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:
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L.A. County Updates Guidance for Indoor Live Events, Performances and Private EventsEarlier this week, the L.A. County Department of Public Health updated the Health Officer Order and released several protocols that take effect today, April 15, to help the people of Los Angeles begin to enjoy additional opportunities for shared activities. These include guidance on reopening indoor seated live events and performances; guidance on safety modifications required for private events, meetings, and conferences; and relaxed rules for informal gatherings. The protocols provide guidance on distancing, masking, infection control, and capacity requirements needed to minimize risk while gathering or attending events with those not members of our household. Please note that the City of Rancho Palos Verdes is developing reopening protocols and all City facilities, including Hesse Park, the Ladera Linda Community Center, the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, and Ryan Park will remain unavailable for rentals at this time.
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Where L.A. County Stands
L.A. County is in the orange tier of the state's Blueprint for a Safer Economy that allows for permitted activities in several key sectors with safety measures in place. In order to move to the less restrictive yellow tier, the county's case rate must be less than 2 new cases per 100,000 people and test positivity must be less than 2%. Today, the state released updated numbers: L.A. County's adjusted case rate slightly increased from 3.1 new cases per 100,000 people to 3.2 new cases per 100,000. The test positivity rate remained at 1.5% and in areas with the fewest health affirming resources, L.A. County’s test positivity rate remained at 1.9%.
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FEMA Funeral Expense Relief Now Available L.A. County residents can now apply for financial help for funeral expenses through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program. FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line is (844) 684-6333 and (800) 462-7585 (TTY) for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Members of the public can call Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Translators will be available to assist callers who do not speak English.
FEMA’s financial assistance is limited to a maximum amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application. For information on eligibility and how to apply, visit fema.gov.
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How to Knot and Tuck Your Disposable Mask to Improve FitIf you use a disposable mask, the knot and tuck method can help your mask fit better against your face without gaps. Learn how to improve your mask’s fit in this video from the CDC.
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Vaccine Eligibility Expands to Ages 16+Starting today, April 15, all persons who live or work in L.A. County and are 16 years and older are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. For those 16 and 17, please be aware that you can only be vaccinated at this time with the Pfizer vaccine. Therefore, if given the option while registering, please be sure to select a location offering the Pfizer vaccine. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can provide consent for vaccination. As we move into a new tier that no longer requires you to identify your eligibility based on your occupation, it is important that you still provide documentation that you live or work within L.A. County and provide some sort of photo ID that doesn’t necessarily have to be government issued. Insurance and Immigration status are not required, and the vaccine is free. You will not have to pay anything out-of-pocket for the vaccine, and none of your information is shared with immigration officials. Appointments can be made online at MyTurn.ca.gov or VaccinateLACounty.com, or by phone by calling (833) 540-0473 between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
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L.A. County Pauses Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Following FDA and CDC RecommendationOut of an abundance of caution, L.A. County is following the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to pause the use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine after reports that six women between the ages of 18 and 48 developed unusual types of blood clots 6 to 13 days after receiving the vaccine. This pause will last until the FDA and CDC complete their review, which is expected to take several days. Vaccine providers in L.A. County will contact patients about rescheduling or providing a new appointment for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. These reactions are extremely rare, as nearly 7,000,000 people have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the United States to date. People who received the vaccine in the last 3 weeks should look for any symptoms of these unusual clots, including severe headaches, abdominal or leg pain, and shortness of breath, and contact their medical provider if symptoms develop. People who don't have a medical provider can call 2-1-1 to connect with a healthcare provider. For more information, read a list of frequently asked questions. The L.A. County Department of Public Health is grateful to the researchers and scientists working to ensure that all medications or vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines, have the highest safety standards.
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10 Things to Do Now That You Are VaccinatedYou were able to book that vaccination appointment (finally!). If you are lucky, you’ve already completed the vaccine regimen – two doses for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or a single dose for the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson version. Now that you’re vaccinated, it’s not quite time to toss those face masks in the trash. In a new blog, the Beach Cities Health District shares 10 things the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say you can or should do as a vaccinated individual. Read the blog at bchd.org.
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ICYMI: L.A. County Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Town HallIn case you missed it, you can watch L.A. County’s recent Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Safety Town Hall on YouTube at: youtu.be/nbfKyjN2i3A. Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis, Chief Science Officer Dr. Paul Simon and Heralthcare Outreach Unit Associate Chief Dr. Naman Shah discussed the safety of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and answered questions.
