CITY OF SAN FERNANDO ANNOUNCES CITY HALL FULL CLOSURE TO PUBLIC ACCESS

In an effort to limit the potential exposure and spread of COVID-19 and to safeguard the City of San Fernando’s ability to continue providing essential services, including public safety, water service, and community support, effective immediately, City Hall will be closed to the public. 

City staff will continue to be available to answer calls and respond to emails Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. For additional convenience, the public can use the Online Permit Counter, www.sfcity.org/Community-Development, to submit building permit applications, track progress, and schedule inspections online. 

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: In addition to the limited City Hall hours, members of the public may participate in City Council meetings via teleconference, in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-25-20. Pursuant to the Executive Order and given the current health concerns, members of the public can access meetings live on-line, with audio and video, via YouTube Live. Members of the public may submit comments by email to CityClerk@sfcity.org. To ensure distribution to the City Council prior to consideration of the agenda, please submit your comments no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Those comments will be distributed to the City Council, will be limited to three minutes, and made part of the official public record of the meeting

City Council meetings are regularly scheduled for the 1^st and 3^rd Mondays of each month. For more information regarding City Council meetings, call or email the City Manager’s Office at (818) 898-1202 or CityManager@sfcity.org.

SAN FERNANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT: The San Fernando Police Department’s counter hours will remain the same (Records Bureau, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; Detective Bureau, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm); however, Court Commitment services will be suspended until further notice. For more information regarding public safety services (non-emergency), call the Police Department at (818) 898-1267 or Police@sfcity.org.

RECREATION FACILITIES: Both recreational facilities (Las Palmas Park, located at 505 S. Huntington St., San Fernando; and Recreation Park, located at 208 Park Ave., San Fernando) remain closed to the public and all in-person senior, recreation, and community programs have been suspended until further notice. However, the Recreation and Community Services Department is excited to provide a variety of online and virtual activities to keep you busy. Visit the Recreation and Community Services webpage to access the activities and workouts at your convenience! Check back often as additional resources are added.  For more information on recreation programming, please contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at (818) 898-1290 or Recreation@sfcity.org.

The City has also taken steps to protect the health of employees and the public by placing disinfectant wipes at all public counters and conference areas, mandating social distancing during in-person meetings, and providing large informational posters throughout City facilities that provide information on COVID-19 related to how the virus is spread, primary symptoms, and how to protect yourself.

Please visit this webpage and the City’s social media for additional information and future updates.

NOTICE OF AGENDA ITEM TO DISCUSS DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY, CLOSING BARS, NIGHTCLUBS, GYMS AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUES, AND LIMITING DINE-IN RESTAURANTS

Please be advised that the San Fernando City Council will be considering a walk-on item at tonight’s regular City Council meeting to declare a local emergency as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.  In addition to discussing actions the City has taken to date, the City Council may also discuss taking further action, including, but not limited to, ordering bars, nightclubs, gyms and other entertainment venues to close for a period of time and limiting dine-in eating at local restaurants.

The regular City Council meeting will be held tonight at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at San Fernando City Hall, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.  In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-25-20, members of the public may participate in the meeting via teleconference or view the meeting on Facebook Live @TheCityOfSanFernando. The teleconference call-in number is: (866) 783-7151; participant pass code 5409878.  Public comments on agenda items may also be emailed to CityClerk@sfcity.org.

For more information regarding City Council meetings, call or email the City Manager’s Office at (818) 898-1202 or CityManager@sfcity.org. 

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO EXTENDS EVICTION PROTECTION FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL TENANTS

Effective June 1, 2020, the moratorium is in place for the City of San Fernando under the County Eviction Moratorium for the duration of the order issued by the County of Los Angeles.

Download Ordinance No. 1696 (Eviction Protection for Residential and Commercial Tenants): ENGLISH

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO ADOPTS EVICTION PROTECTION FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL TENANTS

At a Special Meeting on April 8, 2020, the San Fernando City Council approved an Urgency Ordinance (“Eviction Protection Ordinance”) that provides protection to small businesses and residents from eviction due to inability to pay rent.  The Eviction Protection Ordinance, effective immediately, prohibits a landlord from starting the eviction process for non-payment of rent until May 31, 2020. 

The City’s Eviction Protection Ordinance requires that commercial and residential tenants notify their property owner within 7 days of their rent being due and demonstrate a financial impact due to COVID-19.  The Eviction Protection Ordinance only applies to commercial tenants with 25 or fewer employees. Tenants have up to 180 days after the expiration of the deferment period, currently May 31, 2020, to repay all outstanding rent.

To qualify, tenants must provide documentation of COVID-19 related impacts.  Tenants that qualify and choose to defer rent payment are still encouraged to pay as much rent as they can to avoid getting too far behind. The following table summarizes the qualifying COVID-19 related impacts under the Eviction Protection Ordinance.

Table: Qualifying COVID-19 Related Impacts

Download Ordinance No. 1693 (Eviction Protection for Residential and Commercial Tenants): ENGLISH

GREATER LOS ANGELES COUNTY VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT (GLACVCD) IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Protecting the health of GLACVCD employees and the community we serve is a top priority. The GLACVCD is committed to helping slow the spread of COVID-19 and is modifying its services and staff schedule in accordance with the CDC and local public health recommendations. At this time, both District offices in Santa Fe Springs and Sylmar are temporarily closed to the public and all residential requests for service are suspended.

Although GLACVCD facilities are closed, they remain committed to protecting public health and will continue to operate mission-critical programs to ensure the threat of mosquito-borne viruses is controlled. Depending on weather conditions, staff will continue to conduct surveillance as well as inspect and treat accessible large and chronic mosquito breeding sources such as gutters, flood control channels, and parks. GLACVCD will also continue to operate outreach and educational programs remotely.

Residents experiencing issues with mosquitoes should visit the GLACVCD website or DIY resource page to learn how they can prevent mosquito breeding on their property.

Download the GLACVCD FAQ Sheet: ENGLISH  

METROLINK RESTORES SERVICE OF TWO VENTURA COUNTY LINE TRAINS BEGINNING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

As traffic on the freeways serving the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County returns to pre-COVID levels, Metrolink is reinstating two morning trains to serve people who live and/or work in this area. Starting Tuesday, September 8, Ventura County Line trains 101 and 110 will return to Metrolink’s schedule to serve stations connecting Los Angeles to Glendale, Burbank, Northridge, Van Nuys, Chatsworth, Simi Valley and Moorpark.

