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Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council

Mayor's COVID-19 Updates

Posted on 08/05/20

Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council

August 5, 2020
 
Welcome to another month in 2020. The Mayor said we are about to enter into a make-it or break-it week and we should all do our part to be role models in following the guidelines. Here are your updates:
  • Travel Safely Programs Launches at LAX: To encourage passengers to wear masks, which are required at LAX, starting Monday, our ambassadors will be at Terminal 1 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal and they'll hand out free masks to those who need them, as well as fact sheets detailing all of the safety measures at LAX.
  • Cooling Centers: Open today 12-7pm at the following locations:
  • Homelessness & COVID-19: The City has secured another Project Roomkey hotel , this one in the Southeast San Fernando Valley, adding 150 more rooms to house our unsheltered Angelenos. Council approved to reinstate comprehensive CARE+ clean-ups with report backs on implementing a verification process to ensure CDC guidelines are met.

  • EDD and Unemployment Claims: Governor Newsom on Wednesday unveiled a new “strike team” tasked with “reimagining” the department’s outdated technology systems and sharing its recommendations within 45 days. The governor also said the department aims to get through its backlog of nearly 1 million claims by September.

  • Police Reform: Police Commission launches Advisory Committee on Building Trust and Equity –– a collection of policy specialists, legal experts, and community leaders who will assist the Police Commission in conducting a comprehensive review of LAPD policies and procedures, and deliver recommendations for additional reforms. Press Release Attached

  • Angelenos in Action: LA County Department of Public Health announced a text-based survey to monitor COVID-19 symptoms across LA County aimed at capturing potential spikes and trends in real-time to assist Public Health workers appropriately allocate resources to affected communities. Adults (18 years and older) living in LA County, who have access to a cell phone, and can send and receive text messages, can volunteer for the survey. They can enroll by visiting the Public Health website or by text @PROTECT to 35134.  Currently, the survey is available in English and Spanish.

July 20, 2020
For the second straight day, Public Health confirms the highest number of new hospitalizations reported in a day with 2,232 people currently hospitalized, surpassing yesterday's count of  2,216 hospitalizations.  Of the 2,232 confirmed COVID-19 cases currently hospitalized, 26% of these people are confirmed cases in the ICU and 19% are confirmed cases on ventilators.
  • Second A Bridge Home Opens in the Valley: Today, the Mayor, along with Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez and Assemblywoman Luz Rivas, celebrated the opening of the 18th ABH in the City & only the second in the East Valley. Located in Sylmar, it will serve 85 women with access to counseling, health care, support finding permanent housing, and more.
  • Civil Unrest Disaster Aid Deadline Approaches: LA County businesses and non-profit organizations are reminded of the approaching August 17, 2020 deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for property damage caused by civil unrest which began on May 26, 2020. If you missed our previous message on what this aid is, who is eligible, and instructions for applying, click here for details.
  • The L.A. Regional COVID Fund: L.A. County and City have established an LA Regional COVID Fund grant program for small businesses. The Fund will deploy $3 million in grEast ants available at $5,000 for micro-entrepreneurs and $15,000 for small businesses and nonprofits operating in Los Angeles County over the course of four (4) months. Applications for the second round of funding opened TODAY.  Details on the program can be found here. 
  • Emergency Rental Assistance Subsidy (ERAS): Starting this week, those who applied for the one-time rental assistance of up to $2,000, will start hearing if they were chosen or not. You can check the status of your application here.
  • Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl and Los Angeles City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez will host a FREE drive-thru food distribution on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, from 9 am to 12 pm at Brand Park in Mission Hills. 



July 17, 2020
Cheers to another end of the week. Here are your updates:
  • Businesses and Outdoor Operations: Because the State's Business & Professions Code (Section 7317) requires that all barbering, cosmetology and electrology services be performed in a licensed establishment, LA County hair salons, barbershops, and personal care establishments must close, and not offer any services (including outdoor services).
    • Fitness centers and gyms can operate outdoors
    • Places of worship can take their services outdoors
    • All non-essential offices have to work from home or outside - no indoor operations
  • Testing Sites: LA County is expanding testing over the next two weeks, specifically in areas of high need. The Valley will be getting a new testing site in Panorama City. 
  • Business Violations: Our office has received 549 complaints of businesses not following the health rules in the past two weeks. Starting Monday we are re-launching our Business Ambassador Program, sending out dozens of City workers every day to visit businesses with a problem. Reminder, rules, and guidelines for businesses can be found at coronavirus.lacity.org/business
  • Employers and Employees matters with COVID-19:
    • Employers should not require a negative COVID-19 test result before employees return to work, and employees do not need to present a certificate saying they have tested negative, under the current guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
    • Employers can offer and pay for COVID-19 testing as an occupational health and safety measure if an employer wishes to have its workforce get tested before returning to a work site. These employees should not seek a test at the City/County/State testing sites, which should be reserved for those who meet the medical or public health criteria for testing, and who do not have access to testing through their regular provider or health plan.
  • Project & Respect Campaign: To help communicate the message of the importance of wearing a mask, our office has partnered with Shepard Fairey's Studio Number one to produce posters encouraging everyone to wear a mask. You can download the poster here and post it on your window.
May you all have a safe weekend, don't forget to wash your hands and wear a mask!