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Renter and Homeowner Resources
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Behind on your rent? Here is what you need to know.If you are a renter who has experienced COVID-related setbacks and you are behind on your rent, there are laws that may protect you from being evicted. However, those laws may be changing soon and you’re going to have to start paying any unpaid rent back – if you haven’t already. Get the info you need at dcba.lacounty.gov.
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Mortgage Relief Available to Property Owners
The County of Los Angeles in partnership with the NHS Center for Economic Recovery has launched its Foreclosure Prevention & Mortgage Relief Program. Applications are now open.
Apply for up to $20,000 in assistance to help offset mortgage delinquencies.
Call 1-888-895-2647 or visit the NHS website to learn more.
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Small Business Grant Alert
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Apply for a Grant from the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund April 11-18The California Restaurant Foundation is excited to announce the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund! The fund will provide grants up to $3,500 to restaurants across California, with priority given to women and persons of color owned-restaurants.
The Resilience Fund is open through April 18, 2021 and can be found at restaurantscare.org/resilience.
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Virtual Whale of a Day Content Now Live!
Last weekend, the City and Los Serenos de Point Vicente hosted the Virtual Whale of a Day celebration. All content is now live for your viewing pleasure at whaleofaday.com. Enjoy virtual tours, crafts and storytime, whale education, entertainment and more! Plus see the winners of our Bookmark Coloring Contest.
Thank you to Los Serenos de Point Vicente, RPVtv, Rec and Parks staff and all our contributors for making this year's event so special.
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Alta Vicente Virtual Nature Talk April 18 Join Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy Nature Walk Leaders in partnership with the Palos Verdes Library District on a fascinating virtual tour of the Alta Vicente Reserve at the Rancho Palos Verdes Civic Center on Sunday, April 18 at 1:30 p.m. The virtual tour will be followed by a live Q&A with experts. Sign up at: pvplc.org
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PVPLC Earth Day Virtual Presentation April 22On April 22 at 7 p.m. the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy will partner with the Palos Verdes Library District, Friends of the Library, and the California Native Plant Society for a live Zoom event in celebration of Earth Day. The event will explore what each of us can do to renew the Earth and how our actions here on the Peninsula can impact the planet. The Earth Day online event will include a fascinating video presentation by Doug Tallamy, author of “Nature’s Best Hope” about how to support birds and wildlife with native plants in our yards. Learn more at pvplc.org.
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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.
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Palos Verdes Peninsula Village Zoom Info Session May 14
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, May 14 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.
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Outdoor Recreation Programs
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Register today for your free activity bag for Kids to Parks Day!Kids to Parks Day is Saturday, May 15, but due to the pandemic, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes will not be having our annual celebration; instead we encourage families to celebrate the day at local parks and public lands!
Register today for a free fun activity bag with a kids’ adventure booklet (contains local hiking maps, outdoor facts and more!) a potting craft, stickers and giveaways! The activity bag will also contain educational materials and components for outdoor crafts and fun!
Once you are registered, you may pick up your activity bag May 3-14 during regular business hours at RPV City Hall located at 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard.
For more information, contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 310-544-5260.
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Share your Earth Day Campaign project with the City!The City of Rancho Palos Verdes invites residents to celebrate Earth Day April 1-22 by completing acts of service such as composting, recycling, participating in a beach cleanup, building a garden, or planting a tree! Email photos of your project to events@rpvca.gov and they may be shared on the City's social media pages and the City website!
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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. 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.
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Upcoming Local Blood Drives
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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, April 20 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.
Friday, April 23 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Christ Lutheran Church 28850 S. Western Avenue
Monday, April 26 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)
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CasesAs of April 15, there are 1,227,514 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across Los Angeles County (population 10.17 million). The total includes 1,482 cases in Rancho Palos Verdes (population 42,747), 450 in Palos Verdes Estates (population 13,522), 275 in Rolling Hills Estates (population 8,113), 54 in Rolling Hills (population 1,940), and 64 in the unincorporated areas of the Peninsula (population 1,921). Countywide, 23,569 people have died. According to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, 53 deaths have been reported in Rancho Palos Verdes. The City extends its deepest condolences to the families of these residents. 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 April 4, 50.2% of Rancho Palos Verdes residents age 18 and over received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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