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

As of April 2, there are 4,045 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 20 cases in Rancho Palos Verdes, 18 in Palos Verdes Estates and five in Rolling Hills Estates. Countywide, 78 people have died.

To date, the City is aware of the death of one resident who contracted the novel coronavirus. We extend our deepest condolences to the resident’s family and ask for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time.

Belmont Village on Crestridge Road is included on the county’s list of long-term care facilities with at least one resident who developed symptoms while in the facility and tested positive for COVID-19.

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.

Alert SouthBay Wants Your COVID-19 Input

The 13 participating Alert SouthBay cities, including Rancho Palos Verdes, want to hear from you about your COVID-19 concerns and what kind of information you need and care about most. Take a moment to fill out a quick survey at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FMLPVKX

Cyber-Seniors Training Opportunities

Cyber-Seniors is a nonprofit organization that works to bridge the digital divide and connect generations through technology. Cyber-Seniors is offering training opportunities to help keep senior citizens socially connected while remaining safe in their homes during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Young people can register for FREE to take the online Cyber-Seniors Mentor Training Program and then volunteer to help a senior connect with loved ones and essential online services. To register and get started, visit https://cyberseniors.org/student-membership/

Seniors can join the following online seminars (using ZOOM) or a one-on-one session (by phone or FaceTime). Instructional links are below to help you learn how to use Zoom.

Video: how to join a Zoom meeting
Video and text (includes joining a test meeting)

If you need more help call Cyber-Seniors at 1-844-217-3057

Group Zoom sessions:

Friday, April 3, 12:30pm Eastern Time: Banking online Register
Monday, April 6, 9:30am Eastern Time: Grocery Shopping online Register
Tuesday, April 7, 9:30am Eastern Time: Video calling Register
Wednesday, April 8, 9:30am Eastern Time: Online games (with friends) Register
Thursday, April 9, 9:30am: Prescription refills online Register
Friday, April 10, 9:30am Eastern Time: Reading online: How to access ebooks Register

If you prefer a one-on-one session, book one through Cyber-Seniors’ Calendly calendar at https://calendly.com/cyberseniors/one-on-one-tech-session?month=2020-04

It’s Takeout Thursday!

The community is encouraged to join in the “Takeout Tuesdays and Takeout Thursdays” initiative launched by the Peninsula cities and the PVP Chamber of Commerce by posting on social media and inviting friends and neighbors to order takeout, using Tuesdays and Thursdays as a special reminder.

Residents are asked to show their support by ordering takeout or delivery, not only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but on a regular basis throughout the coronavirus restrictions. Check the Open for Business page on the City website for a list of local restaurants offering takeout, delivery and curbside pickup.

Drive-Up Mobile COVID-19 Testing

L.A. County is ramping up COVID-19 testing sites, opening three locations tomorrow, April 3, and developing many others countywide. The sites opening April 3 are at the Pomona Fairplex (Gate 17 - W. McKinley/Fairplex Drive), the South Bay Galleria (1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90278), and the Antelope Valley Mall (1233 Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale, CA 91768). The testing is by appointment only. Walk-up appointments are not available.

At this time, COVID-19 testing is limited to the most vulnerable L.A. County residents who are:

65 and older; and/or
Have underlying health conditions including:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Chronic lung disease
- Moderate to severe asthma
- People who are immunocompromised, including as a result of cancer treatment; and/or
Have been subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine period because they have been exposed to an individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and have more than 7 days of the 2-week quarantine period remaining.

Anyone interested in getting tested must first register on the screening website, coronavirus.lacity.org/Testing. This first step determines if people are eligible to be tested. At the website, individuals are asked to answer basic questions including name, date of birth, address, and whether they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing. The website (in real time) determines and confirms an individual’s testing eligibility. Those who receive confirmation of testing eligibility will then be given a selection of testing sites, available appointment times to complete the test registration process. The registration number will be required information at the testing site.

