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

L.A. County Qualifies for Orange Tier Threshold, Additional Reopenings with Safety Measures Set for April 5

L.A. County has met the threshold for the less restrictive orange tier in the state's Blueprint for a Safer Economy. A revised Health Officer Order will go into effect on Monday, April 5 at 12:01 a.m. to reflect newly permitted activities:

• Bars that do not provide meals will be allowed to open outdoors with distancing, masking and infection control safety measures. Indoor operations are not permitted. Masks are required except when people are eating or drinking. There can be no counter seating and people can eat or drink only when they are seated. Tables must be 8 feet apart, with a maximum of 6 people from up to 3 different households. There can be no live entertainment, television is permitted, and hours of operations are from 11:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
• Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries that do not serve meals can remain open outdoors and can also open indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer. These establishments will follow the same public health directives as bars for their outdoor areas, however, there are additional requirements for indoor spaces: reservations are required for indoor seating, there is a maximum of 6 people per table and they must be from the same household, and there is no live entertainment or television viewing indoors.
• Restaurants can increase capacity for indoor dining to 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is less with continued safety modifications.
• Cardrooms can operate indoors at 25% capacity. There must be 8-feet of distancing between tables and masks are always required. Food and beverages remain banned from card tables.
• Places of Worship can hold services indoors at 50% capacity.
• Fitness Centers can operate indoors at 25% capacity and indoor pools can now re-open. Masks are always required unless swimming.
• Movie Theatres can increase capacity to 50% or 200 people, whichever is less. Seats must be reserved, and each group must have 6 feet of distance from other groups in all directions. Eating is allowed in only designated areas or in your reserved seat.
• Family Entertainment Centers can open indoors at 25% capacity for distanced activities, such as bowling or escape rooms. Masks remain required.
• Grocery and Retail Stores can increase capacity to 75%, although Public Health strongly recommends grocery stores remain at 50% capacity until April 15 to allow as many grocery store workers as possible get vaccinated.
• Hair Salons, Barbershops and Personal Care Services can increase capacity to 75% with masks required, except for services where customers need to remove their masks. For services where customers must remove their face coverings, staff must wear a fitted N95 or a mask with a face shield.
• Museums, Zoos and Aquariums can be open indoors at 50% capacity.
• Youth and Adult Recreational Sports can apply to Public Health for approval for athletic events, tournaments or competitions that involve more than two teams or multiple individuals.

Point Vicente Interpretive Center to Reopen April 12

In today’s issue, the Palos Verdes Peninsula News previews new exhibits at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, which will reopen to the public April 12! Stay tuned for reopening details and get a first look at the new exhibits during Virtual Whale of a Day on April 10 at whaleofaday.com. Read the article at pvnews.com.

Where L.A. County Stands

On March 30, the state released updated COVID-19 case rate numbers. L.A. County's adjusted case rate dropped from 3.7 new cases per 100,000 people to 3.1 new cases per 100,000 people. The test positivity rate dropped from 1.8% to 1.5% and in areas with the fewest health affirming resources, L.A. County’s test positivity rate dropped from 2.5% to 2.1%.

PVLD Grab & Go Services Start April 6

On April 6, the Palos Verdes Library District will reopen its interiors to the public under a limited Grab & Go model at all library locations. 

Grab & Go services include browsing the entire collection, 30 minutes of public computer use by reservation, access to printers and copiers, and passport services by appointment. The popular curbside service will continue at the Peninsula Center Library.

In accordance with L.A. County COVID guidelines, seating, study rooms, and meeting rooms will continue to be closed and all storytimes, tutors, study groups, and multi-person gatherings prohibited at all locations.

Parents and caregivers are strongly advised not to drop off students as hanging out at the library is not allowed at this time and they will be asked to leave. 

Masks and social distancing rules will be enforced. Learn more at: pvld.org/grabandgo.

ICYMI: Reopening Schools Safely Town Hall 

In case you missed it, you can watch Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s recent Reopening Schools Safely Town Hall on his Facebook page. Assemblymember Muratsuchi and South Bay Superintendents, including Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss, discussed their districts’ reopening plans. 

ICYMI: L.A. County School Town Hall for Parents 

In case you missed it, you can watch L.A. County’s recent virtual School Town Hall for Parents on YouTube at: youtu.be/L74P7Yq69Dc. Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, L.A. County Office of Education Superintendent Dr. Debra Duardo and Department of Mental Health Director Dr. John Sherin discussed how L.A. County is protecting students and staff returning for in-person instruction, mental health support, and more.  

