KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
KHTS Owner Carl Goldman is continuing to chronicle his experiences in quarantine as he repeatedly tests positive for COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus.
Back In The States With The Coronavirus – Day 29 (Wednesday)
My Post-It-Note arrived. It said positive. My doctor was holding it. He didn’t look very happy. I wasn’t either.
I have been quarantined in Omaha since February 17 with the coronavirus, COVID-19. My wife, Jeri, who was also quarantined, never picked up the virus. She returned home on Monday. I haven’t been home since January 17 when we flew to Tokyo to begin a 16-day cruise through southeast Asia aboard the Diamond Princess.
My doc shared that he was bummed. Join the club. Two days earlier, I had tested negative in my throat, positive in my nostrils. Now I am back to testing positive in both my nostrils and throat. I get to wait until Friday to be tested again. I need three negative tests in both my throat and nostrils, 24 hours apart, to get my freedom.
There are nine patients remaining at Nebraska Medicine. Six have been released, including Jeri. Thirteen of us had the virus. Only two did not. One was my wife.
Most of the remaining nine in quarantine also tested positive today. I thought I was embedded in the old nursery rhyme, “Ten Little Indians.” We are now down to nine. The song is probably no longer politically correct, but “Ten Little Native Americans” isn’t as catchy.
My CPA, Julie Sturgeon, suggested I’m a “slow shredder.” Who knew?
Jeri’s experience since her return is a bit surrealistic. Our KHTS staff are happy she’s returned. It’s a few friends who want to keep their distance and not see her. That’s a surprise and a bummer. She feels like she’s a leper carrying the plague. And she’s the one who never got the novel corona virus, COVID-19.
What’s going to happen when I return? Our annual KHTS Sacramento Road Trip with State Senator Scott Wilk is less than two weeks away. This is the 15th year we’ve taken 100 community leaders by bus to our state capitol to advocate for issues impacting Santa Clarita. The trip is still happening, but Jeri and I won’t be on it.
Jeri is going to work and going directly home each day. She’s avoiding gatherings. Last night we decided when I return home, I will work out of the house and avoid going out to stores, restaurants, events, etc. for 14 additional days.
Shane Cutchall is our angel. He stayed at our home overnight, watching our dogs for the 48 days until Jeri’s return. Shane got his exercise carrying in our daily mail of political advertisements. Normally Shane would lift weights. That has been totally unnecessary. Unfortunately, with the primary over, Jeri will have to use something other than collecting mail for her exercise.
We continue to get threats. Authorities had to be called in to the Salt Lake City hospital where our friend, Mark Jorgensen, is quarantined. His wife, Jerri, is en route from Japan to their home in St. George, Utah.
The threats add to our stress. What’s worse is what happened with Shane, our house sitter, today. Shane went into his full time job in the morning. When the owner learned Shane had been in contact with Jeri, he was fired on the spot. I am not making this up. The paranoia has gone into overdrive. Jeri has never had the virus. Had I been home, the owner might have burned Shane on a stake. The Salem Witch Trial has arrived in Valencia.
I’m not a fan of any legal action, but Shane’s predicament is over the top.
When I return to Santa Clarita, the Scarlet Letter “C” will be proudly tattooed on my forehead. That way everyone will clear the streets when I walk by. I won’t need to stop walking at a red light. Traffic will stop.
We need to be vigilant, but we should also remain calm and smart.
Ryan Seacrest called again with disappointing news. “Weird Al” Yankovic won’t do a version of the Knack’s “My Sharona” to “My Corona.” I suspect “Weird Al” doesn’t want to deal with the backlash. Our country isn’t ready to smile yet over this crisis.
I challenged Ryan Seacrest to find another artist willing to take the risk.
Today the CDC announced 2,000 new worldwide cases of the coronavirus, COVID-19. The good news is 3,000 patients were released in the past 24 hours.
Before I turn in for bed, I carefully place my Post-It-Notes on my dresser. I’m praying my Friday Post-It will bring better news.
Read All Of Carl’s Journals Here: Carl Goldman Coronavirus Journals
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
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And he has a big write up in the new People Magazine I got today. Sure is popular!
Sorry to hear you tested positive again. Get well BEFORE you return to Santa Clarita.
I hope most of us in Santa Clarita will welcome you home with opened arms, or at-least elbow bumps! We love reading your updates and pray that you and your wife can somehow get back to normal very soon! It’s been a long journey and I’m sure you just want to go home! Good luck to you both and also your friends from Utah! XXOO
Thank you for all your updates and news. How you stay so positive is admirable, and your writing on such a serious subject is informative AND entertaining. A pox on all those haters giving you grief!
