Northern California Live Updates

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7/16/2020Updated: 7/18/2020

As of June 1, we are including general news updates in addition to the coverage of the CCP virus* outbreak in Northern California.

For more news related to the CCP virus, see The Epoch Times special coverage of the CCP virus outbreak.

Click here to see all the latest cases by county.

Click here to see the archived updates.

Have any tips? Get in touch with us at [email protected]

July 16

Yolo County announces a COVID-19 outbreak at Woodland Residential Services, a facility that serves vulnerable and high-risk residents. There are 10 confirmed cases (6 residents and 4 staff) and 1 resident death.

July 15

The City of San Mateo will resume parking enforcement meters, pay stations, street cleaning zones, and residential parking permit program areas.
Ukiah Library in Mendocino County has partnered with the California State Library to create COVID-19 diaries. Participants of all ages can submit essays, poems, letters, photographs, artwork, or videos from July 31 through Dec. 31.
Humboldt County invites businesses to apply for an encroachment permit to convert outdoor areas like parking lots for businesses to use during the pandemic.
Contra Costa County recognizes pretrial, probation, and parole services week from July 19–25 to acknowledge professionals who contribute to public safety, community engagement, and support for victims.
San Mateo County allows outdoor visits at long-term care facilities for family members, friends, and those making legal decisions for residents.

July 14

The Crews Fire in Gilroy is at 5,513 acres and is 100 percent contained as of 2:45 p.m.
The Monterey Jazz Festival has announced it will be virtual and will be held on Sept. 25–27.
Santa Clara’s Art & Wine Festival is canceled due to COVID-19.

July 13

Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin gives an update on the CCP virus via a virtual Town Hall meeting. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Berkeley has recorded 254 cases and 1 death. Of the 13,254 tests performed, 1.6 percent turned out positive.
A hedge fund buys The McClatchy Company (owner of the Sacramento Bee and Fresno Bee, among others) after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Attorney Robert Tyler releases a statement after the state’s order to close houses of worship. “The freedom of worship is of paramount importance and we will support churches who provide services as their faith sincerely dictates so long as they do not provide their services recklessly,” he stated according to the release.
The state has announced more indoor closures for businesses like restaurants, wineries, movie theaters, zoos, and museums.
The Crews Fire in Gilroy is at 5,513 acres and is 97 percent contained as of 10:30 a.m.
The San Francisco County Transportation Authority announced the Southgate Road Realignment project. Its goal is to construct a safer interchange for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians on Yerba Buena Island.

July 10

A school district in Santa Clara County released a draft for reopening schools on Aug. 17 for distance learning.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announces that 8,000 prisoners may be released early by the end of August, due to COVID-19.

July 9

Santa Clara Skate Park will open starting July 14 for free one-hour skate sessions three days per week from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. for ages 5 and older.
Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters announces it is hiring voting center staff for the upcoming Nov. 3 election.
San Francisco provides utility bill discounts for low-income residents affected by the shelter-in-place order.

July 8

Sierra County has announced that an active shooter has been arrested, thanks to the combined efforts of law enforcement, fire departments, and local businesses.
Stanford announces it will cut 11 varsity sports programs for the 2020–2021 academic year due to COVID-19.
The Crews Fire in Gilroy is at 5,400 acres and is 60 percent contained as of 2 p.m.
Santa Clara County will reopen park restrooms starting July 9.

July 7

Gov. Newsom announces Dr. Michael V. Drake as the new president of the University of California.
San Francisco announces that reopening plans for indoor businesses will not move forward on July 13 and will be temporarily paused due to an increase in COVID-19 cases.
Santa Clara County allows outdoor dining to continue starting July 13.

July 6

Crews Fire in Gilroy grows to 5,400 acres and is 20 percent contained as of 9:15 p.m.
Malia Cohen will serve on the Police Commission, announced San Francisco Mayor London Breed.
From July 6 to July 10, construction crews will be working on Caltrain repairs and improvement.

