LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The owner of an Azusa gym agreed today to shut down indoor operations for now, after lawyers for Los Angeles County filed suit to force him to do so.
Charles Crossland has been holding indoor activities at Triad Fitness “in violation of all applicable state and local health orders, including the Reopening Safer at Work and in the Community for Control of COVID-19 Order issued by the county Health Officer,'' according to the Los Angeles Superior Court complaint filed Friday.
Ragi Ghaoui, a county Department of Public Health inspector, submitted a sworn declaration in support of the county's legal action in which he recalled a July 22 visit to Triad Fitness.
“Based on my observations at that time, I concluded that Triad was operating in violation of the health officer's order,'' he said.
“Specifically, I observed approximately 20 people exercising indoors. These individuals were not wearing face coverings.''
A minute order prepared by Judge Mary H. Strobel's clerk stated that Crossland would not contest the issuance of a temporary restraining order. The judge set a Jan. 5 hearing on whether to extend it.
The county also is seeking a TRO against David Fisher and Powerhouse Gym in Torrance, which also has continued to hold indoor operations, according to court papers filed by the county.
DPH inspector Arsenio Argel said he made his 10th inspection of the Hawthorne Boulevard gym on Nov. 24.
“I arrived at Powerhouse at 9:45 a.m. and observed at least two dozen patrons exercising inside the facilities in violation of the health and closure orders,'' Argel said.
A hearing on the county's TRO application against Fisher and Powerhouse Gym is scheduled Wednesday before Strobel.
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