Westbound train 101 will depart Union Station at 6:51 a.m. and arrive in Moorpark at 8:06 a.m., while the eastbound 110 will depart Moorpark at 8:28 a.m., arriving to Union Station at 9:41 a.m. The eastbound service provides the first morning connection from Los Angeles to Ventura County since the pandemic forced temporary service reductions in March.

 “As we restore service, customer needs are a key factor influencing our planning,” said Metrolink Board Chair Brian Humphrey. “A rider brought to our attention there was no service to Ventura County in the morning. I commend our team for being customer-focused and making sure we fulfilled this critical need by offering these additional trains that will serve my home county, as well as the essential businesses of the San Fernando Valley.”

A recent Metrolink customer survey indicated 71 percent of current riders are essential workers employed by the region’s healthcare, transportation and other critical industries. Also, nearly one-third responded they do not have a vehicle and rely on Metrolink service to get to essential jobs. Restoring service along these lines provides a necessary link for the region’s workforce just as studies reveal that traffic is increasing to pre-COVID levels on U.S. Highway 101 and California State Route 118. 

“Our service and schedules are all centered around the needs and safety of our customers,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metrolink CEO. “We are heartened to see our ridership beginning to rebound and will continue to restore service in a measured and strategic fashion based on need, our ability to socially distance and available funding.”

Safety is foundational at Metrolink, so face masks are required aboard Metrolink trains and on station platforms. Metrolink has implemented enhanced deep cleaning protocols including the use of an electrostatic sprayer that mists each train car with hospital grade disinfectants every day, and an expanded Clean Care Crew that cleans, wipes down and disinfects trains throughout the day.

Plus, people can be assured that there’s plenty of space for social distancing by using the online tool How Full is My Train? where riders can check any train’s recent ridership levels. To see all the ways Metrolink is working to keep team members and riders safe, please visit metrolinktrains.com/cleancommute. 

For more information on service and schedules please visit metrolinktrains.com/schedules.

Thank you for your continued support during these unprecedented times. For updates, you may visit the Metrolink website. Another easy way to get to that page on a mobile device is by texting “ML19” to “333777”.  

METROLINK TEMPORARY SERVICE REDUCTION (EFFECTIVE 3/26/20)

Safety is foundational at Metrolink and they have taken numerous steps to guard the safety of passengers, employees, contractors and customers as they continue to adjust to the world around us in response to COVID-19. Metrolink immediately increased cleaning and disinfecting practices onboard trains – including cleaning and wiping down surfaces such as doors, restrooms and passenger areas.

Metrolink understands the unique role they play in providing lifeline transportation services during times of need and have been taking care of the people who take care of people – including their own essential employees and will continue to do so. As communities began issuing Stay at Home orders, ridership has decreased significantly. As of Friday, March 20, Metrolink ridership demand was down 81% compared to the same day a year ago, with 7,139 riders using our system compared to 37,004 on March 20, 2019. In response to this, Metrolink has made the determination that it is time to temporarily reduce service beginning Thursday, March 26, 2020. Rider notification began on March 24, 2020.

This decision was not taken lightly, as Metrolink is proud to provide vital transportation services to essential employees throughout Southern California. Their planned temporary 30% service reduction preserves the peak-hour service where they see the greatest proportion of remaining ridership, while avoiding the possibility of creating crowding situations on trains. Metrolink looked carefully at ridership on every line to ensure they allowed for enough service so riders can spread out and maintain the social distancing guidelines everyone is observing. For instance, the average load factor for the trains that will be annulled is 2.33%.

Thank you for your continued support during these unprecedented times. For updates, you may visit the Metrolink website. Another easy way to get to that page on a mobile device is by texting “ML19” to “333777”.  

PARKING CITATION REDUCTION PROGRAM ENDS AND LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING METER FEES RESUME

On July 6, 2020, the following programs will resume normal operations and hours:

• Residential Street Sweeping Parking Restrictions.
• Local Parking Meter Fees.
• Local Transportation Fees.

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO EXTENDS PARKING CITATION REDUCTION PROGRAM, LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING METER FEES, AND FEE WAIVERS FOR SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT FEES FOR FOOD GIVEAWAY EVENTS

On May 21, 2020, the San Fernando City Council approved an extension of the following:

• Fee Waivers for Late Fees for Water and Sewer Utility Payment.
• Modified Residential Street Sweeping Parking Restrictions.
• Parking Citation Financial Hardship Program.
• Temporary Suspension of Local Transportation and Parking Meter Fees.
• Fee Waivers for Special Event Permit fees for Food Giveaway Events. 

Download COVID-19 Financial Hardship Form (Street Sweeping Parking Citatations): ENGLISH 

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO EXTENDS PARKING CITATION REDUCTION PROGRAM

On April 20, 2020, the San Fernando City Council approved an extension of the program to reduce residential street sweeping parking citations issued between Monday, March 16, 2020 and Friday, May 15, 2020 from $55 to $25.  To qualify for the program, the vehicle owner must demonstrate a COVID-19 related financial hardship, including, but not limited to:

• The registered/legal owner of the vehicle was sick with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or caring for a household or family member who was sick with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19;
• The registered/legal owner of the vehicle experienced a lay-off, loss of hours, or other income reduction resulting from COVID-19, the state of emergency, or other government response; or
• The registered/legal owner of the vehicle needed to miss work to care for a child whose school or daycare was closed in response to COVID-19. 

Only one reduction request per vehicle will be considered.  To submit fine reduction request, the vehicle owner must complete a COVID-19 Financial Hardship Request form and supporting documentation within 60 days of the ticket issuance date.  This form may also be requested by emailing Police@sfcity.org.

MODIFIED RESIDENTIAL STREET SWEEPING PARKING RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN EFFECT

Please be aware that the modified residential street sweeping parking restrictions will remain in effect. To reiterate, although the City is relaxing the 2-hour restriction, residents must move their vehicle until the street sweeper has passed.  After the sweeper has passed along the curb and cleaned the street, residents may move their vehicle and park on the restricted portion of the street. All other parking restrictions, including street sweeping parking restrictions in the commercial corridors, will remain in effect.

The City of San Fernando is working to balance accommodating the needs of residents that are being asked to stay home, with our responsibility of maintaining clean and sanitary public spaces.  Clean and sanitary public spaces, including streets and parks, are especially critical to help curb the spread of COVID19. 

Many solid waste haulers (including Republic Services) are rolling back services to protect their workers and comply with the social distancing directive.  This makes street sweeping even more critical as removing trash, dirt, debris, and standing water from the curb is a crucial component to the City’s sanitation system.  If the City is unable to sweep the streets due to parked vehicles; trash and other potentially contaminated surfaces will congregate and create an unsanitary environment.