July 3

This year’s San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show, originally scheduled for October, will be postponed to 2021 due to the CCP virus.

July 2

San Mateo County closes beaches and parking lots to reduce crowding during Fourth of July.
Siskiyou County announces that cities, school districts, and special districts will hold elections on Nov. 3, consolidated for with the General Election. The candidate filing period for these offices is from July 13 through Aug. 7.
Monterey County will close beaches or have limited beach access during the Fourth of July.
Santa Clara County announces a new order for long-term risk reduction measures.
Bay Area residents are urged to stay home on the Fourth of July.
Sacramento County closes some indoor activities like restaurants, wineries, movie theaters, zoos and museums.

July 1

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approves a resolution to encourage employers to offer employees the option to telecommute for air quality and traffic congestion reasons.
Gilroy announces a Gilroy Taco Trail for those looking for authentic Mexican food.

June 30

Starting July 1, the Golden Gate Bridge toll rates will increase. See here for details.
Governor Newsom provides updates for Project Roomkey and announces “Homekey,” the next COVID-19 response phase for homeless Californians.
San Francisco cancels Fourth of July celebration with fireworks show to keep CCP virus from spreading.
Santa Clara County releases detailed guidance for school administrators to reopen schools (kindergarten through high school) for the 2020–2021 school year.

June 29

Elon Musk tweets that many people are getting false positives when they get tested for the CCP virus, and that anyone who tests positive should get retested.
Joseph James DeAngelo, also known as the ‘Golden State Killer,’ pleads guilty to crimes in the 1970s and ‘80s.
Sacramento County removes bars off list of allowable activities and lifts ban on using personal reusable bags.
Muir Woods National Monument reopens and encourages visitors to make reservations online.
Santa Clara County announces free COVID-19 testing at two pop-up sites from June 30 to July 2—in Sunnyvale and East San Jose. No appointment needed.
Contra Costa County will postpone COVID-19 reopening timeline that was previously planned for July 1.

June 28

Gov. Gavin Newsom orders bars to close after a spike in CCP virus cases.

June 27

CAL FIRE announces a red flag warning in Northern California and the Central Valley from June 28–29 due to gusty winds and low humidity.

June 26

Berkeley reminds residents to celebrate Fourth of July safely without fireworks and that the celebration at Berkeley Waterfront has been canceled.
Nevada County Transit is offering fare-free service through July 31.

June 25

Oakland school board votes to dismantle its own police force.
Gov. Newsom declares a budget emergency to support state’s response to COVID-19.
Calaveras County Fairgrounds COVID-19 testing is open Tuesday-Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment.
CVS Health adds 35 additional new drive-thru testing sites in California. The complete list can be found here.

June 24

Berkeley will start enforcing meters again on July 1.
Businesses in Tehama County can refer to this site for reopening guidance.
San Mateo County lists six testing sites for the week of June 29.
Shasta County will open cooling centers due to extreme heat.
Another businessman, Walter Wong, is charged in the San Francisco corruption investigation. He had deep ties with former San Francisco mayors and the late power broker Rose Pak.

June 23

Merced County announces a new testing location in Los Banos. See here for other locations in the county.
Humboldt County announces that most sectors have reopened. See list here.
The Great Plates Delivered Program in Berkeley extends to July 10.
West Sacramento extends testing site to July 3.

June 22

Butte County releases a heat advisory for its residents of temperatures reaching between 100-110 degrees and lasting through June 27.
The Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and the San Jose Sharks are partnering to provide residents with free and easy walk-up COVID-19 testing at SAP Center at San Jose from June 23-27.
Golden Gate Bridge announces updated parking restrictions. All bridge parking lots at the south end of the Bridge will reopen on weekdays. They will remain closed on weekends and holidays.
San Francisco announces next phase of reopening to begin on June 29 to include salons, museums, zoos, outdoor bars and outdoor swimming.
San Jose residents are tired of illegal fireworks that are keeping them and their families up at night. At the beginning of June, the city announced that people can report illegal fireworks by taking a photo and filling out some information online.

