But local mayors lack authority over public schools, transportation and public health control that largely rests with the countys board of supervisors, which upheld the health departments decision.
Last week, Judge James Chalfant of Los Angeles County temporarily agreed with the board of supervisors but ordered health officials to produce evidence supporting the ban. Then, in a decision on Tuesday, Judge Chalfant sided with the restaurants, limiting the ban to three weeks to prevent an indefinite closure order.
Although the state ban still supersedes this ruling, health officials now have about a week to provide a risk-benefit analysis in order to extend the closure. Epidemiologists have said prolonged gatherings without masks, even outside, drive spread.
It was not too long ago when Californias elected officials among the first to impose wide-ranging lockdowns took pride in an approach that had appeared to stave off the coronavirus.
Then came a series of dining gaffes that undermined pleas to avoid crowds, including Mr. Newsom and others failing to heed their own rules. In recent days, businesses and officials have seen a disparity in the most recent dining ban, with outdoor film crew catering spots remaining open, for example, while restaurants a few feet away are without a single diner.
Despite more than 1.3 million virus cases and roughly 20,000 deaths statewide since March, anger is bubbling, with recent protests against the new restrictions staged outside the homes of the countys health director, county supervisors and Mayor Eric Garcetti.
Many elected leaders said that while they had not yet sorted out what it would take to create new health departments, they were nonetheless forging ahead, with many city councils meeting this week to discuss a range of ideas, such as contracting for services in an à la carte approach.read more
10 Million Residents, 88 Jurisdictions, 1 Outdoor Dining Ban