A lot of thought when into San Fernando’s decision to prioritize public hygiene by maintaining street sweeping to remove trash, clear storm drains to avoid flooding, and reduce standing water for vector control.  The City’s residential street sweeping policy is not an effort to hurt residents, it is an effort to protect residents by removing unsanitary waste from street curbs.  In times of crisis, it is easy to do what is popular; it is hard to do what is right.  The City’s policy may not be popular, but we feel it is right and in the best interest of protecting public health.

For more information, contact the San Fernando Police Department at (818) 898-1254 or Police@sfcity.org.

Download COVID-19 Financial Hardship Form (Street Sweeping Parking Citatations): ENGLISH 

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO APPROVES PARKING CITATION REDUCTION PROGRAM

On April 6, 2020, the San Fernando City Council approved a program to reduce residential street sweeping parking citations issued between Monday, March 16, 2020 and Monday, April 20, 2020 from $55 to $25.  To qualify for the program, the vehicle owner must demonstrate a COVID-19 related financial hardship, including, but not limited to:

• The registered/legal owner of the vehicle was sick with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or caring for a household or family member who was sick with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19;
• The registered/legal owner of the vehicle experienced a lay-off, loss of hours, or other income reduction resulting from COVID-19, the state of emergency, or other government response; or
• The registered/legal owner of the vehicle needed to miss work to care for a child whose school or daycare was closed in response to COVID-19. 

Only one reduction request per vehicle will be considered.  To submit fine reduction request, the vehicle owner must complete a COVID-19 Financial Hardship Request form and supporting documentation within 60 days of the ticket issuance date.  The Form is available on the City’s website (WWW.SFCITY.ORG) and can be requested by emailing Police@sfcity.org.

MODIFIED RESIDENTIAL STREET SWEEPING PARKING RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN EFFECT

Please be aware that the modified residential street sweeping parking restrictions will remain in effect. To reiterate, although the City is relaxing the 2-hour restriction, residents must move their vehicle until the street sweeper has passed.  After the sweeper has passed along the curb and cleaned the street, residents may move their vehicle and park on the restricted portion of the street. All other parking restrictions, including street sweeping parking restrictions in the commercial corridors, will remain in effect.

The City of San Fernando is working to balance accommodating the needs of residents that are being asked to stay home, with our responsibility of maintaining clean and sanitary public spaces.  Clean and sanitary public spaces, including streets and parks, are especially critical to help curb the spread of COVID19. 

Many solid waste haulers (including Republic Services) are rolling back services to protect their workers and comply with the social distancing directive.  This makes street sweeping even more critical as removing trash, dirt, debris, and standing water from the curb is a crucial component to the City’s sanitation system.  If the City is unable to sweep the streets due to parked vehicles; trash and other potentially contaminated surfaces will congregate and create an unsanitary environment.

A lot of thought when into San Fernando’s decision to prioritize public hygiene by maintaining street sweeping to remove trash, clear storm drains to avoid flooding, and reduce standing water for vector control.  The City’s residential street sweeping policy is not an effort to hurt residents, it is an effort to protect residents by removing unsanitary waste from street curbs.  In times of crisis, it is easy to do what is popular; it is hard to do what is right.  The City’s policy may not be popular, but we feel it is right and in the best interest of protecting public health.

For more information, contact the San Fernando Police Department at (818) 898-1254 or Police@sfcity.org.

Download COVID-19 Financial Hardship Form (Street Sweeping Parking Citatations): ENGLISH

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING METER FEES TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY

Due to the evolving efforts to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus, including the “Stay at Home” order issued by the state of California and the “Safer at Home” order issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the City of San Fernando will take additional actions to support critical functions in the community.  Effective Monday, March 23, 2020:

• Ridership on the Mission City Transit Line (Trolley) will be limited to fifty-percent (50%) of occupancy to support social distancing for passengers.
• The Mission City Transit and Dial-a-Ride programs will be free of charge until further notice.
• On-street parking meter fees are suspended until further notice. Time restrictions at on-street parking meters will remain in effect to encourage convenient drive-up and curbside pickup at commercial locations. 

The relaxed residential street sweeping restrictions that went into effect on March 19, 2020 remain in effect.  As a reminder, the 2-hour street sweeping parking restriction in the residential areas have been relaxed to allow street parking as soon as the street sweeper has gone through the area.

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO ANNOUNCES SLIGHT CHANGES TO RESIDENTIAL STREET SWEEPING PARKING RESTRICTIONS

Street sweeping in residential and commercial areas is a critical component for maintaining public hygiene, removing trash, keeping the City’s storm drains clear of debris to avoid flooding, and reducing standing water.  During this state of emergency, where public hygiene and cleanliness is of paramount importance, the City must continue to maintain regularly scheduled street sweeping services to protect public health. 

However, the City recognizes that the closure of schools, businesses, and the statewide directive to practice social distancing has resulted in more vehicles in our residential neighborhoods than usual.  Therefore, effective Thursday, March 19, 2020, the City will relax the current 2-hour street sweeping parking restriction in the residential areas to allow street parking as soon as the street sweeper has gone through the area.  Vehicles parked in a restricted area that block the street sweeper’s ability to clean a particular area will continue to be subject to a fine.  

To reiterate, residents may move their vehicle and park on the restricted portion of the street after the sweeper has passed along the curb and cleaned the street. Please be sure the sweeper has cleaned the street before parking in the restricted parking zone.  All other parking restrictions, including street sweeping parking restrictions in the commercial corridors, will remain in effect.  

PARKING RESTRICTIONS

Currently, the City of San Fernando has not relaxed any parking restrictions; however, the policy is being reviewed and more information will be available in the coming days. 

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO’S LOCAL EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM 

Alert San Fernando uses both text and voice messages to keep residents informed about emergencies and important issues like:

• Road Closures
• Severe Weather
• Utility Failures
• Power Outages
• Traffic Alerts
• Missing Persons
• And Much More!    

   

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION | CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM REPUBLIC SERVICES ABOUT RECYCLING AND WASTE SERVICE

Republic Services is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation to make sure they’re doing the right thing for the health and safety of their employees, customers, and the communities they serve. Their number one priority is safety, and that is at the forefront of every decision they make.

Republic Services provide an essential service to the country, and like the police and fire departments, it’s their duty to help protect and serve the public, especially in times like these. While they are working hard to ensure the highest quality customer service and minimal service disruption, the recent surge in residential waste and unique challenges they face requires them to temporarily modify their service offerings to keep your community and Republic Services employees safe.

