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

Happy New Year!

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes wishes you a happy and healthy new year!

While City Hall was closed for winter holiday break, the Regional Stay Home Order was extended in Southern California. Once the region's four-week projection shows an ICU capacity of greater than or equal to 15% (capacity is currently 0%), the order will be lifted.

Congress approved and President Trump signed into law a $900 billion coronavirus relief package, including increasing unemployment benefits by $300 per week and one-time direct payments of $600 to individuals earning up to $75,000 per year and married couples earning up to $150,000, with $600 more for each dependent under 18. For information on stimulus payments, visit irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.

Locally, L.A. County residents were urged to stay home except for essential needs as the region continued to see an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. The L.A. County Department of Public Health logged 400,000 COVID-19 cases from late January to late November 2020. In just over a month, that number doubled. In the past month, Rancho Palos Verdes saw 395 new COVID-19 cases and 16 new deaths. If you have been following the regularly updated totals in this newsletter and on the City website, then you know these are very significant increases. The City urges everyone to follow public health guidelines and extends its deepest condolences to the families of the residents we have lost to COVID-19.

Due to the increased likelihood of exposure to the coronavirus while traveling, the L.A. County Department of Public Health issued a Mandatory Directive on Travel requiring anyone returning to L.A. County from outside of 11 Southern and Central California counties to quarantine for 10 days. To find out if you fall under the directive and need to quarantine, read the Mandatory Directive on Travel (PDF). For instructions on how to quarantine, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov.

Finally, L.A. County updated its Health Officer Order following recent Supreme Court rulings to allow places of worship to offer faith-based services both indoors and outdoors with mandatory physical distancing and face coverings.

City Hall Temporarily Closed, Outdoor Recreation Activities Postponed

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 surge across L.A. County, and to limit public contact to protect the health and well-being of residents and City staff, City Hall is temporarily closed to the public through January 29. The City will remain open for business, however, by telephone, email, online and limited curbside services. Some employees are working on rotation and may be working remotely. Please visit the appropriate department page on the City website for a list of phone numbers and email addresses to accommodate your needs. For a list of departments, visit http://www.rpvca.gov/148/Departments.

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

Building permit applications and requests may be submitted to buildingsafety@rpvca.gov.

Payments can be made online at https://dpm.bankofthewest.com/ebpp/RPVCA/Login/Index or by phone at 310-544-5301.

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.

As a reminder, all City park buildings are closed. Following guidance from L.A. County in response to the ongoing rise in COVID-19 cases, the City has postponed all in-person, outdoor recreational activities until further notice. This includes classes listed in the Winter Recreation Guide and the San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA After School Recreational Enrichment Program. For updates and information on virtual activities, please check rpvca.gov.

L.A. County Expands Rent Relief Program

On Tuesday, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved a motion authored by Supervisors Hilda L. Solis and Janice Hahn enhancing the county’s Rent Relief Program and providing flexibility to tenants.

The board has authorized a total of up to $110 million to the L.A. County Development Authority (LACDA) from the county’s allocation of Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to administer the county’s Rent Relief Program and meet the needs of income-eligible households who have been unable to pay rent due to economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020.

The passage of Tuesday’s motion authorizes the LACDA to extend the Rent Relief Program through December 31, 2021, in alignment with the recently passed federal relief bill.

Please note that the 2021 Rent Relief Program is still under development. Sign up to be notified when the program becomes available at https://211la.org/2021-rent-relief-notification.

With USNS Mercy Hospital Ship Unavailable, California Requests 500 Additional Medical Personnel from Federal Government

As L.A. County’s hospitals continue to operate stretched to their limits amid the COVID-19 surge, in recent days, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi and other elected officials have pushed for the dispatch of the USNS Mercy, the Navy hospital ship that was docked in the Port of Los Angeles early in the pandemic, but departed when hospitalizations did not rise to the point of overwhelming local hospitals.

Earlier this week, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) announced that because the ship is unavailable as it undergoes maintenance, the state has formally requested the deployment of 500 additional federal medical personnel into the state to staff hospitals, skilled nursing homes and medical surge hospitals.

Read more at wp.me/pa2L1o-5HX.

COVID-19 Vaccine Myths vs Facts

The L.A. County Department of Public Health reminds the public that while you may have heard different things about the COVID-19 vaccine on social media or through friends and family, it is important to know the facts.

Myth 1: The vaccine was developed too fast – I don’t think they know enough about it.

The Facts: These vaccines could be made fast and still be safe for three simple reasons.

• There was a lot of research done on the kind of virus that causes COVID-19 before this virus showed up. So scientists had a big head start about the kind of vaccine that would work best to fight this virus.
• A lot of government money was spent to get many companies to work on this vaccine and to put all of their scientists to work on it around the clock. That helped speed everything up.
• While every step that has to be followed to make a new vaccine and be sure it is safe was followed, some of the steps were done at the same time instead of one after another. It is like cooking several parts of a meal at once instead of cooking one course at a time. You get done sooner but it’s just as good.

