Dear Residents,

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes continues to monitor the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Los Angeles County and would like to share the following updates with the community:

The Latest

Cases

The City is sad to announce that we have learned that a resident who contracted the novel coronavirus has died. We extend our deepest condolences to the resident’s family and ask for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time.

As of March 30, there are 2,474 known cases of novel coronavirus across Los Angeles County, including the South Bay, so the public should not think one location is safer than another and everyone should be aware and practice social distancing, also known as physical distancing. The total includes 10 cases in Rancho Palos Verdes and 14 in Palos Verdes Estates. Countywide, 44 people have died.

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

It’s important to note that the total number of confirmed cases that the Department of Public Health shares every day reflects a moment in time and may not include cases confirmed by commercial labs that have not yet been shared with the Department of Public Health. A commercial lab may share a positive result with a physician before the health department.

PVPUSD Closure Extended through April 30

Following President Trump’s extension of social distancing guidelines through April 30 and a recommendation from the Los Angeles County Office of Education for districts to remain closed through May 5, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District will extend its school site closure through April 30. Moving forward, the District will continue to reevaluate this situation and any new developments that may impact efforts to reopen its schools. To read the full announcement, visit: https://www.pvpusd.net/apps/news/article/1200499

National Doctors’ Day

It’s National Doctors’ Day! The City would like to commend doctors and all health care workers and first responders for their heroic efforts putting themselves at risk on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. Please say “thank you” by staying home and keeping each other safe. And if you can help provide critically-needed medical supplies and personal protective equipment, check the How You Can Help page on the City’s coronavirus webpage.

California Health Corps

Today, Governor Gavin Newsom launched an initiative to expand California’s health care workforce and recruit health care professionals to address the COVID-19 surge. Health care professionals with an active license, public health professionals, medical retirees, medical and nursing students, or members of medical disaster response teams in California are all encouraged to join the new California Health Corps.

Interested medical and health care professionals are encouraged to visit healthcorps.ca.gov for more information and to register for the California Health Corps. Medical doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, behavioral health scientists, pharmacists, EMTs, medical and administrative assistants, as well as certified nursing assistants are encouraged to step up and meet this moment to help California respond to the outbreak.

Governor Newsom also signed an executive order that will temporarily expand the health care workforce and allow health care facilities to staff at least an additional 50,000 hospital beds the state needs to treat COVID-19 patients. A copy of the Governor’s executive order can be found online at https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3.30.20-EO-N-39-20.pdf

A Message from Cal Water

We would like to take a moment to update you on how California Water Service (Cal Water) is responding to the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

Supporting our Customers & Protecting Them Against Potential Scams

We know these are challenging times, so we have temporarily suspended water service shutoffs for non-payment and restored service for customers with delinquent accounts as part of our larger response to COVID-19. We also stand ready to assist our customers with extensions or other payment arrangements if they're having difficulty with their bills. If customers ever have any questions about their water utility service, they should call their local Customer Center for assistance.

Additionally, we have received reports of utility customers being targeted by scammers during the current public health emergency. In one case, customers were mailed what appear to be checks from Cal Water, which would likely be used in a refund scam. In another, customers are being threatened with service disconnection unless they make an immediate payment over the phone. Please know that we never contact customers asking for payment with a specific method; we have worked with local media and posted on our social media channels to get this important message our and protect our customers.

You can help alert residents to these potential scams by sharing this information on Facebook or Twitter.

Ensuring the Reliability of Critical Infrastructure

Perhaps more than ever, it is clear why the water systems that form the foundation of our communities are classified by the federal government as critical infrastructure. As stewards of this critical infrastructure, our employees and the contractors who assist them take great pride in their roles as essential critical infrastructure workers, helping to ensure that customers continue to have safe, reliable water utility service during these tumultuous times.

As the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently explained, “[e]nsuring that drinking water and wastewater services are fully operational is critical to containing COVID-19 and protecting Americans from other public health risks.” This is a responsibility we take seriously. Our team of experts remains on the ground to maintain the water system, and ensure that it continues to operate safely and reliably.

Our employees and contractors are complying with all social distancing guidelines, as well as upholding the highest standard in personal hygiene and workplace sanitation practices. We remain prepared to mobilize resources from across the state should the need arise. In short, we will do what is needed to ensure customers have the water they need.