June 20

Vandals in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park took down statues of Francis Scott Key, who penned the national anthem, and Ulysses S. Grant, the famed general who helped win the Civil War.

June 19

Mendocino County allows activities under Stage 3 of reopening which includes personal care services.
Sonoma County allows more businesses and activities to resume starting June 19.
Sacramento County allows additional businesses like nail salons, tattoo parlors, massage therapy, and waxing to reopen.

June 18

Alameda County allows all retail, outdoor dining, outdoor fitness, outdoor museums, and limited religious and cultural services to reopen.
Gov. Gavin Newsom makes wearing masks mandatory.
San Mateo County will resume personal services like nail salons, body waxing, and tattoo parlors June 19.
Berkeley allows outdoor dining, retail, religious and fitness activities starting June 19.
San Francisco removes Christopher Columbus statue at Coit Tower. It was there since 1957.
Yolo County will resume personal care services on June 19.

June 17

San Mateo County limits gatherings to no more than 50 people, and allows dine-in restaurants, hair salons, gyms, and hotels to reopen.
San Benito County public health officer approves Stage 3 expanded personal care services to open June 19.
Solano County releases new guidance to allow personal care services and encourages businesses to develop reopening plans.
A 3.4 earthquake 8 kilometers (5 miles) northeast of Alum Rock was felt by Bay Area residents at 10:35 a.m.
The City of San Jose posts lists of areas still closed, including restrooms, playgrounds, basketball courts, BBQ areas, pools and more.
Pier 39 in San Francisco will reopen on June 18.
California winery tasting rooms begin to reopen in time for summer.

June 16

Humboldt County will reopen certified hotels, short-term rentals, and personal care services on Friday, June 19.
Santa Clara County increases free COVID-19 testing access in six pop-up sites in Cupertino, Los Altos, Palo Alto, and San José.
PG&E pleads guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the 2018 California wildfire.
California’s Yosemite Pines RV Resort is now open to serve vacation travelers.
The FBI announced that the man charged for killing a deputy in Santa Cruz County has also been accused of murdering a federal security officer in Oakland.
Contra Costa County continues to reopen businesses like hair salons, barbers, and activities starting June 17.
El Dorado County announces for Stage 3 reopening.

June 15

A statue commemorating one of California’s most prominent historical figures - John Sutter - has been removed from outside a Sacramento hospital.
Contra Costa Environmental Heath (CCEH) warns people about a harmful blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, blooming near Discovery Bay.
Humboldt County updates travel guidance and people are no longer limited to essential travel.
Santa Cruz County will allow expanded personal care services like hair and nail salons, tattoo parlors, and massage therapy to resume Friday, June 19.
San Jose Public Library will offer Express Pickup service for books at several locations, starting June 15 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
San Francisco moves into Phase 2B of reopening. People can now shop inside, enjoy more outdoor activities, and host gatherings of up to 12 people.

June 14

U.S. memory chipmaker Micron scored a major legal victory after a local court found two of its former employees guilty of passing trade secrets to a Chinese company. Two engineers at Taiwanese contract chipmaker United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) leaked technology from their former employer and used the trade secrets in a cooperation project with Chinese state-owned semiconductor manufacturer Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit, the court ruled. Their supervisor was also convicted for his involvement in the scheme. UMC USA is based in Sunnyvale, California.

June 12

BART stations open in Milpitas and Berryessa in North San Jose.
Stanislaus County receives guidance to reopen additional businesses like personal services.
California Department of Public Health releases guidance for nail salons and other personal care services.
Solano County amended its health order to allow low and medium-risk activities approved by the state.
Contra Costa County continues its reopening plan for hair salons and barber shops to be reopened for business on June 17, and indoor dining, bars, gyms and fitness centers, hotels and some indoor entertainment venues on July 1.
San Mateo County voted to ask the state’s permission to reopen large sectors of the local economy, including dine-in restaurants, hair salons, and gyms.
The San Mateo Superior Court announced it will resume hearing jury trials starting Monday, June 15.
Shasta County allows more businesses to reopen.
San Francisco police will no longer respond to non-criminal calls like homeless encampments.
Sacramento County announced it will move further into Stage 3 of reopening starting June 12. Bars, wineries, gyms, pools, galleries, and theaters may resume.

