Analysis: Is Florida better than California at containing COVID? Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board Gov. Ron DeSantis often uses California as a foil. This year, he has targeted the Golden State for making a hash of controlling COVID-19. He did it again late last month during one of his few recent news conferences. When asked about business lockdowns and statewide mask mandates, DeSantis said they weren’t effective. “At what point does the observed experience matter?” he countered. California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s messaging about how to control the virus has been shaky at times. And he certainly deserves a Bronx cheer for attending a birthday party for his political adviser with several other families, defying his public advice to social distance. It didn’t help that the event took place at the French Laundry, a chic Napa Valley restaurant.