Tyler Hayden
This story was originally published by the Santa Barbara Independent and is reproduced here in partnership with Edhat.
By Tyler Hayden of The Independent
As Santa Barbara County battles against its third wave of the coronavirus, reporting 643 active cases Friday and 140 total deaths, Solvang is actively flouting Governor Gavin Newsom’s latest stay-at-home order. The order closed all in-person dining, hotels, and wineries and breweries ― the types of businesses the Danish-themed tourist town lives on.
On Monday, the city council voted to defy the state edict, which applies to the entire Southern California region, including Los Angeles. Mayor Ryan Toussaint filed the emergency motion. It was approved unanimously. “As of tonight, they can go about their business,” said Councilmember Daniel Johnson of the restaurants and bars lining downtown’s Copenhagen Drive.
“People can’t keep getting kicked like this,” said Councilmember Robert Clarke, complaining Solvang and Santa Barbara County shouldn’t be lumped with Los Angeles and its spiking caseload. “Maybe we need to rename all our restaurants French Laundry,” he quipped, alluding to Newsom’s famously hypocritical close-quarters dinner at an upscale Napa restaurant.
Clarke also suggested the governor’s order would last longer than the three weeks it currently dictates. “If anybody thinks this is going to be three weeks, you’re smoking something,” Clarke said. “The city needs to do something to keep these businesses open. I’ll take the heat wherever it comes from.”
Councilmembers Jim Thomas and Karen Waite raised concerns about the liability of such an openly defiant move. City Attorney Chip Wullbrandt said unless Solvang actively prevented the enforcement of Newsom’s order, he didn’t see any glaring legal issues. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over Solvang, hasn’t shown an appetite to issue citations, he pointed out.
The cities of Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach are making similarly subversive moves, Wullbrandt said. They even declared their outside restaurant tables public spaces, so take-out diners could sit there without fear of breaking the law. So is San Mateo, a much larger community. One of the state’s Superior Courts has already ruled Newsom’s order unlawful, Wullbrandt said, though he didn’t say which.
Before the 5-0 vote, Johnson pushed for Solvang to act quickly and not wait for the Santa Barbara County government to take a more regional stand. “You either do it now and open things up, or you don’t do it at all,” he said. “Because by the time you do it with letters and talking to the county… I mean, this is government, and it’s going to take forever.”
Toussaint, who said little during the meeting, issued his own statement afterward: “Significant concerns about the latest round of business shutdowns were expressed by residents, business representatives, and our council,” he said. “The community of Solvang has done a great job at being mindful, safe, and responsible while keeping our local economy going during these challenging times. The current order by the state is ill-conceived, unnecessary, and, quite frankly, negligent when it comes to protecting our community in a safe, balanced, and sane manner.”
Tracy Beard, executive director of the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, touted the city’s relatively low COVID-19 case count in her own arguments to ignore Newsom and keep businesses open. “We have had half a million people come through Solvang over the summer,” she said. “We must be doing something right in this town. I don’t understand why we’re not open.”
COVIDIOTS
I bet the State will send ABC agents to threaten people’s liquor licenses. They’ve done this in other ‘reluctant’ cities.
Solvang was very busy- EVERYONE practicing social distancing and wearing masks BTW… The Christmas decorations in the park and on Copenhagen St were a nice break from the usual… Merry Chirstmas!
Hooray for Solvang!
…says the virus.
Don’t like it, don’t visit.
LOL!
They think they are saying ‘we are willing to risk our lives to keep our freedoms’ what they are really saying ‘we are willing to kill to keep our freedoms’. The city council members should show us how it’s all done and bring their elderly relatives down for a little buffet smorgasbord!
Solvang, the largest tourist attraction near us. Especially for chinese and other foreigners. Holy hell i thought we were free of idiots like this! Good grief
Right on Solvang, and the other cities cited. Way to stand up to this Newsome bs. No, he’s really screwing up royally. Crystalspirit and macpuzl sound like they’re betting the farm there’s going to be a hotspot in Solvang next week or so. Well, let’s see. They probably also believed back in march the same bs the press was spewing about a doomsday week, “our generation’s Pearl Harbor” or something like that.
People were not masked and social distanced today in Solvang contrary to what someone wrote. I took a walk around noon and there were many couples were one person was not wearing a mask and people would stand too close at the stop lights. Won’t be going for any walks again in town.
Yeah, we’re getting more than a Pearl Harbor’s worth of death *each day* from the pandemic now, thanks to the deniers out there.
Well, I hate to break it to you, but Solvang isn’t alone. On Saturday I rode my bike down State Street and noticed three couples enjoying meals on the patio created by Chase Restaurant on State Street (which, by the way, has the prettiest Christmas decorations of any restaurant and looks very festive). Riding back up an hour later, there was a similar scene.
Today, Sunday, same thing. At least three tables at Chase were occupied by diners. This time it looked like the diners were eating out of take-out boxes, so maybe Chase is following other out-of-area restaurants, where their outdoor dining areas have been re-designated as “public spaces” so they can avoid liability issues.
