Coronavirus Lockdowns Usher In the New Roaring ’20s

An underground social economy is growing to escape state prohibitions

By Allysia Finley of The WSJ. Excerpts:

"Last week police busted up a party at a Santa Monica, Calif., mansion with hundreds of revelers that ended in a fatal shooting of a 35-year-old woman. Locals report that raves are frequent occurrences in the Hollywood Hills. At least two other parties in Los Angeles have resulted in gun violence."

"Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti last week said “these large house parties have essentially become nightclubs in the hills.” At least nightclubs have bouncers and security guards."

"New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has been grousing that illicit social gatherings are leading to a virus resurgence. Parties attended by teenagers in the suburb of Middletown have been linked to at least 55 cases, and a Long Beach Island party resulted in 35 lifeguards testing positive. Baywatch meets coronavirus."

"On July 26 Jackson, N.J., cops spent five hours breaking up a party at a rented mansion with 700 guests."