In this April 29, 2020 file photo, a message on the ticket window at the AMC Burbank 16 movie theaters complex informs potential customers that it is currently closed in Burbank, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. --
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration has added movie theaters to the list of those venues in California that can reopen–but only under certain conditions and with approval from local health authorities. Reopening could begin as soon as this Friday (6/12).
Theaters looking to reopen will need to limit attendance to 25 percent of theater capacity or 100 customers, whichever amount is lower. This rule may be relaxed after a couple of weeks. Whether theater owners will opt to reopen under these limitations remains to be seen.
Local health departments will have to approve theater openings based on how the communities in question are faring relative to coronavirus infection rates, testing availability and the ability to track COVID-19 cases.
Theaters returning to operation could pave the way for some major releases still scheduled for July, including Tenet (Warner Bros.) and the live-action Mulan (Disney).
Pepsi soft drinks in plastic bottles are on sale at a grocery store in New York on Weds., Nov. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
PepsiCo confirmed Friday that it's ending some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, even as rival Coca-Cola voiced support for its own inclusion efforts.
In a memo sent to employees, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company will no longer set goals for minority representation in its managerial roles or supplier base. The company will also align its sponsorships to events and groups that promote business growth, he said.
Laguarta wrote that inclusion remains important to PepsiCo, whose brands include Gatorade, Lay's potato chips, Doritos, Mountain Dew as well as Pepsi. The Purchase, New York-based company's chief diversity officer will transition to a broader role focused on employee engagement, leadership development and ensuring an inclusive culture, he said.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last month, U.S. government agencies, companies and schools have rushed to reevaluate policies and programs they adopted with the goal of reducing discrimination against members of minority groups, women and LGBTQ+ people.
Trump ended DEI programs within the federal government and has warned schools to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money.
PepsiCo's rollback came as Coca-Cola reaffirmed support for its DEI efforts.
In its annual report, Atlanta-based Coke warned that its business could be negatively affected if it is unable to attract employees that reflect its broad range of customers.
"Failure to maintain a corporate culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and inclusion โฆ could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and our future success," the company said.
Coca-Cola has set a goal of having women in 50% of its senior leadership roles by... Read More
