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

COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Newly Eligible Groups

Starting this week, three additional sectors – Education and Childcare, Emergency Services and First Responders, and Food and Agriculture - became eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in L.A. County. It’s important to note that if you work in one of these sectors, you can either live or work in L.A. County to be eligible to be vaccinated.
 
When you go to get your vaccine, you will need to show documentation that includes a photo ID, though it does not have to be government issued, proof that you either live or work in L.A. County and proof that you work in a sector that is eligible to be vaccinated. 
If you are not in one of the eligible groups, you are not able to be vaccinated at this time. If you were able to make an appointment but are not in one of the eligible groups, please cancel your appointment and do not come to the vaccination site - you will be turned away.  People coming to be vaccinated will be asked to verify they are in an eligible group, and anyone not able to do this will not be vaccinated.
 
For additional information on each newly eligible groups and to learn more about the documents needed to verify eligibility, please see below:
 
Education and Childcare | Emergency Services and First Responders | Food and Agricultur

L.A. County Moves Closer to Less Restrictive Red Tier

L.A. County is very close to meeting the metric thresholds for the less restrictive red tier in the state's Blueprint for a Safety Economy. This week, L.A. County's adjusted case rate dropped to 7.2 new cases per 100,000 people and the test positivity rate is 3.5%. Our case rate needs to remain at or below 7 new cases per 100,000 residents for two consecutive weeks to move to the less restrictive red tier. If L.A. County moves into the red tier next week and stays in that tier for two consecutive weeks, schools will then be eligible to reopen in-person learning for students in grades 7 through 12.

California Announces Vaccine Equity Metric

 
The Newsom Administration today announced that California has set aside 40% of vaccine doses for the hardest-hit communities and established a vaccine equity metric – which seeks to increase vaccinations in those communities – as a prelude to adjusting the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which governs the conditions under which California’s economy can safely operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
This modification will shift Blueprint tier thresholds to allow slightly higher case rates per 100,000 population once more inoculations have occurred in the communities suffering the most, allowing counties to move to less restrictive tiers. The initial goal of the vaccine equity metric is to deliver a minimum of 2 million doses to the hardest-hit quarter of the state as measured by the Healthy Places Index.
 
Learn more on the California Governor website.

Peninsula Cities Letter Supporting Including Vaccination Rate as a Metric to Reopen Businesses

Last week, City staff sent a letter on behalf of the cities of Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, and Rolling Hills Estates to Governor Newsom and L.A. County Board of Supervisors requesting that vaccination rates be considered a key metric for reopening businesses, and taking a more localized approach to reopening requirements. Read the letter on the City website.

PVPUSD Breakfast and Lunch Curbside Pickup Update

Beginning Monday, March 8, PVPUSD Food Services will offer curbside meal service at all elementary sites. Families can pick up a free breakfast and lunch daily for hybrid students in the pickup/dropoff line between 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. on Mondays and 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. All meals will be packaged cold for reheating and consumption off-campus. Also beginning March 8, curbside meal service at the five secondary sites will change hours to 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. These sites are open to all secondary hybrid students and all grade level Distance Learning Academy (DLA) students.
 
Please note that the elementary sites will ONLY serve hybrid students receiving in-person instruction at that elementary school site. Preschool or secondary siblings and Distance Learning Academy (DLA) students must pick up their meals from one of the intermediate or high schools.
 
For more information, visit pvpusdschoolnutrition.net

Vaccine Updates

FDA issues Emergency Use Authorization for the Johnson & Johnson Janssen Vaccine

On February 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization for the third vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19, allowing the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. for use in individuals 18 years of age and older. The Janssen vaccine requires a single dose. The most commonly reported side effects were pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and nausea. Most of these side effects occurred within 1-2 days following vaccination and were mild to moderate in severity and lasted 1-2 days. Learn more at fda.gov.

BCHD to Vaccinate South Bay Educators at AdventurePlex

Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) is opening a new vaccination site for educators this week at AdventurePlex (1701 Marine Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA), to be operated in partnership with the Cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach and 11 public school districts (including Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified). This vaccine site is not open to the public. Currently, it is a closed Point of Distribution (POD) specifically operating to vaccinate employees of area school districts and select charter schools.
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Learn more at: bchd.org/schoolvaccine

ICYMI: COVID-19 Vaccine Virtual Town Hall

In case you missed it, you can watch a recording of the L.A. County Department of Public Health’s recent COVID-19 Virtual Vaccine Town Hall online. Watch Dr. Muntu Davis, Dr. Seira Kurian, Dr. Eloisa Gonzalez and Dr. Naman Shah of the Department of Public Health discuss the latest updates on the COVID-19 vaccine at: youtu.be/RsKI77VmsGc
 
For information on COVID-19 vaccinations in L.A. County, visit vaccinatelacounty.com.

Fighting to the Finish - COVID-19 Vaccines vs Variants

With millions of people vaccinated and hope for more vaccines to come soon, the evolution and spread of COVID-19 variants is making the race to get vaccines in arms all the more crucial. Questions abound: how can I avoid the variants? How important are they? If I am vaccinated what can I do that I couldn’t before? Join the California Medical Association March 9 at 12 p.m. for Virtual Grand Rounds: Fighting to the Finish - COVID-19 Vaccines vs Variants. Hear from state experts regarding the epidemiology of the virus and its variants, the state of the vaccine rollout, in-depth information on vaccines in use – as well as vaccines in development – and the latest information on personal mitigation techniques and strategies.
 
