We're *live* with the LA County Board of Supervisors meeting, steamed here if you'd like to follow along!
http://bos.lacounty.gov/Board-Meeting/Live-Broadcast

Barger just told us that all of the public comments submitted up to 5pm yesterday were supplied to all of the Board members, but it's unclear if we're going to hear any of them this morning. Seems unlikely.

We're starting off with Item 3B and then 4B and they're related to other items further in the agenda, so here we go!

Quick note: it's hugely disappointing to see that the Board of Supes has decided that we don't get to see their faces during this meeting.
One of the small joys (or horrors) of the City Council Zoom meetings is getting to see the faces of the CMs and their interior decorating.

If you're trying to dial in, they know you're not getting through, but they're working on it.
Discussion continues on the implementation of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act

Countywide rental assistance program through the CARES Act is on the agenda for discussion later in the meeting. Now they're reading off the names of members of the public who submitted comments in favor of the motion -- overwhelming support from the public, only two opposed.

Phone system should be working now! Don't think you can actually comment, but you can listen, apparently.

Talking rental assistance now: Hahn points out that many (most) renters won't be able to pay back their suspended rent once this is over, but now she's pivoting to justify providing the same relief to the landlords who take that rent to pay mortgages...

Solis mentions that 57% of renters in LA County are rent-burdened. Kuehl is pointing out that LA County has one of the lowest rates of home ownership in the country, also points out that the 57% figure is likely a dramatic under-representation given the COVID pandemic.

Barger is supporting Kuehl's observation about the dramatic impact on unemployment and the demand for services in this crisis. "People are struggling, and shouldn't have to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent..."

"Emergency rental assistance has never been more pervasively needed" - MRT

38 members of the public submitted comments in support of this motion (4-D), none opposed. Unanimous vote by the board to pass the motion.

Moving on to motion 5: Ensuring Collection of Full Racial and Ethnic Data of COVID-19 Patients throughout Los Angeles County

Solis is highlighting the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color in LA County (and across the country). Blacks make up 9% of the population of LA County but make up 14% of the deaths seen so far in data we have. This mirrors trends seen around the country.,

Solis is asking Dr. Ferrer for details on the timeline for the report back in motion 5. MRT suggested changing the motion from 30 day report back to 7 day.
Ferrer is pushing back saying that there are technical hurdles to collecting the information citing spotty reporting so far.

Ferrer highlights that the testing itself is disproportionately available in higher income areas in the county and suggests expanding testing throughout the county to counteract that.
Suggests that it will take "a couple of weeks" to get back with a report on this matter.

"we wanna do a better job here...I think we can give you a report back in 14 days, but..."

MRT's amendment to the motion that would take the report back period on the "Collection of Full Racial and Ethnic Data of COVID-19 Patients" from 30 days to 7 days seems headed to a 14 day compromise.

MRT is highlighting the need to collect this demographic information in the name of equity as well as efficacy of providing high quality care.