Day 37: California Under Martial Law Lite (Instutionalized)

Yesterday was the first day that Humboldt was under the order to wear a mask or be hit with a fine, imprisonment, or both! We also got to witness a courthouse protest with signs calling the shelter in place order "oppression." And when our Health Officer and others whose voices are supposed to be the voice of authority in this pandemic talk about the outbreaks lasting into December you can almost hear the glee in their voices as they think of how long they'll be in the public eye.

Anyone paying attention throughout all of this has to have come to the same conclusion as I and others: those in "control" don't know what they fuck they are doing. That simple. They can use computer projections (as has been done in Humboldt). They can look at past pandemics. They can use the science of bleach. Whatever. But at this point I think they sanest, smartest, most prudent and common sense thing to do is wash your hands, wear a mask (unlike what they first said), limit being in groups, and open everything back up slowly. Either that or have a total shut down (no cops, not hospital workers, no grocery stores open) until the virus either dies out or there is a vaccine, which can't be made because we have a total shut down. As long as the half ass measures are in place, we drag this out to infinity. Of course, dragging it out keeps the media's eye on people like our Health Officer and others as they become the focal point, the wise Yoda-like people who can guide us to safety.

It's all such bullshit. Open back up slowly. Those who want to stay at home can. Take precautions, like you would during flu season only ramped up a bit. Stop letting fear dictate. You'll be better off for it.

Day 34: California Under Martial Law Lite (Destruction Is Progress)

Over the past few days Humboldt has witnessed some interesting turn of events. While our positive cases remains under 55 with no deaths and something like 50 recovering, it turns out one of the infected works at Target.

You can imagine the shit show on social media that followed.

Expect more. Get Covid.

People were chiming in, freaking out over a Target employee, who worked the late shift for the store's renovation, testing positive. Many were sure they were going to get infected now. The article that Lost Coast Outpost ran initially said Target was working with the employees to keep the workplace safe. The comments that followed said otherwise, however. One person said her sister worked at Target and was displaying symptoms of Covid-19. The employee had been staying home, but according to her sister, Target was calling her and hassling her to come back to work, telling her she didn't have the virus. I could not resist but commenting that if her sister was willing to talk to the media, she should contact the Lost Coast Outpost and tell the journalists there what was happening.

So she did.

The next day two interesting things happened: Lost Coast Outpost ran a story that put Target under the spotlight when it came to employee's safety and Humboldt Health Officer Frankovich issued a mandatory mask order to take place Friday, as our Sheriff Honsal called for the economy to reopen.

That tells you all you need to know right there.

Let's tackle the mask issue first. When this all started the edict on masks was: they don't help, they aren't recommended. We were to leave them for the medical professionals. Then things changed a bit. They became recommended. Now in Humboldt, as in many other places, they are "mandatory" to be worn if you are in any place other than your residence or wherever physical distancing (they have started to use the term, too, finally) can't be practiced. In all of this, however, I did not read what would happen if you refused to wear one. Would you be sent home without your groceries? Would you be fined? If it were so serious I would expect a hefty fine for violating such an order from an esteemed member of the government. Or, if it is really so serious, why can't you be jailed or shot? No word on the penalty, but that is secondary as to what the mask order means.

The mask order means only one of two things. The first choice is the one people come to naturally. That is, the numbers Humboldt has been pumping out on its infected and dead are lies and it is far worse than what we are being told. That would mean the shelter in place and physical distancing orders aren't working and the dead are piling up. This just isn't happening. I've delved into it. I've talked to medical professionals. I can find no proof that this is going on, which means the other option is what is happening, and it could result in the number of infected and dead increasing.

Government officials and capitalism's apologists have been crying for the economy to open back up. There is some valid points to their concerns, but all those points should be taking a back seat to people's health. Dead people tend not to spend money. Regardless, they are clamoring for stores to reopen and business to get back to normal, and it looks like in California that is going to happen probably sooner than it should, and having us wear masks is them saying, "Get ready. Get used to this. This is our last measure of protection for you before we open the hobby shops and library." They want to reduce the dead, and this is the way they want to do it. They know more people will be infected, but hope it will be less than projected, and they know the economy will reopen, but hope it will do better than projected. So what can you do?

At this point it is obvious that the government is trying to appease both sides while doing nothing substantial about either. When it comes down to it, it will err on the side of the economy because people can always pump out more kids, but a recession is difficult to recover from and can take years. So you have to protect yourself. They may reopen the economy, but I would advise that if you care about your health and safety, don't participate in it as much as you did before. Only go out when you need to until all this dies down. You are not responsible for businesses succeeding. Listen to the medical professionals and not government officials. They are the last people you should be listening to in this case. They don't have your best interest in mind, and see you as nothing but a number. Hey, remember when they thought $1,200 was not only enough to buy your compliance, but also thought it would get you through the shutdown? Yeah, that's how out of touch those people are with reality.

So while our Sheriff Lobo and Dr. Moe Howard butt heads over the health of the economy and the health of the populace, they'll continue to make declarations that are possibly quite dangerous and issue orders with no teeth. The medical professionals, meanwhile, are telling the public what is going on, and it looks bad. 

Oh, and stop falling for those Russia planted quarantine protests. Be smarter than that. If you aren't going to believe your government (which you shouldn't), you also don't want to believe and fall for the Russian government's pitiful attempts at sabotaging the country. If you do, don't expect me to be on the other side of the hospital window as you gasp for breath as you die. Well, maybe I will show up, but just to applaud . . .

Day 31: Under Martial Law Lite (Tubthumping)

Humboldt has been under a shelter in place order for over a month now. 31 days. California just one day shorter. What has Humboldt learned?

"I'm smiling, but the 'rona is going to kill you."

Or Health Officer, Dr. Frankovich, who is very new to the job, seems to think this is going to get worse than the dire predictions she has always had. Most people think she doesn't know what she is doing. I would tend to say she's covering her ass and is an alarmist. I'm sure you'd be the same way.

We learned our sheriff, William Honsal, who is a nice guy and a TV star, doesn't like prisoners being released, would rather see people educated about the shelter in place order over being fined, and may also be in over his head. Lots of people tend to think he should be arresting anyone out on the street . . . except them.

We learned that if you howl at eight p.m., you are somehow bonding with others and will defeat Covid-19 with a little noise.

Masks don't work. Wait!  Masks do work.Wait!  Masks are optional  . . . for now.

Bookstores aren't essential (they provide knowledge and entertainment - verboten). Pot stores are totally essential.

There is an awkwardly large number of Humboldt residents who believe the coronavirus is either a hoax, or is an experiment in social control by nearly all the governments in America. There is an almost equal number of people who believe that merely stepping outside during the pandemic will be an instant death sentence. None of these people can be swayed by logic, and it is foolish to try.

Humboldt has also learned that our restaurant owners are some of the most grateful people in the county. I've gone to several of their establishments during this shelter in place order (ain't dead yet), and every single one of the workers there has been so thankful.

What has struck me the most is that I've had my thoughts on government and those in positions of authority confirmed. Government will exploit any crisis it can as a way to enforce its mandates. There are plenty of people who want to help in government, but they are often in over their heads. And those in charge usually shouldn't be in charge because they aren't up to the job. I've learned that while I'm an introvert, I don't like having isolation forced upon me. I've learned I won't howl at eight, and I won't pray. I've learned that I'm not the only one of my friends who feels like he is losing his mind. I've learned some truly disappointing things about my job. I'm learning a hell of a lot about Amazon (I'm reading a book on it). But what I've mostly learned is that people don't have a fight in them. Instead of demanding accountability from the government, they demand to be able to go to church. Instead of calling for the president's head, they demand that their governors let them congregate in groups so they can die.