 

June 25, 2020
Good evening East Valley,
This week as seen a rise in hospitalizations, cases, and deaths related to the pandemic. As a reminder, let's do our part and continue to protect ourselves and others. Wear that face-covering when around others that don't live in your household, wash your hands constantly and disinfect popular areas. 
  • COVID-19 Testing Changes: 
    • The Mayor has directed his team to scale testing to meet the immediate heightened demand. Adding 6,000 more tests a day across the seven City test sites.
    • City Testing website has been updated and now features an interactive map as well as directory showing you 90 sites where you can get tested, whether it's at a CVS or community health center.
    • Testing remains free to EVERYONE, however, the portal will now ask if you have health insurance. If you do, input that information in the form so that the City can charge your insurance with a ZERO copayment to you. Because FEMA is not reimbursing the entire cost of tests, the City wants to ensure tests that can be paid by insurance companies should be. 
      • By law, the test is free and no insurance company can charge you any copay, deductible, or fee for a test.  
  • State COVID-19 Update: The governor reiterated that “to the extent that we don’t see progress being made, and we’re not advancing the cause of public health and public safety, then we certainly reserve the right to put a pause in terms of advancing into the subsequent phase. And we have the ability to toggle back in terms of stay-at-home orders and new guidance we put out.”
  • California has launched a modeling site where citizens can take a look at where COVID-19 is currently spreading, what forecasts include, and what some of the long-term effects are under certain scenarios at Calcat.covid19.ca.gov. 
  • Mayor's Office Co-host the San Fernando Valley Pride Car Parade this Saturday, June 27th. Look out for us as we drive in solidarity from Van Nuys to Pacoima. Flyer attached.
  • YMCA Giveaway Flyer: This Friday (and every Friday), the Mid Valley Family YMCA will be handing out prepackaged boxes of produce from 10 am to 12 pm. Supplies are limited, first 500 families will receive a box. (one box per family)  6901 Lennox Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91405 
  • Grab & Go COVID Essentials for Van Nuys Residents this Saturday. Flyer attached.  

June 24, 2020
  • Testing Site: The NEW site to make an appointment to get COVID-19 testing at the Hansen Dam Rec Center is https://la.curativeinc.com/welcome
    • Find all testing sites near you HERE.
  • Public Housing Testing Site at San Fernando Gardens in Pacoima:  Mayor announced today, a new effort to deploy mobile COVID-19 testing units to all 15 public housing locations in the City of Los Angeles –– delivering free, on-site testing for COVID-19 to nearly 25,000 residents.  Over the next two months, alongside our partners, the City will deploy mobile COVID-19 testing units to each HACLA site, offering free tests to anyone who lives there, with or without symptoms. Many residents lack access to reliable transportation options to get them to nearby testing sites while being among the highest risk for contracting COVID-19 or dying from the illness. With the City’s new program, testing will come directly to many local families in need of immediate support. 
  • What is open? Attached you will find a document that has the latest updates
  • LAX & COVID-19:  The Mayor joined Los Angeles World Airports leadership to launch the Terminal Wellness Project deploying thermal camera technology that can help identify travelers with elevated body temperature –– the latest measure in the city’s continuing response to the COVID-19 health crisis. Starting June 23, thermal cameras will be deployed at two locations inside the Tom Bradley International Terminal –– at the main entrance on the departures level and inside the terminal near select international arrivals –– with both arriving and departing passengers screened. The cameras are designed to rapidly identify people with body temperatures of 100.4 degrees or more, which is the current guideline for detecting a fever set by the CDC.
    If a voluntary participant is identified as having an elevated body temperature, a medical professional near the camera operator will approach the identified person and request a secondary screening using a handheld, non-contact thermometer. Departing guests who are identified as having an elevated body temperature will be advised that they should not travel.
  • LAUSD: Attached you’ll find the news release for the newly announced school policing task force established by Superintendent Austin Beutner.



 
I hope you are well. There wasn't a lot to share this week but here is what I have of importance for far.
  • A modified Health Officer Order and directives for the reopening of additional businesses was issued today with an effective date of June 19. More information to come tomorrow. The Health Officer Order will allow for the following sectors to reopen once they implement the required protocols for infection control and distancing:
    • Cardrooms, satellite wagering facilities, and racetracks with no spectators
    • Personal care services including esthetician, skincare and cosmetology services; electrology;  nail salons; body art professionals, tattoo parlors, microblading, and permanent make-up; and piercing shops; and massage therapy
    • Bars, wineries, breweries, and tasting rooms
  • Complaint Line for Businesses Not Complying with Reopening Protocols: Residents can call their Environmental Health Division to report a violation as it relates to locations not providing socially distant spaces, not having people wear face coverings and/or not practicing proper cleaning procedures. 
    • File online complaint here.
    • Call  (888) 700-9995
  • Disaster Assistance due to Civil Unrest Available to LA County businesses and Non-profits: Businesses of All Sizes & Private Nonprofit Organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future. Applications for Property Damage are due by August 17, 2020. Learn more HERE.
  • DACA SCOTUS Decision: The Mayor said this "Today's Supreme Court ruling on #DACA delivers a powerful message: this country & this city belong to Dreamers today. This will remain your home tomorrow. Those who dared to dream are #HereToStay & can rest assured that Los Angeles remains a place of possibility and opportunity." Read the full decision below. 
  • Mayor Garcetti on Agreement to Provide Shelter and Services to Thousands of Homeless Angelenos: “Homelessness is the humanitarian crisis of our time, and I’m very pleased that we have reached an agreement for the City to provide 6,700 new shelter beds and the County to provide critical services for these homeless Angelenos. Through this agreement, we will bring thousands of more Angelenos indoors, deliver the services they need right now, and further limit the spread of COVID-19. This is an important milestone in our commitment to combating homelessness, along with our work to build thousands of units of permanent housing and increase City spending on homelessness to more than $600 million this year.”   
 


