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

One Year into the Pandemic, We Are Still #RPVTogether

It’s been one year since the COVID-19 public health crisis hit Southern California and altered life as we knew it.
 
Watching as panicked shoppers cleaned out the shelves at local grocery stores, then-Mayor Cruikshank and Mayor Pro Tem Alegria wanted to send a message to residents assuring calm and providing clear, credible information amid the chaos. That Saturday, March 14, the City issued its first COVID-19 Community Update. Then just a few days later, RPV became one of the first South Bay cities to hold a City Council meeting via Zoom.
 
That first message turned into a daily online newsletter providing residents with the latest public health updates, resources and services available to help navigate our new reality. Now published weekly on Thursdays, the COVID-19 Community Updates continue to share up-to-date coronavirus news and resources for seniors, renters, landlords, small business owners, school parents and all residents. Be sure to also visit the City’s online hub for COVID-19 resources, rpvca.gov/coronavirus, and follow the City on Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
As we reflect on the past year, our thoughts are with the families of the 53 RPV residents who tragically lost their lives to this virus. Let us honor their memory by taking the necessary precautions to slow its spread. Wear a face covering (or two). Avoid gatherings. Check on your neighbors. Show you care. Know that your actions impact your entire community — for better, or worse.
 
The City continues to advocate for the state and county to make vaccinations available to as many residents as possible. If you have been having a hard time making a vaccine appointment, we hear you and we share your frustration. Keep trying. Appointments are extremely limited, so be persistent and vigilant to better your odds. Check VaccinateLACounty.com and MyTurn.ca.gov early in the morning, and have a family member or trusted friend check for you and try to make an appointment on your behalf to have the best chance of getting one.
 
Finally, whether you are a new subscriber to this newsletter, or you’ve been with us for all 148 COVID-19 Community Updates, thank you for reading, and the City is always here for you and available for your questions and concerns.
 
Thank you, RPV, for showing your resilience, caring and community throughout these challenging times. We are still #RPVTogether.

$1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Relief Bill Signed into Law

Following its passage in Congress, today, President Biden signed into law the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act. The COVID-19 relief package extends enhanced unemployment benefits through September, providing an additional $300 per week on top of all state unemployment benefits, and provides $1,400 direct payments to individuals making up to $75,000 annually, and $2,800 for couples making up to $150,000 per year. Eligible families will also receive an additional $1,400 payment per child and adult dependent, amounting to $5,600 for an average family of four. The bill also provides $350 billion in aid to state and local governments, $14 billion for vaccine distribution, and $130 billion for schools. For information on stimulus payments, visit irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.

L.A. County to Reopen Indoor Dining, Gyms, Movie Theaters and More Next Week

The L.A. County Department of Public Health anticipates qualifying for the state's Blueprint for a Safer Economy less restrictive red tier that allows for additional re-openings between Monday, March 15 at 12:01 a.m. and Wednesday, March 17. The exact date depends on when 2 million doses have been administered to people in the most under-resourced communities across the state. The county is principally aligned with the state’s reopening framework for the red tier, with mandatory masking, distancing and infection control practices for every business and permitted activity. Additional safety modifications are required or recommended for certain sectors.
 
Newly permitted activities and modified safety protocols in the red tier will include the following:

• Museum, zoos and aquariums can open indoors at 25% capacity.
• Gyms, fitness centers, yoga and dance studios can open indoors at 10% capacity with masking requirement for all indoor activities.
• Movie theatres can open indoors at 25% capacity with reserved seating only where each group is seated with at least 6 feet of distance in all directions between any other groups.
• Retail and personal care services can increase capacity to 50% with masking required at all times and for all services.
• Restaurants can open indoors at 25% max capacity under the following conditions: 8 feet distancing between tables; one household per table with a limit of 6 people; the HVAC system is in good working order and has been evaluated, and to the maximum extent possible ventilation has been increased. Public Health strongly recommends that all restaurant employees interacting with customers indoors are provided with additional masking protection (above the currently required face shield over face masks); this can be fit tested N95 masks, KN95 masks, or double masks and a face shield. In addition, Public Health strongly recommends that all employees working indoors are informed about and offered opportunities to be vaccinated. Outdoor dining can accommodate up to six people per table from 3 different households.
• Indoor shopping malls can increase capacity to 50% with common areas remaining closed; food courts can open at 25% capacity adhering to the restaurant guidance for indoor dining.
• Institutes of higher education can re-open all permitted activities with required safety modifications except for residential housing which remains under current restrictions for the Spring semester.
• Schools are permitted to re-open for in-person instruction for students in grades 7-12 adhering to all state and county directives.
• Private gatherings can occur indoors with up to 3 separate households, with masking and distancing required at all times. People who are fully vaccinated can gather in small numbers indoors with other people who are fully vaccinated without required masking and distancing.

Is it safe to visit a doctor for preventive care?

It’s important, now more than ever, to continue with essential, preventive care. As sectors reopen during COVID-19, many are wondering if it’s safe to visit their healthcare provider to seek preventive care like annual wellness checks, regular health screenings and treatments. Providers, clinics and hospitals are open and have safety standards in place to ensure they are following infection control protocols with the health and safety of patients and staff at the forefront. For more info on preventive care, visit bchd.org/covidhealthcare.

