Print The “new normal” that lies just ahead for Southern California will be anything but business as usual — yet it’s a start. TOP STORIES On the Verge of a ‘New Normal’ Southern California is set to take big steps toward something more closely resembling pre-pandemic life as some economic restrictions that have been in place for months are close to being lifted. Some major changes are possible within days. This newest normal will still be a considerably different world — one marked by continued strict capacity limits for businesses, required masks and social distancing, and reduced or modified operations at public sites of all stripes, including schools, restaurant dining rooms, gyms and theme parks such as Disneyland.