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

New Sectors Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccines Starting Next Week

Los Angeles County will offer COVID-19 vaccines for workers in the following sectors starting March 1:
 
Food and Agriculture

• Food service workers
• Food manufacturing
• Grocery store workers
• Grocery store workers (without pharmacies)
• Animal agriculture workers including those involved in vet health
• Veterinarians
• Food and agriculture-associated port and transportation workers

• Teachers (K-12, Preschool)
• Support staff (K-12, Preschool)
• Childcare
• Independent schools
• Junior colleges
• Colleges and universities

• Police/law enforcement officers
• Emergency management, search and rescue, emergency and public safety communication centers, emergency operation centers (EOCs)
• National security
• Maritime and aviation response (Transportation Security Administration)
• Corrections officers and workers
• Courts/legal counsel and prosecution
• Campus and school police
• Rehabilitation and re-entry
• Federal law enforcement agencies
• Police, fire and ambulance dispatchers
• Security staff to maintain building access control and physical security measures
• Department of Children and Family Services, Adult Protective Services (workers physically responding to abuse and neglect of children, elderly and dependent adults)

With very limited vaccine supply and uncertainty on timing for increased production, a realistic and carefully developed plan for expanding vaccination availability to these additional sectors is being executed. The L.A. County Department of Public Health appreciates your patience as it rolls out this next phase.   
 
Registration is required for a vaccine appointment. Please prepare to show proof of identification, and proof of employment in a qualifying sector within Los Angeles County. Registration and a list of eligible identification is available at vaccinatelacounty.com.
 
Vaccinations are free and providing immigration status is not required.

Medicating Before Receiving the Vaccine

There has been a lot of media attention about medicating before receiving your vaccine. Although additional research is still needed on this topic, public health officials remind the public that it is recommended not to take an anti-inflammatory prior to the administration of the vaccine as it could potentially hinder a strong immune system response. The goal of the vaccine is for your body to generate a response against the virus therefore potentially causing arm soreness, fever, headache, muscles aches or other temporary symptoms of inflammation that can be part of the reaction. In terms of a preventive measure, over-the counter medications (i.e. Tylenol) should not be taken prior to the vaccine unless a doctor has informed you to do so. If you need to take medication to assist with the side effects following the vaccine, over-the counter medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help. 
 
For more, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/docs/about/AfterVaccinationSummary.pdf and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html

Outdoor Youth and Adult Recreational Sports Allowed with Safety Measures

Updated state guidance allows for all outdoor youth and adult recreational sports, including moderate contact and high contact sports, to resume practice, training and competitions in counties where the case rate is at or below 14 cases per 100,000 population, on Friday, February 26. Since L.A. County’s adjusted case rate is now at 12.3 cases per 100,000, county protocols are being revised to align with the new state guidance. Moderate contact sports include: baseball, field hockey, softball, and volleyball, all outdoors, and high contact sports include: football, basketball, rugby, soccer, and water polo, all outdoors.
 
The new state guidance requires youth leagues offering moderate and high-contact sports obtain consent from parents or guardians of participants to ensure they are aware of the risks of playing. Competitions are limited to two teams within a county or two teams playing from adjacent counties. Travel to other states and countries to play in competitions or tournaments is prohibited for counties still in the purple tier. Youth and coaches who participate in certain high-contact sports - namely, football, rugby, and water polo - are required to get tested on a weekly basis for COVID-19.
 
These revised protocols cover all youth and adult recreational sports; schools, city leagues, and private clubs are all required to adhere to all the safety measures in the protocols.

Letter Supporting the Safe and Immediate Return of All Youth Sports

The county’s announcement this week on youth sports came after the City sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors and Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer in support of safe and immediate return of all youth sports. Read the letter on the City website.

ICYMI: Seniors COVID-19 Town Hall with Senator Allen

In case you missed it, you can watch a recording of Senator Ben Allen’s recent virtual town hall on resources to help seniors navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccine rollout. Senator Allen, Dr. Sion Roy, cardiologist at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and Dr. Seira Kurian of the L.A. County Department of Public Health, discussed state and medical leaders' COVID-19 response, and took questions from viewers.
 
Watch the town hall at: fb.watch/3Rsn2dPdkJ 

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 #8: You can’t trust the people who made these vaccines. Big Pharma –the people who developed these vaccines, are just out to make money, and they pay doctors to say their products are safe.

The Facts: While there are terrible examples of drug companies putting profit before safety (for example, by aggressively promoting highly addictive opioid painkillers), the process for developing these vaccines and the make-up of the products themselves has been transparent, with more information available to independent scientists than ever before.

• The development of these vaccines has been carried out in the public eye. In fact, reviews of vaccine safety and efficacy (a term used to mean that the vaccines work) have been published for anyone to read. That means you or your doctor can read the reviews and decide whether the research seems solid and the findings are believable.
• The people reviewing the research include medical leaders from diverse settings all over the country and observers (non-voting members) representing a wide range of medical groups, including some that have fought hard against medical racism. They have not been paid for this work –they have been involved to verify thequality of the research and to assure that equity is protected throughout the process. For a list of names of the reviewers and the places they work, visit the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) website. You can learn more about these people by looking them up online.
• Doctors do not make extra money for giving vaccines. They are paid for a medical visit, same as any other primary care visit.

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

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs: Are the vaccines effective against variants?

