A.M. Brief: California Aims to “Fully Reopen” by June 15

Two months until California fully reopens. A plan is approved to house migrant children at the LB Convention Center. The drama at Tin Horn Flats continues. And a reality TV star considers entering the recall race. Just another Wednesday in L.A. Here’s your news brief. Have at it.

Morning News Rundown

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced yesterday that California intends to “fully reopen” by June 15, effectively ending the tiered reopening system currently used in counties across the state. The plan to lift restrictions is predicated on estimates of continued vaccinations and a decline in infection numbers statewide. Under this scenario, a mask mandate would still be in effect. [L.A. Times]

On Tuesday, Long Beach City Council approved a plan to use the city’s convention center as an emergency shelter for unaccompanied children arriving from the U.S.-Mexico border. Councilwoman Cindy Allen called it “the right thing to do.” [LB Post]

Lucas Lepejian, son of the owner of Tin Horn Flats in Burbank, was arrested for the third time on Tuesday after he was observed taking down sandbags the city placed in front of the restaurant to stop anyone from entering. Tin Horn Flats has been engaged in a months-long battle with authorities over COVID-19 protocol compliance, including a refusal to cease outdoor dining when the county’s strictest in-person rules were in place. A page on the Burbank city website now provides updates on the saga. [Daily News]

Olympic decathlete and reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner is thinking about entering the race to become California’s next governor, if and when a recall election for Gov. Gavin Newsom is confirmed. If Jenner does run, the field of potential candidates may be swarmed with GOP hopefuls facing an incumbent in a state where 56% of likely voters oppose the recall. [Deadline]

During the early days of stay-at-home, Metro ridership declined by as much as 70%. But with restrictions lifting and infections declining, ridership is rising closer to prior norms. In March, the system averaged about 600,000 daily riders, about 50% of the pre-pandemic average. [Streetsblog]