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A Call With Katie Porter: ‘This Is Not a Partisan Crisis’ A Call With Katie Porter: ‘This Is Not a Partisan Crisis’
(about 3 hours later)
Good morning.Good morning.
On Tuesday evening, Gov. Gavin Newsom told MSNBC that the state would be able to buy 200 million desperately needed masks per month, under deals with a variety of sources. “Enough of the small ball,” he said of efforts to bulk up the state’s supply of personal protective equipment amid a global shortage.On Tuesday evening, Gov. Gavin Newsom told MSNBC that the state would be able to buy 200 million desperately needed masks per month, under deals with a variety of sources. “Enough of the small ball,” he said of efforts to bulk up the state’s supply of personal protective equipment amid a global shortage.
Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles also announced an order that customers at grocery stores and other essential businesses wear face coverings. The directive, which takes effect on Friday, comes as workers at those businesses express mounting concerns over a lack of protection.Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles also announced an order that customers at grocery stores and other essential businesses wear face coverings. The directive, which takes effect on Friday, comes as workers at those businesses express mounting concerns over a lack of protection.
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Last month, Representative Katie Porter, the freshman Democrat elected as part of Orange County’s “blue wave” in 2018, extracted a promise from the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make coronavirus testing free for all Americans.Last month, Representative Katie Porter, the freshman Democrat elected as part of Orange County’s “blue wave” in 2018, extracted a promise from the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make coronavirus testing free for all Americans.
Video of the exchange drew headlines and praise from progressives — and, as The California Sunday Magazine reported in a profile of her, it wasn’t the first time that’s happened.Video of the exchange drew headlines and praise from progressives — and, as The California Sunday Magazine reported in a profile of her, it wasn’t the first time that’s happened.
Still, when I talked to her by phone recently, she was, like millions of other Californians, figuring out how to work from home while also caring for her children. She is a single parent to three.Still, when I talked to her by phone recently, she was, like millions of other Californians, figuring out how to work from home while also caring for her children. She is a single parent to three.
“What I’ve learned is I don’t have any highlighters, I don’t have any Post-it notes, I don’t have any legal pads,” Ms. Porter told me. “I have a lot of markers.”“What I’ve learned is I don’t have any highlighters, I don’t have any Post-it notes, I don’t have any legal pads,” Ms. Porter told me. “I have a lot of markers.”
At one point during our call, she paused to talk to her daughter, who she said had donned a homemade unicorn mask.At one point during our call, she paused to talk to her daughter, who she said had donned a homemade unicorn mask.
I asked her about the federal government’s response to the pandemic and the upcoming general election to keep her seat.I asked her about the federal government’s response to the pandemic and the upcoming general election to keep her seat.
Here’s our conversation, edited and condensed:Here’s our conversation, edited and condensed:
Take me back to when you first became aware of the coronavirus as a potentially very serious threat. When was it, and what was going through your mind?Take me back to when you first became aware of the coronavirus as a potentially very serious threat. When was it, and what was going through your mind?
Orange County had the second confirmed case of coronavirus in the country on Jan. 25.Orange County had the second confirmed case of coronavirus in the country on Jan. 25.
This is a very diverse community, with a lot of international travel, U.C.I., the business community, a large Chinese-American community, so I think our office began immediately to take it very seriously.This is a very diverse community, with a lot of international travel, U.C.I., the business community, a large Chinese-American community, so I think our office began immediately to take it very seriously.
I wrote to the C.D.C. and requested a briefing for Orange County Congress members. Right away, we put together a F.A.Q. It was one of the first ones that was rolled out.I wrote to the C.D.C. and requested a briefing for Orange County Congress members. Right away, we put together a F.A.Q. It was one of the first ones that was rolled out.
A lot of this, for me, has been frustration that Congress and some of our local leaders and the administration have been slow.A lot of this, for me, has been frustration that Congress and some of our local leaders and the administration have been slow.
What are your top priorities going forward for Californians, in terms of consumer protection or economic stimulus?What are your top priorities going forward for Californians, in terms of consumer protection or economic stimulus?
The affordability of care is one big priority — the affordability of treatment.The affordability of care is one big priority — the affordability of treatment.
The second is trying to help people, like small business owners, understand, as they wade through all of this, things like, “How do I apply for that? What if I’ve already let my employees go?”The second is trying to help people, like small business owners, understand, as they wade through all of this, things like, “How do I apply for that? What if I’ve already let my employees go?”
I’m trying to use some of my skills as a teacher to educate people about what help is available. Unemployment insurance varies state by state.I’m trying to use some of my skills as a teacher to educate people about what help is available. Unemployment insurance varies state by state.
It’s hard to keep your eyes on this $500 billion treasury fund, but we need to be making sure there’s going to be appropriate oversight. Who’s getting that money? I would love to serve on that oversight commission.It’s hard to keep your eyes on this $500 billion treasury fund, but we need to be making sure there’s going to be appropriate oversight. Who’s getting that money? I would love to serve on that oversight commission.
We’re watching where the bailout is going, and whether it’s doing what it is intended to do: Keep jobs.We’re watching where the bailout is going, and whether it’s doing what it is intended to do: Keep jobs.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask you about the November general election. You were leading by a pretty wide margin, with just more than 50 percent of the vote in your primary on Super Tuesday.I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask you about the November general election. You were leading by a pretty wide margin, with just more than 50 percent of the vote in your primary on Super Tuesday.
This is a painful reminder that elections have real consequences in people’s lives.This is a painful reminder that elections have real consequences in people’s lives.
This is going to be a hard race. I have to be doing my job, first and foremost, helping people as a congressperson.This is going to be a hard race. I have to be doing my job, first and foremost, helping people as a congressperson.
