Local Briefs

Staples Center Reopens

The Staples Center reopened Friday April 16, after a 13 month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Just 2000 fans will be admitted to watch the Lakers play their traditional rival the Boston Celtics, in the 19,000 capacity facility. Fans must be able to show proof of vaccination, to gain entry to the Staples center.

Last week, for the first time in more than a year, fans in Los Angeles were allowed to watch professional sports in person. Some 15,000 Dodgers faithful showed up for the team’s April 9 home opener, and after the World Series champs received their diamond-encrusted rings, a socially distanced crowd watched a 1-0 victory over the Washington Nationals.

For the moment, indoor venues are limited to around 12% capacity. As the months pass, attendance could grow—Gov. Gavin Newsom has set a goal to lift all restrictions by June 15, around the time a recall election against him will coincidentally be certified for a November 4th special election.

Little League Requires Vaccination

Little League Baseball requires players over 12 years of age, to have been vaccinated in order to participate in games and tournaments. The trouble is, the CDC does not recommend the vaccine for those under 16 years of age.

The requirement has vexed and surprised parents. It is in fact difficult or impossible for a young person in LA County to become vaccinated. The FDA and CDC have not approved any vaccine for use on children less than 16 years of age.

The organization banned some participants from a regional championship in Cooperstown, NY. ”All participants, coaches and campers 12 years and older must be immunized. Immunization requirements: COVID-19.” Said the National US Little League, in a written statement.

AIR BNB Cracks Down on Parties

AIRBNB is trying to escape from a reputation of allowing young people to rent “Party Homes,” and evade social distancing Covid rules.

On Monday, the vacation rental company launched the "Summer of Responsible Travel" plan which includes new restrictions on parties and enforces ongoing COVID-19 safety practices.

Under the guidelines, which take effect throughout the US, Airbnb announced "tough new rules to ban parties and help prevent events that may disturb neighbors.”

Guests who don't have a "history of positive reviews" on the platform will be prohibited from making one-night reservations for entire homes in the U.S. during the Fourth of July weekend.

Canadian Border Remains Closed

With attention focused on the US Border with Mexico, few in LA may have noticed that our international border with Canada remains closed.

On April 8th, Dominic LeBlanc, Canada's intergovernmental affairs minister, told CBC News that it wasn't the right time to talk about reopening the border.

Just 2.24 percent of Canada's population has been fully vaccinated, according to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus Resource Center. By comparison, the U.S. figure is 21.15 percent. For this reason, Canada’s national government remains in surprising isolation.