L.A. COVID-19 update

L.A. County Launches ‘WiFi Finder’ to Reduce Digital Divide During COVID-19

Betti Halsell Contributing WriterMay 15, 2020

The L.A. County acknowledged the critical necessity for internet to be widely available across Los Angeles. Schools and other academic programs are only accessible online due to the COVID-19 outbreak. According to American Community Survey Data for L.A. County, approximately 210,000 children have a computer. However, they do not have access to a broadband, nearly 300,000 students do not have internet access.The L.A. Board of Supervisors announced the WiFi Finder; a tool co-created by the 2-1-1 and LA County, equips L.A. County residents with a “one-stop approach to getting access.”

COVID-19 Economy News (Business)

Mayor Garcetti Foresees Extreme Budget cuts in the future; L.A. faces one of the worst Fiscal seasons due to COVID-19

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 21, 2020

Monday, April 20. The Mayor of Los Angeles provided an update surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Eric Garcetti outlined city structures that were directly affected by coronavirus. From a fiscal perspective, L.A. is in its worst economic shape since the recession. Eric Garcetti put a budget in place to stabilize the city’s economy. Within the Annual State of the City Address, Eric Garcetti confirmed a second wave of the virus. The second wave will factor into decisions made around lifting the Stay at Home Order. Mayor Garcetti covered the CARES Corps. He stated it would help with testing, that focuses on contact tracing of the virus. The CARE Corps. Is looking to be a long-term solution for the current systematic disparities that Los Angeles is facing.