May 13, 2020

Good evening East Valley,
More good news came out of today. As I've said, while the Safer at Home Order will be around for a while, we will be modifying it in stages and phases. Below are your updates:
  • The Mayor has modified the City of L.A.’s “Safer at Home” emergency order to allow:
  • Mayor Eric Garcetti today issued an order requiring Angelenos to wear face coverings outside their homes. The order will aid the fight against COVID-19, as restrictions are gradually eased to allow more people to return to work and outdoor recreation. The new guidelines on face coverings exempt children under 2 and people with certain disabilities.
  • Expansion of LA Emergency Child Care Connection Program: Starting today, emergency responders (Police Officers, Firefighters, Sanitation Workers, Port and Aiport Law Enforcement) will be able to take advantage of child care referral services offered by the County or through one of our 18 Rec Centers. First responders should visit our Child Care website to get more information.
  • Restaurant Pickup Zone Program: ANY retail shop can get a temporary pick-up zone permit to reserve a parking spot right out front for customers. Apply HERE.
  • California Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI): One-time, state-funded disaster relief assistance program for undocumented immigrants impacted by COVID-19. The program will provide $500 in direct assistance to those who qualify, and a maximum of $1,000 in assistance per household. To qualify, individuals must be able to provide information that they: 1) are an undocumented adult (18 yrs. of age or older); 2) are not eligible for federal COVID-19 related assistance such as the CARES Act tax stimulus payments or pandemic unemployment benefits; and, 3) have experienced financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. Starting May 18, eligible individuals may contact the below organizations for more information about the application process and the verification documents required. Please note that this program is not being administered by the City of Los Angeles; if you have any questions, please contact one of the organizations listed below:
More things will be opening this weekend, details to come in the next couple of days.
Thank you and enjoy the rest of your week.



May 12, 2020
 
Good evening everyone,
We are moving along and have some exciting announcements this week. Here are your updates:
  • Mayor releases the following statement regarding the SAH Order: “While the City’s Safer at Home order will remain in place beyond May 15, we will also continue to adjust the order gradually — to safely allow more activities, more businesses to operate, and more Angelenos to get back to work. We’re not moving past COVID-19, we’re learning to live with it — and we will keep taking measured steps toward a new, safer reality in the days and weeks ahead.”  
  • The City of Los Angeles will work in close coordination with public health professionals to chart the course forward in the fight against COVID-19 and modify the Mayor’s “Safe at Home” emergency order as soon as public health and safety circumstances allow. 
  • Changes to FEMA funded Emergency Senior Meal Program: Going forward, in order to qualify, on top of the senior having to be 65+(60-64 with an underlying medical issue), live in the City of Los Angeles, and not be part of another meal program, they also have to make more than 25k a year. The reason being is that if they make less than that, they would be eligible for CalFresh. This change is coming down from FEMA. 
  • Senior Meals Updates: Utilize this feedback form for when you or someone you know wants to cancel their service, change dietary restrictions, change their delivery instructions (i.e. gate code = X), or change contact information (phone #, address, etc).  
  • DMV opens one office in the Valley: The DMV has opened the Arleta offices to serve customers who require in-person visits for their transactions. The office will be open at a limited capacity from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Customers are mandated to wear face-coverings and may experience longer wait times (the number of those let inside will be limited). You are still encouraged to continue to use the online services available through the Virtual Field Office. 
  • LA County and Department of Public Health to announce tomorrow the expansion of permitted retail activities. Tune in tomorrow at 12 pm via Facebook.
Thank you and have a good night.

 
Good evening everyone,
Remember, tomorrow some businesses will be reopening with modifications. No business that is allowed to open HAS to open. This is just if they are ready to do so. Continue to report any non-essential business not allowed to be operating to our complaint portal. Updates are as follows:
  • Mayor signs into law a City Council Ordinance to extend the rental increase freeze to one year after this crisis ends. This rent increase freeze only applies to units under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Text RSO to 1-855-880-7368 to find out if your place of residence falls under an RSO. 
  • Mayor signs into law a City Council Ordinance to prohibit landlords from using coercion intimidation, or fraud to get their renters' stimulus checks and to provide tenants with a private "Right of Action" if their landlord has violated any of the protections the City has extended during this emergency period. 
  • All landlords are now required to provide our "Protections Notice" every time a tenant contact them about their rental agreement during this period. The notice must be provided in the language predominately used by the tenant and it's available at the HCID website.  
  • Griffith Observatory/Runyon Canyon will remain closed. 
  • Some parking lots at popular trails will be closed to reduce crowds.
  • If your business isn’t essential you must be closed or continue working from home.
  • DWP Updates: DWP will not shut off service for non-payment for the rest of this year. If you can pay your bill, you should, as payments help us provide reliable services across our City. All ratepayers will repay their bills down the line.   
  • Hosting a community conference call tomorrow at 12:30 pm should you have any questions or wish to share a resource Call in # 605-472-5665
    Access # 971060
     
Thank you and stay safe and sane.

