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

L.A. County Allows More Reopenings, Could Move into Orange Tier in April

L.A. County recently moved to the red tier in the state's Blueprint for a Safer Economy that allowed the county to reopen several key sectors Monday, including on-site learning for students in grades 7 through 12, museums, gyms, movie theaters, and indoor dining at restaurants, with required safety measures in place, including masking and distancing requirements.  
 
The county must remain in the red tier for three consecutive weeks before moving to the less restrictive orange tier, even if the county's metrics align sooner with the orange tier. L.A. County’s daily case rate must be at or below 3.9 new cases per 100,000 people, and the county's test positivity rate must be at or below 4.9% for two consecutive weeks to qualify for the orange tier. As of March 16, L.A. County's adjusted case rate dropped to 4.1 new cases per 100,000 people, and the test positivity rate dropped to 2.0%. If we continue to experience declines in the case rate, it is possible in early April for the county to move into the orange tier.

L.A. County Revises Health Officer Order Enforcement Protocol

Earlier this week, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted to revise the enforcement protocol for businesses in violation of the Health Officer Order. On a first visit, health inspectors will now advise a business of non-compliance, educate the business on the importance of the health and safety protocols, only consider issuing a monetary fine for the most significant violations, and utilize permit suspension or revocation only for the most significant violations or for repeated uncured violations. Previously implemented first violation fines have been more frequently enforced on minor infractions of businesses attempting to operate safely. Furthermore, fines have shown to be an incomplete measure for the most severe violations, forcing the county take legal action.
 
Read the full motion.

Road to Reopening - Updates to the State's Guidelines

Following updated state guidance, starting April 1, outdoor sporting events and outdoor live concerts will be permitted with significant capacity and infection control modifications. For counties in the purple tier, capacity at these outdoor events will be limited to 100 people or less, reservations will be required, and concessions will not be allowed. Only people who live in the region where the event is taking place will be permitted to attend. Once in the red tier, these outdoor events can open at 20% capacity, limited to in-state visitors only; concessions will be allowed only while seated. As counties move into less restrictive tiers, the allowed capacity will increase.
 
Theme parks can open for counties in the red tier at 15% of capacity with in-state visitors only, and as counties move into less restrictive tiers, the allowed capacity again increases.
 
The L.A. County Department of Public Health is working with the Board of Supervisors and sector partners to plan safe reopenings in L.A. County at these newly reopening venues.

Tax Day for Individuals Extended to May 17

Earlier this week, the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced that due to the pandemic, the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. The IRS will be providing formal guidance in the coming days.
 
Individual taxpayers can also postpone federal income tax payments for the 2020 tax year due on April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This postponement applies to individual taxpayers, including individuals who pay self-employment tax. Penalties, interest and additions to tax will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances as of May 17, 2021. Individual taxpayers will automatically avoid interest and penalties on the taxes paid by May 17.
 
Learn more at irs.gov.

Thinking of a Spring Break Getaway? Travel Advisory Still in Effect 

Reminder: Per the L.A. County Department of Public Health, non-essential travel is still not recommended. If you are arriving or returning to L.A. County from out of state/country, you must quarantine for 10 days. 

Household Hazardous Waste Events Resume

L.A. County Public Works recently announced that household hazardous and electronic waste collection events have resumed with COVID-19 safety measures. For a list of locations and updated safety guidelines, visit CleanLA.com. The next collection event at RPV City Hall is scheduled for May 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with details to be announced. 

Vaccine Updates

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expands to People with High-Risk Underlying Conditions 

Starting this week, people aged 16-64 who have underlying health conditions or disabilities are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines, as their conditions put them at the highest risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19.
 
Persons who are newly eligible and qualify for a COVID-19 vaccine due to a medical condition should note that during registration for a vaccine appointment, they will be asked to state that they have a high-risk medical condition or disability.
 
To protect confidentially, they will not be asked to disclose the specific condition.
People getting vaccinated must provide documentation at all appointments with either a letter from a healthcare provider, a personal physician or an agency providing services or, if not available, the eligible person or their caretaker will be asked to sign an attestation.
 
All eligible persons will also need to provide identification (government ID not required) and proof that they live within L.A. County at their appointment.
 
For information about vaccine appointments in L.A. County and when your turn is coming up, to sign up for a vaccination newsletter, and much more, visit: VaccinateLACounty.com.

Which COVID-19 Vaccine is for Me?

In his latest blog, Dr. William Kim, Chief Medical Advisor with the Beach Cities Health District, explains why the COVID-19 vaccine you should get is whatever vaccine is available when you get an appointment. All the vaccines – Pfizer-Bio-NTech, Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) – provide a level of protection that is not available naturally. For vaccinated individuals who contract COVID-19, all three vaccines have been found to keep patients from getting seriously ill.
 
