Category: reopening

Reopening of California’s Theme Parks Unlikely to Match Florida’s Economic Rebound  

Commentary The impending reopening of California’s theme parks is welcome news for thrill seekers and Disney fans, but their hysteria pales to the delight of local economic leaders. Gates to popular attractions such as Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm can swing open as early as April 1, under California’s guidance. This is huge news for…


Orange County Reopens More Businesses in Red Tier

SANTA ANA—Orange County entered the less-restrictive red tier of the state’s coronavirus regulatory system March 14, allowing for bigger crowds in retail stores and the reopening of museums, movie theaters and indoor dining at restaurants. “We expected it—it’s almost anti-climactic at this point, but it’s a step forward. It gives people the relief they’ve been…


Knott’s Berry Farm Eyes May Reopening

BUENA PARK—Knott’s Berry Farm officials said that although the 100-year-old theme park could reopen at 15 percent capacity on April 1 it won’t be until May when visitors can again enjoy the Peanuts gang at Buena Park. Knott’s spokeswoman Diana Bahena said March 12 theme park officials are “encouraged and excited” by the state’s go-ahead…


Restrictions on Orange County Businesses Are Loosening

Orange County residents will wake up with more freedoms March 14 when the region moves into a less-restrictive COVID-19 tier. Its graduation to the red tier was confirmed March 12 after the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced the distribution of 2 million COVID-19 does, a metric necessary for Orange County’s reopening efforts to…


LA School Board OKs Agreement With Teachers Union For Campus Return

LOS ANGELES—A tentative deal with the teachers union that would restart in-person instruction for Los Angeles Unified District (LAUSD) pre-school and elementary students by mid-April was approved March 11 by the district’s Board of Education. After a roughly two-hour question-and-answer session focusing on the mechanics of the agreement and anticipated structure of school days, the…


Researchers: CDC Misinterpreted Analysis on Reopening Schools, Should Immediately Loosen Rules

Researchers whose analysis the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited in recent school reopening guidance say the agency misinterpreted their findings and should immediately loosen the recommendations. Four doctors said in an op-ed this week that the guidance “is an example of fears influencing and resulting in misinterpretation of science and harmful policy,”…


San Francisco Ferris Wheel Will Stay for Four More Years

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—San Francisco’s Historic Preservation Committee has decided to keep their Ferris wheel, known as the “SkyStar Wheel,” in the music concourse in Golden Gate Park for four more years. The original agreement for the 150-foot-tall wheel was one year, as part of the park’s 150th anniversary. Those in favor of the wheel staying…


Community Rallies to Reopen Yorba Linda Schools

About 70 parents, teachers, and students rallied outside the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) office March 9 to show their support for schools reopening. Supervisor Don Wagner, a keynote speaker at the event, was among those lobbying for a full-time return to classrooms. “It is perfectly safe, we believe, based on the science, to let the kids get back…


Disney CEO: Disneyland Will Reopen In Late April; Furloughed Workers Recalled

ANAHEIM—With the state clearing a path for theme parks to reopen at limited capacity, Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Chapek announced March 9 the company plans to reopen the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim by late April, and thousands of furloughed workers will be recalled to be trained on new safety standards. “Here in California, we’re…


Orange County Reports 110 New Cases of COVID-19, 53 More Deaths

SANTA ANA—Orange County reported 110 new cases of COVID-19 and 53 additional deaths March 7, but officials said death reports over the next few days may be higher than usual as they clear the backlog created by technical issues in the state reporting database. The number of county residents hospitalized with the coronavirus decreased from…