Vaccine Updates

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expands to Ages 50+

Starting today, April 1, any resident age 50 through 64 years old is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination in L.A. County, even if they don’t have a qualifying medical condition or disability or work in an eligible sector. There are an estimated 2 million individuals within this age group living in L.A. County, 631,000 of whom have already received at least one dose of vaccine as of March 27. This means that an additional 1.4 million L.A. County residents are now eligible to be vaccinated. Please note that unless you work in L.A. County in one of the eligible work sectors, vaccinations for individuals 50 years old and older and for those individuals with underlying health conditions/disabilities are limited to residents of L.A. County.

Starting April 15, vaccines will become available to any resident in L.A. County who is 16 and older. There are 5 million residents in this age group, and the Department of Public Health estimates that 1 million have already been vaccinated with at least one dose. This leaves almost 3.9 million residents that will be eligible to be vaccinated in just a couple of weeks. This will be the largest number of people becoming eligible at any one time since the vaccination effort began in mid-December.
 
For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations in L.A. County, and to make an appointment, visit VaccinateLACounty.com. To sign up to be notified when you are eligible for your COVID-19 vaccination, visit MyTurn.ca.gov.

CDC Real-World Study Confirms Protective Benefits of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines

A new CDC study provides strong evidence that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections in real-world conditions among health care personnel, first responders, and other essential workers. These groups are more likely than the general population to be exposed to the virus because of their occupations.
 
The study looked at the effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections among 3,950 study participants in six states over a 13-week period from December 14, 2020 to March 13, 2021.
 
Results showed that following the second dose of vaccine (the recommended number of doses), risk of infection was reduced by 90 percent two or more weeks after vaccination. Following a single dose of either vaccine, the participants’ risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 was reduced by 80 percent two or more weeks after vaccination.
 
Additionally, the study demonstrates that these two mRNA vaccines can reduce the risk of all SARS-CoV-2 infections, not just symptomatic infections.
 
Learn more: bit.ly/MMWR32921.

When It Seems Like Everyone Got the COVID-19 Vaccine Besides You…

In a new blog, Kerianne Lawson, Chief Programs Officer at the Beach Cities Health District, writes about vaccine envy and the complicated feelings you may be experiencing surrounding the vaccine rollout one year into the pandemic. Read the blog at bchd.org. 

I got a COVID-19 vaccine. Now what?

Have questions after getting a COVID-19 vaccine? Click on the image above for answers to some of the questions public health officials hear most.

ICYMI: Safe in the South Bay Series - Reopening and Returning to the Workplace

In case you missed it, you can watch the Beach Cities Health District’s recent Virtual Safe in the South Bay Series on Reopening and Returning to the Workplace on YouTube at: youtu.be/wzaxGfpGWgo
 
Panelists included:

• Moe Gelbart, PhD, Executive Director Thelma McMillen Recovery Center and Director of Behavioral Health at Torrance Memorial 
• Umme-Aiman Halai MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
• David Shavelle, MD, Medical Director, Adult Cardiology & Interventional Lab, MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, Long Beach Medical Center
• Lisa Von Eschen, The Maloney Firm

For resources and more information, visit bchd.org/safeinthesouthbayseries. 

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.

PVPLC Earth Day Virtual Presentation April 22

On April 22 at 7 p.m. the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy will partner with the Palos Verdes Library District, Friends of the Library, and the California Native Plant Society for a live Zoom event in celebration of Earth Day. The event will explore what each of us can do to renew the Earth and how our actions here on the Peninsula can impact the planet. The Earth Day online event will include a fascinating video presentation by Doug Tallamy, author of “Nature’s Best Hope” about how to support birds and wildlife with native plants in our yards. Learn more at pvplc.org.  

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 April 9

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, April 9 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 Hunt for the Golden Egg!

Welcoming all children 1-10 years old! Eight golden eggs will be hidden daily from March 29 – April 3 in the lower field located at the Ladera Linda Community Center. The eggs can be found from 12-5 p.m. only. If a golden egg is found, it can be exchanged for a prize basket at the Community Center office between 12-5 p.m. One basket per household, with plenty of goodies for all to enjoy.

Share your Earth Day Campaign project with the City!

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes invites residents to celebrate Earth Day April 1-22 by completing acts of service such as composting, recycling, participating in a beach cleanup, building a garden, or planting a tree! Email photos of your project to events@rpvca.gov and they may be shared on the City's social media pages and the City website!

Find more activities in the Spring 2021 Recreation Guide!

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 upcoming blood drives in Rancho Palos Verdes:

Thursday, April 15
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ascension Lutheran Church
26231 Silver Spur Road
 
Tuesday, April 20
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.

Friday, April 23
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church
28850 S. Western Avenue

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)

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 March 22, 42.7% 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/