Dear Residents,

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes continues to monitor the spread of the novel coronavirus in Los Angeles County and would like to share the following updates with the community:

The Latest

Regional Stay Home Order Lifted; Outdoor Dining to Reopen Friday

On Monday, the State of California lifted the Regional Stay Home Order and moved all counties back into the Blueprint for a Safer Economy color-coded tiers. Los Angeles County, along with the majority of the state, is in the most restrictive purple tier.
 
With the lifting of the Regional Stay Home Order, the L.A. County Health Officer Order that was issued on November 25 was reinstated. This order follows many of the state recommendations for sector closing and openings while introducing additional safety measures that reduce opportunities for transmission. These measures include huge reductions in occupancy, requirements of masking for both workers and customers, distancing, infection control standards, and obligations for reporting outbreaks.
 
Restaurants will be allowed to reopen for in-person outdoor dining on Friday, provided they implement additional safety measures to mitigate the increased risk to workers since customers are permitted to spend time unmasked. Safety measures will also be required that increase distancing and eliminate any crowding.
 
Residents are advised to stay home as much as possible and always wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when they are outside their household and around others.

For the latest updates, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/coronavirus.

City Hall to Remain Temporarily Closed to the Public through February 12; Outdoor Recreation Classes to Return February 8

Although COVID-19 cases are trending down in L.A. County, because transmission remains relatively high, and to limit public contact to protect the health and well-being of residents and City staff, City Hall will remain temporarily closed to the public through February 12. The City remains open for business, however, by telephone, email, online and limited curbside services. Some employees are working on rotation and may be working remotely.
 
Please visit the appropriate department page on the City website for a list of phone numbers and email addresses to accommodate your needs. For a list of departments, visit the Department Directory on the City website.

• Community Development Department applications and permit requests may be submitted to planning@rpvca.gov.
• Building permit applications and requests may be submitted to buildingsafety@rpvca.gov.
• Payments can be made online at https://dpm.bankofthewest.com/ebpp/RPVCA/Login/Index or by phone at 310-544-5301.
• Non-emergency service requests may be submitted at http://www.rpvca.gov/FormCenter/NonEmergency-Customer-Service-Requests-3/NonEmergency-Customer-Service-Requests-43.
• Public Works service requests may be submitted at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/6d13530e7ca84edbb5c4e022bdc54da8.

As a reminder, all City park buildings are closed. Following the revised Health Officer Order, outdoor recreational programming, including the YMCA After School Recreational Enrichment Program, will resume on February 8.

California to Transition to Age-Based COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility; Launches My Turn Notification Tool

On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that moving forward, there will be a single statewide standard and movement through the COVID-19 vaccination eligibility tiers. The state will continue through 65+, health care workers, and prioritize emergency services, food and agriculture workers, teachers and school staff. From there, the state will transition to age-based eligibility. City staff will monitor how this change will be implemented in L.A. County and share updates as they become available.
 
The state also announced My Turn, a new system for Californians to learn when they are eligible to be vaccinated and a place to make an appointment when eligible as well as a mechanism to easily track vaccination data. Through My Turn, individuals will be able to sign up for a notification when they are eligible to make an appointment and schedule one when it is their turn. Providers will be able to use My Turn to automatically share data on vaccines received and administered with the state, reducing lag times. To learn more, visit myturn.ca.gov.

Letter Offering Municipal Facilities as Vaccination Sites

On January 25, City staff sent a letter on behalf of the Mayor and City Council to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer requesting Rancho Palos Verdes be added to the list of cities willing to offer the use of municipal facilities as local COVID-19 vaccination sites. The letter noted that seniors 65 and over make up one quarter of the population of the City, and many have expressed frustration with the great distance between the Palos Verdes Peninsula and PODs in Los Angeles. Read the letter at rpvca.gov.

ICYMI: COVID-19 Vaccine Virtual Town Hall with Assemblymember Muratsuchi

In case you missed it, a recording of last night’s COVID-19 Vaccine Virtual Town Hall with Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi is available online. Assemblymember Muratsuchi, Dr. Griselda Gutierrez of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Dr. Mona Shah of Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center and Dr. Paul Simon of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health discussed how to get the COVID-19 vaccine, its rollout plan and medical questions regarding the vaccine itself.
 