Peering down the restaurant alley in the Paseo Nuevo, I observed that every table, at least a dozen of them, were occupied by groups of diners. That looked way worse, much more densely packed the few diners at Chase.
Personally, I am skeptical about any claims that outdoor restaurants are causing the spread of COVID. And I know there are scientists who back me up.
I have been eating at restaurants once or twice a week for the past few months, but I choose wisely and avoid the restaurants with a party-like atmosphere, and those with COVID cabanas, the tented “outdoor” structures that have ceilings and enclosed sides. I haven’t even considered eating inside, even when it was possible. On no occasion did I feel unsafe, seated 12 feet away from other diners, or interacting with wait staff.
When people are in public, they are more likely to restrain themselves and behave sensibly, especially outdoors, since you are literally on display, where errant behavior is going to be called out. Shut down outdoor restaurant dining and brewers and force individuals into private, indoor situations, and all hell will break loose.
I know there are people who will say: don’t party indoors, don’t eat outdoors, but people who make this argument just don’t understand that people are essentially social animals, and they will gather, whether you like it or not. Better to do it outdoors, in public, where behavior is visible and regulated, than in private indoor situations.
The blanket closure of all restaurants is, in my opinion, counterproductive. It isn’t going to stop the spread of the virus. It may even make things worse. And it is going to ruin a lot of businesses.
US direct combat deaths in WWII (not counting MIA, disease, accidents, etc.)
291,557
US deaths from COVID-19 to date (Johns Hopkins)
299,163
Whoa! Hate “foreigners” do ya’ PSTARS?
I’m not a denier at all, nor are the Solvang and SB business owners and workers and kids and families who are all abiding by rules and science and are still getting shafted.
Well put, loosecannon. The only thing I might add concerns your statement, “When people are in public, they are more likely to restrain themselves and behave sensibly, especially outdoors, since you are literally on display.”
That is, except for those ding-dongs that are making some kind of anti-masker statement. We’re fortunate that we don’t have those flaming loons around here. They’re mostly in Eastern Washington, Idaho, the Dakotas, and other spots around the U.S.
Your version of “science” must be phrenology.
Open up, more deaths. Close down, deaths decline. Open up, deaths climb. Close down, fewer deaths. How many times do we need to repeat this cycle before people figure it out?
A-1607907371 4 1 DEC 13, 2020 04:56 PM—–Please take my upvote.
Good one! You’re half right. I do have a big head, larger than average, if that’s what you were thinking. But I’m also a scientist, a physician to be precise. We just don’t agree partner.
Wow. I hope your patients don’t come to you for epidemiology advice.
Keep that malpractice insurance up to date!
Nice to know so that we avoid Solvang completely from now on.
With covid not from covid.
@ 8:08 PM –
I don’t think you understand the severity of the pandemic.
Do you think 300,000 deaths in the USA alone are faked?
International death totals are faked?
Other countries are in on the conspiracy?
Too little thinking behind such a comment.
AHCHOOO, if people are intent upon gathering in groups, which do you think poses the greatest risk: indoors, in a private setting; outdoors, say in a park or at the beach; or at an outdoor patio restaurant?
With the exception of sports bar restaurants, where groups of people are gathered around pitchers of beers and roaring loudly at the tv screens (projecting viral particles and spit in every direction), the vast majority of restaurants are rather sedate places, where people are on their best behaviour.
Certainly not a good idea for large groups to gather in restaurants, or anywhere else for that matter, but I see little harm or relatively little risk in one or two people or small families eating out, if they’re in regular contact anyway.
Nice to know, I will make a point to go support the locals struggling to make money during the holidays. After reading edhat for the past few (actually many) months during covid it turns out that we’re not all in this together. It’s been the haves against the have nots the whole time. Smh.
8:25 PM :
You don’y grasp the severity of this pandemic.
Over 3,000 deaths a day.
Young and old are in danger, depending on genetics.
Only fools deny that the restrictions work.
My neighbor and most of his family works in Solvang at three different restaurants. Every single one of them were Covid positive earlier this summer as were their line cooks, servers, front office and back office.
Luckily, probably because all are mostly youngish, symptoms were mild to barely moderate.
So they did the American Patriot thing – they went to work. None took a day off.
They kept slinging plates to the gumbahs from LA and Ventura.
Solvang City Council screech about no surges in the Valley.
Of course not sweetums, those workers live over here in Lompoc and their customers are from So Cal.
The sickened got counted in the county or city where they got tested – not where they ate some waffles on a weekend trip.
Misdirection isn’t just for party magicians.
8:11 do you have that comment saved for quick pasting or something? That’s all you say. Yawn.
Just think of it like that conference Biogen had in Boston at the onset of the pandemic. Two hundred people attended. Contact tracing via virus genetic makeup has implicated it in over 300,000 subsequent cases around the world.
I was sitting oputside, starbucks at, Cota and State the other night and they were packed shoulder to shoulder getting drinks and the like . Didn’t know they could even do that under hypocrite Newsom’s orders .