Beginning Monday, March 30, 2020, and until further notice, Republic Services will be operating under the following guidelines:

• Only cart contents will be accepted. Drivers will not be authorized to leave their vehicle to pick- up waste outside of the cart.
• Bulk and e-waste programs will be suspended temporarily.
• Curbside recycling and yard waste collection services will remain in place. No other services will be impacted. However, they may need to use alternative disposal methods if there are disruptions to recycling processing capabilities or if recycling contamination increases. It’s important to keep waste out of your recycling container. 

The Republic Services team remains committed to you throughout this crisis and appreciates your business and wish you all the best during this difficult time. For updates, please visit RepublicServices.com. 

Download Republic Services Notice: ENGLISH  

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO PARKS CLOSED ON INDEPENDENCE DAY(7/4/20)

The City of San Fernando hopes you and your loved ones are well and that you are coping with the challenges of your daily life in the fight to control the coronavirus (COVID-19).  Parks are an important aspect of the health and joy for the San Fernando community and play a vital role in how San Fernando residents manage the changes to the way we all live, work and play.  

The Recreation and Community Services Department continues to assess daily operations and implement precautionary measures in response to COVID-19 with the foremost being the health and safety of our residents. As directed by Los Angeles County’s “Safer at Home” Order and guidance from State and local officials, the Department wants to remind all park guests that 6 feet of physical distancing is required, and group gatherings are prohibited at all San Fernando Parks sites.

The Department will close all local community parks within the City to the public on Saturday, July 4, 2020, in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This was a difficult decision knowing Independence Day is a day of celebration for many park guests and that parks are a traditional gathering place for family. However, the anticipated high volume of visitors would make it impossible for the public to implement safe physical distancing practices or prevent group gathering.

The park amenities at Recreation Park, Las Palmas Park, Pioneer Park, and Layne Park that will be closed on Saturday, July 4, 2020, include:

• All multi-use fields and ball diamonds.
• All picnic shelters and grills.
• All outdoor basketball and tennis courts.
• All playground areas and fitness equipment.
• All restrooms will be closed for Easter.
• Park buildings & indoor facilities remain closed to the public, including indoor gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms, banquet rooms, and classrooms indefinitely.
• Rudy Ortega Sr. Park and 8^th Street Park remain closed to the public indefinitely. 

Thank you for your support and understanding as we adapt to this fluid situation. These extraordinary efforts will help with the City, County and global effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact (818) 898-1290 or Recreation@sfcity.org.

Download Notice of City of San Fernando Park Closure on Independence Day (6/30/20): ENGLISH | SPANISH  

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO PARKS CLOSED ON EASTER SUNDAY (4/12/20)

The City of San Fernando hopes you and your loved ones are well and that you are coping with the challenges of your daily life in the fight to control the coronavirus (COVID-19).  Parks are an important aspect of the health and joy for the San Fernando community and play a vital role in how San Fernando residents manage the changes to the way we all live, work and play.  

The Recreation and Community Services Department continues to assess daily operations and implement precautionary measures in response to COVID-19 with the foremost being the health and safety of our residents. As directed by Los Angeles County’s “Safer at Home” Order and guidance from State and local officials, the Department wants to remind all park guests that 6 feet of physical distancing is required, and group gatherings are prohibited at all San Fernando Parks sites.

The Department will close all local community parks within the City to the public on Sunday, April 12, 2020, in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This was a difficult decision knowing Easter is a day of celebration for many park guests and that parks are a traditional gathering place for family. However, the anticipated high volume of visitors would make it impossible for the public to implement safe physical distancing practices or prevent group gathering.

The park amenities at Recreation Park, Las Palmas Park, Pioneer Park, and Layne Park that will be closed on Easter, Sunday, April 12, include:

• All multi-use fields and ball diamonds.
• All picnic shelters and grills.
• All outdoor basketball and tennis courts.
• All playground areas and fitness equipment.
• All restrooms will be closed for Easter.
• Park buildings & indoor facilities remain closed to the public, including indoor gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms, banquet rooms, and classrooms indefinitely.
• Rudy Ortega Sr. Park and 8^th Street Park remain closed to the public indefinitely. 

Thank you for your support and understanding as we adapt to this fluid situation. These extraordinary efforts will help with the City, County and global effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact (818) 898-1290 or Recreation@sfcity.org.

Download Notice of City of San Fernando Park Closure on Easter Sunday (4/12/20): ENGLISH | SPANISH  

UPDATE FROM LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION ON CLOSURES FOR EASTER (SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2020) IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

In Los Angeles County and beyond, we are all adjusting to the changes to our daily lives as we collectively fight to “flatten the curve” of the coronavirus (COVID-19). We know that many of these changes have caused disruption in the way we live, work, and play. We also know that parks are vital to the health and joy of our communities in Los Angeles County, and we believe that parks remain a haven, especially during this difficult time.

With the top priority being the health and safety of our park guests, team members, and community, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) continues to assess daily operations and implement precautionary measures in response to COVID-19.

As directed by the County’s “Safer at Home” Order and guidance from State and local officials, we want to remind all park guests that 6 feet of physical distancing is required, and group gatherings are prohibited at all LA County Parks locations.

LA County Parks will close all botanic gardens, lakes, and local, community and regional parks to the public on Sunday, April 12, in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This was a difficult decision as we know Easter is day of celebration for many park guests and fun tradition for LA County Parks. However, the anticipated high volume of visitors would make it impossible for the public to implement safe physical distancing practices or prevent group gathering.

All LA County Parks and Recreation facilities and open space locations are closed on Easter, Sunday, April 12, including:

• All multi-use trails closed until further notice. For a complete list, please see https://trails.lacounty.gov/TrailsList.
• All play and sports amenities closed until further notice. This includes but is not limited to playgrounds, fitness equipment areas, basketball courts, skate parks, baseball/soccer/multi-use fields, tennis courts/pickleball, volleyball, and lawn bowling.
• LA County golf courses are closed until further notice.
• All restrooms are closed for Easter.
• All Botanic gardens are closed for Easter.
• Park buildings & indoor facilities are closed to the public, including indoor gymnasiums, computer labs, multi-purpose rooms, classrooms, aquatics centers/pools, indoor golf facilities & nature centers. 

We appreciate your support and understanding as we adapt to this fluid situation. We know that you rely on our programs as consistent and crucial resources. We hope these extraordinary efforts will help with the County and global effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

We are working closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) to ensure that our Parks community receives credible information and guidance during this challenging time. We encourage you to visit the Public Health website for information and guidance, available in multiple languages, on COVID-19: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact (626) 588-5364 or info@parks.lacounty.gov.