Drinking Water Remains Safe

Our customers’ drinking water is the last thing they need to worry about at a time like this. The water we provide can be used as normal and remains safe for drinking, cooking, and handwashing. State, federal, and international organizations concur that COVID-19 is not transmitted through drinking water. The rigorous water testing and treatment measures we already employ safeguard our customers’ drinking water.

You can help reassure residents that their drinking water is safe by sharing this information on Facebook or Twitter.

Conclusion

Safe, reliable water utility service is a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19, and we want to do everything we can to keep our customers and communities healthy. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Sincerely,

Cal Water Community Affairs

CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Bill

On Friday, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide Americans relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. A summary of highlights from Rep. Ted Lieu’s Office is provided below:

A $150 Billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund:? Creates a $150 billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund to provide states and localities additional resources to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.? It is estimated that California will receive approximately $15.3 billion in desperately needed funds to benefit our state’s residents.
$260 Billion in Dramatically Expanded Unemployment Benefits:? Includes numerous provisions to improve unemployment benefits including providing an additional $600 per week for the next four months, providing an additional 13 weeks of federally funded benefits, and expanding eligibility to include workers in the gig economy and self-employed workers.
Immediate Direct Cash Payments to Lower and Middle-Income Americans:? Provides for immediate, direct cash payments to lower-and middle-income Americans of $1,200 for each adult and $500 for each child, beginning to phase out at an annual income of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a household.? These payments will provide individuals with the cash they need right now to survive with much of the economy currently shut down.
More Than $375 Billion in Small Business Relief:? Provides more than $375 billion in small business relief, including $349 billion for forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees and keep them on the payroll; $17 billion for debt relief for current and new SBA borrowers; and $10 billion in immediate disaster grants.
Approximately $200 Billion for Our Hospitals, Health Care Workers, and Health Research:? Provides an investment of about $200 billion in our hospitals, health systems, and health research, including expanding funding for the personal protective equipment desperately needed by our health care workers, including ventilators, n95 masks, gowns, gloves, etc.
More Than $100 Billion in Additional Emergency Appropriations, Including the Following:
- Transit Agencies:? Provides $25 billion to transit agencies, which have all seen a drastic drop in revenues as social distancing has been implemented.? This funding is to be used to protect the jobs of the employees of the transit agencies, funding their paychecks during this public health emergency.? California will receive $3.7 billion under this program.
- HUD Emergency Solution Grants:? Provides $2 billion for HUD Emergency Solution Grants to states that will be distributed by formula. These grants are designed to address the impact of the coronavirus among individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and to support additional homeless assistance, prevention, and eviction prevention assistance.? Of this $2 billion, our state will receive $237 million.? In addition, the bill provides an additional $2 billion for these grants that will be allocated by HUD to the most hard-pressed areas.
- Child Care and Development Block Grant:? Supports child care and early education by providing $3.5 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant.? Our state will receive $ 347 million under this emergency appropriation.
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):? Provides $900 million to help low-income families pay their heating and cooling bills.? Our state will receive $74 million for this purpose during this public health emergency.
- Byrne-Justice Assistance Grant Program:? Provides $850 million for this program, giving additional support to state and local law enforcement agencies, thereby allowing them, for example, to obtain the personal protective equipment and other medical items they may need during this public health emergency.? Our state will receive $96 Million under this appropriation.
- CDC Coronavirus State, Local and Tribal Grants Minimum Awards:? Provides about $750 million in CDC State, Local, and . Tribal Grants Minimum Awards to help agencies cope with the public health emergency.? The minimum award Los Angele is $20 million.? In addition, states can apply for additional funds above their minimum award, based on their needs.
- Election Assistance:? Provides $400 million for Election Assistance Grants for states to help prepare for the 2020 elections.? Coronavirus is already resulting in the postponement of some primaries and this funding can help states make voting safer for individuals.? Funding can be used, for example, to increase the ability to vote by mail, expand early voting, and expand online registration.? Our state will receive $36 million for these purposes.