I'm ready to fight back. Fight back against it all. In any way I can. In every way I can. Against the government. Against the fools who think it's all a hoax. Against those who think it's an instant death sentence. At some point, logic, common sense, freedom, and decency has to win the day. If not, it won't be a virus that kills us. It will be stupidity and cowardice. That's suicide.

What have you learned? What will you do?

Day 30: California Under Martial Law Lite (Falling To Pieces)

If it wasn't obvious to you before, it should be by now. The people running the show have no real idea what they are doing. Shelter in place versus "herd immunity." Masks versus no masks. Governors decide their own fate versus liberate your state. It's not just King Idiot Trump who doesn't have a clue. It's our governor, Newsom. It's our Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Frankovich. The messages are conflicting (we go several days with no new cases here in Humboldt, and we've had no deaths, but Frankovich says we're just at the beginning of the pandemic and some other health "expert" says he expects Humboldt to have 40 deaths by June - yet we only have 3 people hospitalized).

If I'm being honest, though, I think this is the best they can do, and that is awfully scary. I've taken to talking to people in the front lines like nurses and people working in emergency centers who are coordinating efforts and it is very clear by talking to them that the powers that be in Humboldt, California, and the rest of the nation have no idea what they are dealing with . . . and the media keeps stoking fears like incredibly high death rates, shelter in place orders until 2022, alcoholism spiking, and so on. The mental health issues everyone is fearing won't come from sheltering in place. It will come from listening to the media and our dolts in positions of authority.

The citizens of Humboldt are all over the place about it, too. They are the hoax people, the people who think their freedom is being taken away, those who just want everyone to stay home all the time, and the ones who think knowing what towns most of the cases are in will somehow save their lives. There are those who feel a need to howl at eight at night. There are those who are so scared they've cut off communication. It's across the board and it is obvious that everything is falling to pieces, and the solution is not going to be pretty no matter what happens.

Let your mind be your weapon.

Here we remain, just as polarized as before. Political views haven't changed, either. And what's worse, we were divided before, but now we are literally divided. If we don't start making some personal connections soon, you can bet things will get worse no matter how much you howl.

What do you want to see changed, and how do you want to do it? Do you think this is a hoax? Why? Let's hear it. It's okay if we don't agree, but we ahve got to be civil, and we have to have a solid argument. If not, it's just like Trump, Newsom, and Dr. Frankovich. It's just like spinning your intellectual wheels with no goal in mind and little gas left in the tank. The more rational are seeing this happen more and more, and we don't like where it's going.

So let it fly. What are your thoughts? Let's connect here and hash them out. I'm waiting.

Day 27: California Under Martial Law Lite (Rose Clouds Of Holocaust)

Humboldt went almost a week without a new person testing positive for Covid-19, and then we got one. While Trump is talking about forcing the states to reopen, and our governor Newsom is forming a super team with Washington and Oregon, there are some experts saying that we may have to practice physical distancing (they call it "social distancing" to prepare people for forced solitude) well into 2022! 2022! Forget those experts. Let's turn to the real experts to see what they have to say. And where can we find them?

Social media.

A lot of people on social media are experts on whatever topic is hot. Politics. The economy. Race relations. You name it, they know about it. Their jobs and grammar may not indicate it, but they are, in their minds, experts because they know.

What struck me as unusual about these experts, besides confusing opinion and fact, is that they are pridefully inconsistent. Case in point: when the number of cases in the Humboldt, the country, and the world started their predictable climb, this was the response: "They are inflating the numbers to scare people. The sheeple are easily led and duped. Don't believe it. The numbers are lower. I know it for a fact." Often they would run out of space to cite the fact, but they know it as a fact nonetheless. We are to trust them. So what happened when the numbers started to plateau or fall? What did some of these very same people say on social media?

"Don't believe the numbers. They are much higher. I don't know why they are not giving the real numbers. I know for a fact people are testing positive that they aren't counting them." Again, there was apparently not enough room to cite that fact, but again . . .  well, you get the picture.

Earlier this week, when our number of new positives in Humboldt was staying at zero, someone wrote on Facebook that she knew it was a lie because "a woman came into the bank" where her son works "yesterday" and "said she tested positive." In her mind, this meant the numbers were bullshit. A quick dissection shows how faulty this logic can be.

Expert.

First, for the sake of argument, let's agree that the three people involved in this incident (the son, the bank customer, and the Facebook poster) aren't lying. If any of them are lying, this whole thing falls apart. So, if all three are telling the truth, first you must think that this woman going to the bank must be a monster for testing positive and going out in public. That in and of itself should be more alarming than an unreported case. But that also begs the question: Was the case unreported? The lady did not state when she tested positive. It could have been two weeks ago and was reported in the numbers. It could be she tested, it was reported, and now she has recovered. None of this was mentioned by the Facebook poster. None of it was asked by the posters who came after her agreeing with her. And what if there was a delay in reporting? Maybe she was the new case?

It's time to start shutting down the idiots and practicing intellectual fascism. Other ideas and thoughts can obviously be entertained (and should be), but stuff that can't pass a simple intelligence test on either side of the spectrum should be challenged, mocked, and destroyed. Idiocy, from a personal to a presidential level has gotten us here, and it needs to go. I've been challenging people, and it often gets ugly, but if you are smart about it and clever enough, eventually they shut the fuck up. As they should. Spreading nonsense even in the best of times is an awful act. Spreading it now can be deadly.

Do your part. Shut the idiots down.

Day 25: California Under Martial Law Lite (Politicians)

Humboldt, as of Saturday, went four days without a new person testing positive for Covid-19, a backbone, or common sense.

The government is counting on the latter two, and is just praying enough people don't die so that once they figure out a way to get the economy going under this new system there will be enough wage slaves left in the game to make it work.

I've often said that actions are far more important than words, and I believe it. Watch people's actions compared to their words, and you'll understand their motives. Now it is apparent with our elected officials. The doctors and scientists who correctly stated what must be done to stop the spread of the coronavirus here in Humboldt and other places were right. The government has, of course, leapfrogged onto that and went further. In Humboldt, Dr. Frankovich, our Health Officer, declared that unapproved businesses must shut down. A craft store could stay open because people needed that for their self-employment. Go inside, though, and it's a madhouse.

What good has this done? We can say it seemingly stopped the spread of coronavirus (for now), but that fallacy is apparent to anyone who squints. We can also say that people really blindly accepted their livelihoods being ripped from them without rioting in the streets. $1,200 is seemingly enough to quell the anger. We have our price, but I don't even think we needed the stimulus to prove it.

$1,200 is nothing for the government to spend to experiment on your thresholds for Constitutional abuses.

Where do we go from here, though? Obviously, a problem exists. A problem that won't be stopped anytime soon. Washing your hands, keeping away from strangers, and not licking toilet seats is all good. In fact, it may have been all that was needed. The media and government have done a lot to scare people. A sneeze can infect you from two aisles away! Lockdown may last until a vaccine is found! The virus can live on your shoe, sneak into your home that way, and kill you all!

What will it be, Frankovich and the others who have too much power in their little hands? How far will you push things? How far can you go before the $1,200 isn't enough to quell the anger? What will you do about the people who can't be bought? Jail? Execution (as has been discussed in some countries)?

Small businesses are the backbone of America? The government is here for the people? Squint and you will see that something isn't quite right.