Don’t let the turkeys getcha down. Even the most frightened people will calm down given some time. What happened to your dog-sitter reminds me strongly of the 80’s and early 90’s. Hope it doesn’t get that nuts again. I think you’re brave, funny, and a terrific communicator. Glad to have you and Jeri as community leaders.
It was great to see you on Laura Ingram’s show, thanks for your openness in sharing what you’re going through.
What happened to Shane is unacceptable. There must be restitution somehow (lawsuit?). Keep us posted.
Thanks again for your honest, open description of your ordeal.
So sad for Shane. He did not deserve being fired by association to you. His boss is totally uneducated and should be ashamed. Carl, my prayers for you and Jeri will not end. Hang in there and keep writing to us all. ?
Why isn’t the empty;oyer who fired Shane being identified?
That business need to be boycotted
Go back a few updates that Jeri did on FB live. She called out the company!
Love from South Carolina! Hang in there buddy.
Carl,
I’ve been following your story on your posts and all over the news. Jeri must be so happy to be home, but it must be difficult for both of you to continue to be seperated. What happened to Shane is unbelievable. I find it hard to believe something like that would happen in our community. You and Jeri and all those around you are so much loved by Santa Clarita, Carl. You really are one of the good guys.
Boycotts can be much more effective than legal actions. Just tell us the company he worked for.
Good idea!
The way people are behaving aid so unacceptable…I’m so sorry you and your wife are being treated this way. I’m hoping your next post it note is better news
Hope you get better real quick. What does Shane do? We are not happy with how he was treated. Depending on what he does we may have a position in our company. I disagree with how people are reacting to this, it is crazy.
That’s messed up about your ordeal… and now Shane your housesitter having been fired? Well that is just over the top! Good luck to you all!
There is no excuse for Shane being fired. He needs to file a grievance. (Lawsuit?) I’m also so very sorry that your latest test was still positive. Praying for a negative result on Friday! You certainly sound like you’re feeling fine. I’m sure that the “incarceration” is getting you down. When you finally get the NEGATIVE post it note, you will have to frame it. Wishing you all the best!!!
I’m so very sad to hear this…and about Shane…and the “few” friends. If I could, I’d love to give sweet Jeri a big hug right now!
You are still moving forward despite positive results. Don’t let this get you down. We know for sure this virus will run its course. If you were home…you could just relax and enjoy the down time. Keep writing and sharing and know you will recover and be home soon. We do know that for sure. It’s just a matter of time. Hang in there…the worst is over.
Hi Carl,
o sorry to her about what Jeri and Shane are going through. My personal opinion is because we are getting so much conflicting stories from ALL the powers that be. Or should I say some lack thereof. I had sent you the link yesterday for the Weird AL declined to go forward w/ the new version of “MT SHARONA”. I saw this post of a home made video from one of the groups I am proud to be part of on FB. I think you might have a good laugh or at least I hope so. https://www.facebook.com/ARoadRetraveled/videos/3997308173643326/?t=8 Prayering for those post=its to be negative.
Let us pray that the post-it’s show Negative, which will be a positive for you!!!
Thank you so much Carl for sharing your experience, with its ups and downs. Like many people, I am a little anxious over this virus but having a real person such as yourself share a real account is invaluable in humanising what is going on and may help other people keep their heads amidst the news hysteria. Your sense of humour is also remarkable considering how exhausted you must be. Thinking of you from Australia.
Kylie
Sorry to hear about what you and your family has been going through especially the threats that affect those around you. I am an RN who lives in Santa Clarita and works in a major LA hospital so i know how scary and unsure everything is right now. Hang in there! There is a doctor called ZDoggMD who made a My Sharona spoof. You should really check it out! He’s pretty famous among medical circles. Although there’s nothing funny about coronavirus, this spoof is hilarious! https://zdoggmd.com/my-corona/
You and I are probably 180 degrees apart politically, Carl, (I happily gave up straws for the good of the marine life) but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your chronicles from quarantine and I wish you the best of luck with negative test results. You’ve been an incredible trouper. Also, your friend Shane should definitely pursue legal action against his employer, that was despicable to fire him. This is a serious situation but people are panicking and overreacting. Hope to hear good news from you and that you return home to SCV soon.
Don’t you find it interesting that while most of the nation is told to go home and self isolate with a positive test result, you don’t have that option…
I went to KHTS on Wednesday to pick up wristbands, courtesy of the lovely Janine Jones. Jeri had nobody in her office and after I got permission from Lori, the BEST guard human ever, I went in to Jeri’s office to give her a big sloppy kiss and many, many hugs. People…please!
Carl,
Shane was discriminated against because he was associated with someone who has the coronavirus. Under the Americans With Disabilities Act and California law he is protected from discrimination. We would be happy to help him, as this is the predicted future for many American workers. The bias exhibited by his employer must be called out as an example to other employers. There was a better way to handle it. I can be reached at 203-255-4150 or mcarey@capclaw.com.