June 11

Mendocino County moves into Stage 3 of reopening.
Children 18 and under can get free lunches during the summer at City of Berkeley parks and certain Berkeley public schools.
Yolo County announces more activities will resume starting June 12. This includes schools, movie theaters, wineries, gyms, hotels, zoos, museums, and swimming pools.

June 10

Santa Cruz County extends Great Plates Delivered program through July 10.
Monterey County welcomes back tourism and opens additional businesses starting June 12.
Sacramento International Airport announces PPE vending machines in both terminals for passengers.
West Sacramento testing site is extended to June 27.

June 9

Fisherman’s Wharf crabbers will receive financial assistance for in wake of the Pier 45 fire.
San Mateo County announces three easy-access locations for COVID-19 testing.
Quail Fire is at 1,837 acres and 90 percent contained as of 7 p.m.
San Francisco announces it will allow outdoor dining starting June 12.
Three more are charged in San Francisco City Hall corruption case centering on public works director Mohammed Nuru. Those charged are his girlfriend, a former public works employee, and a local sports bar owner.

June 8

PG&E plans to relocate San Francisco headquarters to Oakland.
Santa Clara County announces confirmed positive West Nile Virus tests in mosquitoes in parts of Milpitas. Mosquito control treatment scheduled for Milpitas at approximately 11 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 (3 hours).
San Mateo County announces that more parks are scheduled to reopen starting June 9.
The Quail Fire southwest of Winters in Solano County is 1,837 acres and 50 percent contained as of 7 a.m.

June 7

High winds cause the Golden Gate Bridge to make musical tones after a handrail on the west sidewalk was replaced to allow more airflow.

June 6

Thousands of protesters march across the Golden Gate Bridge, blocking traffic.
Cal Fire announces fire outbreak at Quail Canyon Road and Pleasants Valley Road, southwest of Winters. As of 9 p.m. June 6, the Quail Fire is burning at 1,200 acres, 5 percent contained, and evacuations are in progress.

June 5

Alameda County updates shelter in place order to allow small social gatherings of up to 12 people.
Starting June 5, the City of Milpitas will allow outdoor dining.
Santa Cruz County announces five local restaurants and caterers chosen to deliver fresh, nutritious meals to hundreds of local seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
El Dorado County sent joint letter to Governor Newsom requesting to relax some restrictions on tourism lodging and recreation travel.
San Francisco launches Presidio Slow Streets, for people to walk, run, and bike safely from June 8 to 30. See map for select streets that would be closed to vehicles.
Contra Costa County can reopen outdoor dining, pools, and religious services starting 5 p.m. June 5.
San Francisco announces that seniors affected by COVID-19 can sign up to get three free restaurant meals per day through Great Plates Delivered SF.

June 4

San Jose lifts curfew.
The Santa Clara County updates its shelter-in-place order and allows additional businesses and activities to resume.
Solano County sheriff announces curfew expires.
Contra Costa County lifts curfew.
San Mateo County allows outdoor dining and charter boat operations starting June 6.
Lake County allows indoor dining at restaurants, with modifications.
Berkeley rescinds curfew.
Alameda County lifts curfew, including the City of San Leandro.

June 3

Berkeley extends its curfew for two more nights, starting at 9pm on both June 3 and June 4 and ending at 5 a.m.
Santa Cruz County approved a plan to give local eateries and businesses additional options for outdoor dining and shopping experiences.
Napa County orders curfew June 2-4 between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
San Francisco will lift the curfew order on June 4th at 5 a.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for inland parts of the Bay Area, for June 3 for near record heat, with highs in the 90s to lower 100s. The advisory is in effect from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
El Dorado County clarifies approval process for reopening of Stage 3 businesses.