Reminder: Parks, Beaches and Nature Preserve CLOSED

Over the weekend, City Staff and Park Rangers largely observed compliance with the closure of the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, all City parks, beaches, community centers, amenities and trails. However, personnel made contact with a considerable number of individuals, including residents living in neighborhoods with access to the Preserve, disregarding signs and barricades. To those of you who are doing the right thing, we appreciate your cooperation. To those who are not, realize you’re part of the problem you’re trying to escape.

For a full list of closures, read a press release at: bit.ly/2UexWwo

County Beaches and Hiking Trails CLOSED

On March 27, county officials revised the “Safer at Home” Public Health Officer Order to close all public beaches, trails, trailheads, piers, public beach parking lots, bike paths on the beach, and beach access points countywide through at least April 19. The closures are due to recent dramatic increases in COVID-19 cases and increased usage of beaches and hiking trails by many groups of people. Persons may continue to use currently open and publicly available park space, not prohibited by the order, for passive recreational activities, but must practice social distancing.

Please note that parks, beaches and open space areas in Rancho Palos Verdes, including the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, are CLOSED. Deane Dana Friendship Park and the South Coast Botanic Garden are partially closed.

To read the order addendum, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/HOO_BeachesandTrails_3.27.20_FINAL.pdf

Other Closures

For a list of school, library, transit and other local closures, visit the Closure Information page on the City’s coronavirus webpage.

L.A. County Business and Worker Disaster Help Center

With the support of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Departments of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) and Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services (WDACS) have launched the L.A. County Business and Worker Disaster Help Center, a new centralized call center and website providing free, one-on-one counseling and support for business owners and workers who have been adversely affected by the ongoing Coronavirus/COVID-19 emergency.

Whether you are a business owner struggling to keep your doors open or a worker who’s uncertain about their next paycheck, L.A. County now has a single location where you can get immediate help, tailored to your situation. You can get assistance from the L.A. County Business and Worker Disaster Help Center in the manner that’s most convenient to you:

Telephone: (833) 238-4450
Online: LACountyHelpCenter.org
Email: DisasterHelpCenter@lacounty.gov
Social media: @LACHelpCenter on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

The Business and Worker Disaster Help Center, operated jointly by DCBA and WDACS, is open to answer calls Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. With the support of our County partners, the Help Center is staffed with dedicated, helpful, and multilingual support. Participating County departments and State agencies include:

L.A. County Chief Executive Office
L.A. County Office of Emergency Management
L.A. County Child Support Services
L.A. County Counsel
L.A. County Internal Services Department
L.A. County Department of Public Social Services
L.A. County Treasurer and Tax Collector
L.A. County Library
L.A. County Department of Public Health
L.A. County Department of Regional Planning
California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)

Torrance Memorial Medical Center Accepting In-Kind Donations

The local community has been incredibly supportive and so many have stepped up to help by donating critical medical supplies and equipment. In an effort to manage the overwhelming response, Torrance Memorial Medical Center has established guidelines for donations.

Anyone interested in donating items should visit www.torrancememorialfoundation.org/donate to view the list of acceptable donations and find the link to submit a request.

ALL SUPPLIES MUST BE IN UNOPENED, SEALED CONTAINERS WITH UNEXPIRED DATES. HOMEMADE ITEMS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME.

Acceptable donation considerations:

SANITIZER

New hand sanitizers and sanitizing wipes such as PDI, Clorox or other brand
New clinical grade disinfectants including wipes, sprays and sanitization solutions with at least 70% alcohol

MASKS

New mask/respirator masks in boxed or packaged form
New isolation/procedures surgical masks in unopened boxes or packages
New N95 masks in boxed or packaged form
Preference will be given to unexpired N95s from 3M
Cannot accept physical damaged (creased, broken, water/liquid damaged) or soiled respirators

GLOVES

Latex-free gloves in all sizes
Must be in unopened boxes

GOWNS / SHOE COVERS

New clinical gowns and New shoe covers
Isolation gowns must be fluid resistant, not necessarily fluid impermeable

FACE SHIELDS / GOGGLES

New plastic face shields
Must be fluid resistant and goggles must prevent any splashes to eyes

Receiving your donations

Donations may be dropped off at the Lundquist Tower or West Tower entrances.
Please fill out the gift-in-kind form at www.torrancememorialfoundation.org/donate to expedite the process

In-kind food donations are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Refer interested donors to www.torrancememorialfoundation.org/donate

Questions may be directed to COVID.donations@tmmc.com or (310) 784-4843.