May 11, 2020

Good evening everyone,
Welcome to another week, a special one since it followed the first weekend of our soft re-opening. No major violations were sent up from this weekend. The main report was the lack of face coverings being used by hikers.
  • The Mayor will be providing live briefings at the beginning and end of each week. As always, you can watch these briefings at 5:15 pm on Facebook. 
  • Small businesses that were allowed to reopen on Friday still unsure of what is allowed. The best resource available to them is our SaferLA website that guides business on how they should be operating. 
  • Senior Meals: We are continuing to push out the link to have 65 or older seniors register to receive free meals. Seniors or someone on their behalf can register here. You can also contact me and I will register the individual. 
  • Roadmap to Recovery: See attached flyer on the Department of Public Health's phased approach to reopening Los Angeles County. 
  • Beaches in LA County to reopen May 13th(graphic attached): The first phase will start this Wednesday with the following restrictions:
    • KEEP MOVING: Swimming, surfing, running, walking, individual/family activities & exercise only
    • NO: Sunbathing, sitting on sand, canopies, coolers or picnicking
    • REQUIRED: Physical distancing of 6+ feet from others & face covering when outside the water & around others 
    • CLOSED: Beach parking lots, bike path, piers, and boardwalks
    • NO: group sports (such as Volleyball), gatherings, or events.
  • New Safer at Home Updates: On Wednesday 5/13, LA County will release new orders that will layout instructions for the upcoming days as the ease of restrictions will be expanding; these new directives will be implemented for the recovery period. You can watch the County briefing at 1 pm on the County Channel, Facebook, or on local news stations.  
Thank you and have a great week. 

May 8, 2020

Happy Friday everyone, 
While today we took the first small steps into this new reality, most of our Safer at Home Order remains in place. To continue to see what changes to the Safer at Home Order will go into effect please visit our SaferLA website. 
  • The Mayor has announced the launch of working groups to continue the reopening of our society.  A series of working groups across key industries, starting with manufacturing, retail, film and television productions, higher education, and cultural institutions are convening to provide guidance on safely reopening. When people ask if this or that can open, it all depends on the specific guidance from these experts and our behavior, once those things are right we will get closer to 'yes'.
  • Senior Emergency Meal Program Update: The City has selected 15 restaurants(1 in each Council District) to partner with to start delivering meals to over 1000 seniors next week. As we continue to register more seniors we will be able to select more restaurants to partner with. Seniors or someone on behalf of them can register to receive free meals on our Senior Meals website or call  213-263-5226.
  • Angeleno Card Update: We have now increased the number of people we will be able to help to 60k! The City will continue to randomly select Angelenos from the first round of applicants.
  • The Mayor will no longer be giving nightly live briefings. We will continue to update you as needed via social media, briefings, and NotifyLA. 
  • To receive automatic updates about changes in the City, sign up for NotifyLA
I hope you all enjoy your weekend, let's not all go hiking at once, and make sure to celebrate those wonderful moms in your lives. 

 

April 28, 2020

Good evening friends and partners,
 
Don't forget the Mayor provides his daily briefing, M-F at 5:15 pm. You can watch it on Facebook, Channel 35 or 5. Continue to share with me the wonderful work you are doing in the community. I want to hear from you! Below are your updates from today:
  • The Mayor announced tonight that asymptomatic testing will now be expanded to construction workers. Front line workers can register for this priority testing HERE.
  • N95 Mask Partnership with Honeywell: The City will be purchasing 24 million N95 masks that will go to first responders and distributed at cost (79 cents each) to hospitals in need. The first 100k will be delivered in May. This initiative creates domestic production and jobs as they will be manufactured 6 hours away. 
  • Emergency Senior Meal Program Update: Our staff is currently working this week on contacting seniors that have applied to share the next steps.
  • Round Two of the Arts Emergency Relief Fund for Artists and Small Ensembles:  The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and Community Partners aim to provide relief to this spectrum of LA-based performing artists who were financially affected by this disruption through Round Two of this emergency grant relief opportunity. This second round of emergency relief grant support is open for artists and small ensembles with scheduled programming that were:
    • 1) to take place between March 16 and June 30 within the City of Los Angeles 2) were to be open to the general public 3) were canceled due to COVID-19
    • Solo artists may request up to $400, and ensembles may request up to $1,200
    • Find all the eligibility requirements HERE
    • Fill out the application before the June 1st deadline. 
  • North Hollywood Grocery Grab and Go Event Saturday, May 2nd (Flyer attached)
  • Are you a community organization or service provider and in need of some cloth face masks for the individuals you serve? Let me know
  • Resources for Unbanked Angelenos: To strengthen our recovery, we have to connect anyone who qualifies for an Economic Impact Payment to these vital benefits as soon as possible. That begins with expanding the number of people who have safe and affordable bank accounts -- so they can receive their funds without any delay. You can open your own affordable bank or credit union account online now on our City Website to claim your stimulus money faster. You can also visit the site to see which partners are allowing you to cash your check as a non-account holder with zero fees. (Bank of America, Chase, and Union Bank). 
  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Now Open: You can NOW apply for PUA if you are any of the following-unemployed business owners, self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, have a limited work history, or someone not usually eligible for regular state unemployment insurance benefits. Apply for PUA on the EDD website. In order to apply for PUA, you must log in or create an account. Due to high demand, you might need to try a few times.
  • From the Office of Assemblywoman Luz Rivas: She will be hosting an ALL Spanish virtual town hall focused on Unemployment Insurance, Disability Insurance, and everything EDD. Flyer in Spanish attached. 
  • Disaster Relief for Undocumented Californians to Launch in May: California's $75 million Disaster Relief Fund will support undocumented Californians impacted by COVID-19 who are ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits and disaster relief due to their immigration status. Stay tuned for details. 
  • Governor Newsom said the state is exploring the possibility of the school year to start in late July or early August. 
Stay safe and stay strong East SFV!