Top 10 killers of people in the USA
Heart disease.
Cancer
Unintentional injuries
Chronic lower respiratory disease
Stroke and cerebrovascular diseases
Alzheimer’s disease
Diabetes
Influenza and pneumonia
Kidney disease
Suicide
7 out of 10 reasons people die are completely avoidable and have a much higher incidence of death than Covid.
These issues are much more important to all of our health than Covid,yet they are not considered worthy of the same heavy handed tactics.
The only conclusion is -CONTROL of general population and massive funding re-direction.
All of this is smoke and mirrors to deflect and obscure what is really going on in the world.
Divide and conquer.
In 9 mos this has taken control of everyone’s life.
I’m truly sorry for the sick and dying because of Covid.
Read thru those top 10 reasons again and tell me Covid is any more or less important?
A wise man(lol) said.”The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few,or the One.”
It seems Spock would be considered a super spreader today.
Your stats are out of date. COVID was number 3 even before the latest surge.
And it hasn’t even had a full year of killing yet.
Where did you get that information? The best info I can find says 2018 was the latest year for final leading cause of death data. Are you reading WebMD? If so, don’t believe everything you see on a web-site. Doctors tried to say my uncle was a Covid related death when it was simply old age…. no sign of covid at all.
Masks do not make a difference. That has been proven. Yeah, you can find arguments both ways on the web, but check with unbiased doctors, not those paid by large corporations (Cottage) or the government.
And X winery between Solvang and Buellton that had about 30 people gathered on their lawn in less than 6 feet distancing – yes they were outside but still a perfect situation for transmission. I’m sure they were booming because with the ostrich farm – they were all that looked open. Reported to county. I don’t mind if you have times pickups or limitations of how many people can enter your business (I did shopping myself elsewhere with a limit on how many customers could be in a store) but you easily had at least 30 people on your front lawn. Also Covidiots – Keep your propaganda signage off our public roads. IF you want to put it up – put it up on your own property.
Completely agree… GO SOLVANG. Now if only other cities would see the BS that Newsome is saying and what he is doing.
THUMBS UP to your comment…. HORRAY for Solvang.
(I can’t upvote you as I’m not a paid member).
9:14 PM – The CDC is your friend.
9:17 PM
For you there is no worry.
Over 3,000 deaths a day.
Only money matters.
Love of money over life.
LOL 7 of 10 of those causes are avoidable? That’s comical. You can take actions to mitigate many, sure, but there are zero guarantees
Cat wrangler – just a terrible post on a lot of levels…
From November 24. “The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health admitted during a Board of Supervisor’s meeting Tuesday that there is no hard scientific evidence linking the recent COVID-19 surge to back up their move to shut down outdoor dining.”
But, follow the science, right?
TAKANE – exactly. I think a lot of this blame and anger directed at people trying to protect their families is not only selfish, but misguided and misplaced. We are the United States of America, one of the most powerful, wealthy countries on earth and it’s despicable that our government is unwilling to provide any sort of meaningful relief for those they are ordering to shut down. It sucks, I get it, but I’m sick of hearing that I’m the one in the wrong for protecting my children. Blame the government, YOUR government, for failing to provide an ounce of help. Other countries are paying out thousands per person as part of their shutdowns. It is truly embarrassing to see how poorly the USA has handled this.
If what Solvang is doing bothers you, then don’t go.
Just wait for their deluded patrons to bring the virus to you.
Solvang is merely upholding the ideals of free-market capitalism. They don’t mind risking the lives of their fellow citizens in pursuit of profit. If it bothers you, find another planet.
I don’t believe you, LCP. I’d need to hear this from several non-anonymous sources before I could credit such an unlikely claim. Hospitals don’t work like that.
LCP112233 – That is absolutely ludicrous, I thought you were smarter than that. Hey, I have it on good scientific authority that dinosaurs are still alive and they discovered the cure for cancer. I can’t tell you, but trust me…. it’s true.
Complete and utter nonsense. I know you’re better than this.
LCP – sorry, I can’t just let this go. Do you know how I know that is total BS? The families of dead people aren’t the ones providing the death numbers, the hospitals do that. Why on earth would a hospital pay the family to “say” they died of covid. It is so stupid it’s beyond pathetic. Let me guess, you also believe pedophile vampires are engaged in a biblical war with Donald Trump?
If it bothers you move to China because they care so much about their people.
The thing is…it’s true. Sorry. I don’t like it either.
LCP’s claim is predictably false.
https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/apr/21/facebook-posts/Fact-check-Hospitals-COVID-19-payments/
https://www.abc10.com/article/news/verify/verify-do-hospitals-get-more-funding-by-marking-deaths-covid-19-related/103-36834bad-1113-4f67-8804-5d97e6593745
I’m not denying the science of the disease, nor do I want me or my family to contract the powerful illness. But I’m not denying that hospitals get funding for covid cases either. I can’t deny that this is what happened to this person I know because it did. They declined the offer. I would have too, but I would have gone straight to the news with the info.