THE CITY OF SAN FERNANDO SUSPENDS SENIOR, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Effective immediately, the City of San Fernando is suspending senior, recreation, and community programs as a precautionary measure to protect residents, especially the more vulnerable senior population, from further spread of COVID-19, commonly known as novel coronavirus.

The programs below are suspended at least through April 3, 2020:

• Neighborhood and Business Watch meetings.
• Tree planting events on March 14, 2020 and March 28, 2020.
• All adult and youth sports, including soccer, basketball, softball, and baseball (games may be rescheduled to the end of the season).
• Open gym.
• National Junior Tennis Program Tennis.
• Senior club dances (refunds available) and general membership meetings.
• Facility rentals (refunds available).
• All other fitness, exercise, art, cultural art, and youth programs.

Please call (818) 898-1290 check the availability or status of any City facility or program.

The decision to suspend these programs comes in response to a health advisory issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) earlier this week recommending organizations across the state consider cancelling all non-essential large gatherings of more than 250 people, smaller gatherings that do not allow social distancing of six feet per person, and gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness, such as seniors and those with pre-existing health conditions.

According to the CDPH, “the timely implementation of aggressive strategies that create social distance and reduce close contact of people not regularly together, including limiting gatherings, has proven effective in prior pandemics at delaying rates of transmission and reducing illness and death.”

The City encourages residents to take the following steps to keep themselves and their family healthy:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (but handwashing is better).
• When coughing/sneezing, cover your mouth with your sleeve or a tissue and throw the tissue away immediately.
• Clean doorknobs and frequently touched surfaces.
• Practice social distancing (masks are limited value unless you are sick or a health worker). Limit close contact and avoid other social norms, such as shaking hands, hugs and other close contact in the foreseeable future. Elbow bumps are a good alternative.
• Have provisions that will last a few days (water, food, essential hygiene supplies, etc.).
• Get immunized against the flu. This will relieve what could be a highly impacted healthcare system.
• Stay home when you’re sick. Don’t wait until you are VERY sick. 

CLEAN POWER ALLIANCES DEDICATES $1 MILLION IN COVID-19 RELATED CUSTOMER RELIEF

Impacted residential and small business customers who sign up for financial assistance and payment plans will get automatic bill credits.

Clean Power Alliance is here to help our customers during COVID-19. We understand choosing between rent, bills, and groceries or payroll is a situation no family or small business should have to face, especially during a crisis. We believe our customers deserve reliable and affordable electricity with manageable payments. That’s why Clean Power Alliance created a $1 million COVID-19 Relief Program that provides bill assistance to impacted residential and small business customers who sign up for financial assistance through Southern California Edison (SCE). Applicable to customers who enroll in CARE, FERA, or Medical Baseline, or who call SCE at (800) 655-4555 to get on a payment plan. Please visit cleanpoweralliance.org/covid19 to find out if you are eligible for $25 to $50 electricity bill credits, available on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted.

Customers not eligible for Clean Power Alliance’s COVID-19 Relief Program, please visit sce.com/safety/coronavirus for other resources. Together, we’re committed to supporting our communities most in need and doing our part during this difficult time.

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION

• CPA Press Release on COVID-19 Relief Program: See attached, and available at: org/news
• CPA Factsheet on CARE/FERA/Medical Baseline Programs: See attached, and available at: org/customer-support/financial-assistance

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON (SCE) UPDATE & ASSISTANCE 

• SCE has suspended all service disconnections for nonpayment, and are waiving late fees for residential and business customers that have been financially impacted by the pandemic.
• SCE will continue to perform emergency work and critical wildfire prevention work and continue to keep the lights on, and has temporarily postponed all noncritical outages. 

DISCOUNTED RATE INFORMATION

To get information on discounted rate programs, payment assistance and extensions as well as budget plans and budget assistance you can visit sce.com/customer-service or call 1-800-950-2356.  

MEDICAL BASELINE CUSTOMER 

If you are a medical baseline customer which means you depend on electrically powered medical equipment you may qualify for additional discounts. Please call 1-800-447-6620.

CALIFORNIA ALTERNATE RATES FOR ENERGY (CARE)

The CARE program provides a discount of about 30% on monthly electric bills for eligible customers. Households of two would be eligible if the household income is below $32,920 per year. For more information: www.sce.com/care.  

FAMILY ELECTRIC RATE ASSISTANCE (FERA)

FERA provides a reduced monthly discount of 18% for income-qualified households of three or more if the household income is below $51,950 per year. For more information: www.sce.com/fera. 

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION WITH SCE

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these resources and tools and to update contact information with SCE so that you may receive notices of planned outages and any emergency work that may impact your service. You can provide your updated contact information by calling 1-800-655-4555.

INCREASED UTILITY USAGE & BILL ASSISTANCE

With most Californians staying at home in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, residential energy use has increased by 15 to 20% (for electric) and 5 to 50% (for gas) and utility bills will go up. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is working to help consumers manage their energy bills and usage.

Customers who have lost their income should call their utility today to receive a 20 to 35% discount on their bills through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and/or the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program: www.cpuc.ca.gov/General.aspx?id=976. The CPUC has a similar program for telecommunication customers, California LifeLine: www.cpuc.ca.gov/lifeline.

Additionally, CPUC has worked with utilities to provide the Climate Credit in April, which will help off-set higher bills.The Climate Credit is from a state program that requires electricity providers, natural gas providers, and other large industries that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution permits.  The credit is the utilities’ customer’s share of the payments from the program.

CPUC is working on additional actions to help reduce the impacts of increased residential demand on energy bills during the summer months including the possibility of additional bill credits and changes to the overall rate structures.

Finally, there are also simple, no-cost energy behaviors that can help save Californians energy and money during this difficult time:

• On cooler days, set thermostats to 68 or lower during the day/62 at night
• Unplug unused devices and/or turn off power strips
• Open blinds/curtains on sunny days to avoid using too many lights
• Wait to use dishwasher when it’s full 

Turn down screen brightness and use eco-mode features on work from home and entertainment devices.

As families start to plan for the holiday season it is important to consider how to celebrate safely in order to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Planning early and identifying safe alternatives to some of the more traditional but risky methods of celebration will be key. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health would like to share information on how to take part in the holiday season in a manner that reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19. Since some of the traditional ways in which holidays are celebrated are not permitted this year, consider some safer alternatives that are listed below.

