On Oct. 10, 1918, Los Angeles health advisers met with businesses and other officials from neighboring cities to form a Medical Advisory Board to meet the coming influenza epidemic. This board recommended closing schools and other places of assembly, and other preventive measures.

The next day, on October 11, Mayor Woodman declared a state of public emergency. The City Council confirmed the health department’s legal right to issue a closing order and passed an ordinance giving Powers authority to act in the emergency.

The health commissioner then ordered schools closed and banned all public gatherings – including public funerals, movie houses, theaters, pool rooms, and other public entertainments – effective 6 p.m. the same day.