LCP – the hospitals reporting covid deaths is one thing, but paying a family to “say” anything like that is not only horribly unethical, but totally pointless. What people say about their relatives’ deaths doesn’t matter, it’s what the hospital or attending MD reports as the cause of death. I hate to say it, but either you’re making this up (which I doubt) or your friends is liar.
LCP – re: your link there. Yeah, hospitals get funding to deal with COVID care, so what? That doesn’t mean they’re lying to get more $$. Even your own article says that: “So far, it is unverified that hospitals are falsifying records for financial gain.”
Spreading this kind of nonsense benefits no one.
Sac, no one is saying you’re in the wrong for protecting your children. I have personally told you many times to stay home and stay safe. Where you’re in the wrong is advocating for others to shut down, to go without a paycheck, so you don’t have to stay safe at home, so you can go out and take your family to Julefest or wherever. Let’s see, what is more important, the job for someone living paycheck to paycheck or Sac wanting to feel safe and take his family out to Julefest? By the way, I’ve been very vocal in my blame towards the government. To put out mandates that violate the state constitution, to shutdown outdoor dining operations when the “data” and “science” show it’s safe, while not simultaneously providing direct relief to who aren’t able to work, is criminal and inhumane.
LCP is paltering.
hey aside of Solvang being one of the absolutely boring places i’ve EVER been to, another reason not to go is now listed for the rest of us. Cool. Thanks. Note to self, continue to never go to solvang, aside of catching a boredom yawn, you can now catch covid easier.
Small businesses are in a tough spot unless Moscow Mitch decides to back down from trying to give corporations immunity from covid claims and passes pandemic relief. Doesn’t look likely, though. Hope the voters that supported him are all doing well.
If you’re not staying home as much as you can, you should leave the hospital resources to those of us who are.
Good for Solvang.
Look at the science and data.
If Napa & Sonoma where Newsoms business is can stay open why can’t our wine country?
Newsom lumped Mammoth Lakes to SB to San Diego in one region. Seriously?
I’m sure if their ICU gets full or death rates spike they’ll react.
We spent a Saturday morning in Solvang before this second lockdown. it was awful. The shops were crowded with no limitations in place that we could see. It was kind of chaotic on the main drag where they had outdoor seating but again, people on top of each other. Many people were not wearing masks, even shopkeepers. We left and went to Los Olivos. A much better vibe. Fewer people. Everyone masked. Solvang is shooting itself in the “tourist” foot with this defiance. Well, you elect Jim Thomas, a fossil from the recall days, and that’s what you will get.
Love how the denier people now have focused on “science and data” as their mantra, because one of them figured out that it is very difficult to do definitive studies on virus spread in an uncontrolled environment. Virus spread is like climate change, by the time you definitively prove it exists, it might be too late to do anything about it. But most of us know that encouraging mixing with strangers is the way to spread germs. I just wish the mixers would stay away from hospitals once they get sick. Doubt that will happen.
Solvang touts itself as a little taste of Danish heaven in the Santa Ynez Valley, Maybe they should check out what Denmark is doing in response to the pandemic? Pretty sure it is not this Trumpian approach to public health.
not at all, travel on airplanes and crowded buses is an issue for me, but good try
These are not comparable. Covid deaths are dominated by older people. The average age of covid death is around 70. Of course most of these people would have lived longer without covid, but it’s not the same as killing young people in a war. Excess deaths among those 15-64 years old are about 2% higher than the long term average. We should care about covid obviously, but false comparisons just mislead.
I love how the left says “we follow the science” until it doesn’t suit them and then it’s “oh the science can’t be definitive, but we know what’s right so listen to us.”
These are not comparable. Covid deaths are dominated by older people. The average age of covid death is around 70. Of course most of these people would have lived longer without covid, but it’s not the same as killing young people in a war. Excess deaths among those 15-64 years old are about 2% higher than the long term average. We should care about covid obviously, but false comparisons just mislead.
MT and others: The quote you have cited is not a statement of the LACDPH. It is a line from a Fox News story that is an opinion of that outlet. Here is a quote from the same story that actually represents why the ban is in place: “Instead of specific data, the health official cited a CDC study that targeted 11 different outpatient healthcare facilities in 10 states as the “best information we have.” The study found that those patients with COVID-19 were twice as likely to have dined out at a restaurant.” This does seem to be pretty strong evidence that eating at restaurants is risky in these times.
Wow, there’s a lot of comments here.
Because of people not following the orders is why it’s lasted so long here.
I respectfully and understand people need their jobs. And more funding should be provided.
When I have been on state street it’s the same so many people the tables and chairs are not 6 feet away, then the people walking by are right next to you, where’s that 6 feet distance. Everything is being touched by all the servers and patrons. The condiments on the tables, salt and pepper shakers etc not wiped off, and the hands all over your glasses and dishes.
I read Santa Barbara thinks they should be open , well if that happens then expect all the tourist back here over crowding . Then I read from people here , that they feel it’s all the LA people
tourist bringing it here. Then they are begging to be open. Pick a side , you can’t have both in these type of situations.
