[Press Release from Inyo County | August 12, 2020]
(Response on action from Two Brothers on Facebook, after the IC Press Release)
Inyo County Superior Court Judge, The Hon. Stephen M. Place, approved Temporary Restraining Order on Two Brothers from Italy Restaurant in Big Pine, Calif. as requested by the Inyo County Health Department
Inyo County Forced To Get Restraining Order against Non-Compliant Restaurant
INYO COUNTY, CA, August 12, 2020 – Today, Inyo County obtained a judicial restraining order against Two Brothers From Italy (Big Pine, CA) prohibiting them from continuing to violate the state and local COVID-19 health orders. The County was forced to commence this action after multiple failed attempts to gain Two Brothers’ voluntary compliance.
As stated in the County’s request “It is with great regret that Inyo County filed this lawsuit and sought this temporary restraining order. The County understands that these are difficult times for all businesses, and the last thing that the County wants to do is impose additional expenses or stress on business owners. However, the County—and in particular, its Health Officer Dr. James Richardson—are also charged with protecting the public from the dangers of communicable diseases, such as COVID-19.”
Two Brothers must suspend their operations, create, and adhere to, a business operations plan and comply with County Health Orders for COVID-19 protections.
Today’s court order means that Two Brothers must suspend their operations until they are able to create, and adhere to, a business operations plan ensuring that they will no longer maintain an environment with such a high risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Inyo County recognizes that the vast majority of our businesses, residents, and visitors are adhering to the public health orders and we THANK YOU for that effort. Our continued collective efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 are essential to keep our businesses open and our communities healthy. We are all in this together. ###END###
Two Brothers from Italy, Big Pine, responded to the action by posting on their Facebook Page the following:
Well as you all know me and Gio have been placed on a court ordered vacation, 10 to 22 days????????????. And please do not worry about me and Gio and the kids with are totally good????????????. Long story short we Really want to thank you all for your support. We started our business in the shoulder season and never had a tourist season, it was all you locals that kept us in business for almost a year ( A year wow we almost made it a year ) But thank You all for your support it means the world to me and Gio and the kids. You all have become a part of our family over this crazy short year and will always be a part of our Family????????????
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catching up on the scuttlebutt. I’ve been scratching my head about the 2 bros pizza joint for several months. I’ll never understand why a relatively new business owner would chose to obstruct the county health department regulations to protect the population, their business base/clientele, from dangerous infectious agents. They had to prove their healthy and safety compliance before the county and state approved their operating license. They are subject to inspections to maintain an “A” Rating sign in their window. The effort to prevent ‘vermin’ from endangering the patrons is no different than the effort to prevent viruses such as Covid19, hepatitis, tuberculosis, plague, salmonella, dysentery and cholera from contaminating their air, work surfaces and food. What part of common sense is missing from their mind-set. Sheesh, please get with the program dudes. This isn’t about you and your political philosophy, its about the health and safety of the public, Seniors, children and everyone else. There are, as of today, 14 Covid linked deaths in Inyo County. We will never know if they contracted it from 2 bros from italy. It is just as likely as those who participated in local unmasked parties, political events and visiting the Las Vegas casinos.
When Civil WAR breaks out, itll be the pro-Mask (Karen/Kens)against the freedom loving americans
That’s some unhinged hyperbolic nonsense BS.
And, of course, a flat out lie to somehow claim people who choose to follow coherent public health and safety measures during a global pandemic are not freedom loving Americans.
Cheap intellectually bankrupt and very weak attempt to insult others and use that flat out lie to promote another Civil War. Just pathetic in every regard.
that’s a shameful analogy dude. you’re really comparing wearing a mask to slavery?
Not so sure how helpful a FB photo of a young child with his face six inches away from a pizza he is making is helpful to a business either. With or without the covid19 pandemic. Just saying.
Yeah, their view of health codes in general seems to be lacking.
JEFF WILLIS
If people want to run a restaurant and don’t want to obey health and safety codes,and probably in this case,partly making a political statement,maybe they should choose a different line of work that won’t put others in danger.