All of the testing locations are “drive-up” — clients stay in their cars for tests (though pedestrian clients with appointments can be tested as well). The test is a self-administered oral swab, meaning clients must swab their own mouths/throats using instructions provided to them at the site. The testing process takes between 5 and 10 minutes, however waiting times may vary. More information and frequently asked questions are available at covid19.lacounty.gov/testing.

For more information and FAQs: covid19.lacounty.gov/testing

To register and see if you are eligible for a test: coronavirus.lacity.org/testing

Virtual Meetings

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Rancho Palos Verdes City Council, commission and committee meetings are going virtual.

City Council and Planning Commission meetings will be conducted at their normal times using the Zoom video conference platform. These meetings will also be live-streamed on the City website at rpvca.gov and televised on RPVtv Cox 33/Frontier FiOS 38. Visit rpvca.gov/participate for information on how to participate in public comment.

Civic Center Advisory Committee, Emergency Preparedness Committee, Finance Advisory Committee, Infrastructure Management Advisory (IMAC) Committee, Traffic Safety Committee meetings will be conducted at their normal times using the Zoom video conference platform. To watch and/or participate in public comment, complete a form at rpvca.gov/participate to receive an email with further instructions.

All City Council, commission and committee meeting agendas are available at http://rpvca.gov/772/City-Meeting-Video-and-Agendas

If you require a disability-related modification or accommodation to participate in a meeting, please contact the City at least 48 hours prior to the meeting via email at adarequests@rpvca.gov

Revised Isolation and Quarantine Orders

On April 1, county officials amended the Public Health Officer Isolation and Quarantine Orders to revise the time period that a patient with COVID-19 is considered infectious to begin 48 hours before symptom onset instead of from the first day of symptom onset. This is based on new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The orders have been revised to require that individuals with presumed or confirmed COVID-19 notify all persons with whom they had close contact beginning 48 hours before their symptom onset.

Home isolation instructions for people with COVID-19 are available at: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/docs/HomeisolationenCoV.pdf

Home quarantine guidelines for close contacts to COVID-19 patients are available at: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/docs/COVHomeQuarantine.pdf

Read the orders at the links below:

April 1 2020 Revised Self-Isolation Order (Diagnosed)
April 1, 2020 Revised Self-Quarantine Order (Exposed)

More Relief for Small Businesses

Today, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a series of new resources to aid small businesses and help California workers who have lost work due to COVID-19.
Beginning tomorrow, California small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis can apply for a loan from the federal government for up to $10 million.

Importantly, the program is first-come, first-serve and the Governor encourages all eligible California small businesses to contact their lender to learn more.

Today, the Governor also announced that the state is allocating $50 million to the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank for loan guarantees to small businesses to help eliminate barriers to capital for individuals who do not qualify for federal funds, including low wealth and undocumented immigrant communities. The state is also allowing small businesses to defer payment of sales and use taxes of up to $50,000, for up to 12 months.

Earlier this week, Governor Newsom signed an executive order to help small businesses, granting a 90-day extension for small businesses to pay sales taxes.

RPV City Council to Consider Helping Small Businesses

Your RPV City Council is also working on ways to get small businesses financial help. On April 7, the City Council will consider creating local small business relief programs such as business license tax (BLT) relief, online fundraising for local businesses, and direct loan programs. A staff report on this item is available at: https://rpv.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=5&event_id=1662&meta_id=81211

You can watch our live virtual meeting at 7 p.m. streamed on the City website, rpvca.gov, or televised on RPVtv Cox 33/Frontier FiOS 38.

More Relief for the Unemployed

Additionally, the Governor joined Bitwise Industries and the Kapor Center to launch OnwardCa.org, a new platform connecting displaced California workers with more than 70,000 job opportunities in critical industries.

Governor Newsom also today announced $17.8 million in new state initiatives to support California workers impacted by COVID-19. The allocation will come from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds with $7.8 million going to the Los Angeles region and $10 million made available statewide.