Everyone is suffering, it’s the worst ever. But we will over come this.
I feel it could of been sooner , but people just won’t follow the rules, and they are the ones keeping this going and the shut downs.
I hope the people that don’t follow the rules are the ones getting the vaccine.
Hopefully by next summer, this will be mostly behind us.
There was a great (sad) video posted recently by a restaurant owner in the Los Angeles area that shows both the hypocrisy of our government and the reality of these outdoor spaces. This restaurant owner spent a considerable sum creating at outdoor dining area for her customers with a large canopy and tables separated at the appropriate distance. After the latest shutdown order she went to her restaurant to pack thing away and ponder her future only to find in the parking lot an area maybe 10x larger than her patio dining area set up with canopies, tables, and chairs. It turns out some Hollywood movie company got a waiver to set up this huge dining area in the same place as her restaurant. Movie employees must have some magic immunity to COVID. So, either outdoor dining is a problem and there should be none, or it isn’t a problem and the restrictions are only about control. If you can think for yourself, the answer is pretty obvious.
Except the courts agreed with your supposed “fox news opinion”: “Los Angeles County health officials acted “arbitrarily” and without a proper “risk-benefit” analysis when they banned outdoor dining as a coronavirus-control measure, a judge ruled Tuesday”
“By failing to weigh the benefits of an outdoor dining restriction against its costs, the county acted arbitrarily and its decision lacks a rational relationship to a legitimate end,” Chalfant wrote in his ruling
You look in the wrong places for you info if that’s all you have.
This is SO VERY DISAPPOINTING about Solvang. I cannot even tell you. I’ve been WFH since last March (very grateful I’m able to do so and still have a job) but this kind of behavior is what causes the rise in cases. How can these people be SO selfish and uncaring about their fellow citizens? What do you say to those that have been impacted by COVID19 either by having the disease themselves or having a friend/family member succumb to it?
One thing’s for certain – Solvang will NOT be on my list of towns to visit nor take my family/friends to visit once this virus is over. I’m utterly shocked. And saddened… but most disappointed in this behavior.
Wait for the visitors there to bring it to you.
It is likely that many more people have died of COVID than the stats reflect because no COVID test was done.
No, my stats are from last year(2019).
Any “new” info and stats are highly doubtful since Covid is lumped together with other things like The Top Ten.
AGE is not taken into consideration.
“Charlie Pride passed away from Covid”
No he passed away because of underlying issues, like AGE.
He was 86
Pretty good run.
Everyone here must believe that 1500,000 die EVERYDAY(current stat) in the USA only in their sleep.
It’s always good to see the current nitwit social media take on epidemio;ogy.
Just because some authority is stupid and allows Hollywood elites/businesses to have special privileges and spread Covid doesn’t mean the rest of us should follow. The “what about” arguments don’t cut it anymore. With a deadly pandemic, activities that continue to spread it are immoral and not justification for others to do so.
What can we believe these days? So many predictions that were/are soooooo far off, it’s quite understandable why many people are “tuning out” when someone like Fauci (“Obviously, you need to take it seriously, and do the kinds of things that the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security are doing, ” Fauci responded. “But, this not a major threat for the people of the United States, and this is not something that the citizens of the United States right now should be worried about.”) or Newsom (“We project that roughly 56 percent of our population–25.5 million people–will be infected with the virus over an eight week period,” said Newsom in the letter [to Trump]. These are just two examples why people are calling BS on their lives being ruined.
Just because some authority is stupid and allows Napa and Sonoma Winery elites/businesses to have special privileges and spread Covid doesn’t mean the rest of us should follow. The “what about” arguments don’t cut it anymore. With a deadly pandemic, activities that continue to spread it are immoral and not justification for others to do so.
Was the Newsom/French Laundry event a screw up? Absolutely.
That doesn’t justify a city-wide nose-thumbing of state orders that are based on science; this simply invites an outbreak.
I appreciate this clear warning to completely avoid Solvang.
Muitobem–yep, it is continually amazing to me, though it really shouldn’t be, how a person can criticize the actions of someone else and then cite those very actions to justify their own idiotic behavior.
Yeah, the Governor had dinner with people without masks, and that was wrong and stupid, so I’m gonna do it too!
People need to stop blaming the “non rule followers” for the increase in cases. The idea that if everyone just followed the “rules” covid would go away is simply not true. Of the handful of friends and family I know from around the US who’ve contracted it, they were all very much “rule followers”. If the “rules” had any significant benefit the “rule followers” wouldn’t be contracting the virus, states across the US wouldn’t be peaking simultaneously regardless of the varying “rules” in place (same for around the world), and the “rule makers” would actually follow their own “rules”.
No, what it exposes is the double standard that exists and that the scare is only there to instill fear and allow control. Honestly, if you and people you associates with are afraid of COVID, then by all means lock yourselves up and stay home. If others decide that there is an acceptable risk for them, don’t stop them from choosing otherwise. Clearly those in control here have made their choices. The rest of us should be allowed to as well.
