California facing a $54 billion budget deficit amid coronavirus pandemic

California will have a budget shortfall of $54.3 billion because of the economic devastation wrought by the coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration announced Thursday, a stunning reversal for a state that had a $21 billion surplus a year ago.

Higher COVID-19 mortality rate for African Americans, Pacific Islanders in L.A. County: officials

As Los Angeles County saw a spike in COVID-19 cases with one of the largest single-day jumps in the pandemic, health officials reported a higher mortality rate among African Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.  

Gov. Newsom announces reopening of beaches in additional O.C. cities

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday announced he has reached an agreement with Orange County leaders to reopen beaches in the cities of Huntington Beach, Dana Point, and Seal Beach in a modified way.

California owner defies orders and opens gym, calling it essential

"I'm big on the Constitution," Jacob Lewis said. "So if you want to wear a mask, wear a mask. If you don't, don't. If you want to come in, great, use it. If you don't want to come in, stay at home." 

Crowd fails to social distance while protesting in Huntington Beach over pandemic restrictions

A large crowd that failed to display social distancing gathered in Huntington Beach Friday afternoon in opposition to multiple restrictions that have been implemented by Gov. Gavin Newsom. 

Huntington Beach, Dana Point to challenge Newsom's Orange County beach closure order

Orange County beaches will remain closed. Judge Nathan Scott declined to issue a temporary restraining order to halt Gov. Newsom's order to shut down OC beaches only.

Apple set to deliver thousands of iPads to LA, New York to help with remote learning

Approximately 100,000 iPads will be delivered to the city of Los Angeles, and 350,000 to New York City to help with remote learning, Apple's CEO Tim Cook announced Thursday during the company's 2nd quarter earnings conference call.

Source: Gov. Newsom to announce closure of all beaches and state parks

A source has provided FOX 11 investigative reporter Bill Melugin with a law enforcement bulletin that will be sent out to all California police chiefs notifying them that Gov. Newsom will announce Thursday that he is closing all beaches and state parks effective Friday, May 1st.

Fears of meat shortages during pandemic grow

“I’d say don’t panic, the supply is going to be there.” Jeff Perez reassuring customers of his small Highland Park Butcher Shop, Chops. He’s been working to keep his business afloat during the pandemic as fears of meat shortages grow.

Lakers return $4.6 million from stimulus loan program

The Los Angeles Lakers have repaid a loan of roughly $4.6 million from coronavirus business relief funds after learning the program had been depleted.

Heatwave draws 40,000 to Newport Beach

Newport Beach does not feel like it’s in the middle of a pandemic. Although some are following stay-at-home and social-distancing rules, thousands are at the beach without masks. 

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.