Mark Carey
Carl: Your story is inspiring and a God-send to the rest of us. Thank you for your bravery and for telling the American public the truth about this virus. Your story serves to reassure us there is no reason to panic. I am praying for you and Jeri and now Shane.
I am so disappointed in this community. Last weekend I went to Sams to get 2 things and people were panicking. Me me me. Trader Joe’s…completely out of water and pasta…yes, pasta, w 3 bottles of pasta sauce left on the shelf. The hysteria up here is crazy. My mom went to Sams in Torrance and all was normal.
Re the Goldman’s return, Carl and Jeri have done more for our community than anyone. I have known them for probably 30+ years. I suspected, by the hysteria at the stories, that their return will spur this reaction. I’m sorry, but anyone you walk by could have this virus. Many you walk by may have a cold or the flu.
I’m sorry Carl and Jeri and Shane…some people really show their ignorance and lack of human decency at ‘times‘ like this. Whatever ‘time’ this is.
Carl, praying you get a negative post-it note today. Hope Shane sues his employers for every dime they have. Has Jeri stopped vacuuming yet? You are a ray of sunshine, I love your humor and positive attitude. How are you doing with your steps?
As long as you and wilk work to veto the “progress” of this elite hyper train line and focus on housing everyone. Not just people who exploit those who make less money than they do. We need more housing, not farther away housing stealing the only limited commodity we all face. TIME. Otherwise I’m voting you and orange hair out of office.
Don’t people realize that the normal flu kills 56,000 people a year? Corona virus death toll is 3400. Just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s worse or more dangerous. People need to be reasonable. Stop the panic.
Wishing Carl and Jeri the best.
Shane, go get a lawyer.
So sorry for Shane. Maybe people should understand why we had laws to protect the working people! It angers me how people are sooo uneducated. I feel for all of you. This isn’t my HOME town in which I grew in for 64 years! We lived in Bonelli Tract on the first street of the tract. My sisters & I still own our family home. This Is Not our community. We stood together, United, helping one another. Our political beliefs, religious, skin color didn’t separate us. We helped one another! Where do these people come from? It’s so easy today with all the crap from the president spewing from his uneducated mouth that it’s OK. IT’S NOT!
Hang tight Carl. This has to be getting to you. We stand up for you, Jeri & the others!
We are glad you are doing well, hoping you’ll be home very soon!
Sorry about your house sitter.. that is so wrong!
Bo Blue!
Have a Radio Contest; whomever sings the best version of My Corona!
I’ve been following your posts. I’m sorry that you have the virus but I admire your positive attitude and humor. The treatment your wife and housesitter have gotten are beyond ridiculous. I hope and pray you test negative in ALL orifices soon! I think you should write a book, once the last chapter is written. 🙂
I’m amazed by your ability to stay positive being quarantined. I would be climbing the walls. I really appreciate you doing these updates, I think it helps to demystify the disease. Horrible news about Shane, unfortunately the president calling this a hoax and trying to politicize it really did seem to take hold with people.
Man you are a trooper.
My grandma lives in canyon country so she follows up with your status. Shes routing for you. It’s awesome that through all the stress you remain solid and up beat. That’s awesome.
I think Shane should sue those fuckers.
And just not all of us are out to crucify you.
If you get released I’d definitely shake your hand an give you hugs ya little sick feller.
Stay up beat.
And remember who ever gave you a hard time in life I you can always pay them a visit and scare them shitless
Carl:
Hang in there…Babe Ruth said, “every strikeout gets me closer to my next home run.” Every positive test gets you one day closer to full recovery. Sad to hear the backlash. People are afraid; but we still need to be civil. The backlash reminds us of some ugly history we have in the US.
I was at dinner in southern Florida with my wife and ordered a Carona. Said I needed to “build up my immunity.” Waitress politely said, “be careful, some people are overly sensitive.” Wow! Now both my wife (a microbiologist) and I (a retired Rx mfg executive) are very concerned (much more so than most), but we all need to stay POSITIVE, focused, and smart. No need to turn into zombies here.
One question: Jeri never got ill (hooray!); do doctors think she has a genetic immunity, or was it just virus-luck?
I’m sorry people have been so rude. It’s terrible. I look forward to your updates every day. I love how you try to find the humor in your situation. It makes me smile because I would be doing the same. It must be very hard to be away from your home and wife and dogs. I hope you have a negative result soon. Even if that means no more updates.
I am following your journal avidly. I enjoyed them so much that I provided the link to both my husband and sister. ( Well, I may have talked you, and your writing up a bit). Both are now following along with your experiences. My sister thanked me fulsomly for telling me about the postings but she should be thanking you!