June 2

Three dead after helicopter crashes into PG&E power line in Fairfield.
Palo Alto sets curfew from June 2 at 8:30 p.m. to June 11 at 5 a.m.
The City of Sacramento has imposed a citywide curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until further notice.
Sacramento County has proclaimed a Local State of Emergency due to civil unrest and deployed National Guard troops in the area to aid local law enforcement agencies.
San Mateo County announces curfew 8:30 p.m. on June 2 through 5 a.m. June 4.
Lake County requires face coverings in all businesses and government offices.
Starting June 3, Contra Costa County residents may return to work, shop at local retail stores, get childcare, and hang out in small groups with loved ones.
Contra Costa County issues curfew order from June 2 at 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following day, until further notice.
Solano County issues curfew order starting June 2 at 8 p.m. to June 4 at 5 a.m.
Shoreline Lake in Mountain View announced that Boathouse operations will restart (on a limited basis) on June 8 for summer camps.

June 1

Berkeley issues curfew starting at 8 p.m. on June 1 and June 2 and lasting until 5 a.m. the following morning.
Alameda County’s curfew starts June 1 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until further notice.
Santa Clara County will allow in-store retail, outdoor dining, all manufacturing, small service businesses, childcare, and summer programs, as well as religious, cultural, and civic activities to resume starting June 5.
In a joint statement, Bay Area health officers announced more reopenings starting next week.
Fremont announces citywide curfew from June 1 through June 8 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Hayward enforces curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until June 8.
Danville’s curfew is from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m until further notice.
Pleasant Hill’s curfew is from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. until further notice.
Santa Clara’s curfew will start 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. on May 31 until future notice.
Walnut Creek establishes curfew starting 6 p.m. on May 31.
On June 2, Lucky Brand’s website, stores, and offices will be closed nationwide. Employees will be given paid time off to reflect on the recent events in Minneapolis and demonstrations throughout our nation.
San Jose announced a citywide curfew from 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the next 7 days, effective May 31.
Nordstrom and Apple close as stores are looted.
Target makes decision to change store hours or close stores nationwide for the safety of employees and shoppers after protests and riots break out.
San Leandro enacts curfew due to civil unrest from June 1 through June 8, every day from 6:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m.
In San Francisco, 87 people were arrested for violating the curfew and 33 people were arrested for felony looting.
San Francisco announces curfew from 8 p.m. on May 31 to 5 a.m. on June 1 due to the protests.
At least 4,400 people have been arrested nationwide over the George Floyd protests. Offenses include looting, violence, and arson.

May 30

Monterey County announces approval to move into expanded Stage 2.
San Francisco announces free COVID-19 testing in District 10 from May 30–June 7.

May 29

Santa Cruz County moves to the end of Stage 2 to allow local restaurants, barbershops, and hair salons to reopen.
Starting June 1, San Mateo County allows places of worship and in-store retail to reopen. Limitations on going to the beach are also removed.
Yolo County testing site will move to West Sacramento for the next three weeks, from June 2–June 20.
Kaiser Permanente extends COVID-19 cost waiver through Dec. 31.
Sacramento County public health announces partnership with California National Guard and 10,000 tested at Cal Expo since it opened on March 24.

May 28

IRS alerts millions of Americans to check their mail for stimulus debit cards.
Mendocino County allows places of worship, funeral services, hair salons, and in-person protests.
San Francisco announces timeline and plan to safely reopen the city.
Monterey County allows places of worship to reopen, with guidelines.
Colusa County announces that citizens are free to resume normal functions, allowing reopening of all businesses. The county encourages exercising kindness and good judgment.
California Historical Society launches an online gallery featuring COVID-19 stories.
CVS Health opens 91 additional new drive-thru test sites in California, part of its goal to establish 1,000 COVID-19 test sites across the country.