Register for the webinar at: bit.ly/cmadocs39  

Virtual COVID-19 Implications on Brain Health Workshop

While COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, it has impacted brain health in many ways due to the isolation and loneliness many have experienced as well as the pathological changes the virus can impose upon the body. Join Dr. Mirella Diaz-Santos, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, on March 10 at 5:30 p.m. for a discussion on the way that our lives with COVID-19 has affected brain health as well as dementia diagnosis and treatment.
 
This event is presented by the South Bay Dementia Education Consortium. Register at bchd.org.

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 #9: Black and Latinx communities are being singled out to get the vaccine because it hasn’t really been proven to be safe.

The Facts: There are certainly historical reasons for Black and Latinx communities to fear being singled out. The concern is justified because people of color and marginalized groups have, in the past, been coerced and subjugated to participating in drug trials and medical procedures without informed consent, patient protections, or ethical practices. That is not the case here, however. Black and Latinx communities have not been singled out to get the vaccine. But groups are being offered the vaccine based on the risks faced by the people in the group. So, the answer is NO to singling anyone out but YES, Black and Latinx communities could be offered the vaccines earlier than other communities where infection, hospitalization and death rates have not been as high.

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

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs: What should I do if I experience pain or discomfort after getting vaccinated?

• Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area
• Use or exercise your arm

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Dress lightly

• If the redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours
• If your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days

Virtual Programs

PVLD “Pedal PV” Series

PVLD's Local History Center is frequently visited by patrons interested in learning about the history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. With the closure of library facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, archivist and local history librarian Monique Sugimoto is bringing our community history to you with the "Pedal PV" vlog. Each episode brings a slice of Peninsula history and ranges from the natural and built environment to our social history. The Peninsula's history is fascinating - whether you bike, walk or jog.

Watch the series on PLVD’s YouTube channel

L.A. County Library Partners with LACMA to Offer Virtual Creative Programs

L.A. County Library is partnering with Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to bring virtual arts programs to our communities, featuring LACMA teaching artists and staff.
Creative Storytelling Workshops for kids start with a story reading, then bring it to life through a variety of expressive art activities based on an artist in focus. Stories and featured artists are based on monthly themes.

Creative Careers programs for kids and teens explore art-related careers that exist in places like museums, and feature LACMA staff discussing what they do and the journey they took to get there.

The next Creative Storytelling Workshop on Female Artists is this Friday, March 5, at 4 p.m. Click here to register.

For more information about all the programs, visit LACountyLibrary.org/LACMAprograms.

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 March 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, March 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.

Outdoor Recreation Programs

Get Outdoors and Find Verde in the Park! 

Rancho the Elf's distant cousin Verde the Leprechaun will be visiting RPV parks during the month of March and causing mischief while we are fast asleep. Visit the parks below to discover the chaos he has caused! Can you spot his tracks?
Here's when and where you can find Verde's tracks:

• March 1-7: Eastview Park
• March 8-14: Ladera Linda Community Center
• March 15-21: Point Vicente Interpretive Center/Lower Point Vicente Park
• March 22-28: Robert E. Ryan Community Park
• March 29-April 3: Fred Hesse Jr. Community Park

For more information, please contact the Recreation and Parks Department at parks@rpvca.gov  or 310-544-5260.

Zen Balance Yoga and Shimmy & Shake Dance Fitness Classes

Sign up for the following classes soon! Register at https://apm.activecommunities.com/rpv  

Zen Balance Yoga

• Location: Hesse Park Fireside Room Patio
• Fee: $120
• 4 Week Sessions: Mon. March 1 to Wed. March 24, 10am-11am
• Ages: 18 and up
• What: A combination of traditional, yet scientifically-designed and tested Hatha Yoga moves and poses that strengthen and develop muscles and joints. Practice will improve balance, coordination, and mindfulness.

Shimmy & Shake Dance Fitness

• Location: Hesse Park Fireside Room Patio
• Fee: $60
• 4 Week Sessions: Thu. March 4-March 25, 10am-11am
• Ages: 18 and up
• What: Forget the workout! Party your way to fitness and health. Dance to the beat of music hits from each decade. Stay in shape from head to toe without really trying.

All classes are held outdoors with adherence to current COVID-19 safety precautions.

Registration Open for After School Recreational Enrichment Program

Registration is open for the After School Recreational Enrichment Program offered by the San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA and the City at Hesse Park! 

Register your child today at bit.ly/sppyenrichment

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.

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

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:
 
Friday, March 5
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
31290 Palos Verdes Drive West
 
Reserve a time online at redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: SPLC.
 
Tuesday, March 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.

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)

The City of Rolling Hills Estates is hosting a UCLA Blood Drive at Ernie Howlett Park on Wednesday, March 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. UCLA will provide COVID-19 antibody testing with select blood donations.
 
To register to donate visit www.ucedonor.com, click on “blood drives” and enter CRHE in the zip code box.

Data

Cases

For a list of cases broken down by city, demographic characteristics, and settings, visit the L.A. County Department of Public Health's Locations & Demographics page.

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.

Vaccinations

According to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, as of February 20, 27.8% of Rancho Palos Verdes residents received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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/