Open for Business

Need a list of Peninsula restaurants that are serving takeout and delivery? Or updated grocery store hours? Check out the Open for Business tab on the City’s coronavirus webpage. If you would like to add your business to this page or provide updated information, please email slee@rpvca.gov.

Watch the latest episode of RPVtv’s “Around the Peninsula” featuring an interview with PVP Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Eileen Hupp to find out how you can support local businesses during the coronavirus outbreak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etJcYqikC9o

How You Can Help

Los Angeles County officials encourage members of the public who want to help those in the community experiencing hardships to make monetary contributions to reputable non-profit organizations or to the funds listed below, which are supporting COVID-19 disaster efforts.

Support the California Community Foundation’s Covid-19 LA County Response Fund

The California Community Foundation launched the COVID-19 LA County Response Fund, which supports community needs identified by our partners in health, housing, education and immigration.

Support the United Way’s Pandemic Relief Fund

United Way of Greater Los Angeles’ Pandemic Relief Fund supports L.A. County’s unsheltered residents who are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus, and low-income individuals, students and families at imminent risk of homelessness and hardships due to health and economic impacts of coronavirus.

Support other nonprofits

Philanthropy California’s disaster resilience team is coordinating with state agencies and partners to respond to the impacts of COVID-19/Coronavirus. You can search for Los Angeles County non-profits through this site.

American Red Cross

Give a financial gift or lifesaving blood.

Personal Protective Equipment Needed

Want to help our nurses, doctors and health care workers? If you want to donate/know of businesses that may be able to help with personal protective equipment, such as surgical masks, N95 face masks, face shields and other supplies, email medsupply@dhs.lacounty.gov

Local Volunteer Match

PVPUSD School Board Member Linda Reid is coordinating a volunteer effort to match up senior citizens needing errand/grocery/meal help in PV with volunteers. PVPUSD students, parents, and alums unexpectedly home from college will assist! Any older residents may email Member Reid at reidl@pvpusd.net to be matched up with a local volunteer during this difficult isolating time.

Neighborhood Watch

For 28 years, residents and Block Captains have worked together through RPV Neighborhood Watch to build safe and cohesive neighborhoods. Working cooperatively between neighbors and law enforcement has resulted in supportive neighbors who help each other when necessary. Those residents or blocks who are not yet a part of Neighborhood Watch can contact Gail Lorenzen at rpvnw@ix.netcom.com.

Senior Support

Please consider checking on your older neighbors or those with underlying health conditions. There are ways to let people know you care while keeping a safe distance (e.g., a phone call, a text, a note under their door to make sure they have everything they need). Self-isolation doesn’t need to mean loneliness. Lomita Sheriff’s Station deputies are available to provide a “welfare check” for seniors. Residents are encouraged to call the station’s non-emergency number at 310-539-1661 if they are aware of seniors who are at risk or may need attention. We are all in this together.

City Hall Closed

As a reminder, to reduce the risk of community spread of COVID-19, through at least April 19, City Hall and park buildings are closed to the public, and all recreational activities, classes and events at City facilities have been canceled. Advisory board meetings have been canceled through the end of March. The City will primarily be providing essential city services that are necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our community and City employees. To facilitate these measures, all non-essential staff will be working remotely. Inquiries will be reviewed daily and will be responded to on a case-by-case basis. Please note that our response to your inquiry could be delayed.

Community Development Department applications and permit requests may be submitted to planning@rpvca.gov.

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.

Please visit the appropriate department page on the City website for a list of phone numbers and email addresses to accommodate your needs:

City Manager
City Clerk
Community Development
Finance
Human Resources
Public Works
Recreation, Parks & Open Space
RPVtv

Overall Staff Directory

Resources

Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus.

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/

The City Council is committed to keeping you informed on this ever-changing situation, and thanks you for your cooperation and support. The City reminds all residents that closures and cancellations announced by the City and other agencies and institutions are being implemented because public health officials advise that social distancing is the best and most effective tool to slow the spread of coronavirus.

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