May 27

El Dorado County today rescinds nonessential travel ban into the Lake Tahoe Basin for locals. However, the public health officer points out that people should not go to Lake Tahoe unless they have an essential purpose for doing so.
Berkeley makes childcare and summer camps available to more workers under new shelter-in-place order.
Solano County amends health order to allow barbershops and hair salons to reopen with modifications.
Salinas and Greenfield in Monterey County will have free community COVID-19 testing open every week from Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Bay Area Express Lanes will resume tolling next week starting June 1 at 5 a.m.
BART announces a 15-step plan to welcome back riders as the region reopens. The plan includes cleaning, increasing train frequency, reconfiguring seats, requiring face coverings, offering hand sanitizer, and using contactless payments.
Placer County announces that its Board of Supervisors unanimously agrees to seek approval to move into Stage 3 reopening.

May 26

El Dorado County barbershops and hair salons may open.
Santa Cruz County allows office workspaces, in-store retail, religious services, cultural ceremonies, manufacturing, limited personal services, protests, and outdoor museums to resume.
Stanislaus County is looking to reopen places of worship and let them operate at 25 percent capacity.
Lake County will allow hair salons and barbershops to reopen.
Yolo County announces that additional activities may resume. Starting May 27, nonessential businesses, retail, and dine-in may resume. On May 28, barbershops and hair salons may resume. On May 29, places of worship may resume.
Governor Newsom announces that the state may move to expanded Stage 3 of reopening. Most California counties are allowed to reopen barbershops and hair salons.
For low-income households impacted by the shelter-in-place order, San Francisco Water is offering utility bill discounts.

May 24

San Francisco is accepting applications to offer hotel rooms for essential workers living in overcrowded housing.

May 22

Sierra County announces first case of COVID-19, with investigation underway.
Tennis and pickleball courts reopen for singles play only in Berkeley.
Great Plates Delivered program coming to Yolo County. It will run until June 10 but may be extended.
Oakland closes more streets for its Slow Streets Program to allow more space for people to spread out.
Sacramento County will move further into Stage 2 of reopening starting today.
Tulare County advances to Phase 3 of reopening, letting businesses like barbers, movie theaters, shopping malls, and churches reopen.

May 21

Santa Clara County is seeking volunteers to support case investigation and contact tracing for COVID-19.
Mendocino County moves into expanded Stage 2 of reopening starting May 22 at 11:59 p.m. until June 12.
The UC Board of Regents has unanimously approved suspending ACT and SAT for freshman applicants until fall 2024.
Solano County receives OK to move further into Stage 2 and will begin to reopen retail stores, shopping malls, and dine-in restaurants.
Chipotle launches a new eGift card program to celebrate 2020 graduates.
San Francisco postal district launches virtual hiring platform event on May 27. They are hiring for several positions both temporary and long-term.
CVS Health opens 14 new drive-thru test sites in California as part of nationwide COVID-19 response.
Mendocino County launches a website for business reopening plans.

May 20

San Mateo County allows all types of childcare facilities to operate with specific safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
San Francisco Department of Public Health announces that some routine medical appointments like dental and elective surgeries will be allowed, as long as providers have in place specific safety requirements.
Stanislaus County receives approval for Stage 2 reopening.
The City of San Jose and Santa Clara County announce free COVID-19 testing is now available for all residents at PAL Stadium and Santa Clara County Fairgrounds (Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.).
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announces that it is open to serve those with essential needs to travel.
Tarla Mediterranean Bar+Grill, a restaurant in Napa, will be the first in the Bay Area to reopen on May 23.
Mendocino County announces new COVID-19 testing site in Ukiah that will launch on May 23.