Maybe go by Home Depot,purchase a lawn mower and a weed wacker,a gas can and a couple gallons of gas and start mowing lawns and doing yard maintenance for a living.
Maybe early morning hours working where no one else is around.
That way,no one else would be at risk.
How about just follow the simple, clear rules like the rest of us. Then they’d still be open, making that rent money. Duh.
I’d like to know what violations were committed. We need ALL of our local business. Shutting people down will not server our communities. It’s just wrong. I’d bet nobody has gotten sick there. Let’s support people and not hurt them.
These small businesses are just trying to survive. If you don’t want to eat there, then don’t BUT the county should not drive people into poverty and destroy their livelihood. Can anyone explain ho they will feed their families, pay the rent, keep the lifts on? The cure is worse than the disease.
Hey Jeff Willis, set the drama aside and read Mr. Callahan’s response; he and his family are totally good and they are closing for 10-22 days. his words. Inyo County isn’t driving anyone into poverty or destroying their livelihood. The anti-maskers have created this mess.
Stop non-essential travel, let’s be real, it’s a heck of a lot more than solely “the anti-maskers” that have created this mess, a HECK of a lot more!
excellent point, agree !
These people can spin this anyway they want but the fact is the owners put themselves in this situation. The county doesn’t want to to shut any business down but the owners in this case have showed blatant disregard for our communities health and well being. The county was finally forced to take action plain and simple. I’m glad the county stepped up for its citizens here. We need this action for the reckless if we are ever going to move forward in this fight. These stubborn owners put politics in front of the health and well being of the community and had every chance to do their part like every other business is Inyo is actually making an attempt to do. I don’t feel sorry for them what so ever as they’ve continually shown they do not care about the health of their patrons or the community. Hmmm stay at home orders I wonder if anyone is going to order pizza? Of course they are!!!! They could have capitalized and thrived but they have only themselves to blame here.
Based on my recent observation of restaurant workers there are a lot of restaurants that could be and maybe should be facing legal action during this covid19 pandemic.
Health and Safety can’t babysit restaurant workers all day, I understand that, but you would think that the small restaurant owners themselves would adhere to health and safety guidelines but I have witnessed them not doing so and I have walked right out. Other owners take it very seriously, those restaurants get my business.
This article got my attention a few weeks ago,
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-07-22/coronavirus-surge-california-restaurants-mammoth-lakes
I mentioned it on social media and got called all kinds of nasty names until I shared it with those individuals and then, SILENCE.
Sticks and stones.
Thank you Inyo County for taking this matter seriously!
From the various responses on Sierra Wave and the numerous locals I’ve spoken with, I think the owners have grossly misjudged the Eastside community. it would appear a whole lot of folks out there have no intention of ever dining at this joint. Surviving in the restaurant business is difficult enough under ideal conditions. Shooting yourself in the foot by violating public health orders and the disrespecting community certainly won’t make it any easier.
Stay strong 2 Brothers!!! You have your silent majority…
Ah yes, the “silent majority” a term popularized by Nixon to cover his fraud…
Ummmm. Maybe you should check your facts as to the term ‘silent majority.’
His usage referred to those Americans who did not join in the large demonstrations against the Vietnam War at the time, who did not join in the counterculture, and who did not participate in public discourse. Nixon, along with many others, saw this group of Middle Americans as being overshadowed in the media by the more vocal minority.
https://millercenter.org/the-presidency/presidential-speeches/november-3-1969-address-nation-war-vietnam
How is this covering his fraud?
Judging by your upvotes vs downvotes, I’d say it’s not a majority at all.
What part of “silent” did you not understand? They are not commenting on this news story, because they don’t want their businesses targeted by the people that are commenting. So sad…
It’s a very vocal minority.
What is he on, saying “we never had a tourist season?” We’re overrun with tourists and have been since May.
Every other restaurant in the county is trying to comply and keep their staff and customers safe. Some restaurants are doing great business at the moment. This is not about his financial survival, this is an unhinged ideological crusade. Good riddance Two Brothers.
Yup, thanks for pointing this out. They appeared to have plenty of tourists in there when I would go. I’m one of the locals that was supporting this business, but not anymore!