MT, you are speaking from a place of ignorance. The video the woman posted was indeed sad, because she was attacking something that she didn’t understand. The fact is, her restaurant does not have any Covid testing of staff or customers.
None.
Film production, on the other hand, has extremely rigorous Covid protocols which include every single person who will put foot on a set be tested. EVERY SINGLE PERSON. And they are tested repeatedly, often daily. And they have masking requirements that includes at minimum everyone have masks and often that people have both masks and face shields. And they have completely changed the way that they handle their catering. No, “movie employees” don’t have a magic immunity, which is why they have what is likely the most rigorous testing and sanitizing procedure of almost any industry out there, other perhaps than medical facilities..
So, her pointing to movie employees and their dining set up as an example of hypocrisy is indeed sad because she is quick to try and tear down other people coming as she was from a place of total ignorance. Could she have actually googled what Production Covid protocols are and easily discovered all of the materials online?
Yeah. Just like you could.
But you didn’t.
What a bummer. My family and I were excited to go visit for the Julefest activities, but I can’t take my family somewhere that is openly allowing a possible health risk that could kill us. Would you go eat at a restaurant that “ignored” health requirements? Do you like eating undercooked chicken with dirty utensils? I don’t. Any town that flagrantly, as a whole, decides my family’s (and thousands of others) health is not worth trying to protect, will lose our business.
How do you know its the “rule followers” who are contracting the virus? Are folks forced to work without protections in packing plants “rule followers”? Are the elderly in nursing homes “rule followers”? Sounds like many getting sick are victims of those that are spreading it, rules be damned. States are peaking because folks kept spreading the Covid virus. And those that don’t wear a mask and stay at a distance are definitely spreaders. Why not ask them to stop spreading infected droplets so that the rest of us can avoid getting sick?
I just stopped going to Solvang. I just stopped spending money in Solvang. I just stopped recommending a visit to Solvang for my friends and family. Solvang is officially off my list.
A public health order is like broccoli. Nobody likes it but it’s good for you. So shut up and eat your broccoli. In 6 months we’ll be out of this. It may not be a nice 6 months (or whatever the remaining duration will be) but we will come out of it. But I’ll not be returning to Solvang.
“Masks don’t work, that’s been proven.” Um, no. Links? There have been multiple studies that show the opposite – from those where groups are actually measuring the amount of particles / respiratory droplets that are released past various types of face coverings, meta analysis data on COVID spread in various countries and their mask wearing, plus anecdotal data showing the effectiveness of masks in slowing the spread in various situations.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html
Alex, suggest you do more research beyond reading the New York or Los Angeles Times. Are you aware that the LA County health order has exemptions for testing? Some productions won’t do any. Last time I checked, all of California has mask requirements. Removing masks while eating is allowed everywhere. If it were simply a question of how long you spent eating (I’d love to see that claim backed up by evidence), then there are clearly less damaging solutions than shutting down “all” outdoor dining.
how do you know that what the scientists are saying is not true? how do you know that if more people wore the masks, and social distanced we would NOT be where we are. ohhhh yeah, if you look at other countries that DID do it. they are NOT where we are. yea…… look around. Literally you have 14 months to test this theory of “f- the rules”, it didnt help did it? now what is the problem with trying the wearing masks and social distancing part, to see if MAYBE, just MAYYYBE….. they are right. but no you just want to complain about it not working, even though we NEVER actually followed the guidelines correctly in this country to tell if it would have worked.
Rather than relying in institutions with professional journalists like the LAT or NYT, you have to get the InfoWars perspective. How could you ignore the ignorant populist view????
MT, I suggest you back that up. I work in production. Every production I have been on in the last six months has required testing. I’ve worked on a production that was literally shut down with a crew of a hundred people standing around because of a single positive test.
“Read the LA Times”, LOL bro, my knowledge is first hand. Now is it possible that some productions are not doing what they are required to do, i.e., breaking the rules? Yeah. But claiming that the protocol is the same as a restaurant, as this ignorant woman did is just straight up BS.
I have worked with studios on projects that are literally spending close to twenty million dollars on testing. The insurance liability on this stuff is off the charts, and I’m sure you know nothing about any of it, so quite arguing when you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Beyond that, I made no claim on eating or any of that, so try to keep your eye on the ball.
I can’t believe how selfish you are Sac. You think’s it okay for the state to indiscriminately shut businesses down (or severely jeopardize their ability survive at the least), force thousands to loose their jobs and not have money for rent or food, just so you can feel “safe” and take your family to Julefest? The “all in this together” ship sailed months ago, now it’s the “haves” forcing the “have nots” into poverty (if they weren’t already) just so they can “feel safe” when they go to Julefest or some other unnecessary activity. If you are concerned, STAY AT HOME! It’s the one way to guarantee you won’t get covid. To force others out of work, to lose their savings and livelihoods just so you can feel safe while continuing to collect your pay check is peak hypocrisy and selfishness. Don’t give me this isn’t all about the money BS, to those that don’t have it, money is survival, money is health, money is safety.