Watch the town hall on Assemblymember Muratsuchi’s Facebok page at facebook.com/muratsuchi.

How to Make a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

At this time, only Phase 1A and L.A. County residents age 65 and older are eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccination.
 
The vaccine supply is still extremely limited, and the Department of Public Health urges patience as they work urgently with their federal and state partners to expand capacity and supply in the weeks ahead. Appointments and doses are limited.
 
Here is a how-to guide and tips from the Beach Cities Health District for making an appointment:
 
How to make an appointment:

• Visit the county’s website to check for and to schedule an appointment for vaccination, which fill up very quickly. Appointments are mandatory. Vaccinations are free.
• For those without access to a computer or the internet, or with disabilities, a County call center is open daily from 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. to help schedule appointments at 833-540-0473.
• Individuals are encouraged to use the website whenever possible to sign up for an appointment to avoid long wait times on the phone. 
• You may receive communication from your health care provider with information about COVID-19 vaccinations and how to receive one through your provider.

• Check the county's website early in the morning as it seems like appointments are released sometime during the night or check periodically throughout the day.
• Be vigilant and persistent, especially if you are hoping to get vaccinated at a specific location.
• Some locations have phone numbers to call if you have specific questions about disability parking or any other needs. You should make the appointment and confirm it, then call to see if you can get your questions answered.

• The Forum: The closest county-run vaccination site is The Forum, 3900 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90305. These large-scale vaccination sites will be able to vaccinate approximately 4,000 people per day at each site.
• Crenshaw Clinic: Parking is not available on W 79th (it is blocked off). Drive up Normandie and park on the street (Vermont has testing site traffic; this location is doing testing and vaccinations).
• Dodger Stadium: This is a drive through location, where you remain in your vehicle.

For more information, including what to bring with you and how to make your second appointment, visit bchd.org/covidvaccine.

Volunteer to Vaccinate

The County of Los Angeles is looking for licensed clinical professionals to help with COVID-19 vaccination efforts including:

• Preparing and drawing the vaccine
• Monitoring vaccine temperature
• Administering vaccine
• Observing people for reactions to vaccine

To learn more or to sign up as a volunteer, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov.

L.A. County Department of Public Health Seeks COVID-19 Vaccine Related Donations

If you have goods or services to donate to L.A. County COVID-19 vaccination efforts, please complete the form below. A representative from the Department of Public Health will contact you to discuss your donation offer. Serious inquiries only please.

Complete Donation Survey at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf36HVVIM6zpbPMJzsUT9SuFbOSzj1V5UrChAHnRYftMeWFzA/viewform

COVID-19 Vaccine Myths vs Facts

The L.A. County Department of Public Health reminds the public that while you may have heard different things about the COVID-19 vaccine on social media or through friends and family, it is important to know the facts.

Myth #4: These vaccines use genetic material to fight the virus. That means they can affect our genes.

The Facts: These vaccines do use genetic material, called mRNA (that stands for “messenger” RNA) to fight the virus but it doesn’t do anything to your genes.

• Just as its name says, mRNA works like a messenger. In this case, the mRNA used in the vaccine tells your body to make a protein that kicks your immune system into action. The mRNA lets your body get a message from the virus without having to run into the virus directly.
• But it doesn’t affect your genes. Keep in mind that you encounter genetic material from other plants and animals all the time, when you eat them. Your body breaks them down into their basic chemicals, using the proteins and fats and carbohydrates they contain to give you energy and make your cells work.

Like the food you eat, the mRNA you get in a vaccine does have an affect on your health, but it doesn’t change your genes or your DNA.

For more myths and facts, and more vaccine information, go to VaccinateLACounty.com.

Safe in the South Bay: State of COVID-19 Vaccine

The Beach Cities Health District’s  Safe in the South Bay Series is bringing health experts, cities, chambers, schools and community members together around this fast-moving pandemic. The live-streamed series #4 on February 4 at 5 p.m. will focus on COVID-19 vaccinations and the psychology and resilience of living during a pandemic. Join an esteemed panel of experts who will provide the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccines and the ways residents, organizations, businesses, schools and the Beach Cities community can support COVID-19 recovery. Register at bchd.org/coronavirus.

