A.M. Brief: 5 Vaccine Mega-Sites to Close This Weekend Due to Dose Shortages

When it comes to the vaccine, we’ve got the demand, but not the supply. Hopefully, more is on the way. Also this morning: A private school vaccinates its teaching staff, cop merch gets a cease-and-desist, and new restrictions on RV street parking are coming to NELA. As always, this is your morning news brief. Take it!

Morning News Rundown

Five of L.A.’s vaccine mega-sites—including Dodger Stadium—will close Friday and Saturday due to a vaccine shortage, according to a statement from Mayor Eric Garcetti. The shortage comes even as Public Health expressed a goal to broaden vaccine availability in the coming weeks to frontline food workers, law enforcement, and educators. Officials are hopeful that pending vaccine deliveries will allow them to reopen early next week. [ABC 7]

So, private schools can jump the line to get their teachers vaccinated? The Wesley School in North Hollywood apparently did, according to an email they sent to parents. It referenced a “special program for essential workers and educators” that allowed their teachers to receive a dose from Northridge Hospital. If those doses were received, it would seem to run counter to L.A. County Public Health’s stance that it would be at least two to three weeks before vaccinations for educators would begin. [L.A. Times]

A company hawking products marketed by “cop influencer” Toni McBride discontinued sales after receiving a cease-and-desist from the LAPD for trademark infringement. McBride had previously come under scrutiny for the fatal shooting of Daniel Hernandez this past April. [L.A. Taco]

New restrictions on overnight parking for RVs, campers, and other oversized vehicles are coming to 27 designated stretches of roadway in central and northeast Los Angeles. District 1 Councilmember Gil Cedillo pushed for the restrictions, which City Council voted to approve on Wednesday. [The Eastsider]

According to Southern California Gas Co., Los Angeles Sheriff’s officials contacted the company about building a helipad on a plot of its land near Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s residence in La Habra Heights. They said no, but then work on the project began anyway without permission. A cease-and-desist letter was sent to stop and undo any work already completed. The LAUSD has released a statement disputing the allegations. [L.A. Times]

1,383 people experiencing homelessness died in Los Angeles County last year, a record that surpassed the 2019 total by more than 100 people. Overall, the 2020 homeless count showed that 66,436 people were experiencing homelessness in the county, a 12.7% year-over-year increase. [Crosstown LA]