I’d like to know, if possible, how many people tested positive after eating at this business…Just curious
Thank you Charles James, for keeping us informed- especially on this issue which had the potential to effect (or infect!) Us. We appreciate your dedication and professionalism
No, nobody’s been “infected”…
BobK – Looks like you’re suggesting the County should wait until there are actually positive cases before taking enforcement actions instead of preventing the infections in the first place..? I suggest you ask the bishop care center folks and family members if that’s a good approach.
Where the H did that come from. Are we only supposed to ask questions that are approved by people with a specific agenda. You and a couple of other members need to start your own forum and then you can ban the rest of us. Are you trying to make this political?
“making it political” is the problem. Certain parties in this country have taken a “political” stance against health precautions, ignoring all expert advice.
They should be fined also!!!
Great move by the the owners and the county. I really believe both parties are trying hard to do the right thing here. It’s great PR for when they do get going again.
I need a second job, if you need a extra del driver I’m willing to moonlight for ya when you get going again. I’m just trying to feed my family also:)
Wish you were in Bishop!
This is great news and there should not be any more doubts from anyone that the county is indeed taking this seriously.
I heard another business owner was in court in Bishop yesterday for the same issues.
Dee, Sierra Wave was at the courthouse, and to the best of our knowledge, your information about another business owner being in court just is mistaken. There was a two-part hearing given a criminal trial was on the docket, so Judge Place had to do the hearing in two parts, with the criminal proceeding in between the two parts of the hearing.
No, I’m not mistaken.
Check the court record for Judge Lamb yesterday.
We will do that. Thanks.
You can bet that I won’t ever post any BS hollow innuendo here, or false assertions, information.
Confirmed, ****(edit, SWM) had lawyers etc, don’t believe that made much of a difference. Same concerns as the county has for Two Guys.
Lee, thanks for your comment. We have edited out the name of the person in your comment until we have had time to investigate further and determine if there is substance to it. As I said, I was there almost all day yesterday, and while I saw two people from Big Pine show up during the Two Bros hearing, my impression was that they were there to support Two Bros. We check with the County and the court to see if any other cases have been brought. But until we receive confirmation, we’re not going to allow names of anyone who might be facing charges in this or any other matter, to be posted in comments. It’s just unfair.
I am, of course, very familiar with the people you referenced, as well as their online comments, etc. Once I have the “facts,” we’ll likely let our readers/listeners know in a news report and article. Thanks for participating in our forums.
Thanks Charles, and SW.
I have a lot of sources, it ain’t just pillow talk as well… you will find everything I’ve said to likely be true in every regard. I understand your concern and don’t have a problem with the edits or if my comments are deleted etc. I respect the fact this is the domain of SW and its not a free speech issue for me by any means whatsoever.
I believe, from my very reliable sources, this other party was using pretty much the same or similar rhetoric and arguments that Two Brothers was, and it was completely rejected by Judge Lamb. I’m sure you will set the record straight if I’m wrong as you’re a fantastic journalist and doing a fine job, as always have. No doubt there are many more details regarding this other business and their court appearance. I know that you’re able to check the docket for Judge Lamb and will do so.
It’s amazing how businesses in this county have had no issues staying open and getting business. For those of you that are choosing to support this business and the owner over the thousands of people’s health in this county, you must REALLLLLY love pizza more than your neighbor’s health and well being.
Thank you Inyo County health dept. And especially Dr. Richardson for looking out for us. While it is always nice to see bullying tactics shut down (because that’s what publicly challenging health directives amounts to) most importantly we will all benefit from a reduction in spreading this disease. Perhaps the restaurant owners will realize that the very people that ate there and helped support their business are the same people they were putting at risk with their actions. I still don’t understand why a restaurant would choose to not follow a health directive, the result being a reduction in business. We appreciate all the restaurants, stores etc in the valley who figured out how to stay open safely and work with the rest of us to stay healthy. Those employees and owners should be the ones proudly waving the flag- the flag that represents an United America, united against any threat to its citizens health and welfare.