Alex, simple solution. Read the LA County health order. There are exemptions for testing. That’s great that your productions have done daily tests, but not all are mandated to.
I got it from my coworker, who got it from his kids. My friend got it from her roommate who went to a Thanksgiving dinner in LA and got it there. Our house cleaner got it from her son who is an essential worker at a grocery store. We all got it by hanging out with people who couldn’t or wouldn’t follow the rules. In fact, everyone I know that has had it has a pretty good idea of where they got it. Seems like you are making up stuff to support your opinions.
Im sure they will be fine without you. If Newsom had his way all the businesses will be closed in 6 months anyways
VOR – Frankly, I’m shocked at your comment. Did a grouchy teenager sabotage your keyboard? When it comes to my family’s health I’m 100% entirely selfish, and you’re a fool to think I shouldn’t be. I AM choosing to stay home. Why on earth would I put myself at risk of catching a deadly disease to support those who have no interest in public health? NO, I will NOT take my family to a place that is flaunting health protocols. How absurdly stupid of you to suggest I’m selfish for keeping MY FAMILY safe? If they want to stay open and put themselves and others at risk, that’s obviously their choice. But remember, Voice, choices have consequences and I am sure as shootin’ not going to take my family to a place where they are put in unnecessary risk of exposure. If that means denying them my money, so be it. How dare you suggest I have some obligation to give my money to anyone, much less someone who flagrantly puts my family at risk. Absolutely NOT.
It is not a free for all. Solvang is operating under the Purple Tier that it is in. People were wearing masks, and restaurants appeared to be only selling take out. But allowing folks to eat at their outdoor seating. Merry Christmas.
SACJON is NOT selfish! SACJON is helping to stop the spread. We are in the midst of the deadliest pandemic and the U.S. is number ONE in deaths. How can you justify that, VOICE? Your comments on these threads are constantly towing the far right selfish greedy line of ME FIRST and money, money, money. Also, it is spelled “lose” not “loose”. It is precisely the non-rule followers that have us all in this mess in the first place. It is not the governor’s fault. If people hadn’t politicized this virus and gone about protesting and being anti-mask, we wouldn’t be here now, and many lives could have been saved. I’m SICK and tired of hearing trump followers tout their stupidity, pride and vile ignorance. Jan. 20 cannot come soon enough. If people cannot follow the rules, shut downs happen. Ever heard of one bad apple ruining for the whole bunch? That is what is happening with people who refuse to follow the rules.
ALEXBLUE, Exactly! It’s amazing how stupid and selfish Americans are. We need to do better.
I’ve read it, thanks. There’s nothing in there about any sort of waiver being available.
Go ahead and read the document for yourself:
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/docs/protocols/Reopening_MusicTelevisionFilmProduction.pdf
I’ve also reviewed the FilmLA website statements and guidelines which require that production follow the protocols in the above link in order to qualify for a film permit–you can’t get a permit in LA County if you don’t follow the protocol.
In fact, they make clear on the site, that even student filmmakers must follow the protocol, which includes testing.
You can review that at your leisure was well:
https://www.filmla.com/covid-19/#COVID-19-FAQ
Now it’s possible that I am missing an exemption or waiver that exists for production which FilmLA, the permitting entity for L.A. county is also missing and you have found.
Please provide a link to that.
SHAME on Solvang, and SHAME on all the people applauding it. This is why we are in this mess.
Boycott Solvang, problem solved.
10:54a this is absurd. Hospital are struggling to pay their staff and provide them with PPE. That they would bribe anyone with $8,000 is the stuff of paranoia delusions.
We are not a region as in China–we are a resilient and conscientious county.Seems this virus is even worse than we thought–it divides us (its intent) not just our cells and their workload to keep us healthy despite our own bad habits. I say great news, Solvang! Takes guts– I would rather have herd immunity (a possibility) than be part of a dumbed down herd, heading for no power to control one’s freedom to CHOOSE. Remember choice? Most dashboards across the country reveal that people are not needing to be hospitalized if they get attention and tests early, which is what people are doing. The survival rate–seldom reported reveals a 95% plus recovery. This is not 1918–we have 340 million souls–do the math. Livelihood also means sustaining life! Vaccines start today. Front line “essentials” and salons should get it first.
SAC: To force others out of work so you don’t have to stay home is very selfish. BIG: in the same post you chastise the politicization of this crisis you… politicize the crisis and call trump followers stupid and vile. Peak hypocrisy and selfishness, thank you both for providing examples.
And Big, this is incredibly far from being the “deadliest pandemic”, those of us following the data and science, rather than the media outlets, understand this. Had this been even close to our deadliest pandemic most people would be closing their businesses and staying home voluntarily. We don’t need the government to micro manage our lives in a crisis, we just need them to provide structure and guidance. STAY HOME, STAY SAFE.