Day 23: California Under Martial Law Lite (Party For Your Right To Fight)

Humboldt reached another new milestone. No. In 'n' Out didn't open yet. It's nothing that exciting or important. It was just the third day with no new positive cases of Covid-19, and to celebrate, people went out and hit up Safeway all that the same time.

Safeway has been doing its share to keep its customers and employees safe in this uncertain time. They are professional signs on the floor saying to keep six feet apart, unlike the blue tape in other lesser establishments. Their employees sometimes wipe down the cart handles. There's Saran Wrap over the pin pad at the checkout. They aren't limiting the amount of people in the store at any given time, as when I was there it was a mad house, and Safeway's narrow aisles ensure that standing six feet apart is as impossible as living off $1,200 until this crisis passes.

While shopping at Safeway you will often hear inoffensive '80s music, but now there are bonus Big Brother-like announcements to respect "social distancing," fear everyone, and trust the government. Well, they don't go that far, but they may as well. After all, this crisis has proven to be a wonderful testing ground for a social experiment in isolation. How well will people just obey and not question? The answer is: easily.

"I could infect you with Covid-19, and you'd still vote for me."

I believe in listening to the scientists and doctors, seeing what happened in other countries, and then disregarding the government, which is proving that actions speak louder than words. The government is blatant in what it is doing, and while it tries to paint its actions with a nice, glossy finish, all it takes is two minutes of reading to understand what is important in this country . . . and it ain't you.

If this all ends, life as normal shouldn't continue. It needs to be better, and we need to be smarter, and it all starts with ensuring this never happens again. Businesses need to treat their employees better. Money must be earmarked to science, and scientists and doctors must not be disregarded. And those idiots babbling about 5G, the Deep State, and hoaxes? They need to relegated to the dustbin of history. Make it fun. Make it funny. And get rid of idiocy wherever you find it.

Three days without a new case in Humboldt. How long until we blow it?

Day 22: California Under Martial Law Lite (Last In Line For The Gangbang)

Yesterday found Humboldt experiencing its second day in a row with no new positive cases of Covid-19. Good news. Really good news. But there was a bigger news story that eclipsed it, and if you know Humboldt, it makes sense.

Chipotle opened in Eureka.

Now, I know what you're thinking: Eureka has a ton of great authentic Mexican restaurants and food trucks. Why would anyone be excited about Chipotle, which is about as Mexican as Taco Bell or Jack in the Box tacos? It makes no sense!

Oh, you silly moron. It makes total sense. It also makes total sense that the line for the drive through was backed up beyond belief. Yes, apparently we have a drive through with our Chipotle. I know. Contain your excitement.

Chipotle was one of three restaurants people were really excited to be getting. In 'n' Out and Mod Pizza were the other two. In 'n' Out had the wherewithal to actually postpone its opening because of that little coronavirus. I have no idea what Mod's plan is, but Chipotle said, "Fuck that." It opened anyway. You can order online! At the drive through! How thrilling! I'm betting that every single person who was actually excited about that place opening has blood that traces back to Europe. There's no reason to be excited otherwise. I have never eaten at one, but I stepped inside the place once in Oregon, saw the menu and immediately left. The word "mediocre" came to mind.

I heard people were keeping their physical distance (I no longer want to call it social distancing -- it reeks of brainwashing) from each other. So, I guess that was good. I can't help but wonder, however, if over the next two weeks we will see an increase in the numbers of people testing positive for Covid-19. If so, I can't directly tie it to Chipotle, but I will forever do my best to make sure people connect the two.

Just wait until In 'n' Out opens.

Day 21: California Under Martial Law Lite (Fuck Armageddon, This Is Hell)

By the end of day 19, Humboldt county hit the half century mark of people testing positive for Covid-19, the little virus that could. 50. That's anniversary material. Unfortunately, not many are wanting to celebrate this milestone. An odd proclamation from Humboldt's Health Officer, Dr. Frankovich, came on the heels of the number reveal party. She stated we were just at the beginning of the pandemic. Obviously, this caused some questions.

We were at day 19 of the shelter in place order. The virus' incubation period is 14 days. I understand that not everyone follows the order to the letter, but . . . Humboldt's been pretty much like a ghost town since it went into effect because people have, for the most part, taken it very seriously. I'm not expecting the number of infected to go away, but logic dictates that there should not be any massive spikes or even a drastic increase over time. If anything, it should be pretty steady sailing from here on out, though the numbers will most likely increase before they decrease . . . unless the shelter in place order did not really mean much at all.

Some have surmised that Frankovich knew a shelter in place order would not make any difference at all, and that it was a power play, an end run around Constitutional rights. I believe, however, that it does matter and she just wants people to remain vigilant. She wants people to continue taking precautions. After all, she just got her position at the end of January 2020, and probably fears losing it if she makes a bad decision and instead of 50 cases we have 5,000. Saying we are just at the start of it, however, makes one wonder just how bad she thinks it will get.

California says, "You get to go out when I say so."

Humboldt enacted its shelter in place order right before the state enacted its order. Humboldt is usually pretty proactive in these things. It wasn't much before the state, though. Not that it matters either way because California acted early. While other states' leaders were busy jerking off the public, California decided to play the dominatrix who would not grant you sexual release. It was time to get serious. Time to act responsible. Time to hoard toilet paper. We acted early, and it is, by all counts, saving lives.

Some have said that Dr. Frankovich is power hungry. I've never met her, so I can't say. She does wield some power, and she has plenty to lose. If people violate the shelter in place and get sick, she still gets blamed. She is in one of those no-win situations. Damned if she does. Damned if she doesn't. Saying we are just at the beginning of the pandemic, though, causes the more rational among us to question her motives and her numbers. Obviously not all information is being released to the public, but is the behind-the-scenes action so bad that her proclamation will seem prophetic in the weeks to come? Is she positioning herself to take more control away from the people? These are the questions being asked, but the most obvious answer is that she is being cautious, and that is probably correct. But . . . this is also about control and an experiment in how easy it is to pull off.

With all that in mind, guess what happened on day 20, where Humboldt was just at the "beginning" of the pandemic. Nothing. No new cases. Still only three unfortunate souls hospitalized. An amended order about essential businesses did come out earlier in the day, however. Bookstores can't be open, but pot shops can. What does that tell you about the natural order of things? It tells me everything I need to know.

An educated public is dangerous. A stoned public is easily controlled. Actions speak louder than words.

Day 19: California Under Martial Law Lite (Bark At The Moon)

I listened to part of Trump's press conference Sunday. It's apparent that the role of leader of the free world doesn't suit him well. He doesn't like questions that call his abilities into account, properly or not. His explanations are lacking to anyone with anything higher than a sixth grade education, and having him be our leader throughout this mess is really quite terrifying. He is in over his head. He doesn't have the intellectual capacity to deal with Covid-19. That makes him dangerous.

Trust me. I'm a doctor.

I've heard, though have yet to see, that our local WinCo is now requiring people to wear masks to enter the store. When I inquired to the person who told me this as to what type of masks (N95? bandana?) she did not know. As our positive cases of Covid-19 get one away from 50 and three people are hospitalized here in Humboldt with it, WinCo seems like it is instituting a smart policy.

If you've been following the numbers here in Humboldt, you'll notice a fairly consistent clamor on social media about where these cases are located. People want to know towns, though that information is fairly useless, and not a single one of those curious souls have been able to properly explain why they need that info. If you are doing everything you can to prevent catching or spreading coronavirus, then knowing the location of the county outbreaks changes nothing . . . unless you decide that since there aren't any cases . . . yet . . . in a certain location and you are there that you can somehow be less careful in your routine. The assumption is, and your actions should agree with this, that it is everywhere. It doesn't matter if Fortuna has two cases and Eureka has 33. In fact, that would only make sense. It seems these people want to feel that they either have some kind of control over the matter or they take a false sense of security from knowing useless information. The only people who need to know the exact locations are health professionals and that's in order to see patterns that could be used to determine contagions. For the rest of us, it's useless, but still people chatter on.

