Keller/Anderle’s successful application for a temporary restraining order led the state and federal governments to announce Friday they would abandon their plan to use the Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa to quarantine coronavirus patients.
A District Court Judge temporarily blocked the proposal, which called for as many as 50 patients, including evacuees from the Diamond Princess, to be isolated at a facility the California state government had just weeks earlier declared unfit to serve as an emergency homeless shelter.
Less than 24 hours after being alerted to the state and federal governments’ plan, the City of Costa Mesa asked Keller/Anderle to try to block the relocation of these patients to a dilapidated facility in the middle of a densely populated area, bounded by busy thoroughfares and residential neighborhoods.
In a court hearing last week, the city’s lead attorney, Jennifer Keller, cited concerns over the risk of transmission within the community, given the lack of coordination with local officials, first responders, and hospitals. Keller also highlighted the potential economic fallout from such a move and the existence of far more suitable locations to care for coronavirus patients among the reasons to block the use of the former assisted living facility.
Neighboring cities as well as the County of Orange rallied in support of Costa Mesa’s efforts. The City’s elected leadership, staff, and first responders as well as their partners throughout the region were relieved by the outcome. The City continues to focus its attention on ensuring it is prepared to protect the health and safety of the community in the face of the coronavirus challenge.