Not Permitted (gatherings and events are not currently allowed under the Health Officer Order)

• Private and public gatherings with individuals not in your household are prohibited with the sole exceptions of permitted religious or cultural services and ceremonies and protests.
• Carnivals, amusement parks or festivals.
• Santa/holiday displays or photo opportunities except when conducted outdoors with all participants wearing face coverings and maintaining a 6-foot physical distance. 

Not Recommended

• Door to door activities, such as caroling, are not recommended because it can be very difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors and ensure that everyone answering or coming to the door is appropriately masked to prevent disease spread.
• Permitted and Recommended
• Online parties/contests (e.g. Thanksgiving meal, tree trimming).
• Car parades that comply with public health guidance for vehicle-based parades including:

  • Drive by events or contests where individuals dress up or decorate their vehicles and drive by “judges” that are appropriately physically distanced.
  • Drive through events where individuals remain in their vehicles and drive through an area with holiday displays.
  • Drive in events where individuals can receive a treat bag (limited to commercially packaged non-perishable treats) or take away item from an organizer while the participants remain in their vehicle.
  • Drive in events where individuals drop off or pick up toys or other donations.
• Holiday movie nights at drive-in theaters (must comply with the public health drive-in movie theater guidance).
• Live Performances or Concerts done at Drive-in theaters (must comply with the public health drive-in movie theater protocol).
• Holiday themed meals at outdoor restaurants (must comply with the restaurant protocol).
• Holiday themed art installations at an outdoor museum (must comply with the public health museum protocol).
• Dressing up homes and yards with holiday themed decorations.
• Outdoor Santa/Holiday displays or photo opportunities with all participants wearing face coverings and maintaining a 6-foot physical distance.
• Buy and decorate a Christmas tree (tree lots must comply with the public health retail establishment protocol and may not have amusement park or carnival type activities such as rides, face painting, petting zoos, food service, bounce houses or visits with Santa that are closer than six feet.) 

Travel
Rethink your plans! Since the holiday season is often a busy travel time, you might have been thinking of traveling to visit friends and family. Travel increases your chances of getting infected and spreading COVID-19, so staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick. The state of California has issued a travel advisory recommending that all non-essential travel be cancelled, including travel for vacation, tourism, or recreation. The state advisory also recommends that anyone entering or returning to California from other states or countries should self-quarantine at home for 14 days after travel.

Before you travel, you are urged to consider the following:

• Is COVID-19 spreading at your destination?

  • The more cases at your destination, the more likely you are to get infected during travel and spread the virus to others when you return.
  • The following CDC sites can help you to assess the risk of travel both locally and internationally:

    • CDC COVID Data tracker
    • CDC Travel Recommendation by Destination
• Are you or is someone you live with at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19?

  • Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19, but older adults and people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness if they become infected with COVID-19.
• Does your destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers?

  • Some destinations have requirements, such as requiring people to test prior to travel or to quarantine upon arrival. Check state, territorial, tribal and local public health websites for information before you travel. If you are traveling internationally, check the destination’s Office of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Health or the US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Country Information page for details about entry requirements and restrictions for arriving travelers.
• Do not travel if you are sick, or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
• If you must travel, protect yourself and others by following the steps below in “Personal Protection Measures” and the tips for preparing for travel on the CDC Travel webpage.
• When returning after non-essential travel to another state or country you are asked to self-quarantine at home for 14 days and limit contact to only those in your household. 

Personal Protection Measures:
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate the holidays it is important to keep the following in mind:

• Correctly wear a cloth face covering to prevent disease spread when outside your home and around others that are not part of your household.
• Avoid confined spaces – Actively stay away from indoor and outdoor spaces that don’t allow for easy distancing of at least 6ft between you and others.
• Avoid close contact – Stay at least 6 feet away (3 or more adult steps) from all other people who are not part of your own household, especially while talking, eating, drinking, and singing.
• Remain outdoors as much as possible when socializing with people not in your household.
• Wash or sanitize your hands often.
• Clean frequently touched items regularly.
• If you are sick, or you have been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19 stay home, away from others, and get tested.
• Get your flu immunization. Flu will be circulating at the same time as COVID-19 and it is important to protect yourself and those around you from becoming ill with flu. For information on where to get vaccinated for free or low cost, call 211 or visit ph.lacounty.gov/media/ FluSeason. 

Know where to get reliable information
Beware of scams, false news and hoaxes surrounding novel coronavirus. Accurate information, including announcements of new cases in LA County, will always be distributed by Public Health through press releases, social media, and our website. The website has more information on COVID-19 including FAQs, infographics and a guide to coping with stress, as well as tips on handwashing.

• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH, County)

  • http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/
  • Social media: @lapublichealth 

Other reliable sources of information about novel coronavirus are:

• California Department of Public Health (CDPH, State)

  • https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, National)

  • http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019.html

If you have questions and would like to speak to someone call the Los Angeles County Information line 2-1-1 which is available 24 hours a day.

Download LA County Department of Public Health Holiday Guidance (11/30/20): ENGLISH

In this time of alarming rises in cases and hospitalizations, it is more important than ever that all Californians do their part to stop the surge. Starting Thursday, December 10, Californians can opt-in to CA Notify to receive COVID-19 notifications informing them if they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus. 

CA notify will alert users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. With that information, they can make responsible decisions around quarantine and testing, which is essential for stopping the surge. 

The technology is available through the Google Play store on Android devices or through iOS settings on Apple devices. For more information about CA Notify, visit canotify.ca.gov

Download a list of Los Angeles County resources and services available to support residents during the Coronavirus pandemic: ENGLISH

LA, we’re all going through the current crisis together. To help you weather this storm, Headspace and the LA County Department of Mental Health have partnered to provide support and resources during this challenging time.

Sign up to access meditations, as well as sleep and movement exercises, designed to help you care for your mind — all free through 2020. You can also scroll through to explore a special collection curated for LA. Because when we take care of ourselves, everyone shines.

Headspace mindfulness and meditation exercises are meant to be a source of strength and comfort. If you or someone you know is having difficulty coping with the added stress, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health can provide additional support at any time.

The HOPE Series supports the resilience of our global community through social emotional arts during this unprecedented time. UCLArts Program enhances the innate social emotional benefits of the arts with supportive practices, such as non-judgmental language and reflection, for self-discovery, connection, and empowerment. 

CLICK HERE to visit the HOPE Series website.

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) supports the wellbeing of our County family, friends and colleagues. News and updates about COVID-19 may trigger anxiety, panic, frustration and depression—even when your risk of getting sick is low. During an infectious disease outbreak, please take the time to care for your own physical and mental health, and please reach out to others in kindness and compassion.