In fact, the two vaccines that have been approved to protect against COVID-19 were studied on more than 70,000 volunteers, including adults of all ages and different racial and ethnic groups, and were found to work very well and be equally safe for all.

For more myths and facts, and more vaccine information, go to vaccinatelacounty.com.

Avoiding COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

Whenever there is a health crisis, scammers will find ways to cheat people out of their money. During the coronavirus pandemic, scammers are using robocalls, social media posts, and emails to take advantage of fear, anxiety, and confusion about COVID-19. They sell things that don’t work, charge money for things that are free, and steal personal information. Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is in Los Angeles County, scammers are targeting local residents with new, vaccine-related schemes. Beware!

COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed in L.A. County in a fair and transparent way. If someone offers to sell you a chance to get vaccinated before it is your turn, it’s a scam.

• Vaccine is only being offered to healthcare workers and people who live in long-term care facilities (for example nursing homes) right now.
• Essential workers who cannot work from home are likely to be offered the vaccine next because they are at high risk of being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Older adults, and adults with medical conditions might also be next because they are more likely to become very sick if they get COVID-19.
• Children under 16 years of age will not be offered vaccine in the near future. The vaccines are not allowed to be given to this age group.
• As more vaccine is available it will be offered to everyone. This will likely take months. Vaccine may not be offered to the general public until Spring/Summer 2021.
• Information about how to get the vaccine will be posted on the Public Health’s COVID-19 webpage (ph.lacounty.gov/Coronavirus/vaccine/) when vaccine is available for different groups.
• If you have questions, talk to your doctor. Call 2-1-1 or visit the 211LA website if you need help finding a doctor.

Beware of Economic Impact Payment Scams

The Internal Revenue Service reminds the public to not let scammers steal your stimulus check! The IRS will not text or email you to request banking information. Learn more at irs.gov/coronavirus.

Governor Newsom Unveils California’s Safe Schools for All Plan 

Last week, Governor Newsom released the State Safe Schools for All plan, California’s framework to support schools to continue operating safely in-person and to expand the number of schools safely resuming in-person instruction. Informed by growing evidence of the decreased risks and increased benefits of in-person instruction – especially for our youngest students – Governor Newsom is advancing a strategy that will help create safe learning environments for students and safe workplaces for educators and other school staff. The plan was developed in partnership with the Legislature, and the Governor will propose an early action package to ensure schools have the resources necessary to successfully implement key safety precautions and mitigation measures. Components of the plan will be launched in the coming weeks.

Read more at bit.ly/CASafeSchoolsForAllPlan.

PVPUSD Free Breakfast and Lunch Extended through End of School Year

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District's Food Services Department is happy to announce that free meal service will continue through the end of the school year in June 2021.

Any adolescent 18 years of age and under may now pick up a FREE breakfast and lunch from the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District.

Curbside pickup is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Miraleste Intermediate School, Palos Verdes Intermediate School, Ridgecrest Intermediate School, Palos Verdes High School and Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. No pre-order required! 

For more information, visit pvpusdschoolnutrition.net.

PVLD Community Survey

The Palos Verdes Library District is seeking the community's input as it continues to plan for the return of interior library services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your input will help in the planning process. Take a moment to fill out the survey at pvld.org/survey.

Palos Verdes Peninsula Village Zoom Info Session January 8

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, January 8 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.

Small Business and Nonprofit Grant Alert

Local businesses and nonprofits may be eligible for a new grant opportunity administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development.

The California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program provides micro grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to eligible small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19 and the related health and safety restrictions. The application closes on January 13, 2021. For more information about the state's application process, visit careliefgrant.com.

Tax Tips for Small Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration reminds business owners that small businesses impacted by the pandemic may qualify for federal tax credits and other relief. Find out what options are available at covid-sb.org.

Free Small Business Help Webinars

The L.A. County Development Authority has launched a new online resource to help your small business navigate through economic uncertainty and prepare you for a post-COVID-19 economy. Learn more about the BizHelp Program at bizhelp.lacda.org.

It’s Takeout Thursday!

With the recent outdoor dining prohibition in Los Angeles County, our local restaurants need our support now more than ever! All residents are encouraged to participate in The Great Peninsula Takeout, a Peninsula-wide effort to support local restaurants. Join our community in this "Takeout Tuesdays and Takeout Thursdays" initiative by posting on social media and inviting friends and neighbors to order takeout!

Check the Open for Business page on the City website for a list of local restaurants offering takeout, delivery and curbside pickup.

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 American Red Cross is holding upcoming blood drives in Rancho Palos Verdes:
 
Monday, January 11
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
31290 Palos Verdes Drive West
 
Reserve a time online at redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: SPLC.
 
Tuesday, January 12
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.


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)

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/