Today we will probably hit the magic 50. I actually predict we may hit 53. I hope I'm wrong, and that it doesn't happen, but it seems inevitable. At least we aren't NYC.

Day 17: California Under Martial Law Lite (Spreading The Disease)

Humboldt, by all appearances, is taking the mask recommendation fairly seriously, though I have yet to have one. Unfortunately, when it comes to social distancing, we are still lagging.

While in WinCo, I was in front of the teller who was shouting a conversation to the person at the teller behind me. (It was about anime, so I'm guessing it was really fucking important that the entire store hear this.) The guy behind me was shouting back. When I turned to glare, the fucker, who works for Coca Cola as noted by his work uniform, just smiled. Hey, bra, it's all good. I wanted to gut him on the spot. One more reason not to buy Coke products.

Our neighborhood has started an email chain to lend services to each other, keep an eye on one another, etc. It's a good idea, and one I hope to see more people doing. I know there was another howl last night, but I didn't participate, and nor did I hear anyone doing it. I kind of think it's pointless. I would rather organize a lynching of our elected officials.

Humboldt now has two people hospitalized with Covid-19, and the number of positive cases is creeping close to 50. Small numbers when compared to New York City, but still big enough . . . and going to get bigger in the days to come. What are the numbers where you are?

Yesterday full-on depression hit me. See, my bedroom is my sanctuary. I got some books there, my Roku, my TV, my Blu Ray player, my PS2. My girlfriend hates the movies I watch, so I tend to have to watch them alone, which is depressing enough because I like to watch movies with people. Anyway, we had a power outage a few days ago, and yesterday I realized the entire wall that everything is plugged into has lost power. It's not a fuse issue, either. Now I can't watch anything. And now I'm told they may not come fix it because it's not an emergency. I guess it'll become an emergency once I go all Jack Torrance. Bottom line, being locked inside and unable to watch my movies . . . I'm about to go nuts and do bad things.

Anyone up for a lynching?

Day 16: California Under Martial Law Lite (My Smile Is A Mask)

Parents will keep their infected children a lot further than 6' away from me when I go out in this mask.

Humboldt's Health Director is recommending masks. Something, anything, to cover the nose and mouth. I don't know why this is so controversial around the country. The president says he won't do it, though he advises others to wear them. Karma, he may find, can be a prickly bastard. Of course, Humboldt residents, some of whom still think this is a hoax or just a nasty little cold bug, have scoffed at the idea.

Meanwhile people here are officially being put under quarantine. That means if you get the call saying that you are under quarantine, there are only three ways to get out of that said quarantine. You can test negative. A nurse can clear you. Or you can go 14 days without displaying symptoms. If you decide to be a "rebel" and leave your home while under quarantine, you have now broken the law. Unfortunately, they can't shoot you yet, but I'm sure the fine is fairly heavy. I imagine that the one who scoffs at this being real will be the same one who leaves the house after infecting his kid, wife, neighbor, and who knows who else, just so he can grab a six pack of his favorite alcohol all while bragging loudly that he's suppose to be under quarantine. Maybe another "rebel," one who is on the other side of the spectrum and is super paranoid, will take that opportunity to pull out his recently purchased gun and blow him away. Are we there yet? No, but the exit to it is fast approaching on the highway here in Humboldt.

The reason I didn't go to work for almost two weeks is because someone my family had contact with was getting tested for Covid-19. We figured since hardly anyone in the county was being tested at that moment, the fact that doctors deemed her worthy of the test was good enough reason for us to stay home, though my doctor's office told me (after the first call, which was comically unproductive) that I could do my normal routine! I decided to use caution and ate up a week's work of sick time until the test results came back. It took almost fourteen days for the person to get them!

Do you get the feeling this country is woefully unprepared?

On a side note, one that I will be investigating, I had read that the numbers out of China may have been inaccurate. This is, of course, huge news because we based a lot of our actions on those numbers. Well, I saw a tweet from Donald Trump Jr., this morning. He was retweeting a bit that said the original numbers out of Wuhan were something like 2,500 plus dead, but the numbers may be more than 40,000. Little Donnie isn't the most reliable source, but I am going to look into this. If that's true, those morons who believe this is just another flu better be prepared because that means there's a good chance it will get their asses.

Karma strikes back.

Day 15: California Under Martial Law Lite (Long Way Back From Hell)

In a bit of surprising news, Humboldt's number who have tested positive for Covid-19 is nearing 40. Two are hospitalized. For the naysayers, at least the ones who believe this is even real, this is proof that the coronavirus is "no big deal." For the naysayers who don't even believe this is happening, the two that are in the hospital are "crisis actors."

If you fall into that latter group, I have a flat Earth to sell you.

As of yesterday I have been back to work for two measly days. Two. Today marks my third day back. People are stressed. It's in their words, their faces, and their actions. Some are visibly at their breaking point. I'm feeling it, too, but in a different way. My girlfriend pointed out the problems with being an "essential" worker, but not getting any kind of hazard pay, which was an excellent point, especially when she pointed out that those workers who are laid off get the safety of home plus making more money than previously. I tried to counter the argument, but ultimately, right or wrong, there is nothing we can do about that now. Once this blows over, and if we survive, hazard pay can be addressed for when this happens again.

Humboldt did a shelter in place order far earlier than other places, and I'm hoping that will have helped the situation somewhat. Other states are just doing it now because their governor claims not to have known has easy it was to catch the virus. People in that state should hang him from a streetlight when this is all done. He needs to go. That kind of stupidity gets other people killed.

We've been under this shelter in place order now just a bit longer than the virus incubation period. This is when shit will either start to hit the fan, or maybe, just maybe, start to ramp down. I'm hoping for the latter. I fear the former. And I wonder how much longer my co-workers and I will be able to hold up in this mess . . .

Day 13: California Under Martial Law Lite (Groove Is In The Heart)

Humboldt did it! We finally did it! We reached that exclusive rock star club number: 27 confirmed cases of Covid-19! Now, like the Cobains and Morrisons before us, we perish.

Our local health emergency is now in place "until lifted." It's two words that should send a shiver down the spine of any freedom loving person. We are the victim in the movie being held hostage in the basement by a masked serial killer. He'll let us go when he feels he's ready, though we all know what happens in the movie. We hope someone rescues us, but those bones in the corner, the ones that look like ribs, tell us otherwise.

Good morning, America!

I officially admit my stress level is pretty high, which is making my back pain act up. I can't take my usual medicine for it because it involves anti-inflammatory pills. I am returning to work because I'm an essential worker, and all I keep wishing is that Black Devil Spine would suddenly become a bestseller so I could just stay home and edit. My love of humanity has bounds, and I've reached them. And for those who want things to go back to normal, I don't think that will ever happen. In fact, I'm not sure I want them to do so. We have a president who is about as effective as anal mucus, citizens who will horde toilet paper for no apparent reason, a wealth gap that is obscene, people on all sides of the political spectrum making power grabs and playing God. Who wants to go back to that? Not I. I want something better.

I fear the world my daughter is being left.

*Note: I may not be updating this daily any longer due to other writing commitments.

Day 12: California Under Martial Law Lite (Bedtime For Democracy)

When I started chronicling the California shelter in place order, I called it "martial law lite" because that was what I was seeing it head toward. Yesterday Humboldt County and Hungary caused my fears to become more solidified. Let's start at the beginning of the day, though . . .

