It was hyperbole.
That said, if they shut down the parks and roads until July 1st I think that most of the small businesses in the Owens Valley will need to file for bankruptcy protection unless the State or Fed steps in to protect them with debt forgiveness or grants. Loans (and the following loan service) even at near 0% interest are not going to be enough for many small business owners. I think most people in the Owens Valley understand this, and so when I hear that the people over there are "overwhelmingly against re-opening," I'm highly dubious about it.