For more information, go to covid-19.ca.gov.

Moratorium on Evictions

On March 27, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order banning the enforcement of eviction orders for renters affected by COVID-19 through May 31, 2020. The order prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent and prohibits enforcement of evictions by law enforcement or courts. It also requires tenants to declare in writing, no more than seven days after the rent comes due, that the tenant cannot pay all or part of their rent due to COVID-19.

The tenant would be required to retain documentation but not required to submit it to the landlord in advance. And the tenant would remain obligated to repay full rent in a timely manner and could still face eviction after the enforcement moratorium is lifted. The order takes effect immediately, and provides immediate relief to tenants for whom rent is due on April 1. The action builds on Governor Newsom’s previous executive order authorizing local governments to halt evictions for renters impacted by the pandemic.

A copy of the Governor’s executive order can be found at https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3.27.20-EO-N-37-20.pdf

On April 7, the RPV City Council will consider implementing a similar citywide moratorium on residential tenant evictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as prohibitions against emergency price-gouging. A staff report on this item is available at: https://rpv.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=5&event_id=1662&meta_id=81183

You can watch our live virtual meeting at 7 p.m. streamed on the City website, rpvca.gov, or televised on RPVtv Cox 33/Frontier FiOS 38.

Top 10 Tips for a Safe Grocery Shopping Experience

The California Grocers Association continues to take steps to reassure consumers that grocery stores will remain open and that food and essential supplies remain plentiful through its “Buy Smart. Don’t Overfill Your Cart.” There is #Enough4All (enoughforallca.com) campaign.

Getting shopping patterns back to normal and reducing stress on both shoppers and the distribution system can go a long way toward creating normalcy in our grocery stores.

COVID-19 Increased Utility Usage/Bill Assistance

With most Californians staying at home in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, residential energy use has increased by 15-20% (for electric) and 5-50% (for gas) and utility bills will go up. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is working to help consumers manage their energy bills and usage.

Customers who have lost their income should call their utility today to receive a 20-35% discount on their bills through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and/or the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program: www.cpuc.ca.gov/General.aspx?id=976. The CPUC has a similar program for telecommunication customers, California LifeLine: www.cpuc.ca.gov/lifeline

Additionally, CPUC has worked with utilities to provide the Climate Credit in April, which will help off-set higher bills. The Climate Credit is from a state program that requires electricity providers, natural gas providers, and other large industries that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution permits. The credit is the utilities’ customer’s share of the payments from the program.

CPUC is working on additional actions to help reduce the impacts of increased residential demand on energy bills during the summer months including the possibility of additional bill credits and changes to the overall rate structures.

Finally, there are also simple, no-cost energy behaviors that can help save Californians energy and money during this difficult time:

On cooler days, set thermostats to 68 or lower during the day/62 at night
Unplug unused devices and/or turn off power strips
Open blinds/curtains on sunny days to avoid using too many lights
Wait to use dishwasher when it’s full
Turn down screen brightness and use eco-mode features on work from home and entertainment devices

Free Meals for Older Adults Impacted by COVID-19

The County and City of Los Angeles are providing free meals to older adults age 60+ who are impacted by COVID-19. Call 1-800-510-2020 to request services or visit http://wdacs.lacounty.gov/covid-19 for more information.

Reminder: Parks, Beaches and Nature Preserve CLOSED

To slow the spread of COVID-19, the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, all City parks, beaches, community centers, amenities and trails are CLOSED until further notice. All park buildings, playgrounds, parking lots, restrooms, game courts, and fields are closed. All park programming has been canceled until further notice. This includes all recreational activities, indoor and outdoor sports leagues, instructional courses, and group sessions/private events.

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.

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

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

To find out how you can support local hospitals, visit the How You Can Help page on the City’s coronavirus webpage.

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.

California Health Corps

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.

Make a Donation

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.

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. 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.