Vaccine Updates

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility to Expand Monday

Starting Monday, March 15, vaccine eligibility in L.A. County will open up to people ages 16 through 64 who have underlying health conditions or disabilities that put them at the highest risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19. These conditions include:

• Cancer, with a current weakened immune system
• Chronic kidney disease, stage 4 or above
• Chronic pulmonary disease, oxygen dependent
• Down syndrome
• Solid organ transplant, leading to a weakened immune system
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies (but not hypertension)
• Severe obesity with a BMI of more than 40
• Type 2 diabetes with A1c level greater than 7.5%
• Or having a disability that: makes serious illness from COVID-19 likely; would, if positive for COVID-19, limit the person’s ability to received care vital to their well-being and survival; or would make the treatment for COVID-19 particularly challenging.

Providers and healthcare facilities are working to use their health record systems to identify patients who have these conditions and reach out to them so they can be vaccinated. It is the L.A. County Department of Public Health’s understanding that the state will be releasing guidance on other ways people with these conditions can verify their eligibility to be vaccinated.
 
For the latest information on COVID-19 vaccinations in L.A. County, visit VaccinateLACounty.com.

CDC Issues Guidance for People Who Are Fully Vaccinated

Earlier this week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), issued guidance for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
 
What does it mean to be fully vaccinated?
 
You are considered fully vaccinated when:

• Two weeks or more have passed since you received your second dose in a 2-dose vaccine series (PfizerBioNTech or Moderna); or
• Two weeks or more have passed since you received your dose of a single-dose vaccine (Johnson& Johnson/Janssen)

• Visit indoors with a small number of other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask or physically distancing;
• Visit indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household without wearing masks or physical distancing, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19
• Refrain from quarantine and testing if they have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 and they do not have symptoms.

• Take steps to protect themselves and others by wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. These precautions should be taken whenever they are:
  • In public
  • Gathering with unvaccinated people from more than one other household
  • Visiting with an unvaccinated person who is at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease or who lives with a person at increased risk.
• Avoid medium- and large-sized in-person gatherings
• Watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if after contact with someone who is sick. If they have symptoms of COVID-19, they should get tested and stay home and away from others.

Learn more at cdc.gov.

About the Three COVID-19 Vaccines

The current approved COVID-19 vaccines have slight differences, but they share one key trait: when immunity is reached, they are 100% effective in stopping COVID-related hospitalization and death. 

California Volunteers, Office of the Governor Launches Volunteer Recruitment Campaign to Accelerate COVID-19 Vaccinations and Slow the Spread

In an effort to ensure California can quickly and efficiently administer vaccines, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor is calling on volunteers to help administer COVID-19 vaccinations across the state. Learn more about the many ways to help at myturnvolunteer.ca.gov

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 #10: I don’t need the vaccine if I already had COVID-19.

The Facts: We don’t know how long natural immunity – the immunity you get from having been sick – lasts. We also don’t know if it is complete. There have been a few well-documented cases of people being infected twice. So even if you have had COVID-19 and recovered, you will benefit from the vaccine. 

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

Virtual Programs

Mark your calendars for Virtual Whale of a Day April 10!

In partnership with Los Serenos de Point Vicente, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes is thrilled to announce Whale of a Day 2021 — a VIRTUAL event! This year’s event will showcase all the best our community has to offer while continuing to educate about the migration of the Pacific gray whale.

All content for the event will be free for viewing on Saturday, April 10 by visiting whaleofaday.com. There is no registration to participate in the event.

You can pre-register to pick up an activity bag by visiting apm.activecommunities.com/rpv/Activity_Search/998. The activity bag will contain educational materials, giveaways and components to participate in a craft/story time. Once you are registered you may pick up your activity bag at Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall located at 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard during business hours between March 15 and April 2.

This is not a live event. All event features will be made available on our website on Saturday, April 10 and will remain posted for your viewing pleasure! Mark your calendars today, and join us for a Virtual Whale of a Day.

Event Details

• Debut of the NEW Point Vicente Interpretive Center Exhibits
• Puppet Show “Guillermo goes to Mexico”
• Abalone Cove Tide Pool Tour
• Take part in the Silent Auction April 1-10
• Native Plant Garden Tour
• Whale Education
• Story and craft demo (be sure to pick up an activity bag at RPV City Hall)
• Learn about animal pelts and skulls
• Entertainment and more!

If you have questions about this year's event, please contact the Recreation and Parks Department at events@rpvca.gov or 310-544-5260.

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.

Outdoor Recreation Programs

Get Outdoors and Find Verde in the Park! 

Rancho the Elf's distant cousin Verde the Leprechaun will be visiting RPV parks during the month of March and causing mischief while we are fast asleep. Visit the parks below to discover the chaos he has caused! Can you spot his tracks?
Here's when and where you can find Verde's tracks:

• March 8-14: Ladera Linda Community Center
• March 15-21: Point Vicente Interpretive Center/Lower Point Vicente Park
• March 22-28: Robert E. Ryan Community Park
• March 29-April 3: Fred Hesse Jr. Community Park

For more information, please contact the Recreation and Parks Department at parks@rpvca.gov  or 310-544-5260.

Zen Balance Yoga and Shimmy & Shake Dance Fitness Classes

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

Zen Balance Yoga

• Location: Hesse Park Fireside Room Patio
• Fee: $120
• 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

Upcoming Local Blood Drives

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 an upcoming blood drive in Rancho Palos Verdes:

Monday, March 29
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ascension Lutheran Church
26231 Silver Spur Road

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)

The City of Palos Verdes Estates is hosting a UCLA Blood Drive in front of the PVE Police Station at 340 Palos Verdes Drive West on Friday, March 19 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 COPVE in the zip code box.

Data

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, as of February 20, 27.8% of Rancho Palos Verdes residents age 18 and over 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/