Registration Now Open for After School Recreational Enrichment Program

The After School Recreational Enrichment Program offered by the San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA and the City is returning February 8 at Hesse Park! Registration is now open at bit.ly/3ohQiIw.

The after school program is for grades K-5 and will take place from 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday at Hesse Park through June 11 (the program could be expanded to Eastview Park if there is enough interest).

This program is 100% outdoors and features activities covering science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), individual conditioning physical exercise, enrichment, and much more, all designed to maintain physical distancing and follow Los Angeles County Department of Public Health protocols. Fees are $100 per week, per child.

For more information, visit ymcala.org. Download a program flyer at: bit.ly/3gunjxl

Outdoor Recreation Classes Start February 8

In accordance with L.A. County’s revised Health Officer Order, the Recreation and Parks Department is pleased to announce the return of in-person, outdoor organized group classes and activities for all ages starting February 8!

Classes include yoga, dance, fitness, lacrosse, art, enrichment, and more.
Activities are held on-site at outdoor park facilities in accordance with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health protocols. Space is limited.

Register today at apm.activecommunities.com/rpv.

REACH Program Returns Virtually February 1

The REACH program, which serves the social and recreational needs of youths and young adults with developmental disabilities, is returning in February with virtual activities! (Stay tuned for updates on outdoor programming).

Although Nature Walks are postponed, REACH participants will still have a variety of (virtual) enriching activities to choose from! Recreation and Parks is excited to share the February REACH Program calendar and can’t wait to start serving and engaging with our wonderful REACH participants.

To RSVP for any of our upcoming activities and if you have any questions, please email reach@rpvca.gov.

If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 310-683-3157, adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.

New Law Extends COVID Tax Credit for Employers who Keep Workers on Payroll

The Internal Revenue Service urges employers to take advantage of the newly-extended employee retention credit, designed to make it easier for businesses that, despite challenges posed by COVID-19, choose to keep their employees on the payroll.

The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, enacted December 27, 2020, made a number of changes to the employee retention tax credits previously made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), including modifying and extending the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), for six months through June 30, 2021. Several of the changes apply only to 2021, while others apply to both 2020 and 2021.

As a result of the new legislation, eligible employers can now claim a refundable tax credit against the employer share of Social Security tax equal to 70% of the qualified wages they pay to employees after December 31, 2020, through June 30, 2021. Qualified wages are limited to $10,000 per employee per calendar quarter in 2021. Thus, the maximum ERC amount available is $7,000 per employee per calendar quarter, for a total of $14,000 in 2021.

Learn more at irs.gov.

Small Business and Nonprofit Grant Alert

Local businesses and nonprofits may be eligible for a new grant opportunity administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development.

The California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program provides micro grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to eligible small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19 and the related health and safety restrictions. The next application window is February 2- 8. For more information about the state's application process, visit careliefgrant.com.

L.A. County Launches Loan Program to Help Stabilize Small Businesses

Today, the L.A. County Development Authority (LACDA) launched the Small Business Stabilization Loan Program. The loan program is made possible through a $10 million business recovery assistance fund issued by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The funds were made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Recovery Assistance, and are intended to prevent job loss and business closure. The program will provide flexible and affordable capital to small businesses countywide.

The Small Business Stabilization Loan Program will provide eligible businesses with a competitive interest rate for loans ranging from $50,000 to $3 million. Businesses interested in applying for the program must have been in operation for at least two years and are seeking working capital, equipment purchases, real estate acquisition, or refinancing of existing loans at higher interest rates.

The application window opened today and will remain open indefinitely.

To apply for the Small Business Stabilization Loan, the applicant is required to attend an online “Applying for An Affordable & Flexible LACDA Loan” webinar to learn more about requirements of the application process and documentation needed. Webinars are currently available for registration. Upon completion of the webinar, the LACDA will then connect interested applicants with a Technical Assistance provider to assist with the business loan application. 

For more information, visit BizStabilization.LACDA.org or call 626-586-1550.