April 23, 2020
 
Good evening friends,
Today marks exactly one month since we opened our first public testing site.  What started as an effort to fill the gap in our national response is now an expansive network of more than 30 locations across the County. As a reminder, if you are feeling even the slightest symptom, no matter how mild, register to get a test appointment HERE. Your updates are as follows:
  • Today, the Mayor signed into law an anti-price gouging measure that will prevent anyone from using this crisis to exploit Angelenos in their most difficult moments. The law says that if you are buying up hand sanitizer, masks, or other essential supplies only to resell them at a profit, you may receive a fine of $1,000 or even face time in jail. Report price gouging here.
  • Angeleno Card:  Over the last two days, 1,136 cards have been distributed, totaling more than 1.1 million dollars in assistance for 3,341 individuals. Everyone who was selected has already been notified. In the end we will have distributed around 15k cards to Angelenos most in need. As we continue to receive donations to the Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles, we will be able to do a second round of distribution.
  • Starting April 28, recipients of EBT(food stamps) will have access to free deliveries of groceries through Amazon and Walmart with a purchase of $35
  • Governor Newsom has signed an executive order denying the ability of debt collectors to garnish CARES Act direct payment funds. This is retroactive, so funds must be returned if they were garnished. This does not apply to childcare, spousal support, or victim’s account responsibilities.
  • Childcare Resources for Essential Workers: LA County Resources & Referral Agencies are available to help essential workers find child care.  Please share the attached flyers in English and Spanish. 
  • City Council Updates: On Tuesday, the City Council met and voted on a number of items. Below is a summary of the highlights.
    • RIGHT OF RECALL AND WORKER RETENTION - Council provided direction to the City Attorney to develop ordinances to establish a Right of Recall and Worker Retention protections to workers laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • EMERGENCY RENTAL RELIEF PROGRAM - Council approved the creation of an Emergency Rental Assistance Subsidy (ERAS). ERAS will be available to tenants citywide with incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), depending on household size. The rent subsidy would be a grant paid directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant for up to 50% of the monthly rent, with a maximum of $1,000 per month for up to three months through the expiration of the declaration of emergency, with a maximum grant of $3,000 per household. More to come on this.
    • TRAFFIC AND SAFETY AT FOOD PANTRIES - Following a tragic event in CD 7, the council approved to instruct LAPD and LADOT to develop general traffic operational guidelines that can improve safety at food pantry locations.
Thank you for everyone's continued support of one another. As always, I am here to answer any questions you may have, do not hesitate to reach out.
Stay safe East SFV!

 

April 21, 2020
  • Mayor Garcetti held a conversation with young Angelenos on the response to COVID-19 crisis. Fourteen young people living in communities across Los Angeles County took part in the conversation with the Mayor, who was joined by Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The discussion was moderated by KCET and PBS SoCal Chief Creative Officer Juan Devis.
  • Tomorrow City Council will meet to discuss legislation like 'Right to Recall' and 'Worker Retention'. It would ensure that when businesses start re-hiring employees, laid off and furloughed workers can rest assured they'll be first in line to get their jobs back. You can give your public comment HERE.
  • I encourage parents, or anyone to visit our regularly updated resources website that helps provide support during the COVID-19 crisis.
  • If you're feeling overwhelmed or it feels like you could use some help, don't ever hesitate to reach out to the County's Department of Mental Health 24 Hour Access Center at 800-854-7771. For LAUSD students and families, I have shared their phone hotline (213-241-3840) where you can talk with counselors and mental health professionals. Anyone can text 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor at the crisis text line. 
  • County of LA Food Resources: The County Task Force on Food Security has launched its food security portal page. It connects those in need with a selection of food-insecure meal and voucher programs along with an avenue for non-profits to requests volunteers. 
  • To Support Safer at Home Orders, Courts Offer Telephone, Online Payment & Scheduling Options. See attached flyer
  • If you have any questions or resources to share I will be hosting my community conference call tomorrow at 6:30 pm Call in # 605-472-5665
    Access # 971060

April 16, 2020
Good evening Friends,
I want to start off by first requesting help from each and every one of you.  While we continue to publicize the available testing we have for people, we still have too many people unaware of this option. Too many inquires are coming in of people unaware they can and should be tested if they are experiencing symptoms or were exposed to positive cases. I need YOU to share this information with your platforms utilizing any and all of your platforms. Tell your neighbors, your friends, and your family. It can save thousands. 
Updates:
  • Global Mayor's COVID-19 Recovery Taskforce: The Mayor (as chair of international C40 Cities Climate Leadership Organization) has convened meetings with mayors from around the globe on best practices and challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis. It is a group of C40 mayors tasked with thinking ahead and providing guidance on how we can accelerate sustainable economic recovery from this outbreak.
  • LAFD Launches Telemedicine Pilot Program: Enables highly-trained healthcare professionals to evaluate patients remotely using smartphone technology, which also reduces potential crowding at local emergency rooms with patients who do not need hospital treatment.
  • Senior's Emergency Meal Program Update: Today we opened the line for seniors (60 and over) or their caregivers to call in and sign up for. We received a large number of inquires and in order to capture everyone's needs, we now have the ability for people to register online through this FORM.
  • Mayor Speaks on the Importance of the Census in his latest briefing. Our response rate is at 40%, far behind where we were a decade ago. If our response rate holds here, we will all lose out and our quality of life will suffer. The Mayor stressed the need to have everyone heard. Complete the 2020 Census
  • Volunteers Needed: A non-profit in Pacoima, Chicas Mom Inc, has been donating meals and needed supplies to the most vulnerable populations in the northeast SFV. To further advance their reach and work they are in need of volunteers with the following experience:   
    • programmers and code writers to assist with the compiling and
      organizing of data
    • graphic artists
    • social media consultation
    • administration 
  • Virtual Youth Group(flyer attached with more info): Friends of the Family has partnered up with New Economics for Women and North Valley Caring Services to bring a virtual youth group that will start the 21st, that will cover topics like:
    • Understanding the US Census and having student engage the community
    • Understanding money and credit 
    • How to apply for college 
    • How to start your own business or how to become a social media influencer

