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

We're Here

Although City Hall is closed for Labor Day weekend, the City Council and City staff are monitoring communications from various government agencies and the public and will continue to share information with residents. A webpage with coronavirus updates, resources and information on local closures is continuously being updated at rpvca.gov/coronavirus

Stay connected and get updates from the City by subscribing to the Breaking News listserv at rpvca.gov/notify

COVID-19 Community Updates are distributed on Thursdays, though any major announcements in between will be shared with the community.

Be sure to also follow the City on Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

6 Tips for Staying Safe this Holiday Weekend

1. First, only gather with members of your household this holiday weekend – there’s so much to do together in our beautiful county – explore a trail or have a picnic at one of our beautiful beaches early in the day.
2. If you are outside of your home and around others, please wear a cloth face covering.
3. Always use your own utensils, cups, food, drinks – do not share with others.
4. Avoid crowds and be flexible and willing to change plans or move locations if you find yourself in a crowded area.
5. Avoid confined spaces, especially places where physical distancing or staying more than 3 steps away from others isn’t possible, and people aren’t wearing face coverings.
6. And if you are sick (or have been exposed to someone who is positive for COVID-19), please isolate or quarantine as appropriate.

Remember, these actions save lives.

For guidance, reopening protocols or a list of what is open or remains closed in L.A. County, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus

ICYMI: L.A. County Announces Revised Health Officer Order and Reopening Protocols

School Services

In case you missed it, Los Angeles County has announced a revised Health Officer Order (HOO) and reopening protocols for two sectors in the county. Beginning Monday, September 14, 2020, K-12 schools may offer in-school services for small cohorts of (up to 12) students with:

•           Individualized Education Plans (IEP);
•           Requiring instruction for English as a Second Language;
•           Or needing assessments or specialized in-school services

As long as the school is able to fully implement the Health Officer's guidance and protocols and submits an operational plan. This change will get children who are in the most need of in-person learning back into their classrooms. Once available, Guidance and Protocols for K-12 can be found at: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/docs/protocols/Reopening_K12Schools.pdf  

L.A. County will not be opening the waiver program for instruction of students in grades TK-6 as we monitor the implementation of this effort to safely get students needing specialized in-school services back at school.

Hair Salons and Barbershops

In addition to limited in-school services, the HOO has been revised to allow increased access to hair salons and barbershops. The L.A. County Department of Public Health will issue the Reopening Protocol for Hair Salons and Barbershops. Once reviewed, hair salons and barbershops can reopen for indoor services at 25% occupancy, provided they are in full compliance with the County's protocols - which includes physical distancing and face coverings for both employees and customers, among other requirements.

If your hair salon or barbershop has been operating outdoors, please continue to do so and use your 25% occupancy for those services you are not able to provide outdoors.

All other current restrictions remain unchanged at this time. As LA County slowly reopens sectors, we will watch closely how reopenings are impacting community transmission. We do not want to experience the significant spikes in cases, hospitalizations and deaths seen in July after re-openings and holidays.

Read yesterday’s full announcement on the reopening of in-school services and increased access to hair salons. 

For more information on L.A. County's Reopening Protocols, the Road to Recovery, or things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/reopening-la.htm?term=#k12

Don’t Delay Medical Care

According to the California Hospital Association, one in four people surveyed for a Harris Poll said they would rather stay at home if they experience a heart attack or stroke than risk getting infected with COVID at the hospital. This is a scary statistic and one local hospitals are trying to combat with advertising and communication to remind the community not to delay care and it is safe to come to the hospital. 

Torrance Memorial Medical Center

What is Torrance Memorial doing to keep patients safe?

• Mandatory Daily Screening and Temperature Checks – Every person who enters our facility goes through a daily screening and temperature check.
• Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Each staff member on a patient’s care team has the proper PPE to ensure patient and staff safety. We have ample supply of all the necessary PPE required for any medical or surgical need.
• Isolation of COVID Patients – We have implemented strict isolation practices to separate COVID-19 patients from other patients in our care.
• Extensive Training - Our physicians, nurses and ancillary care team members have clinical training and experience in infectious disease prevention and follow strict protocols for maintaining a safe patient environment.
• No Visitor Policy – In accordance with CDC guidelines to protect our patients and staff, no visitors will be allowed in any inpatient areas until further notice with the exceptions below:
• Pediatrics and NICU: Both parents allowed after screening.
• Labor and Delivery: One visitor per patient at a time will be allowed after screening.
• Compassionate Care: Visitors may be allowed at the discretion of our care teams. Limited to no more than two visitors at a time.
• Infection Prevention Distancing – We have implemented many physical distancing measures throughout the hospital and our physician offices.
• Cleaning and Maintenance – Torrance Memorial follows CDC protocols for cleaning and disinfecting all patient and treatment areas. Rooms are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between patients.

• Visitors are not allowed for patients with or suspected of having COVID-19, with limited exceptions
• One designated visitor (family member or guardian) is allowed for patients of inpatient, intensive care and outpatient units per day from 8am-8pm. A few exceptions include: Hospice, end-of-life, and comfort care situations; patients with physical, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and those with cognitive impairments; Labor & Delivery; NICU; Pediatrics; and minors.
• Screenings:
  • All our employees are encouraged to self-screen before coming to work. If they are symptomatic, they must call their supervisor and stay home.
  • Everyone entering the hospital (employees, doctors, visitors, everyone) is being screened for fever. Anyone with a fever is not allowed to enter the hospital.
  • If anyone develops symptoms while at work, they will alert their supervisor, contact employee health and go home under self-quarantine.
  • A mask will be provided and required to be worn by anyone entering and visiting the hospital at all times.
• Isolating COVID-19 positive patients to one area of the hospital.
• Operating rooms are not in close proximity keeping the rest of the hospital safe.
• All operating rooms are terminally cleaned with special equipment.
• Implementing measures that ensure we meet social distancing directives.
• Universal masking – all our employees wear appropriate hospital-issued masks while in the patient care setting.
• Private rooms available.