For additional information, please visit: dmh.lacounty.gov/COVID-19-information

DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH GUIDE TO WELLBEING APPS

The apps listed here, for your consideration, are a quick guide of resources available to promote wellbeing in simple daily activities. You may find these apps to be useful for exercise, nutrition, education, emotional health, relaxation and practicing mindfulness. We’ve made things simple so you don’t have to sort through 100s of available apps to improve your wellbeing. These are an initial set of apps based on input received from the community. 

For additional information, please visit: dmh.lacounty.gov  

Download Guide to Wellbeing Apps: ENGLISH  

Download a list of county, state, and federal resources and services available to support residents during the coronavirus pandemic: ENGLISH

211 LA County is a team of devoted community resource experts committed to providing LA County residents with accurate, timely, and trusted information on the COVID-19 health crisis. Before making that 211 call, we want to help you save time with this quick guide on the Do’s and Don’ts of 211 LA County:

211 can help with…

• Information on COVID-19: symptoms, spread, disinfecting
• Questions about the “Safer At Home” Health Order
• Guidance for Employers, Businesses, Workers, Medical Professionals, and
  Service Provider
• Referrals to sign up for health insurance or find a clinic if you don’t already have a
  medical provider
• Referrals to food pantries, food distribution sites/programs, or CalFresh food benefits if you are struggling financially to purchase food
• Shelter referrals, motel vouchers for homeless families only, and eviction
  moratorium inform
• Information on County services
• Referrals to health, human, and social services and supports – please note service
  hours and delivery is changing
• Reporting an act of hate or bullying motivated by country of origin, race, religion,
  gender, sexual orientation

211 cannot help with…

• Requesting a COVID-19 test or testing kit
• Requesting an exemption from the Safer at Home Health Order
• Requesting or ordering masks, sanitation supplies or medical supplies, or accepting donations of these supplies
• Screening/testing for COVID-19 symptoms or admission to a clinic, hospital, or
  quarantine center (contact your doctor, medical or clinic provider)
• Locations to purchase groceries or meals (grocery stores are restocking, and many
  restaurants are open for pick up or delivery)
• Booking hotel rooms at the Fairplex or any other hotel/quarantine housing
  locations
• Direct connection to County officials or Department of Public Health
• Lists of services and providers 
• Filing a police report, or reporting a dispute or crime not motivated by discrimination of a protected class 

Of course, you can also visit 211la.org to learn more about how 211 LA County can help.

If you’ve thought about adopting or fostering a pet during the COVID-19 crisis, now may be a good time to give it a try. In case you missed it, LA County’s Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) announced, last week, that adoption fees at all seven animal care centers across the County are being waived in an effort to place animals in homes.

Fee waived adoptions are made possible thanks to an $80,000 grant awarded by the Petco Foundation to support life-saving efforts for LA County animals. This investment will also allow DACC to undertake other lifesaving measures including:

• purchasing necessary medical equipment; and
• partnering with veterinary partners to provide pets in DACC care extensive medical treatment beyond the regular capacity of DACC’s medical program. 

If you wish to adopt, you must first make an appointment to visit your local care center. To find your local care center, click here.

For more information on fostering a pet, volunteering from home or to make a donation, visit www.animalcare.lacounty.gov.  

TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR PET

Protect the four-legged members of your family. To keep your pet safe and protected during any emergency, the Department of Animal Care and Control suggests:

• Always have your pet wear license and identification tags.
• Make sure you have at least two weeks worth of all your pet’s supplies, including food, treats, and medication.
• Identify at least two trusted people who can care for your pet, if you cannot. 

Keep information about your pet’s needs and your emergency contacts in an easily accessible place.

CARES ACT FUNDING FOR CHILD CARE VOUCHERS

On July 21, 2020, LA County approved $15 million of CARES Act funding for child care vouchers to serve essential workers and low-income families.  This funding will provide 5,000 low-income families and essential workers with child care through December 30, 2020.  The LA County Department of Public Health’s Office for the Advancement of Early Care and Education, in partnership with the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles, is leading this effort.

HOW CAN PARENTS APPLY?

• Families seeking child care may apply for a voucher by completing an online application found at www.ccala.net.  For further assistance, you may call (888) 92-CHILD or (888) 922-4453.
• After the family completes the online application, it is automatically routed to a local partner agency for processing. This will be the local Resource and Referral/Alternative Payment agency who will assist families with the child care voucher application process and their child care options. 
• Once approved, families will be able to use the voucher with any licensed child care program or Trustline approved license exempt provider (Family, Friend or Neighbor) in LA County. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Eligible families must be either essential workers or low-income working families.  Families who are eligible include:

• Essential workers or low-income working families (essential worker includes: parents/guardians working in essential services such as, the health care industry, emergency services, food and agriculture, and other businesses currently open as per the Governor’s most recent guidelines)
• Must live in Los Angeles County
• Need child care to perform their essential work
• Is not able to work remotely
• Meet certain income eligibility
• If the family includes a two-parent household, both parents must either be essential workers or the other parent must be unable to provide care for the child due to incapacitation 

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to children.  For additional information about this program, please call (888) 92-CHILD or (888) 922-4453.

If you test positive for COVID-19, your children will NOT be removed from your home. 

LA County’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is committed to working closely with county partners and allies in the child welfare community to ensure the safety of children during this pandemic and beyond. Moreover, the department and its community partners want to dispel misconceptions and make certain that Los Angeles County residents have the most current information. 

To address this and other concerns, DCFS has been actively engaged in a robust public information campaign. Most recently, the department issued a public service announcement that calls on residents to make an investment into the welfare of families in our communities by reporting neglect or abuse. For more information on this endeavor, please keep reading…

In some communities, for example, residents mistakenly believe that if parents or guardians are COVID-positive DCFS will remove children from their care, which is incorrect. COVID status does not put your kids in peril. DCFS is only focused on reports of abuse and neglect. 

CHILD PROTECTION: OUR CALL FOR HELP

The County of Los Angeles is asking county residents to be observant friends, neighbors or relatives – to ensure children in LA County remain in safe and healthy environments during the COVID-19 health crisis. With increasing pressures deriving from school closures, limited childcare options, rising unemployment rates and fewer social connections, LA County’s most vulnerable families are feeling unprecedented stress.

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) recently announced the Child Protection Hotline has seen a 50% decline in the number of calls received. Prior to COVID-19, it received approximately 1,000 reports on an average day.

Without calls from observant teachers, childcare or medical providers, LA County social workers are unable to initiate contact and investigate suspected neglect or abuse. That is why we urge county residents to be attentive and watchful. 