Arcata has this area near a community center that is a playground and a large field where people usually play soccer. The space between the playground and the community center is now dotted with tents of the homeless, and when I went by there, the police were out in full force, though they weren't making them move. I'm not actually sure what they were doing to be honest. It was just an odd sight.

Later in the morning I heard that Hungary's Viktor Orban had successfully suspended democracy, being granted many powers with no elections or votes until this crisis is over. Then, with Humboldt's number of positive cases for Covid-19 reaching 21, our Public Health director tightened her emergency order, banning tourism, group sports, and reclassifying an essential business. Our sheriff stepped in after her and declared an emergency, mainly to get funds and to "prepare" the citizens for what is coming. California martial law lite no longer seems as clever. It seems to be a reality that is fast approaching.

Viktor Orban: As dangerous as Trump, but with a cooler name and accent.

With global strikes threatening capitalism throughout the world, you can bet governments and businesses are fearful, and they have every right to be. Citizens need to be aware of what is happening, too. In Hungary, you can now go to jail for spreading "fake news," though I could find no definition of what defines "fake." And if you think I'm being alarmist, maybe. The alarm should be sounded, however. Giving up freedom for safety has dire consequences. Just look at 9/11 for an example. Life seemed to go back to normal, but all those freedom restrictions stayed in place. You just didn't notice because you were still free to choose Pepsi over Coke.

We've already proven we'll obey without serious questioning. In fact, I think washing your hands and staying home when necessary is essential to stopping this virus, but I don't think we should handing over our rights so easily. What must we prepare for here in Humboldt that we haven't already been doing? That's an honest question, but I fear the answer.

I want to be clear in stating that I don't think we are suspending democracy here in America . . . yet. I feel that the actions taken so far are in line with helping to stop the spread of Covid-19, but the wording is being put in place to allow transgressions against your freedoms to happen, and we must be vigilant against this sort of thing. When the actions no longer fall in line with keeping the virus under control, that's when they should be fought against. As goes California . . .

On an unrelated note, I'm an essential worker and am returning to work tomorrow. I don't know if I'll be able to keep updating this daily. I will update as things become important, and probably over the weekend. I'd love for those in other communities to post in the comments section what is happening in your neck of the woods. We need to remain vigilant during these trying times, and communication is the key.

Day 11: California Under Martial Law Lite (Pigs In Zen)

We had to do our weekly shopping yesterday, which is not even enjoyable when there isn't a shelter in place order. When custom dictates that stores only let so many people in at the same time, and that shoppers should stay six feet apart it gets downright unpleasant. Why? Despite taped lines on the floor showing six feet, people can't seem to stay the fuck back. While shopping, there are no lines to denote the six foot space, so WinCo has put up signs stating that the six feet distance means staying away from people the distance equal to at least two shopping carts. That seems pretty easy to follow. I don't know why a large portion of Humboldt has such a hard fucking time with that.

Maybe they're just ignorant.

You're too close!

Some shoppers get it. They are the ones who when they pass you give you an uneasy smile, the same smile you'd get if you were talking to someone at a party and the conversation is going well and then the light hits you just right and reveals that you have a herpes sore on your lip. Yeah, that's the kind of look you get in the store when people have to pass you and they understand the six feet rule. Others don't even bother, They just cozy up right next to you to get the best cilantro they can find. 

Things have calmed a bit here in Humboldt, however, when it comes to the stores. Where shelves looked barren last week, this week you can actually find things like paper towels and toilet paper. It's partially because hoarders have stopped most of the hoarding, and also because this is becoming normal. Sheltering in place becoming normalized is a bad thing, though. It sets us up for regular social isolation and lets us be divided and conquered far more easily. It is something that can very easily be used by a government that wants to control its population. I'm not saying the coronavirus is a hoax, but I am saying that I believe governments at the very least are watching how we react to it and filing that information away for future use.

On a sadder note, as an essential employee I have to go back to work on Wednesday. This means these daily updates may just happen every few days. I'm not sure how many people are reading them, either. I think everyone is tiring of virus coverage . . . and that also denotes a new normal. If you have been reading them and want me to continue daily, let me know in the comments section, and I'll do my best to continue. For the rest of you, stay six feet away from me in WinCo. I don't need whatever germs you're carrying.

Day 10: California Under Martial Law Lite (Don't Forget The Chaos)

Last night Humboldt's count went to 18 positive, one still in the hospital. Our local McDonald's is giving away breakfast to ER workers every Sunday until this over. I now know where to stay away from, as if I needed a reason. I just don't want coronavirus attaching itself to the wrapper of my cheeseburger after its passed from a doctor's hand to an employee's hand.

Yesterday, as I had to make an excursion to the credit union that I could not complete Friday, I saw that a police officer seemed to be patrolling . . . the aisles of Walmart. It was odd, to say the least. I also learned at that time that the credit union in the mall is closed . . . as is the entire mall. There were only like five stores left in it anyway, so that isn't a big deal, though one place in there had the best incense for your money. Now I have to try again tomorrow. I can only hope I'll have better luck.

The judgment is ramping up on social media, too. It was always bad to begin with, but now total strangers are judging you as a problem if you mention you are going out for a shake because "a shake isn't essential." They then admonish you to "stay in your home," stating that you don't understand what those words mean. What they obviously did not read was the shelter in place order, which allows for going to restaurants for curbside pick-up. But, judge away. Not knowing the facts never stopped anyone before, however.

It all feels like Humboldt is slowly starting to buckle under the weight of all of this. The naysayers, the ones who think the media is just sowing fear, are getting more vocal. They don't believe the people in the medical field. They believe the president. They don't believe the doctors dealing with the overcrowded emergency rooms in New York City. They think since they don't have it, nobody does. These people hold down jobs (well, maybe not anymore), have kids, and vote. At the very least their ignorance should relegate them to section reserved for those we ridicule until they go away. Instead, they are a growing voice of insanity in a shit storm of crazy.

He can take that finger and shove it up his ass . . . as soon as Pence gets his tongue out of there.

Then there are the cheerleaders shouting that we "can do this!" They are going to spend their stimulus check on pom poms. They don't seem to realize that just by saying we can do it doesn't mean we can. I understand it makes them feel better, but maybe a better rallying cry should be, "Never again!"

Trump stated he wants the country running back to normal by Easter, as if his desire will just make it so. It may or may not happen, but to force it would be a huge mistake. We've seen what Covid-19 does when in a crowd. Do we really want to do this all over again? Of course not, but if the president says it . . .

This day marks us going into the double digits of martial law lite. Nearing two weeks, though it's hard to tell because I'm losing sense of time. I had to be out of work because of an incident I'm not ready to go into yet, but it was long and stressful and ate up some benefit time. I had a lot, but I did not want to squander it. This had to be done, though, despite it being nobody's fault really.

Day 10 in Humboldt. The sky is gray. The outside world quiet. The air smells different, too. I believe I can smell the bay because there aren't that many cars out polluting. It's nice, really. I could get used to that. The sad thing is, the only way that will happen is if the shelter in place order stays around or enough people who drive die off and aren't replaced for a few years.

How horrible is that?

Day 9: California Under Martial Law Lite (Meat Is Murder)

I ventured out yesterday. I needed cash. I waited until after the lunch rush was over and then headed to my local credit union. I figured I would be in and out fairly quickly. After all, with everyone filing for unemployment, how many people would be at the institution looking to do as I?

A lot.