Peninsula Seniors Virtual Activities

Peninsula Seniors is a nonprofit organization offering activities and services that enhance and enrich the lives of senior adults on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and in the surrounding community. While you’re staying safer at home, join Peninsula Seniors for a variety of Zoom activities throughout the week. For a calendar of activities for both members and non-members, visit pvseniors.org/events.

Palos Verdes Peninsula Village Zoom Info Session February 12

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Village builds community with older adults while they remain in their homes as they age. PVP Village has been serving its members throughout the COVID-19 crisis with a calendar full of virtual social opportunities, continuing transportation to essential appointments, computer help including Zoom and FaceTime, grocery shopping, handyman help and referrals.

For information about this dynamic and caring community of friendship and support, contact Executive Director Marianne Propst to participate in a Zoom information session on Friday, February 12 at 1 p.m. You also may call for an informal chat or to arrange a socially distant visit.  

Call 310-991-3324 or visit www.peninsulavillage.net for more details.

L.A. County Animal Care and Control Waives Cat Adoption Fees in January

The L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control is waiving cat adoption fees for the month of January. The department is hoping to get more animals out of its care centers and into homes. This waiver does not include license and trust deposit fees. For more information, visit animalcare.lacounty.gov.

PVLD Community Survey

The Palos Verdes Library District is seeking the community's input as it continues to plan for the return of interior library services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your input will help in the planning process. Take a moment to fill out the survey at pvld.org/survey.

It’s Takeout Thursday!

With the recent outdoor dining prohibition in Los Angeles County, our local restaurants need our support now more than ever! All residents are encouraged to participate in The Great Peninsula Takeout, a Peninsula-wide effort to support local restaurants. Join our community in this "Takeout Tuesdays and Takeout Thursdays" initiative by posting on social media and inviting friends and neighbors to order takeout!

Check the Open for Business page on the City website for a list of local restaurants offering takeout, delivery and curbside pickup.

Upcoming Local Blood Drives

Blood donations have decreased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthy, eligible donors are urged to come out and give to ensure there’s lifesaving blood on the shelves for those who need it.

The American Red Cross is holding upcoming blood drives in Rancho Palos Verdes:
 
Tuesday, February 9
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pacific Unitarian Universalist Church
5621 Montemalaga Drive
 
Reserve a time online at redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: PACIFICUNITARIANCHURCH.
 
Wednesday, February 24
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
5845 Crestridge Road 

Reserve a time online at redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: LDSRPV.

Visit redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to complete the pre-donation paperwork.

The Red Cross has implemented additional precautions to ensure the safety of its donors and staff. There is no evidence that the novel coronavirus can be transmissible by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases worldwide of transmissions for any respiratory virus, including the novel coronavirus.

For a limited time, the American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Help save lives and get insight into whether you may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus.

For more information, visit redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

Cases

For a list of cases broken down by city, demographic characteristics, and settings, visit: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/locations.htm

For an interactive dashboard with maps and graphs showing testing, cases and death data by community, poverty level, age, sex and race/ethnicity visit: http://dashboard.publichealth.lacounty.gov/covid19_surveillance_dashboard/

An interactive dashboard of COVID-19 cases in the South Bay maintained by the City of Torrance is available at bit.ly/2XB1fv1. The dashboard reflects information sourced by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus
California Department of Public Health: cdph.ca.gov/covid19 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): cdc.gov/COVID19
World Health Organization: who.int/coronavirus
California Governor’s Office: covid19.ca.gov
County of Los Angeles: lacounty.gov/covid19
L.A. County residents can also call 2-1-1
FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control: https://www.fema.gov/Coronavirus-Rumor-Control
 
Sign up for “Notify Me” city listervs at rpvca.gov/notify

Be sure to also follow the City on Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
 
Sign up for emergency alerts from Alert SouthBay by:

• Texting “alertsb” to 888-777, which returns a link to register for Everbridge (for COVID-19-related alerts, text the keyword "cv19rpv")
• Registering online at alertsouthbay.com
• Downloading the free Everbridge app on an iOS or Android device from the App Store or Google Play. Select “Find an organization or subscription” and search “alertsb”

Sign up for emergency alerts from Alert LA County at https://lacounty.gov/emergency/alert-la/