May 19

Napa County approved to move into Expanded Stage 2.
The City of Santa Clara reopens tennis courts.
Sacramento County accelerates further into Stage 2. See list for reopening here.
Placer County launches tool to indicate which businesses are allowed for Stage 2 reopening.
San Francisco announces free COVID-19 testing in the Tenderloin district from May 20–24 and May 28–June 1. Appointments preferred, but not necessary.
President Trump tweeted that SF Bay Area’s SFO, Muni, and BART will receive $700 million to aid in economic recovery.
Kaiser Permanente is making Calm, a meditation and sleep app, available to members at no cost. It is part of the company’s self-care portfolio to help people manage stress in uncertain times.

May 18

Santa Clara County revises shelter-in-place order, to be effective May 22.
Newsom announces that professional sports could restart in stadiums as early as June 1, but without fans.
Contra Costa County will allow curbside retail starting May 19.
In a joint statement, Bay Area counties are moving to the next steps to reopen. The new order allows storefront pickup and also allows the manufacturing, warehousing, and logistical operations that support retail to resume.

May 15

San Francisco releases directives for required best practices for industries including dental, surgical, pharmaceutical, cannabis, food, shipping, and delivery.
Across San Mateo County, over 500 older residents have been matched with restaurants and other food providers to receive three meals per day.
Most San Francisco retailers can open for curbside pickup starting May 18. Businesses supplying them may also resume.
The state has approved Del Norte County for Stage 2 reopening guidance.
Contra Costa County will allow vehicle-based gatherings and services starting May 19. Gatherings may occur in large outdoor spaces like parking lots for less than three hours. Click here for more details.
Postmates is now doing curbside pickup for restaurants and retailers so that businesses can reopen more quickly and easily.

May 14

Sonoma County amends shelter-in-place order to allow additional businesses to reopen and provide services, effective at 12:01 a.m. on May 15.
Verily’s Project Baseline now available in Lake County for COVID-19 testing.
Yolo County allows additional activities like childcare, car washes, pet grooming, appliance repair, residential and janitorial cleaning, outdoor museums, and open gallery spaces to reopen.
Contra Costa County extends isolation time for people with symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test from 7 to 10 days.
California Department of Public Health updates list of counties allowed for Stage 2 opening. There are currently 18.
Sacramento County is opening an appointment-only, walk-thru COVID-19 testing site at St. Paul’s Baptist Church on May 15.

May 13

Four Eagle fighter jets perform a flyover around California to salute health care workers, first responders, and front line workers fighting against COVID-19, beginning at 10 a.m. on May 13.
Berkeley announces food resources available for those in need.

May 12

Monterey County announces free testing for all county residents, by appointment only.
El Dorado County announces it received Newsom’s approval to fully move into Stage 2 reopening.
California releases new guidelines for dine-in restaurants and retail stores. These include cleaning thoroughly in high-traffic areas, providing disposable menus and making menus available digitally, not pre-setting tables, and avoiding shared condiment bottles.
Contra Costa County urges schools to host online graduation celebrations. For schools that can’t hold virtual graduations, here are guidelines for holding in-person ceremonies safely.

May 11

Del Norte County announces guidelines for in-restaurant dining. It rules that customers can eat at restaurants with outdoor seating. Social distancing must be maintained, and tables must be separated by at least 8 feet in all directions.
Tesla’s parking lot is full as employees return to work despite county order.
Merced County warns residents to disregard a fake letter informing clients they must get tested for COVID-19 to continue their benefits. The release stated that state departments and county human services departments never ask about health status for benefits application.
Filoli Historic House & Garden is now open to visitors. The Garden is open with certain restrictions to maintain social distancing, but The House is still closed until further notice.
Yuba and Sutter counties reopen businesses like shopping malls, restaurants, and nail and hair salons. Modoc County is on phase one of its strategic plan to reopen.

May 9

Tesla sues Alameda County, and Musk threatens to pull company out of California.
San Francisco announces new requirements for face coverings, hand sanitizers, and a written safety plan for essential businesses—to be effective at 11:59 p.m. on May 15.
Alameda County launches Great Plates Delivered, a meals program to assist the elderly.
El Dorado County announces it is ready to fully open Stage 2 businesses and facilities.