So many, in fact, that the line was out the door to the back of the building where the drive-thru windows were located. People stood in line roughly six feet apart, several donning surgical masks. Every single one of them looking as miserable as I felt upon seeing the line. I did not have the heart to stand and wait. Not with that many people. Not for that long. Should I call the tip line Humboldt set up for those not following social distancing and cry foul? I knew some of them weren't six feet apart. They should be arrested, or at the very least beaten within an inch of their failing, Covid-19 carrying lives.

I did no such thing, but I did wonder if someone took it upon themselves to do so.

Not Arcata, but close enough.

Later, upon returning home, I stupidly checked into Facebook. The Lost Coast Outpost, one of our irreverent local news sources, had posted a video of the Arcata Plaza, which was utterly empty. The comments that followed the video were about as expected. People claiming everyone was in Eureka. Those saying that venturing outside for "frozen pizza" was wrong, dammit! And so on. Some kind soul, after seeing the vast empty space, took a moment to write that "we could do it!" Such uplifting sentiment. We could do it. We could, too.

The number of people testing positive for the virus rose to 14 yesterday in Humboldt. We can do it. New York's numbers keep rising. We can do it. The stimulus package passed and people are going to get an average of $1200 to take care of rent, groceries, credit card bills, and the ever important cable bill. We can do it. The economy may take over a decade to recover and brick and mortar storefronts may never look the same. We can do it.

The harsh reality is this: We decided since it was pay day to do curbside pick-up at Surfside, a burger joint in Eureka. A little treat for a hard week survived. Nobody was, quite appropriately, seated inside. The woman who took our order over the phone brought it out to us (no gloves, mind you), took our cards and brought them back. I almost did not want to eat it. I imagined my burger and onion rings crawling with the virus. In fact, I did not even finish my onion rings because of that. I honestly did not want to eat out anymore . . . even if I was bringing it home. Everything seemed tainted. Our brains are being reset by this social isolation and doomsday at your door coverage every fifteen minutes. Will anyone ever feel okay eating in a restaurant again if someone coughs or sneezes? I'm not sure, but I know right now I'm not feeling good about anything outside the confines of my four walls. Isolation is working in more ways than one, and that is a very bad sign.

We can do it.

Day 8: California Under Martial Law Lite (Darkness Descends)

Yesterday my daughter informed me that this online learning her school is utilizing is not going so well for her. She doesn't think she's learning much, if anything at all; the assignments are often vague; and she feels like she just isn't performing up to her standards. For a kid who does well in school and has high expectations for herself, this was hard to hear coming from her. She wondered how all of this will affect her and her classmates' future. Explaining to her that this was uncharted territory for us all did little to quell her fears. She can't see her friends. She can't go to the high school sports games. She can't go to class. She wants life to return to normal. At one point she said, "I think this is the new normal."

I think she's partially right.

Social distancing. Hoarding. Idiots doing their best to deny there is a problem. Wall Street being a higher priority than Main Street. All of these things were not only predictable, they are also manipulated by the powers that be because they are a form of control. Humboldt is no exception. Our tip line  to turn people and businesses not following the shelter in place guidelines just lets us do most of the work for them.

WinCo is still out of toilet paper and paper towels. As soon as they get a meager supply in, the hordes raid it. Why anyone is doing this is unknown, yet because others did, now more people must, too. Pot dispensaries are allowed open because they are essential businesses, though California legalized recreational pot, which has far surpassed medicinal use. Why is this recreational business allowed to be open, yet movie theaters are not? Could be because people who smoke pot are more subdued than others. It's an effective form of crowd control, especially when everyone is to stay home. Again, we are doing the work for them. Consume above all else. Consume.

The streets of Humboldt still have cars, but not as many as ten days ago. There are still people walking their dogs in Henderson Center, but not as many as were seen nine days ago. In fact, Henderson Center looks like it does on Christmas minus the decorations and lights. Darkness has descended, but midnight is still hours away.

I read yesterday that our hospital, a St. Joseph's establishment that I am not too fond of, has limited ICU beds. By limited, I believe it is under 20. If that is the case it's a good thing Henderson Center looks like it is out of 28 Days Later. We've got one person hospitalized now because of Covid-19. If those numbers climb too quickly then those beds are going to be utilized just as quickly, and if that happens I doubt any of the hospitals in Redding or near there will allow our patients to be flown in. It is the situation the experts said would happen and the one the politicians ignored, that will happen. Humboldt's numbers are going to climb and those beds are going to be used. We will be no different than any other country, and we proved that when our country's numbers of infected climbed higher than Italy's. We weren't supposed to really match Italy until April 1. We were early. Hurray!

Our governments at state level and above have failed us, yet we still demand their help. We aren't really going to get it. $1200 is nothing, and they know it. It's not even a pacifier. We should stop appealing to these morons, the same ones incidentally who made this situation worse, and start taking it upon ourselves to save ourselves. Listen to the medical experts. If the fed opens the economy back up, don't participate in it. If the numbers are still climbing (and I suspect they will be, or will be high enough that intermingling should still be a concern), don't go back to the ball games. Continue to wash your hands. Your president and some of your governors will tell you that everything is back to normal, that everything is all right. Go about your lives as you did before. But look around and you'll quickly spot the lie. It will stick out like a sore thumb. If you compare this crisis to the crisis of 9/11 you'll be able to easily see your role in it. The role of Joe Q. Public in both. You were told how you could help. In the case of 9/11, you had to continue to be a consumer. Once the fed gives the all clear, it won't be, "Go out and see your family. Hug your neighbor." It will be, "Go out and buy stuff." Watch. Our roles are clearly defined.

Mussolini and friends hanging out with the citizens of Italy.

Humboldt has always been suspicious of politicians, though we do have our Trump parrots here, too. It will remain suspicious on the whole after this clears. I hope more people re-examine their roles, though, and decide that maybe they want to be more than a consumer. And maybe we should try to remember that the people who will claimed that they saved us, actually made this situation far worse. The Italians showed Mussolini how they remembered him. Maybe we'll show the same love to our "leaders" if they try to take credit for that which they fucked up. Or maybe we'll just continue down that consumer path, happy that we can easily buy toilet paper once again.

Day 7: California Under Martial Law Lite (We Are 138)

Humboldt County had a wake-up call yesterday. The number of people who tested positive for coronavirus doubled in one day. It went from five to ten. Not a huge number, but that's only because testing is so very limited at this point. Of course, social media had the usual idiots spewing forth opinions based on . . . well, I'm not sure what they base their opinions on. It sure as hell isn't common sense.

We've got the usual morons who believe this is all a hoax. We have a growing number who say, "Let them all die." (I'm sure when they get it they will demand a hospital bed instead of slowly dying like they want the others to do. These people aren't only hypocrites, they're cowards.) We've got the ones saying Trump is doing everything right. We have people who believe it is the end of the world. We've got ones pushing fake cures that they heard from a friend of a friend who has a friend who is a neighbor to a doctor. I'm sure your area is no different. Stupid isn't native to Humboldt.

Our county also set up a tip line. No, this tip line isn't in place to call in gang activity or anything like that. This is to turn in people and businesses who aren't following the shelter in place order. If this doesn't feel a little slimy, I don't know what does. It's like a terrorism tip line, and I'm sure that was the impetus for it, but it still seems wrong. The odds of it being abused are high, too. I wonder when they'll get their first call that says something like, "I saw a Chinese person at the store! Arrest them!" Someone on social media ironically said, "You people are soft af." I didn't have the heart tell him that using "af" instead of "as fuck" was pretty soft in and of itself. The hypocrisy would have been lost on him anyway. His type never really "get it." Probably because their heads are hard af.