I feel bad for their employees. My son and his girlfriend worked there last year then got Covid symptoms mid November -2019.. His Doctor said it was “a really bad virus going around, related to a cold”. He even got Covid toes a month or two later, before we even heard of Covid 19. They passed it on to me and her parents. I’ve never been so sick in my life and had all the symptoms, including loss of taste and smell, and am still suffering residual symptoms. Bottom line – I have no doubt it was Covid, and that my son and his girlfriend got it at work in Solvang last year. It was a hotbed then and no doubt will be again.
I once owned a successful shop there, and ended up closing it due to their difficult and biased City Government, so am not surprised they think they’re above the law and are being irresponsible and reckless due to their selfish greediness. Shameful.
VOR – I’m not forcing anyone to do anything, I’m simply stating my choice to not give them my money while putting my family at risk. Again, choices have consequences. You choose to ignore health orders, fine. But don’t call me selfish for avoiding places that put my family at risk. To call me selfish for taking care of my family over the needs of a stranger who is ignoring my family’s health is ludicrous.
Sac, that’s not why you’re selfish. You, and many others here, are selfish for supporting restrictions that destroy other peoples lives just so you can feel safe walking around town when all you need to do to stay safe is stay home and keep colleting your paycheck. Speaking out against these arbitrary and non-science based orders does not equal ignoring the orders, and if you were really “fine” about it, you wouldn’t be posting so much about those darn rule breakers. Sac, stay home, stay safe, that is all you need to do. Let others earn a chance to put food on their families table and pay their rent.
VOR supports stacked bodies of the dead elderly.
GT, I support the isolation of the elderly and at risk. I support everyone staying home who wants to stay home. I support the individual being able to choose what’s best for themselves and their families. I support peoples right to make a living. I support small businesses ability to operate in a safe manner. I DO NOT support people who sensationalize the pandemic by posting things like “stacked bodies of the dead elderly” or this being the “deadliest pandemic.” I DO NOT support people and organizations who’ve exploited this crisis for their own personal/political/financial gain. I DO NOT support politicians who violate our constitution, use fear to extort compliance (rather than leadership and guidance), or flaunt their own rules for our “safety”. I DO NOT support arbitrary restrictions that allow mega corporations to stay open and rake in hundreds of millions while small businesses whither and die. I DO NOT support mandates that get a lone paddleboarder in the ocean arrested. I DO NOT support the schools districts who for 9 months have denied our children from being in (per the CDC) “the safest place children can be”. I DO NOT support a response to covid that benefits the “haves” over the “have nots” and further increases the education and income inequality in our community.
VOR – yes, I support health protection measures. So what? It’s not so I can feel “safe walking around town,” it’s to slow the spread of a deadly virus that has now, today, killed over 300,000 of my fellow Americans. Restaurants are not completely shut down, they are still able to provide take out. Yeah, not ideal and they’re losing money, but that’s just what has to happen so the ALL of us can get back to normal. What’s more important – slowing the spread so our kids can go back to school and business owners can re-open their stores, or allowing restaurants to have outdoor dining for 3 weeks and increasing the risk of our kids not having a 2020/2021 school year? No, this is not about me “walking around safely,” it’s about ALL OF US getting back to normal. My family is losing a HUGE chunk of income during this pandemic due to the health orders and we’ve had to forgo many things as a result. BUT… the difference is we’re not crying and moaning about it because we know we have to pull together and do what it takes for our kids to get back to school, back on the field, and our business back to making money.
Secondly, my original post was not about punishing Solvang for ignoring the order, it was about my protecting my family by avoiding it. Again, their choices have consequences.
Thank goodness the solvang city council cares enough to stay open. I for one will go to local business and help them survive. After all Chumash can stay open. Go Figure the difference.
Good for Solvang – I’m going to go visit now.
I’ll be wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and washing my hands. Been doing that the whole time since March and enjoying the local restaurants, sit down and take out plus the brew pubs, and state street and have had ZERO issues. I have been safe and responsible and I applaud Solvang.
SHAME – the Chumash are not subject to the same laws and regulations due to their being a sovereign entity. That is the difference. Trust me though, they are not immune to COVID. Back in the spring there were many cases coming from the casino. Casinos are about the worst place to be during a pandemic like this. Go for it though, just stay the F away from everyone when you get back.
Except for the fact that people who do go there will spread the contagion to wherever they return.
Not absurd. It’s happening.
So many brainhobbled covidiots.
Preach it Peggy! https://www.independent.com/2020/12/12/the-governor-who-stole-christmas/
Defund Solvang. Put the council in jail. Stop all state funding. Make it illegal to use the term “Sideways” anywhere in the city.
I will not be visiting Solvang any time soon…
As if the US really has free-market capitalism given all of the tax breaks and corporate welfare that we hand out. true free market capitalism is too brutal of a system to be tolerated for long, because it ends up with children working 12 hr days in factories like they did in 1900. Amazon doesn’t even pay federal taxes! Adam Smith said that captalism had to be accompanied by rational self-interest, but I don’t see very much rationality in our current system.