I’m hopeful we’re going to see really high participation. We’re fortunate to have widespread voting by mail in Orange County.I’m hopeful we’re going to see really high participation. We’re fortunate to have widespread voting by mail in Orange County.
This is an opportunity to see how important it is to elect people who are smart, are competent and will put people’s interests ahead of special interests, whether it’s the presidential race, or senate or local government.This is an opportunity to see how important it is to elect people who are smart, are competent and will put people’s interests ahead of special interests, whether it’s the presidential race, or senate or local government.
Mine is still a majority Republican district, but this is not a partisan crisis.Mine is still a majority Republican district, but this is not a partisan crisis.
[See all the confirmed coronavirus cases in California by county.][See all the confirmed coronavirus cases in California by county.]
We often link to sites that limit access for nonsubscribers. We appreciate your reading Times coverage, but we also encourage you to support local news if you can.We often link to sites that limit access for nonsubscribers. We appreciate your reading Times coverage, but we also encourage you to support local news if you can.
In some states, black Americans are facing alarmingly high rates of coronavirus infection. [The New York Times]In some states, black Americans are facing alarmingly high rates of coronavirus infection. [The New York Times]
In California, public health officials are still working to compile racial and ethnic data about patients. [Politico]In California, public health officials are still working to compile racial and ethnic data about patients. [Politico]
The pandemic has sent stocks, including Pacific Gas & Electric’s, tumbling. That’s complicating the utility’s efforts to emerge from bankruptcy. [The New York Times]The pandemic has sent stocks, including Pacific Gas & Electric’s, tumbling. That’s complicating the utility’s efforts to emerge from bankruptcy. [The New York Times]
As death tolls mount from the coronavirus pandemic, we want to keep sight of the fact that the statistics represents real lives, and real families grieving terrible losses.As death tolls mount from the coronavirus pandemic, we want to keep sight of the fact that the statistics represents real lives, and real families grieving terrible losses.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 5, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The Times’s Obituaries desk is putting together a collection of stories about those we’ve lost to the coronavirus. And starting today, we’ll also be publishing short obituaries from time to time in California Today.The Times’s Obituaries desk is putting together a collection of stories about those we’ve lost to the coronavirus. And starting today, we’ll also be publishing short obituaries from time to time in California Today.
If you’d like to share memories of someone you’ve lost to Covid-19, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com.If you’d like to share memories of someone you’ve lost to Covid-19, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com.
The first remembrance was written by Janice Hui, managing director of the investigative reporting program at the U.C. Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, through our partnership with the school:The first remembrance was written by Janice Hui, managing director of the investigative reporting program at the U.C. Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, through our partnership with the school:
Ken Machado, known as “Cowboy Kenny,” embodied resilience. Mr. Machado, a 60-year-old former rodeo competitor, did not let Lyme disease, two heart surgeries and injuries from two car accidents stop him from living a full life.Ken Machado, known as “Cowboy Kenny,” embodied resilience. Mr. Machado, a 60-year-old former rodeo competitor, did not let Lyme disease, two heart surgeries and injuries from two car accidents stop him from living a full life.
“My siblings and I had a list and we’d check off his nine lives,” said his youngest sister, Diane Machado-Wyant. “He always seemed to spring back.”“My siblings and I had a list and we’d check off his nine lives,” said his youngest sister, Diane Machado-Wyant. “He always seemed to spring back.”
Mr. Machado died on March 16, three days after seeing a doctor for a skin rash. He developed a 102-degree fever and tightness in his chest. His condition deteriorated so quickly that he died before paramedics could reach him at his ranch in Paicines, a rural community not far from Monterey.Mr. Machado died on March 16, three days after seeing a doctor for a skin rash. He developed a 102-degree fever and tightness in his chest. His condition deteriorated so quickly that he died before paramedics could reach him at his ranch in Paicines, a rural community not far from Monterey.
He tested positive for Covid-19 after his death. His sister said it’s unclear how he contracted the disease, but he returned from a monthlong trip to Thailand two weeks before he died.He tested positive for Covid-19 after his death. His sister said it’s unclear how he contracted the disease, but he returned from a monthlong trip to Thailand two weeks before he died.
Mr. Machado raised horses with his girlfriend on his 60-acre ranch. For years he was active in the rodeo circuit, riding bulls, team roping and performing as a rodeo clown.Mr. Machado raised horses with his girlfriend on his 60-acre ranch. For years he was active in the rodeo circuit, riding bulls, team roping and performing as a rodeo clown.
“He was just a good ‘ol cowboy,” said his brother Glen Machado. “Not many of them left.”“He was just a good ‘ol cowboy,” said his brother Glen Machado. “Not many of them left.”
Even as a youngster, Mr. Machado “didn’t know what the word ‘quit’ was,” recalled his childhood friend, Michael Rodrigues, who said people were naturally drawn to him. “He was the kind of guy who could walk into a room and after a half-hour, he’d be friends with everyone.”Even as a youngster, Mr. Machado “didn’t know what the word ‘quit’ was,” recalled his childhood friend, Michael Rodrigues, who said people were naturally drawn to him. “He was the kind of guy who could walk into a room and after a half-hour, he’d be friends with everyone.”
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Jill Cowan grew up in Orange County, graduated from U.C. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles — but she always wants to see more. Follow along here or on Twitter, @jillcowan.Jill Cowan grew up in Orange County, graduated from U.C. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles — but she always wants to see more. Follow along here or on Twitter, @jillcowan.
California Today is edited by Julie Bloom, who grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from U.C. Berkeley.California Today is edited by Julie Bloom, who grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from U.C. Berkeley.