       
Thank you and stay safe. 
--

More April 15, 2020
Good evening East San Fernando Valley,
I want to first thank you all for the wonderful work you all are doing in our community. From volunteering at local food pantries to delivering meals to vulnerable populations, shopping for seniors, and making and donating masks to those in need; there is no shortage of these wonderful stories that I have been seeing and hearing. This is how we will get through this, by being there for our neighbors. Keep up the good work! Here are your updates for the day:
  • The Mayor, similar to Governor Newsom, shared the five pillars needed in order to return to good health and prosperity in LA:
    1. Testing: We need to bring widespread reliable and high-quality testing to everyone
    2.  Real-time surveillance to detect and prevent new outbreaks: If we have an outbreak in a specific location, we need a system to monitor and detect this quickly in order to do the third and next pillar...
    3. Immediately respond to new cases: Build a greater ability to quickly isolate cases, trace and communicate with contacts, and quarantine non-immune individuals who have been exposed
    4. Hospital Capacity: Need a national push to grow the capacity in ICUs, ERs, and personal protective equipment
    5. Need ongoing Research and Development: Need the CDC and others to support standardized data collection & collaborate more closely with states, universities, and labs to develop effective treatments-then share this info with medical professionals on the front lines. 
  • The Mayor announced a new initiative, Emergency Senior Meals Response. Through a partnership with Everytable and Access Services, we will be providing additional healthy, made-from-scratch meals to the low-income seniors who need them. We will deliver twice as many meals a week to each senior we serve and to more than double the number of seniors that we are helping during this crisis. The only requirements to participate in this program is to be (1) a person of 60 years or older and (2) live in the City of Los Angeles. For seniors interested in participating, please call 213-263-5226, starting tomorrow between 9-5 pm. We have thousands of meals ready to be delivered to you or them. 
  • The Mayor announced a new partnership between the City and USC, County Dept of Public Health, Lieberman Research Worldwide, and collaborators at UCLA and Stanford that will address serology tests. These tests will help us understand how far the virus has spread, how fatal it is, how much of our population might be immune, and who is able to donate plasma to fuel treatments.  
  • DACA Recipients: The Mayor, along with 52 other Mayors across the country, sent a letter to Depart. of Homeland Security, urging them to keep protections in place and automatically renew any DACA employment authorization documents that expire this year, to not further add to the financial burden. (see letter attached)
  • Today is "Tax Day" but you have until July 15th to file your taxes. Have questions about the stimulus check or wondering if you qualify? The City is here to help and has set up a Free Tax Prep website to guide you through this process. Just visit our site.
  • Testing sites have now increased to 30 locations in LA County-adding today sites at the Forum, Bellflower Civic Center, and the San Gabriel Valley. If you are experiencing symptoms, even mild symptoms, please register to get tested HERE.
  • Report any price gouging violations to our City Attorney's Office by filling out this form.
  • From LA Sanitation: Please ensure that your used disposable gloves make it into the trash.  We're unfortunately finding them littered in streets, gutters, sidewalks, parking lots, yards, and storm drains across the City. Eventually, they'll make their way into our waterways, potentially harming wildlife. (see attached photo)
  • See attached LAPD's News Release regarding COVID-19 related crimes
We don't know when we will get back to our gatherings but know that the more we continue to do what we are doing now, the quicker we will be able to be all together again. 
Stay Strong SF Valley, 

April 15, 2020

I hope this email finds you well. As a reminder, the Mayor continues to hold his daily briefings M-F until further notice. You can watch them at 5:15 pm on Facebook, Channel 35 or Channel 5. Your updates are as follows:
  • There are now 26 testing locations across LA County, with three in the Valley. Find the locations here. We have the capacity to test 9,400 people a day. We now have same or next day appointment slots, if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms register HERE.(graphic in English/Spanish attached)
  • Watch the Mayor's FAQ video on renter protections HERE.
  • While we don't want to waste LAPD resources if you see a public gathering, report it to the non-emergency line at 1-877-ASK-LAPD
  • LAPD has referred 79 businesses to the City's Attorney Office for misdemeanor consideration, following their consistent violation of the order. As a reminder, you can report violations on our complaint portal.
  • Relaxed Parking Rules extended to May 15th. There is no enforcement of street sweeping signs in residential streets, rush hour parking restrictions or non-metered time limits in commercial zones. There is no ticketing or towing of abandoned and oversized vehicles, vehicles with an expired registration, or with recently expired permit parking placards. Read here for more information. 
  • Los Angeles Surge Hospital (St. Vincent Hospital) Opens: The COVID-19 only hospital has over 250 beds now available to treat patients who the virus. Watch the video here.
  • METRO Bus Schedule Modifications: Starting this Sunday, the 19th, Metro will run a "Modified Sunday Schedule" seven days a week. No neighborhood will lose transit service, even if your bus ride may take a little bit longer. Metro will continue to provide bus and rail service to every community. I encourage you to read the updated route line times here.
  • New Guidance about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Beneficiaries: People who receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability insurance benefits and who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and who have qualifying children under age 17 should now go to the IRS’s webpage to enter their information instead of waiting for their automatic $1,200 Economic Impact Payment. (one-pager attached)
  • Unemployment Insurance (UI) Payments and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Timeline: An open letter(attached) to unemployed and self-employed Californians who are seeking benefits through unemployment insurance or the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.
  • Attached are the locations of the YMCA showers along with the shuttle bus pick up locations for homeless individuals. 
  • The updated list of the number of positive cases in the East Valley attached
Continue to stay strong SF Valley!

