••• “Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that some retail stores across the state can reopen with modifications as early as Friday.” […] “Bookstores, music stores, toy stores, florists, sporting goods retailers and others can reopen for pickup as early as Friday. He said more detailed guidelines on the businesses that can reopen would be released later this week. The governor’s plan also expands decision-making at the local level, allowing some communities to move further ahead into the second phase of the order and open more businesses at their own pace.” The current situation is certainly unfair: Big retailers like Target and Costco can stay open—and sell everything—because they sell food, but a store specializing in clothing, sporting goods, or books has to remain closed. —L.A. Times
••• The long, slow, sad death spiral of the Santa Barbara News-Press continued with the departure of chief editor Nick Masuda after a year and a half at the helm. He either quit or was fired, depending on whom you ask, after owner Wendy McCaw insisted on running an over-the-top editorial railing against the “tyranny” of Covid-19 precautions—and Masuda appended a disclaimer stating that the staff doesn’t necessarily share the opinion. —Independent
••• A swimmer off Padaro Lane was bitten, likely by a shark. “She described the probable shark as five to six feet long with a black dorsal fin that bumped her before quickly swimming away. […] Santa Barbara County Parks posted ‘Shark Advisory Signs’ at Santa Claus Lane and Loon Point in Summerland [which] will stay up until Sunday evening,” at which point the sharks will presumably head back to work…? —KEYT
••• From a press release on Edhat: “The SBC Mask Network Online Marketplace is now open. The Marketplace offers a clearinghouse for local sewists and retailers selling cloth face coverings to the general public. Sellers may enter their own free listing using the link at the site. Buyers will be able to directly contact the seller to inquire about materials, design, price, etc.” Never heard the word “sewist” before, but I guess sewer was already taken….
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