• While the FDA continues to develop an understanding of and address any impact of variants on FDA-regulated products, at this time, available information suggests that the authorized vaccines remain effective in protecting the American public against currently circulating strains of COVID-19. Source: FDA
  
  
• Studies suggest that antibodies generated through vaccination with currently authorized vaccines recognize these variants. This is being closely investigated and more studies are underway. Source: CDC

To learn more, visit the Beach Cities Health District’s dedicated COVID-19 vaccine webpage at bchd.org/covidvaccine.

City Hall to Reopen to the Public March 1

Starting March 1, City Hall will reopen to the public during normal business hours. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, visitors are required to wear face coverings and adhere to physical distancing guidelines. Some employees are working on rotation and may be working remotely.

If you need to visit City Hall, please schedule an appointment in advance by calling the appropriate department and follow all posted instructions during your visit (virtual appointments are encouraged as an alternative, if possible). No more than 1-2 visitors and one employee are allowed at each public counter. For a list of department phone numbers, visit the Staff Directory on the City website.

The following safeguards have been implemented at City Hall to protect the health of the public and employees:

• Plexiglass partitions have been installed at public counters.
• Hand sanitizing stations have been installed at building entrances.
• Paper towels are available at building entrances for opening doors, and trash cans are available for paper towel disposal.
• Deep cleaning is performed throughout the day and public counters are sanitized between visits.
• Markings have been placed on the ground noting physical distancing requirements.

• Wear a face covering.
• Check the monitor outside of the Community Development building for instructions and real-time availability.
• Waiting in the lobby will not be permitted. If another visitor is ahead of you, do not form a line outside, but return to your car and call the department to add your name to the wait list. Remain in your car (or park grounds) until a staff member can assist you.
• If you do not have an appointment, please sign in by phone and wait in your car (or park grounds).
• Use hand sanitizing stations prior to entering buildings.
• Minimize surface contact.
• Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet.

City Hall is located at 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard. Regular business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 P.M. Friday). The main phone line is 310-544-5200.

New PLVD Curbside Holds Pickup Hours Start March 2

The Palos Verdes Library District is offering new curbside holds pickup hours starting March 2. Patrons can drive up to pick up their holds at the Peninsula Center Library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; the Miraleste and Malaga Cove libraries from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; or all locations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Learn more at pvld.org/curbsideholdpickup.

PVLD Living History Museum of African American Heroes

Meet Wendell Scott, Katherine Dunbar, Langston Hughes, and 30 more heroes at the Palos Verdes Library District’s Living History Museum of African American Heroes! This inspiring virtual experience, presented via Zoom, takes place February 28 at 2 p.m.

Featuring video portrayals by children of their heroes, this event is for anyone who wants to learn from our community’s children about artists, inventors, civil rights heroes, and athletes who made our lives better! Attendees will also test their knowledge with fun trivia and perhaps discover a few surprising facts. Be there to support our young presenters and applaud their accomplishments. To attend, just click here to register and attend via Zoom.

Questions? Contact Laura Henry: lhenry@pvld.org

This program is sponsored by the Palos Verdes Chapter of The Links, Inc., the Black Heritage Association, Jack and Jill of America, South Los Angeles Chapter and the Rolling Hills/Palos Verdes Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Zen Balance Yoga and Shimmy & Shake Dance Fitness Classes Start Next Week

Sign up for the following classes soon!  Classes start next week!  Register at https://apm.activecommunities.com/rpv  

Zen Balance Yoga

• Location: Hesse Park Fireside Room Patio
• Fee: $120.00
• 4 Week Sessions: Mon. March 1 to Wed. March 24, 10am-11am
• Ages: 18 and up
• What: A combination of traditional, yet scientifically-designed and tested Hatha Yoga moves and poses that strengthen and develop muscles and joints. Practice will improve balance, coordination, and mindfulness.

Shimmy & Shake Dance Fitness

• Location: Hesse Park Fireside Room Patio
• Fee: $60
• 4 Week Sessions: Thu. March 4-March 25, 10am-11am
• Ages: 18 and up
• What: Forget the workout! Party your way to fitness and health. Dance to the beat of music hits from each decade. Stay in shape from head to toe without really trying.

All classes are held outdoors with adherence to current COVID-19 safety precautions.

Registration Open for After School Recreational Enrichment Program

Registration is open for the After School Recreational Enrichment Program offered by the San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA and the City at Hesse Park! 

Register your child today at bit.ly/sppyenrichment

The after school program is for grades K-5 and will take place from 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday at Hesse Park through June 11.

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.

• For more information, visit ymcala.org.
• Download a program flyer at: bit.ly/3gunjxl

Peninsula Seniors Virtual Activities

Peninsula Seniors is a nonprofit organization offering activities and services that enhance and enrich the lives of senior adults on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and in the surrounding community. While you’re staying safer at home, join Peninsula Seniors for a variety of Zoom activities throughout the week. For a calendar of activities for both members and non-members, visit pvseniors.org/events.

Palos Verdes Peninsula Village Zoom Info Session March 12

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, March 12 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.

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 Blood Drives in RPV

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, March 1
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ascension Lutheran Church
26231 Silver Spur Road
 
Reserve a time online at redcrossblood.org
 
Friday, March 5
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, March 9
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)

Upcoming Blood Drive in Rolling Hills Estates

The City of Rolling Hills Estates is hosting a UCLA Blood Drive at Ernie Howlett Park on Wednesday, March 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. UCLA will provide COVID-19 antibody testing with select blood donations.
 
To register to donate visit www.ucedonor.com, click on “blood drives” and enter CRHE in the zip code box.

Cases

For a list of cases broken down by city, demographic characteristics, and settings, visit the L.A. County Department of Public Health's Locations & Demographics page.

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.

Vaccinations

According to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, 25% of Rancho Palos Verdes residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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/