Rep. Torres Withholds Support for Sheraton Fairplex Plan
POMONA, CA – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today reacted to a Los Angeles County plan to use 244 rooms at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel to quarantine coronavirus patients.
"I recognize the importance for our community to have a plan for housing coronavirus patients, but I have yet to actually see the plan announced last week," Rep. Torres said. "A state of emergency does not mean we should disregard the laws that hold elected officials accountable – the Brown Act still applies, and the people of Pomona have a right to know the details about what is happening in their city.
"I've represented Fairplex as a City Councilmember, Mayor, State Assemblywoman, State Senator, and now as a Member of Congress," Torres continued. "My experience is clearly relevant to a plan like this, but I had no opportunity to provide input, and therefore cannot in good conscience endorse it either.
"There are glaring concerns for my community that the County must address," Torres added. "We will now have a hot zone in the heart of a working-class community – what resources will they provide for preparation? Furthermore, this is not a lockdown facility – with a senior mobile home right down the street, several assisted living facilities just blocks away, and too many group homes for severely handicapped people to count all nearby, what plans are in place for when someone leaves?
"We are faced with an all-hands-on-deck moment. My community is more than willing to take on this burden and help our neighbors. But it's not too much to ask for local officials to meet the moment too – we expect them to keep us informed and as safe as possible."
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