For more information, visit providence.org/southbay. 

How to Wear and Care for Your Face Coverings

Dr. William Kim has been a physician in the South Bay for 35 years and serves as Chief Medical Advisor for the Beach Cities Health District. In his latest blog post, he covers all you need to know about how to properly wear and care for your face coverings. Read the post at: https://www.bchd.org/how-wear-and-care-your-face-covering

Upcoming Local Blood Drive

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 City of Rolling Hills Estates is hosting a blood drive on Friday, September 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ernie Howlett Park, 25851 Hawthorne Blvd. in Rolling Hills Estates.

Appointments can be made online at ucedonor.com (click on “Blood Drives” and enter “City of Rolling Hills Estates” in the Account Name box), or by phone at 310-825-0888 X 2.

Last month, donors were able to provide 24 pints!

PVLD Virtual Browsing

Palos Verdes Library District libraries are closed, but their librarians can still help you find your next read! Complete this form, http://ow.ly/DKWc50Ba3ZY, and a librarian will place titles on hold for you, just like your own personal book concierge!

Registration Now Open for After School Recreational Enrichment Program; More Outdoor Classes Coming Soon!

The Recreation and Parks Department is excited to offer a variety of outdoor recreation and enrichment activities beginning September 14! The City is committed to providing activities that promote health and wellness and serve the social and emotional needs of the community in a safe environment.

After School Recreational Enrichment Program

In partnership with the San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA, the City is offering an After School Recreational Enrichment Program for grades K-5 at various City parks from September 14 - December 18. Activities include individual conditioning physical exercise, sports, games, arts and crafts, enrichment, science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), recreation, service learning, nature appreciation and so much more, all designed to maintain physical distancing and follow Los Angeles County Department of Public Health protocols. This program will take place Monday – Friday (except where noted) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on school days only. The program is 100% outdoors and will not operate on days with inclement weather. Fees are $100 per week, per child.

Registration is now open! For more information and to register for the After School Recreational Enrichment Program, visit bit.ly/3jg58gA or ymcala.org. Download a program flyer at: bit.ly/3gunjxl

Recreation Classes

The Recreation and Parks Department will offer a full menu of contract instructor-led outdoor sports, art, music, and language activities for all ages. Offerings include individual conditioning soccer, baseball, painting, yoga, guitar, cooking, Spanish and more! All activities will be held on-site at outdoor park facilities and will adhere to Los Angeles County Department of Public Health protocols. New activities will be added regularly and class schedules and offerings are subject to change.

For more information, to view class schedules, fees and to register for programs and activities, check rpvca.gov.

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.

Application Window Reopens for Grants of up to $15,000 for Small Businesses

This week, applications for the fourth round of funding from the L.A. Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund reopened for small businesses, nonprofits and micro-entrepreneurs facing unprecedented health and economic challenges due to COVID-19. Applications may be submitted for the fourth round of funding through September 4.

The L.A. Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund aims to distribute: 1) $5,000 grants to micro-entrepreneurs and 2) $15,000 grants to non-profits and small businesses. Grants will be distributed through an equitable lottery system, to ensure equitable access to capital across various demographics in the Los Angeles region.

Register for an upcoming webinar to learn more about eligibility and deadlines at lacovidfund.org/events.

Access a full list of local partners providing technical assistance by visiting the LA Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund website. For more information, visit lacovidfund.org. 

Be Counted. Complete the Census.

Have you completed your 2020 census? Responses to the census shape decisions about how billions of dollars in federal funds flow into communities each year for the next 10 years for critical services, including health care, emergency response, schools and education programs, and roads and bridges. The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of census data and census participation.

As of September 1, Rancho Palos Verdes had a self-response rate of 78.9%, above state and national averages, but behind our goal of 100% participation. The U.S. Census Bureau, however, has extended the official deadline to participate in the census to September 30 in response to the evolving COVID-19 crisis. If you haven't already done so, complete your census form now online at my2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by mail if you receive a paper form.

Looking for a fun outdoor activity for your kids?

National Park and Recreation Month is over, but you can still play Agents of Discovery at Hesse Park and Eastview Park! The self-guided, mobile educational game will be available at both locations through September 30.

Kids and their families can play by downloading the Agents of Discovery app to access RPV’s “missions” (games). Players that complete all the challenges will receive a gift bag from the Recreation and Parks Department!

To download the free Agents of Discovery app, go to Google Play or the App Store. Once downloaded, find our missions within the app and hit “play” before you head out. No WiFi connectivity is required to download or play the missions.

Free Virtual Art Classes for Older Adults

Discover the healing properties of art therapy with free virtual art classes for older adults presented by BlueSea Care every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register at bit.ly/2X7doqz

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 310-544-5260 or parks@rpvca.gov. 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.

New Temporary Special Use Permit for RPV Businesses

The Community Development Department has developed a new Temporary Special Use Permit (TSUP) to assist Rancho Palos Verdes businesses with the opportunity to provide limited outdoor operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. A TSUP will allow for outdoor operations on sidewalks and parking lots for: 

• Restaurants
• Fitness centers
• Hair salons and barbershops
• Personal care services, such as nail salons, massage, and tattoo parlors

A TSUP will be processed administratively without a filing fee, public notification, or appeal process that is typically required for a standard Special Use Permit. For a complete list of operational requirements and permit limitations, please see the TSUP application at bit.ly/3gcLFME. For questions regarding the application or submittal requirements, please contact the Planning Division at 310-544-5228 or send an email to the Planning Division at planning@rpvca.gov.

Cases

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

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.

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/