By Dav

From the Pasadena Star-News editorial pages: The new year not only brings a host of resolutions and anticipation, but a slew of new state laws that Californians will need to follow. As always, the state’s lawmakers passed a variety of measures ranging from the symbolic to the annoying. They even passed a few substantive and important laws that just went into effect. Go figure.

Pasadena reported 477 confirmed and 16 probable new cases of COVID-19 Thursday in a startling increase that was more than double Wednesday’s count and sets a new record number of daily cases in the city since the start of the pandemic began in early 2020.

This year was … a lot. Delta, Omicron, inflation, threats to democracy. I get why most people are feeling exhausted.

Happy New Year!

2021 is almost gone (FINALLY)!

From the LA Times: Despite the rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, Los Angeles County’s top health official said Tuesday that no lockdowns are planned at this time, as vaccines and other safety measures remain strong tools to combat the new threat.

The stance in the nation’s most populous county echoes statements from President Biden, national COVID-19 czar Dr. Anthony Fauci and health officials elsewhere in California.

The 2022 Rose Parade might look the same when it blooms again on January 1, but a host of new precautions will be in place to keep spectators and participants safe.

Tournament officials, law enforcement and first responders announced the new rules at a press conference on the steps of Pasadena City Hall Thursday.

Organizers remain prepared to adjust plans if necessary because of coronavirus, By Brennon Dixson-bdixson@scng.com

As holiday events across the country post cancellations in the wake of surging coronavirus case counts, Pasadena city leaders and Tournament of Roses officials said the 2022 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game will occur on New Year’s Day but that they are keeping watch on the COVID-19 scenario.

For the California Chamber of Commerce By James W. Ward - November 19, 2021

Following is a quick look at some of the new employment laws about which employers should be aware. Unless otherwise stated, the new laws take effect starting January 1, 2022.

California Family Rights Act

Retail’s battle with COVID actually saved its stores

BY MATTHEW TOWNSEND, BLOOMBERG on DEC. 21, 2021 5:42 PM PT

When COVID-19 erupted 21 months ago and upended retailers around the world, it looked like just another chapter in the sad story of an industry’s decline.

The reality of the pandemic era, however, hasn’t played out that way.

From the Atlantic-With coronavirus cases on the rise, at-home testing remains a useful but imperfect way to mitigate risk.

From a conversation with Katherine J. Wu, Atlantic staff writer who’s been covering this pandemic, to talk about what rapid-test results can—and can’t—tell us. Below you’ll find six takeaways from our conversation.

The conversation that follows has been edited and condensed for clarity.