Chinese people! In a group! Call the police!

So now Humboldt is turning into a police state, only the police can't police everyone so they are asking the citizens to do it for them. I get the idea behind it, and I honestly feel like it was implemented just to let the citizens feel like they have some sort of power. I'm sure the police don't want to deal with this when there are other more serious crimes going on. But have it we do, and the citizens will use it. Scratch that, they'll abuse it. Calling in on every foreigner they spot who appears Asian. Someone sneezes behind them in line to get into WinCo and that cell phone will whip out. Karens of the world will have a fucking field day.

This is what we are resorting to one week in. The shelter in place order is supposed to last until April 19, just in time for us to throw all those birthday parties for Hitler the next day. I can't imagine what people will be like by that time. If one week is any indication, it won't be pretty.

Day 6: California Under Martial Law Lite (Bedtime For Democracy)

The news was bleak yesterday. No, it wasn't that Humboldt was up to five reported cases that tested positive for the coronavirus. Anyone paying attention knows those numbers are woefully inadequate because so few tests are being conducted. It wasn't even that a "coronavirus party" in Kentucky ended with someone getting the coronavirus. That's called karma, and it can be a real bastard when it wants to be. It's Kentucky, though, so . . . No, the bleak part was the president saying he wanted the country reopened by Easter so the economy doesn't totally tank. Who cares about dead old people (though the numbers of young dying are growing). Who cares that economy has already tanked. He wants it up and running or . . . what? I don't know.

"I could kill 8 million grandmothers and still get re-elected."

I've seen conservative estimates putting the dead in America at 8 million if that were to happen, though those numbers are just plain forecasting because we really don't know. It could be more. It could be less.

I agree that the economy is important. But, as of today, we can fix the economy but can't yet bring back the dead. Even Haiti has a problem doing that properly.

Our local businesses here in Humboldt are dealing with things a bit differently. Don's Donuts in Arcata doesn't seem to care and lets people come in and crowd. Rite Aid in Eureka has tape on the floor to show how far six feet is for people standing in line. Too many businesses have signs that say they are closed for the foreseeable future. I wonder how many will reopen. I hope it will be the majority, but the longer this drags on the less likely that will occur, and that is what scares Trump, who cares about the economy over everything else. Businesses will come back, though, and Humboldt, perhaps more than other places, is good at supporting local businesses in tough times. The president has a bigger picture problem, but his solution is decidedly short-sighted and lacks long term vision. How bad will the economy be when the dead start topping the millions, and how will those Republicans who supported him look to the general public?

This dog-eat-dog world has brought us to this point. Toilet paper gone. People have coronavirus parties. Greed run rampant. And still we don't learn. Maybe the president is right. Maybe a bunch of us need to die. I just would wish it would be more targeted toward the monsters who think it is every man, woman, and child for themselves. They remain unimpressive by any civilized standard, and the sooner we are rid of them, the better. For it is them, and not the elderly, who cost us more economically and socially, and who are utterly useless in the grand scheme of things. Let them die . . . and leave them unburied.

Day 5: California Under Martial Law Lite (A Nation Down For The Count)

I barely ventured outside the house yesterday. Never once went off the property. That said, we had a man doing landscape work, and he broke the social distancing guidelines, which caused me a moment of worry. Funny how quickly I've become acclimated.

I also heard sirens yesterday for the first time since this began. It was jarring.

I tried to do things to take my mind off the turmoil. Finished reading Haunted Hideout. It sucked. Worked on my blog and next novel. Cleaned the cat litter. Played Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights. But mostly did a lot of waiting and thinking . . . followed by worrying. I haven't been to work in too many days, but not because I don't want to be there, but because given the situation we have found ourselves under, I can't. I'm one of the lucky ones who has enough sick leave to cover this, but the sick leave won't last forever. Neither should this isolation.

If there's a lesson to take from "28 Days Later," it is how friendly the military was in this situation.

It seems like as days drag on, California winds down more and more. The president continues to rattle nonsense, and our politicians are doing what politicians do in these situations, but California seems to have gone the route of New York in many ways and is leading the way on how to deal with this. Of course, there are quite a few people who figure they know what is best and show a lack of caring about anyone else. But that is to be expected from the idiots. Hopefully they will die off quickly.

When Covid-19 first started becoming newsworthy I joked that it wouldn't kill off enough of the dumb people. That's still a concern. Weed out the willfully ignorant and the self-obsessed and the next time this kind of thing happens it will be easier to contain.

I also read that die-hard racists are looking to weaponize the virus. These followers of James Mason, who admires Charles Manson, want to use the virus to attack minorities and people like the FBI. See? Everyone is adjusting to this new life. They are making the virus fit into their lifestyle in ways that  works for them. Just like the left is using it as an example of social inequality. Everyone wins, right?

I don't know how much longer I'll continue this blog, as the days bleed into one another with very little way to distinguish them from each other. Does anyone care? I'm not sure. We're all dealing with things. We're all fighting our demons. Some more than others.

I started reading Burn, Baby, Burn last night. I would normally really be into a novel of its type (i.e., a mother sets out to kill her child), but I am finding it depressing. I had to call it a night after a few chapters. I'm not even sure if now is the time to continue it.

We'll see what today brings. Tuesday. What new fake news will surface? Which friends will fall for it? Who will make stupid jokes? What new moronic behavior will come to light? Time will tell, but I wonder if when our numbers of dead are increasing at an Italian-style rate, will people start to figure out just what they've done? Or will they remain ignorant, licking toilet seats and wrestling at the beach?

Day 4: California Under Martial Law Lite (Moon Over Marin)

Yesterday, Sunday, was eye opening. Up until that point I thought this shelter in-place order would ensure I could edit my latest Sinful Cinema book, work on my next novel, watch a movie or five, and read copious amounts of books. Instead, I found myself spending my early afternoon at Target of all places. If I get coronavirus, I got it there.

I've been avoiding stores as much as humanly possible. But one has to eat. One also has to drain clogged sinks, which is why I was at Target. I had my own bag with me and hand sanitizer for those moments when I needed it. I would have been better off with a gun. The Target in Eureka, CA is under reconstruction in order to make the store more visually appealing, so it looks odd from the moment you step in. If they really wanted to make the store appealing, however, they would kick out most of the shoppers.

While WinCo is regulating how many people go into the store at once, Target is letting capitalism and consumerism go at its normal society-dooming pace.  Luckily, despite Target's ignorance, the store was far less crowded than it would be on a normal Sunday afternoon. But what I saw sent chills down my spine.

A side note: many of you know I write horror stories. I usually write about people doing bad things. I tend not to write apocalyptic horror. There are enough people doing that, and doing it quite well, thank you. But after witnessing the folks in Target, I am starting to rethink my stance on the genre. Maybe I should delve into it. It is easy enough to see how the end begins, after all.

When there's no room left in Hell . . . the diseased shop at Target.

People were not following the social distancing guidelines set forth by people much smarter than themselves. They would get right up next to you because they could not wait a few moments to grab a sponge. I witnessed a Target employee sneeze into his elbow and then go right back to stocking food. A young boy made an effort to cough into his elbow, but it was really a half-hearted attempt. His mother just rolled her eyes. Kids, right? Then there was . . . the lady.

She was shambling down the wide aisle toward me. She was wearing grey sweatpants and a grey sweatshirt with a football team logo on it. She looked like she had just rolled out of bed. Hair askew. Makeup smudged. As she neared me, she coughed. Into the air. No attempt to cover it.

"Cover up," I growled.

She whipped right around and said, "You can't tell me what to do."