From the Mayor's Website:
L.A. Department of Cultural Affairs and L.A. Public Library offer arts and learning resources
The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) has developed a list of resources to provide opportunities for art instruction, art experiences, and creative pursuits during this period of social distancing. This list includes arts and educational resources for kids and teens, virtual art experiences, professional resources for artists, mental health resources, and contact information for crucial local, state, national, and international agencies. You can find the list here.
DCA, along with community partners, has also announced emergency relief grants that are available to performing artists and small ensembles in dance, music, and theater who cancelled shows or concerts due to the outbreak that were within the city of Los Angeles and open to the general public.
The first round of funding is only available if you apply by May 1st. You can learn more at culturela.org.
And, though L.A.’s 73 public libraries will be closed for the duration of the Safer at Home order, a wealth of digital services remains available 24/7 at lapl.org -- including e-books and audiobooks; streaming TV, movies, and music services; classes and digital subscriptions to newspapers and magazines.
The “Spring Into Reading Program” allows young readers to log their books and complete fun at-home activities. LAPL is also offering virtual storytimes with librarians.
Every L.A. Unified student has been assigned a Student Success Card and can access distance learning support online, along with tutoring assistance in math, science, English, social studies, and writing between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. every day.

 
April 13, 2020 Updates:
  • The Mayor announced, starting tonight, all the data he has at his disposal on COVID-19 will now be available to the public. To continue with his commitment to transparency all data and key metrics will be posted and accessible on this link.
  • In order to address the many myths that are going around. The Mayor launched a webpage to dispel misinformation. 
  • Graphic on Domestic Violence Resources attached
  • Artist Support COVID-19 Poster Design Money Contest: 11:11 A Creative Collective is providing assistance to local artists in the community that are experiencing hardships during this crisis. The art contest will give out over $1500 in cash prizes to help with rent, groceries, bills, etc. Info flyer attached.
  • Homeless people and stimulus checks: Homeless people can register an address with the IRS to receive their stimulus checks.  Please see the attached flyer for sharing.
  • We are short on donated blood. Here’s the Red Cross website link that provides a current list of blood drives bases on the zip code you enter. Upcoming drive happening on April 20th in North Hollywood (see flyer attached) 
  • LAUSD Announcements:
    • Schools will remain closed through summer
    • Amazon to send every high school student a pair of headphones  
    • Starting next week many district schools will begin implementing a more structured and uniform daily distance learning schedule, with subject periods and lunch breaks
    • Available Family Help Desk (COVID-19 hotline) at 213-443-1300: to help families with questions about school operations, technology, and other student-related matters
    • Available Mental Health Hotline for Students and Families at 213-241-3840: for a consultation, support & referrals
Stay safe and stay strong everyone!

 

