First COVID-19 deaths occurred in Bay Area in early February

The first known death from COVID-19 in the U.S. was believed to have occurred in Washington State in late February 2020, but the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner revealed on Tuesday that two individuals had died on Feb. 6 and Feb. 17 at home with coronavirus making them the first deaths recorded in the nation.

Child abusers eligible for immediate release under California’s new $0 cash bail emergency mandate

The San Bernardino County Sheriff is blasting California’s new $0 cash bail emergency mandate after he says he was forced to release a repeat felony child abuse suspect immediately after his arrest, and will have to release hundreds of potentially dangerous criminals back into the public under the new rules.

California logs deadliest day from coronavirus

California recorded 95 deaths from the coronavirus on Thursday, making it the deadliest day since the outbreak began.

Protests underway in show of solidarity with suspended Santa Monica nurses amid coronavirus crisis

Protests were planned across California Friday to show solidarity after ten registered nurses at Providence St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica were reportedly suspended after refusing to treat COVID-19 patients without proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

California governor expects $7 billion in virus spending

The news came Thursday as state lawmakers held their first oversight hearing of the more than $2 billion Newsom has already spent, questioning administration officials about a nearly $1 billion contract with a Chinese-owned company to provide up to 200 million masks per month.

Grim Outlook: Los Angeles mayor forecasts no large gatherings until 2021

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Wednesday he doesn't foresee large gatherings, such as sporting events and concerts, happening in the city until 2021, as the region continues to reel from theCOVID-19 pandemic.

Churches sue California governor over antivirus orders

The churches argue that the state and local orders are overly broad and that they can practice safe social distancing in the same manner as grocery stores and other outlets that are considered essential services and allowed to remain open.

Coronavirus crisis halts birthday party for L.A. man turning 105; cards sought

The mayor of Lakewood is calling on the public to send birthday cards to a World War II veteran whose planned 105th birthday celebration later this month has been thwarted by the coronavirus pandemic.

California’s early response to COVID-19 outbreak credited for flattening the curve

The State of California implemented social distancing guidelines earlier than many other states and that may have been the trick into flattening the curve and fighting COVID-19. 

California to buy 200 million masks a month amid outbreak

California taxpayers will pay $495 million upfront for the masks. The state will pay more as other shipments arrive, with a total estimated payment of $990 million, according to a letter the Newsom administration sent to the Legislature.

California's Judicial Court suspends evictions; sets bail at $0 for misdemeanors amid pandemic

The order delays all eviction cases from moving forward, not just those related to people not being able to pay rent due to the virus. It follows an executive order last month by Gov. Gavin Newsom banning the enforcement of eviction orders that advocates said didn’t go far enough.

California virus death toll surpasses 100; infections surge

With cases of coronavirus surging and the death toll surpassing 100, lawmakers are pleading with cooped-up Californians to spend a second weekend at home to slow the spread of infection.