A Target employee was watching this exchange. Had she not been watching, I would have dropped the lady on the spot. Doing her in before Covid-19 could do it for me.

The world ends with an uncovered cough. It spreads through creatures like this one, and the fools who flooded the beaches at Spring Break. It ravishes communities because one person couldn't be bothered to cough properly. On this, day four of the siege, I can't help but look out my window and see the empty streets under the grey clouds and think, "How many of these houses will end up vacant?" My guess is far more than should be.

Day 3: California Under Martial Law Lite (Run To The Hills)

Sunday mornings are normally quiet in Eureka, California. America, it seems, is at its laziest come Sunday morning. However, this morning is quieter than most. I do hear the occasional car go by outside, but other than that it's easy to imagine that the population of Eureka has just slipped away into nothingness.

I've been staying away from Covid-19 coverage on Facebook. There's too much false information ("It's a hoax!"), too many condescending posts ("Listen, kiddies, this is how it is. I'm hear to tell you the truth."), and too much stupidity ("I'm going to lick a public toilet seat."). If only this virus struck the willfully ignorant. I'd be out spreading it then. Good riddance to bad garbage.

Ava Louise. She seems pretty fucking smart. 

I must say that I think Humboldt residents are feeling overly safe right now. Only two positive cases as of yesterday. They don't see the storm coming. I would contend that the only safe place in California is probably Modoc County. They already practice social distancing there. They are isolated. Nobody wants to travel there. Yeah, Modoc may be the oasis for this event. Hell, the place has one movie theater that shows one show one day a week. How quaint!

I worry about my mother. Someone at her work tested positive. She does not think she has had any contact with the person. I call her every morning, asking how she is and listening for any kind of sign that she may be struggling to breathe. I hate being on the West Coast at this point. Almost a country away from her. I hope my brother can keep an eye on her, but he works in a hospital. I imagine he's pretty busy.

When all this is over and the dead are buried, will we remember the power grabs that government agencies tried to do? When the businesses, those that survived, start to reopen, will we remember that Trump bumbled all of this from the start? When we realize that our loved ones probably didn't have to die, will we commit to forcing our so-called leaders to come up with a better, more proactive plan to stop this from happening again on such a scale? When toilet paper is back on the shelf at normal prices, will we remember how capitalism in its current form not only failed us but proved to be deadly for the poorest among us?

Probably not. Most people are condemned to make the same mistakes over and over, operating off a belief system that lacks foresight and memory. If we make it out of this one, we guarantee it will happen again. We are predictable that way. Herd mentality. More brawn than brains. Easily bred, led, and dead.

Sunday mornings are always quiet in Eureka. I fear it will get quieter yet . . .

Day 2: California Under Martial Law Lite (This Town Is Becoming Like A Ghost Town)

I was driving the 101 this morning. North. I was listening to 1st Wave on Sirius XM. Someone requested The Specials. "Ghost Town." It doesn't get more on the head than that.

Eureka, CA is a ghost town. Sure, there are some people walking around. They are mainly older people. Often with a dog at their side. Most of the stores are closed or have signs in the window indicating they are closed as of Monday. The restaurants that are open are doing to go orders or delivery. The tables inside empty.

Oddly enough, between today and yesterday I have not seen a single police officer. Not a one. I haven't even heard sirens. There are no more emergencies when the very time you live in is an emergency.

The test came back positive . . . 

The house across the street has been flying an American flag for a few days now. Is it meant to be a symbol of hope or a warning sign of some sort? I imagine it provides inspiration for some. Probably the same people repeatedly posting fake coronavirus stories on Facebook thinking they are true. For people like me, however, it represents failure. A failure on all fronts. After every emergency we say we can do "better." We never really say what that better is. Now, as we are socially isolated we have nothing but time to ponder on what "better" looks like. It's about a 180 from this.

Humboldt tested its second positive case of Covid-19 yesterday. A month from the first one. Some people think that is a good sign. For the more rational thinking among us we know it just means they haven't been testing enough people. "There aren't enough tests." "Unless you came from a high risk country ..." It means everyone can still be a carrier, and it means you can't trust your neighbor, your son, your father. It's a level of paranoia not seen since Carpenter's The Thing.

Day two and it doesn't feel like much has changed. It's just ... quieter. Eureka is a ghost town. Soon, maybe sooner than later, many of its residents will be ghosts, too.

Keep flying your flags, though. We wouldn't want you to lose hope.

Day 1: California Under Martial Law Lite (Humboldt Style)

As of midnight last night Humboldt County, in all its pot haze glory, was under martial law lite. Actually they call it a shelter in place order but the effect is nearly the same. Humboldt's citizens have to -- wait! We interrupt this program to bring you Gavin Newsom.

Newsom is California's well-groomed, liberal without a cause, politician posing as governor. He, despite the many poorly rationalized petitions demanding his recall, ordered a statewide martial law lite order, stealing Humboldt's thunder much to the chagrin of many a local government policymaker.

So what can we do in Humboldt? Well, it's extremely important to keep spending money, so essential businesses will remain open. One can hardly argue that keeping grocery stores and banks open is bad, but pot shops? Computer repair shops? Burger King?

While spending money is okay (and necessary to keep the gears of capitalism grinding), social isolation is the norm. Stay six feet from strangers ... if you have to be near them in the first place. Only associate with your family. Don't walk around outside aimlessly. Jog, instead.

Newsom: He's looking out for you.

For some it seems almost like business as usual without all the inane small talk. Others look at it more like a divide and conquer tactic where some businesses get to keep their dough, while citizens get to feel isolated, desperate, and scared. I don't buy into Covid-19 (a very robot-sounding name) being a government conspiracy, but I do feel like governments are taking advantage of a situation to see how easily they can control masses of people before they are pushed to the breaking point. If everything seems normal, while it really isn't, is it conceivable to keep people docile and compliant? It sure looks that way.

Humboldt is a resourceful area. It was one of the poorest counties in California back in the day. It attracted hippies and homesteaders. Self-reliance became the norm. Few have any doubt we won't weather this storm, but there are those, myself included, who think life will never look quite the same after it blows by. If kids can be educated at home . . . If society doesn't fall apart because movie theaters are closed . . .  What's the harm in playing out a crisis for two months? Six months? Eighteen months? Four years? Manufacture one after another, or, better yet, take advantage of what is already there.

I started out fearing the virus more than elected officials. After watching how quickly things unfolded, how numbers kept changing (along with the stories that went with them), and how paranoid they tried to make us, it seemed very obvious that people like Trump (the worst person to be in charge at a time like this) and Newsom were going to use this to their advantage. Their moment to shine, as it were.

Trump ignored the virus. Race baited it. Got exposed to it. Newsom said he would invoke martial law if needed. What justification would he use? People not following the shelter in place order that still lets you shop, grab some take out (not Chinese), and lets your kids roam in the park (don't touch the slides)? Large gatherings are verboten . . . unless Newsom throws a press conference. But please continue to go to the bank. Please.

Our "leaders" are leading us into a cesspool, all while the fiddler plays. Everything is fine. Stay in your homes. Nothing is normal. Go grab some snacks at the grocery store. Over half of California's population could get the virus. Enjoy a hike.

Outside, though, there is a different tale to tell. The streets are emptier. People are wearing gloves. They aren't standing six feet away from each other, but they do seem hesitant. A cough gets you all kinds of looks while in line waiting to get into Winco. As there is no longer the constant din of traffic, a thought, once too quiet to be heard over the noise, enters the mind. Who do you fear more: A virus? Your neighbor? Those in control?

The following days will be telling.