Federal aid for businesses hit by the coronavirus crisis starts tomorrow morning, and California's governor asked business owners to get in line early for federal grants. He also announced a couple new programs of his own. A worker in Amazon's facility in Atwater Village has come down with Covid-19, spurring concerns and strike threats. We have more updates below.
If you haven't read it yet, senior reporter Ben Bergman's report on conditions surrounding the layoffs at Bird has prompted a slew of new coverage. Listen to audio from the controversial call here.
And please join us this Tuesday as we bring members from a number of faith communities together online to talk about the challenges and opportunities new technology is providing their communities. The virtual roundtable is free, but space is limited. Sign up here.
California Unemployment Claims Top 1.9M
One of L.A.'s wealthiest businessmen (and the owner of the L.A. Times) says he's in talks to buy and convert a shuttered hospital near downtown L.A. and convert it into a center to treat COVID-19 patients and conduct research. The governor says he'll expand a tax deferral for California businesses for one year and calls on state businesses to take advantage of federal programs that become available tomorrow. "Let's get ahead of the queue," he says. Read more updates here >>
USC Maps L.A.'s Known COVID-19 Cases
The USC Viterbi School of Engineering released two new COVID-19 data visualizations today that aim to make is easier to see where new cases are being reported.
The first is an interactive map with reported cases broken down by neighborhood with accompanying statistics. A second data visualization charts the progression of the virus in L.A.'s neighborhoods that have the most reported cases. It is expected to be updated daily. Read more >>
Amazon's' Coronavirus Problem Grows
At least 30 of the fulfillment centers that power Amazon's e-commerce business have outbreaks of COVID-19. The most recent case around L.A. was reported yesterday in Atwater Village. The mounting cases are sparking walkouts, frustration, and an unprecedented challenge for a tech company that finds itself at the center of the pandemic. Read more. >>
Our Next Online Event: Religion's New Faith in Tech
Join us next Tuesday (4/7) at 11 a.m. PST for an interfaith virtual roundtable: "Religion's New Faith in Tech." How does one keep the faith when a pandemic closes the doors of churches, mosques, and synagogues around the world? As the coronavirus crisis begins to intersect with high holidays such as Passover, Ramadan and Easter, religious leaders are turning to digital communication methods to maintain their communities.
Sign Up For Our Virtual Pitch Showcase
We host our first virtual pitch showcase on Thursday, April 9th, and we're looking for Southern California startups in any industry to take part — in particular companies that can have a positive impact on the current COVID-19 pandemic. Submissions will be evaluated on a rolling basis. We'll let you know if you're chosen to pitch your startup. Nominate your company here >>