Read more at bchd.org. 

After You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated

Last week, the CDC released guidance for those who are fully vaccinated.
People are considered fully vaccinated:

• 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, like the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, or
• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, like the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine

If it has been less than 2 weeks since your shot, or if you still need to get your second dose, you are NOT fully protected. Keep taking all prevention steps until and after you are fully vaccinated. Learn what’s changed and what hasn’t changed at cdc.gov.

Financial Assistance

CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Available to Income Eligible Households

Get ready California, rent relief is on the way. Income eligible households who need financial assistance for unpaid rent and utilities will be able to apply for help through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program. If you have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19, have past due rent or utilities, and have a household income that is not more than 80% of the area median income, you may be eligible to receive help to pay past due or future rent and utilities from the State of California. Landlords and renters can verify eligibility immediately by visiting HousingIsKey.com, or by calling 833-430-2122, and if eligible, apply.

Small Business Stabilization Loan Program

The L.A. County Development Authority has launched an affordable and flexible business loan program to support and help stabilize businesses in the region. Small Business Stabilization Loans range from $50,000 to $3 million, and can be used for working capital, equipment purchases, inventory, or refinancing of existing loans at higher interest rates.
 
The Small Business Stabilization Loan Program will accept applications through April 16, 2021, or until $20 million in funding requests is received, whichever occurs first.
 
The program pairs the loan with technical assistance from partners that offer complementary online webinars, one-on-one financial consultations, application assistance, and an evaluation of a business' readiness to submit an LACDA loan application. The final “How to apply for an LACDA loan” webinar, a pre-requisite for submitting a Small Business Stabilization Loan application, will be held on March 25, 2021, in English and Spanish.
 
To register for a webinar, or obtain more information on the requirements to apply for the Small Business Stabilization Loan Program, please visit BizStabilization.lacda.org, or call (626) 586-1550.

Mental Health Resources

Need to talk?

Last week marked the one-year anniversary of when we proclaimed a local emergency for COVID-19 in L.A. County. If you need to talk with someone, you can call 800-854-7771 or Text LA to 741741.

Dealing with Grief

This past year, so many of us have experienced loss – from the loss of our ”normal” time with family and friends to the loss of a loved one. No matter the loss, it’s okay to grieve. How Right Now can help. Learn how: bit.ly/2OuGvmJ.

Virtual Programs

Bookmark Coloring Contest Entries due March 26

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes and Los Serenos de Point Vicente invite kids grades TK-5 to use their creativity to create an ocean-themed bookmark for the Virtual Whale of a Day Bookmark Coloring Contest! Entries are due March 26.

Learn how to enter at whaleofaday.com.

Mark your calendars for Virtual Whale of a Day April 10!

In partnership with Los Serenos de Point Vicente, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes is thrilled to announce Whale of a Day 2021 — a VIRTUAL event! This year’s event will showcase all the best our community has to offer while continuing to educate about the migration of the Pacific gray whale.

All content for the event will be free for viewing on Saturday, April 10 by visiting whaleofaday.com. There is no registration to participate in the event.

You can pre-register to pick up an activity bag by visiting apm.activecommunities.com/rpv/Activity_Search/998. The activity bag will contain educational materials, giveaways and components to participate in a craft/story time. Once you are registered you may pick up your activity bag at Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall located at 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard during business hours between March 15 and April 2.

This is not a live event. All event features will be made available on our website on Saturday, April 10 and will remain posted for your viewing pleasure! Mark your calendars today, and join us for a Virtual Whale of a Day.

Event Details

• Debut of the NEW Point Vicente Interpretive Center Exhibits
• Puppet Show “Guillermo goes to Mexico”
• Abalone Cove Tide Pool Tour
• Take part in the Silent Auction April 1-10
• Native Plant Garden Tour
• Whale Education
• Story and craft demo (be sure to pick up an activity bag at RPV City Hall)
• Learn about animal pelts and skulls
• Entertainment and more!

If you have questions about this year's event, please contact the Recreation and Parks Department at events@rpvca.gov or 310-544-5260.

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 April 9

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, April 9 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 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 an upcoming blood drive in Rancho Palos Verdes:

Monday, March 29
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ascension Lutheran Church
26231 Silver Spur Road

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 Palos Verdes Estates is hosting a UCLA Blood Drive in front of the PVE Police Station at 340 Palos Verdes Drive West on Friday, March 19 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 COPVE 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 March 8, 34.2% of Rancho Palos Verdes residents age 18 and over 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/