April 7, 2020 Updates:
Good evening Friends,
ICYMI, here's the link to Mayor Garcetti's briefing earlier night. As a reminder, these daily briefings will occur Sunday - Friday at 5:15pm until further notice. You can watch the Mayor's briefing on Facebook or Channel 5 and 35. As a reminder, Angelenos should limit trips outside their residences to only the most necessary and vital tasks — and this week should postpone trips to the grocery store and other important errands as much as possible. Updates are as follows:
  • Mayor Eric Garcetti today issued an emergency order that will require many workers to provide non-medical essential services to wear face coverings while at work. Under the Mayor’s emergency order, effective April 10th, employers of many non-medical essential businesses must either provide workers with cloth face coverings that shield their noses and mouths or reimburse employees for their cost. Essential businesses must also implement physical distancing measures for employees, customers, and visitors; make sure employees have access to a clean and sanitary restroom, stocked with all necessary cleaning products like soap and sanitizer; and allow employees to wash their hands at least every 30 minutes. Non-medical essential businesses described in the order will be allowed to refuse service to customers who do not wear face coverings. The order also recommends that, whenever possible, businesses install plexiglass barriers between cashiers and customers. 
  • The Mayor doesn't sign City Council’s supplemental paid leave ordinance which becomes law but simultaneously enacts an emergency order to fill some gaps until the Council has taken long-term action. See the Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Due to COVID-19 Emergency Order attached. Please read the order fully to understand which businesses are exempt as well as how employees/employers will need to navigate this.  
  • The Mayor amends a Council Ordinance Subject: Grocery, Drug Retail and Food Delivery Worker Protection to include food delivery workers in the right to schedule changes as it pertains to COVID-19. See attached order. 
  • LAPD updates: 23% reduction in almost all types of crime except auto theft, secure your car! We are seeing Safer at Home means a safer city; during stressful and uncertain times, family violence tends to go up, however, during Safer at Home, family violence crime is down 11%; there will be a virtual town hall on DV; info forthcoming. 47 LAPD officers have tested positive; You can now text 911.  
  • Two emergency hotels/motel have been acquired in the Valley (Canoga Park & Reseda) to bring the most vulnerable unsheltered Angelenos indoors, including those 55 years of age or older, as well as those with acute underlying health conditions.
  • COVID-19 Call w/ Mayor Garcetti & Faith Leaders on Wednesday 4/8 from 10:15-10:45 am. Please RSVP: Interfaith Call w/ Mayor Garcetti Form and submit any questions. 
  • While to register for a COVID-19 test you must go online if you or someone you know, who needs the test, does not have access to the internet a call can also be made to the Mayor's Help Desk at 213-978-1028
  • Non-food street vendors are not considered essential businesses and therefore not exempt from the Safer at Home Order. 
  • Non-Profit Relief: Information from the Independent Sector on how nonprofits can access CARES Act funding. They are also hosting a webinar on Thursday:What’s Next for COVID-19 Relief for Nonprofits?
    April 9 | 11:00am – 12:00 pm 
  • From the Office of Congressman Tony Cardenas: COVID-19 Telebriefing Series: Non-Profit Grant Workshop. Apr 9th, 1:30 p.m. Join ZOOM Meeting ID: 786 811 900 Password: 573096. Dial-in at (669)900-9128 CODE: 786811900#
  • LA County Public Health Guidance on Cloth Face Coverings Attached
  • From the Office of Council President Nury Martinez: Along with the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and Labor Community Services, she will be hosting a Drive-Thru Food Pantry for families in need on Thursday, April 9th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Van Nuys City Hall on Sylvan St. Families are recommended to arrange a pickup time by contacting her office at (818) 771-0236 or (818) 778-4999. There will also be a pedestrian walk-thru site for people on foot. Walk-ups and drive-ups are welcome. See flyer for more information(English and Spanish)
  • Next Community Conference Call: Wednesday at 6:30 Call in # 605-472-5665 Access # 971060
Stay strong SF Valley!!
--

Caroline Menjivar, M.S.W.
East Valley Area Representative 
Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti
(818) 659-2334


March 30, 2020

Good morning friends,
I hope everyone had a safe and hopefully productive weekend at home. While we are practicing physical distancing I want to still want to make you aware that only 10.4% of the San Fernando Valley has filled out the Census. A drastically low number. We don't have to go outside to do it, just grab a tablet, your smart phone, or a laptop/desktop and fill it out, takes no more than 10 minutes. If you are volunteering and handing out items/food I would be more than happy to drop off some fliers (Spanish and English) to include in the packages people are getting. Lets ensure we all get counted!!
Below are the latest updates from the Mayor's Office:
  • USNS Mercy is at the Port and brought with it 1000 hospital beds- for people not suffering from COVID-19  to alleviate the burden at our local hospitals. Currently has 3 patients on board. 
  • Convention Center has turned into a federal medical field hospital, set up by the National Guard.  Click here to see photos. 
  • 2,725 medical workers have signed up to help this week at COVID-19 Medical Personnel. They will be shortly called on to help at the Convention Center. 
  • With the opening of 5 new homeless shelters over the weekend, we brought our total to 566 beds across the City and we will see another 50% increase in beds by end of this week.
  • Have secured 900 hotel rooms for isolation and quarantine of homeless neighbors & LAHSA is looking at 50 hotels with 5500 rooms countywide. 
  • Completed approx 6,741 tests- by end of next week we will triple that number.
    Getting results in one to two days. Expect to have at least 13,000 tests by the end of this week.  We have added another testing location bringing out total to 5.
  • We have a capacity of 2,300 tests today, and I encourage Angelenos to go to coronavirus.lacity.org to see if you’re eligible to get tested. If slots are filled for a specific day, we’ve now updated the system so you can make an appointment for a future date.
  • Launched a new partnership between UPS, City, and the health and wellness company Everlywell to bring COVID 19 testing access to to seniors and people facing homelessness.  
  • Everlywell is supplying the testing kits and making it easy to view tests securely online. UPS is securing the kits, delivering them, and then shipping the samples overnight to Everlywell network of labs on their own dime.The City is making sure tests get to providers who can get them to the most vulnerable people including CalPACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)  providers that specialize in getting care to older adults in assisted living -- this is a way to work with doctors who work with seniors in our senior homes to make sure we prevent outbreaks in our senior homes. 
  • If you own a motel or hotel that you can donate go to Request for Quotes -- to include your price for rooms for people who are homeless and for those who will need to isolate. Payment will be reimbursable by FEMA.
  • Gov. Newsom helped us secure 535 trailers to help people isolate. Will be placed next to Rec Center shelters across the City. When a person at one of the shelter sites shows any symptoms, we will be able to isolate and quarantine them right away.
  • Starting tomorrow all construction sites will have a COVID-19 supervisor to ensure the sites are in compliance with COVID-19 rules. 
  • All public trails, and trail heads are closed along with Griffith Park.
  • SoCal Gas FAQ flyer (English and Spanish)
I will be out of the office today and will resume with the next community conference call this Wednesday at 6:30 pm. 
Call in # 605-472-5665
Access # 971060
Stay strong and safe San Fernando Valley!
--

Caroline Menjivar, M.S.W.
East Valley Area Representative 
Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti
(818) 659-2334

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