SANTA MONICA, Calif. – California has sold itself to the world with images of endless sunshine, the splendor of its natural beauty and iconic attractions.
No sales pitch, though, is a match for the coronavirus pandemic. Even before Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered all the nearly 40 million residents to stay inside and shut down all but essential businesses, beaches were largely empty.
Disneyland was closed. Ski lifts at mountains blanketed in deep, fresh snow were not running. Wine country put a cork in tastings.
Yosemite National Park had evicted campers and hotel guests. Even highway visitor centers had barred their doors. It's almost like the Welcome to California signs were painted over with: “Keep out.” Countless trips had been canceled and