May 8

Following the statewide transition to Stage 2 of reopening, Mendocino County’s new shelter-in-place order goes into effect May 8 at 11:59 p.m. and will be in place until June 8.
People can explore San Francisco’s Presidio wildflowers virtually for Mother’s Day.
Drive-thru COVID-19 testing is coming to Clearlake in Lake County May 12 and May 14.
Napa County modifies shelter-at-home order and requires face coverings while inside businesses and in workplaces where social distancing can’t be maintained, effective May 9 at 12:01 a.m.
Amador County announces additional businesses may open. They include curbside retail for bookstores, jewelry stores, toy stores, clothing stores, home and furnishing stores, sporting goods stores, antique stores, and music stores.

May 7

Governor Newsom announces statewide transition to Stage 2 of reopening.
Starting May 8, Solano County businesses considered low-risk may reopen, and they will be subjected to specific social distancing practices.
Starting May 8, Yolo County, Monterey County, Napa County, and San Joaquin County will allow retail curbside pickup for retail establishments, manufacturing, and logistics and warehouse operations.
Families with children eligible for free or reduced-price meals can receive extra food benefits under the new Pandemic EBT or P-EBT program.
Merced County launches website with resources to prepare business owners for reopening of economy.
Amador County’s Lake Camanche and Lake Pardee will reopen with modifications.
Contra Costa County offers COVID-19 testing for all county residents. Here is the list of testing facilities.

May 6

Santa Cruz County announces relaxing of restrictions on low-risk businesses, allowing curbside pickup and delivery.
Lake County’s Clear Lake is expecting to reopen to local residents only on May 9. Nonessential travel remains restricted.
Monterey County releases list of county parks and their reopening status. However, picnic grounds, campgrounds, playgrounds, and most park restrooms remain closed.
San Francisco announces the Essential Worker Ride Home program that covers up to 10 taxi rides per person per month commuting between 9:00 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. Must apply and be eligible for program.
Any Berkeley resident with COVID-19 symptoms can now get tested for free.
Starting today, Sacramento County allows free drive-thru testing for anyone 18 or older. People can complete an online screening before getting tested.

May 5

California’s first virtual wedding ceremony takes place at 7:30 p.m. in Supervisor Cindy Chavez’s San Jose office.

May 4

Governor Newsom temporarily allows marriage via videoconference. Click here to see the special requirements.
San Francisco County announces requirements for self-isolation for individuals diagnosed with or likely to have COVID-19.
California allows some businesses to reopen with restrictions starting May 8.
Berkeley’s Skate Park has reopened, but athletic courts remain closed.
Santa Clara County to launch two new testing sites by appointment only.
El Dorado County announces two COVID-19 testing sites by appointment for all residents.

May 2

Walmart and Amazon offer free home delivery when you purchase $35 or more of groceries with the CalFresh Food EBT card. More info here.

May 1

Modoc County announces strategic plan to reopen all businesses essential and nonessential with precautions. The county has no confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Yuba and Sutter counties allow lower-risk businesses to open with safety protocols.
San Franciscans protest California lockdown at City Hall.
Lake County extends shelter-in-place through May 17.
Monterey County updates its shelter order effective May 4, permitting landscaping, gardening, drive-in church services, and golfing (distancing must be practiced).
Berkeley’s emergency eviction moratorium protects renters from being evicted. Renters must notify landlords in writing no more than seven days after rent is due.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced that it will distribute 100,000 face coverings supplied by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to truck drivers in California, starting today.
San Diego International Airport now mandates facial coverings.
El Dorado County has extended the travel ban on all nonessential travel into the county’s portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Solano County amends shelter-at-home order to include outdoor recreation as an essential activity. This includes golfing, hiking, biking, bicycling, boating, and jogging.

*The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Party’s coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic.