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

California Allows Personal Care Services to Reopen Indoors

Earlier this week, the California Department of Public Health released new guidance and made updates to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, including allowing all personal care services to operate indoors with modifications, regardless of their county’s tier.

The L.A. County Department of Public Health has reviewed the new state recommendations and consulted with the Board of Supervisors about the timing for additional openings, including the re-opening of additional personal care services indoors with modifications (in addition to hair salons and nail salons), the percentage of high need students allowed for in-person learning, outdoor operations at go-carts, mini-golf and batting cages, and modifying requirements for breweries/wineries. Public Health will post a revised Health Officer Order tomorrow. As a reminder, county health departments are not allowed to be less restrictive than state health officer orders. They can align or be more restrictive.

Tips for a Safe Halloween

Many families are starting to plan for the upcoming holiday season - beginning with Halloween. The L.A. County Department of Public Health (DPH) wants to help you take part in this holiday, while reducing your risk of developing COVID-19, and has prepared guidance to help make this year's Halloween celebrations as safe as can be.

Here are some fun ideas to keep spooky and safe this Halloween season:

Online pumpkin carving or costume contest
A car parade
Watch your favorite movie at a drive-in
Decorate your haunted house

Ready to celebrate? Check out DPH’s Halloween Guidance for more suggestions!

Prepared Peninsula Expo Returns Virtually This Weekend

Are you prepared if disaster strikes?

Against the backdrop of fire season and a global pandemic, the four cities of the Palos Verdes Peninsula are again teaming up for the sixth annual Prepared Peninsula Expo this Sunday, October 25.

Although this year’s event will be held virtually, it’s still a great opportunity for residents to learn how to prepare their families and safeguard their homes for the event of an earthquake, wildfire or other disaster. The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need to always be ready for an emergency.

The expo will take place from 12-2 p.m. and will feature speakers including:

Frank Forman, Battalion Chief, Los Angeles County Fire Department
James C. Powers, Captain, Lomita Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Soraya Sutherlin, Emergency Manager and Regional Emergency Communications Manager, Alert SouthBay

A question-and-answer session will follow each speaker’s presentation.

Join us via Zoom at bit.ly/349HJIO or call 669-900-9128 and enter Webinar ID 983 9270 8499.

The Prepared Peninsula Expo is a local resource to the Palos Verdes Peninsula and is sponsored by the cities of Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates. See event flyer at bit.ly/3jgZGcO.

To sign up for emergency notifications from Alert SouthBay, text “alertsb” to 888-777.

Gatherings Increase the Risk of Exposure

Reminder: Gatherings in Your Home are High-Risk for Spreading COVID-19

In the last three weeks, the L.A. County Department of Public Health has completed interviews with 13,278 people who were positive for COVID-19. The vast majority of close contacts were in the person’s household, but over 700 were close contacts in social situations.

Possible Known Exposure Sites:

Event/Gathering – 55%
Place of Worship – 17%
Childcare/Preschool – 6%
College/University – 4%
K-12 School – 3%
Not Specified – 15%

Remember, private gatherings are permitted with strict protocols to make them as safe as possible - outdoors ONLY, up to three stable households, with face coverings, physical distancing and for less than two hours.

Extended Hours for PVLD Curbside Pickup Start November 3

The Palos Verdes Library District is offering extended hours for curbside pickup at all library locations starting November 3. Patrons can drive up to either Peninsula Center, Miraleste, or Malaga Cove Library branches to pick up their holds from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. For more information, visit pvld.org/curbsideholdpickup.

PVPUSD Fall Parent Education Series Returns November 4

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District and South Bay Families Connected invite parents to attend a virtual Fall Parent Education Series with Dr. Moe Gelbart. The next event in the series will take place November 4 at 9 a.m. and is titled “Teens, Stress and Anxiety: How Parents Can Help.” All events will be live-streamed and recorded, and information will be posted on pvpusd.net prior to each event.

For additional online youth wellness resources, including resources to support youths during distance learning, please visit southbayfamiliesconnected.org/pvpusd.

How to Cope With Pandemic Fatigue

If you feel like you’re battling pandemic fatigue, the Beach Cities Health District offers the following coping tips:

Try a new exercise. Many people have found it hard to stay active during the pandemic. One way to counter this is to experiment with something new like walking, yoga or cycling.
Put it into words. Sometimes just talking to someone about how you’re feeling, especially if you’re stressed, frustrated or anxious, can be helpful. Ignoring strong feelings won’t make them disappear.
Meditation can be helpful. Mindful activities can help lower your stress levels and improve your mood. Beach Cities Health District offers mindfulness exercises for free here.
Try new recipes. This is a good time to prepare healthier meals and use that time as a fun daily activity for you and your family. If you need some inspiration, join the virtual Blue Zones Project Cooking Show with registered dietitian Marisa Martorana Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. She will highlight immune-boosting foods that may help you during this flu season. You can register by clicking here.

Consider how you relaxed before the pandemic and try your best to get back to that lifestyle. If you find cooking, walking, reading a book or listening to music relaxing, do what it takes to keep that as part of your routine.

Read more at: https://bchd.org/tired-pandemic-you%E2%80%99re-not-alone

Flu Season is Upon Us!

The L.A. County Department of Public Health encourages residents to protect themselves from influenza this year by getting the flu immunization.

Because it is highly likely that both flu and COVID-19 will be present in L.A. County this year, it’s vital that we do all that we can to protect ourselves to prevent a serious flu season coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every year, tens of thousands of people nationwide are hospitalized or die from flu-related illness. Considering the toll COVID-19 has had on our communities and our healthcare system, now more than ever it is important to be protected from influenza by getting immunized. Immunizations are safe and provide protection against the harmful effects of influenza and can also help keep people out of the hospital freeing up critical hospital resources.

To get immunized for flu, visit your doctor, a pharmacy or a flu immunization clinic, where both walk-up and drive-thru service is available. To find a low-cost, or free, immunization, call 2-1-1 or go to PreventFluLA.com.

For a list of clinics and schedule that offer a no-cost flu immunization, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/docs/OutreachClinicScheduleByDate.pdf.

New Round of Funding Opens for Businesses Disproportionately Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic

Did your business have to close its doors due to COVID-19?

The deadline to apply for the latest round of funding from L.A. County’s Small Business Revitalization Grant Program is October 26, 2020, 11:59 p.m.

Eligible applicants will receive $30,000 to use for working capital such as employee payroll, working capital to continue operations, payment of outstanding business expenses, and adaptive business practices needed to remain open.

Businesses considering applying should note that the funds being used for these grants are extremely time sensitive. It is imperative that applicants submit all documentation required, apply by the deadline, and respond to all LACDA communications in a timely manner.

Learn more and apply at revitalizationgrant.lacda.org.

Governor Newsom Names Scientific Safety Review Workgroup to Advise State on COVID-19 Vaccines

This week, Governor Gavin Newsom named a group of nationally acclaimed California physician scientists with expertise in immunization and public health to the state’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup that will independently review the safety and efficacy of any vaccine that receives FDA approval for distribution. While there is no proven vaccine for COVID-19 yet, these top health experts – guided by the principles of safety, equity and transparency – will review any vaccine that receives federal approval and verify its safety, before California makes a COVID-19 vaccine available to those most at risk.

The Scientific Safety Review Workgroup is a key piece of the state’s initial COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, which was submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday. Many vaccine candidates are in clinical trials currently, and California is putting a system in place for the distribution and administration of vaccine as supply becomes available.

Read more at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/10/19/governor-newsom-names-scientific-safety-review-workgroup-to-advise-state-on-covid-19-vaccines/

Looking for a fun and safe Halloween activity to do with your kids this weekend?

Get creative and put together your entry for the RPV Scarecrow Decorating Contest! Halloween may look different this year, but the City wants to help you celebrate safely.

Drop off your fully assembled, family-friendly decorated scarecrow at City Hall (30940 Hawthorne Boulevard) anytime between 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on October 25 and 26, where it will be put on display outside and entered into a contest for a prize! Categories include Best in Show, Most Festive and Most Creative. Winners will be announced on October 27. Prizes include a gift certificate to Big Nick’s Pizza, a gift from the Great American International Seafood Market and a nautical-themed gift basket! Entries will remain on display outside City Hall through November 1. Drive by and take a look from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

See flyer for contest rules and restrictions: bit.ly/3ddrg9i

Virtual Día de los Muertos Mini Altar Workshop November 1

Join us November 1 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for a family-friendly Día de los Muertos mini altar workshop to celebrate a loved one who has passed away. The workshop will include a presentation about the tradition of Día de los Muertos. To participate, reuse a shoebox from home, obtain a 2 x 3 inch copy of a photo of a loved one, and use the craft materials in the supply kit (provided).

Cost: $10. Space is limited. Register today at apm.activecommunities.com/rpv.

See flyer at: bit.ly/2I3KnY

Space Open in After School Recreational Enrichment Program

Registration is currently open for the After School Recreational Enrichment Program offered by the San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA and the City at Hesse Park! The after school program for grades K-5 takes place from 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday from through December 18. 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. Registration remains open.

**Due to lower than anticipated enrollment at Ryan Park and Eastview Park, these locations will be placed on hold until there is more interest.**

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

Red Cross Blood Drive October 23 - Donate for a Chance to Win a $1,000 Amazon Gift Card!

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 and the Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula are holding a Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, October 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fred Hesse Jr. Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Reserve a time online at redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: PVPRotary. Visit redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to complete the pre-donation paperwork.

Come to give for your chance to win a $1,000 Amazon gift card! (The Red Cross is giving away five in October. Restrictions, terms and conditions apply. Visit rcblood.org/unite for details.)

The 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.

If you have questions about this event, please contact Julia Parton at jparton@malagabank.com or 310-613-4085.

Download event flyer at bit.ly/36fTcIq

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.

Palos Verdes Estates Blood Drive October 30

The City of Palos Verdes Estates is hosting a blood drive on Friday, October 30 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the PVE Police Station at 340 Palos Verdes Drive West.
Appointments can be made online at ucedonor.com (click on “Blood Drives” and enter “COPVE” in the Account Code box), or by phone at 310-825-0888 X 2.

Eligible donors will receive a promotional item. COVID-19 antibody testing with select blood donations.

Cases

As of October 22, there are 294,065 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across Los Angeles County (population 10.17 million), including the South Bay, so the public should not think one location is safer than another and everyone should be aware and practice physical distancing. The total includes 331 cases in Rancho Palos Verdes (population 41,731), 107 in Palos Verdes Estates (population 13,190), 45 in Rolling Hills Estates (population 8,066), 12 in Rolling Hills (population 1,874), and 11 in the unincorporated areas of the Peninsula. Countywide, 6,956 people have died.

According to the Department of Public Health, 13 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: 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.

Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about the 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/