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Alex Armstrong, 51 and his wife, Paula Armstrong, 45, prepare pick up orders during lunch hour at their Long Beach restaurant, VBurger, on June 8, 2021. "It's been very challenging for us, but we couldn't back out," said Armstrong of opening mid-pandemic last year. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters
A sign warns people to mask up. Questions abound ahead of California's pandemic reopening. Image via iStock
From left: Harrison, 8, and Allie, 10 carry signs with their parents Elizabeth Owen and Steve Ganotis during a rally to reopen Oakland public school for in-person instruction at Astro Park on Feb. 28, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters
Gov. Gavin Newsom randomly selects cash prize winners at the California Lottery Building in Sacramento on June 4, 2021. Photo by Laurel Rosenhall, CalMatters
A Coliseum service employee carries a mask through the stands reminding fans to wear as mask. Coliseum implemented a number of safety protocols for the season opener including masking, distancing and touch free payments for concessions. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters
Parishioners hold their arms in the air and sing along as the worship team plays praise songs at the start of Easter services at Resonate church in Fremont on April 4, 2021. The church was permitted to begin hosting in-person services at 25% capacity in February but for many in the congregation, Easter marked their return to church after a year away. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters
Sen. Steven Bradford, now a member of the state's reparations committee, listens to testimony during a Senate hearing in 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters
Wooden gavel with open law book. The California Supreme Court is expected to make a key death penalty ruling. Image via iStock
Two people hug near the scene of a mass shooting at a Valley Transportation Authority light rail yard in San Jose on May, 26, 2021. An employee opened fire Wednesday killing eight people before taking his own life. Photo by Randy Vazquez, Bay Area News Group

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