an outcry from parents and some legislators. The numbers show how widely the coronavirus is circulating statewide. Gov. Kelly fielded the most entertaining team of his three seasons with UCLA, but another losing season means another disappointing year for Bruins fans. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California changed its rules overnight Wednesday to allow outdoor playgrounds to stay open in regions under strict stay-home orders, apparently swayed by … California has backpedaled on closing playgrounds as part of its stay-at-home order after parents and legislators argued that children need outdoor play for their health. Dec 26 After being blocked from slides and swings for six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, kids can now use any outdoor playground regardless of what tier their county falls in. Those long-established benefits make playgrounds essential spaces for children. Most local parks have remained open, but you may not be able to access some indoor facilities (i.e. A man was fatally shot at one of the parties. Playgrounds had been closed in some areas under a regional stay-at-home order that took effect last week. Luckily for James, Elizabeth McCann is in. Griffith Park may be open, but not the Observatory). Following an outcry from parents and some legislators, California will keep playgrounds open despite a surge in coronavirus cases. The updated guidance says they can remain open “to facilitate physically distanced personal health and wellness through outdoor exercise”. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KABC) -- California officials on Wednesday quietly updated the state's guidelines by deeming playgrounds to be essential and allowing them to remain open amid a … The California Department of Public Health announced new guidance Monday to allow outdoor playground spaces to reopen in all counties, regardless of tier … Outdoor activity and public playgrounds are so important for children, particularly for families who don't have a backyard of their own, so finally reopening them just makes sense and is long overdue.". – Everyone age two and up must wear a face mask, – Different households should keep 6 feet apart, and families should come back later if a playground is too crowded to make this social distancing possible, – Families should limit their visits to 30 minutes when others are present, – Caregivers must supervise children to make sure they follow these rules. "Over the next two days, parks and rec staff are conducting site visits at all playgrounds to conduct capacity assessments and prepare for social distancing and queuing markings," he said. California updated its new stay-at-home order Wednesday to allow outdoor playgrounds to remain open, after backlash from some legislators and health experts who … Yay! Need help keeping up with the news that matters most? California officials have reversed course and will now allow outdoor playgrounds to stay open under the state's new stay-at-home order that's in place for some regions. Public health officials are anxiously tracking the capacity of intensive care units as coronavirus case numbers surge. After being blocked from slides and swings for six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, kids can now use any outdoor playground regardless of what tier their county falls in, according to new state guidelines. Multiple dates Child care programs, schools, out-of-school time programs and other programs for children and youth where children must remain in cohorts may not use playgrounds during times when they are open to the public. The California Department of Health approved outdoor and community playgrounds for reopening last week—subject to county health authority approval, and following California rules for reopening outdoor playgrounds. Gavin Newsom announced a new stay-at-home order mandating, among other restrictions, that outdoor playgrounds be closed. Claire Trageser Plus, after being blocked from slides and swings for six months due to the pandemic, kids can now use any outdoor playground regardless of what tier their county falls in, according to new state guidelines. Newsom names Assemblywoman Shirley Weber to succeed Padilla as California secretary of state. Gavin Newsom announced a new conditional stay-at-home order as California continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic. When Can You Receive The Coronavirus Vaccine? To view PDF documents, Download Acrobat Reader. The county is aligned with the state’s stance on playgrounds. For kids, playgrounds boost mental and physical health, sharpen problem solving and coping skills, and even ease the effects of trauma. Summary. “While we must appropriately consider best practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, we also must ensure the children across the state are not unfairly deprived of their opportunities for outdoor access and play,” said the letter, which was signed by a dozen legislators. Gavin Newsom announced a new stay-at-home order mandating, among other restrictions, that outdoor playgrounds be closed. Generally, counties are allowed to adopt regulations that are more restrictive, but not more lenient, than the state’s. Over the weekend, sheriff and police officials broke up at least three parties where dozens of people gathered, making nearly 70 arrests. In updated guidance released this morning, the state had this to say: The move comes after broad criticism that closing them would harm children who have few options to … The California Department of Public Health confirmed the update Wednesday. But low-income communities of color living in dense housing often do not have access to a yard,” L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis wrote on Twitter. Those concerns linger despite the rule change, she said Wednesday. “Play is crucial for childhood development. Klausner is a professor of Medicine and Public Health at UCLA, while Ginsburg is the general manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. https://t.co/MCg73GpCmQ. And thank you Dr. Ghaly for your patience with my advocacy. Alameda County: Playgrounds will be allowed to open, according to a county spokesperson. Playgrounds open? 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