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please call LA County’s Child Protection Hotline at 1-800-540-4000. 

To learn more about DCFS efforts to keep children and families safe during COVID-19, visit them online or follow them via Facebook or Twitter.

You can also view a video in Spanish, here. 

The consequencs of the COVID-19 pandemic has created the conditions that allow for child abuse to go undetected. Educators are the primary source of reports (20 percent) to child protective services nationwide. However, teachers, guidance counselors, and day care providers who usually serve as lifelines for vulnerable children are no longer in a daily position to witness and report suspected abuse. There are ways everyone can do their part to protect children:

• People who are concerned about a particular family can help by doing small things to ease the stress that comes with this time. Whether in the form of food, toilet paper, coloring books or just an empathetic ear, these acts of support while keeping social distancing can make a difference and ease parents’ stress. 
• Make use of technology for virtual check-ins. Look for signs of distress and be a supportive presence.
• Form parent groups to conduct remote learning for children under 5, because those younger children are at highest risk for abuse.
• How to report child abuse in LA County: The LA County Office of Child Protection is a policy-making body and does not handle any direct cases. All inquiries or reporting of specific cases should be made to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To report child abuse in LA County, CA, please contact the Child Protection Hotline at 1-800-540-4000 or visit the DCFS website. 
• If you have an immediate emergency, call 911 or your local police department; otherwise, call DFCS Child Protective Services to report child abuse and/or neglect. 

For parents and caregivers: Find the Community-Based Organization offering preventive and support services in your Service Planning Area to call them directly, or call your Regional Office to get connected. You can also call (213) 336-2854 to speak to DCFS Preventive and Support Services staff.

On the heels of the announcement that students will remain out of school for the remainder of the academic year due to the current public health crisis, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is calling on residents to help ensure that children remain safe. 

During this unprecedented time, families may experience higher levels of stress and uncertainty and the department is asking that community members be observant of children who may be experiencing neglect or abuse.

DCFS Director Bobby D. Cagle said that with children out of the line of sight of mandated reporters, such as teachers and medical personnel, the concern for child safety has significantly increased.

“Social workers rely heavily on mandated reporters to initiate contact with our department in order for us to protect children,” Director Cagle said. “With this safeguard now gone, I am calling on Los Angeles County residents to be the voice for children who may be experiencing physical abuse, severe food insecurity or other forms of neglect.”   

April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an observance that strives to bring awareness of tools and resources available to families in need of support. The most common type of maltreatment is neglect. Federal statistics reveal that in 2019 an estimated 678,000 children were found to be victims of child abuse or neglect nationwide and, the year before, 4.3 million reports were made involving some 7.8 million children.

For those who work with families at risk of becoming involved with the child welfare system, the goal is to help foster healthy relationships by imparting coping strategies to navigate difficult circumstances that can lead to neglect or abuse.

This objective, dovetails with DCFS’ prevention and aftercare services.  During the 2019-2020 fiscal year, DCFS invested nearly $20 million in services including provision of basic goods, parenting education, financial literacy and peer support groups.  These services are available regardless of age, immigration or insurance status, for as long as needed.

Recognizing that family dynamics may be challenging even on the best of days, Director Cagle stressed the need for child abuse prevention awareness and community involvement now more than ever.

“This situation is sure to test the limits of even the most patient individuals,” he said. “But I want to emphasize that there are services available in the community to help.  If you or someone you know is in need of extra support during this time of heightened uncertainty, please contact DCFS to find out what services are available in your area.”

To learn more about child abuse prevention month and how you can help, please visit: childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/about/.

The DCFS Child Protection Hotline may be reached at 800-540-4000 or covid19info@dcfs.lacounty.gov. 

Emergency cooling centers in LA County are scheduled to open Wednesday and Thursday, May 6-7, 2020, from 12 pm to 6 pm, in an effort to provide county residents with much needed relief during this week’s hot weather. Cooling centers will be available for vulnerable residents who do not live in air-conditioned homes or may need relief from the heat.

WHAT TO KNOW

• Emergency cooling centers are intended for people who urgently need relief from the heat – and are free of charge.
• All visitors should bring with them and wear a face covering at all times.
• Centers will open tomorrow, May 6 and Thursday, May 7 (12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) 

WHERE TO GO

• El Cariso Community Regional Park (13100 Hubbard St., Sylmar)
• Buena Vista Branch Library (300 North Buena Vista St., Burbank)
• Jackie Robinson Park (8773 East Avenue R, Sun Village)
• Loma Alta Park (3330 Lincoln Ave., Altadena)
• Mary M. Bethune Park (1244 East 61st St., Los Angeles)
• Ruben F. Salazar Park (3864 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles)
• South Whittier Library (11543 Colima Rd., Whittier)
• Valleydale Park (5525 North Lake Ellen Ave., Azusa) 

WHAT IS A COOLING CENTER?

Cooling centers are places in a community where you can cool down during hot weather, especially if you do not have access to air conditioning. Cooling centers include indoor air-conditioned government owned facilities such as libraries, community and senior centers.

IS IT SAFE TO GO TO COOLING CENTERS?

The health and safety of staff and visitors at cooling centers is our number one priority. We’ve developed modifications to assure that centers can be safely operated during times of high heat and which comply with Health Officer orders and requirements for physical distancing. 

WHY IS SPENDING TIME IN AIR-CONDITIONED PLACES IMPORTANT?

During hot weather, particularly during multiple days of constant heat and high overnight temperatures, spending at least a few hours in air conditioning each day can help reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Air conditioning is especially important if you are older, have very young children, or have certain health conditions.

WHAT OTHER STEPS SHOULD I TAKE TO COOL OFF DURING EXTREME HEAT?

If you cannot get to a Cooling Center, try closing window shades and curtains, drinking plenty of water or nonalcoholic and caffeine-free liquids, taking a cool shower or bath, limiting strenuous activities, and trying to avoid using a stove or oven.

For additional information, including a map of Emergency Cooling Centers click here.

To obtain assistance over the phone with locating the nearest Emergency Cooling Center, dial 2-1-1. Multilingual staff is ready to assist. 

For more information and advice, visit LA County’s Department of Public Health (DPH) Stay Healthy in the Heat web page.

New dashboards added! LA County’s newest GIS tools and dashboards – compiled by LA County’s Department’s of Public Health, Health Services, Parks and Recreation, the Office of Education, and the Office of Emergency Management – map the response to COVID-19 in LA County.

They include:

• Information on COVID-19 testing, cases & deaths
• Maps and graphs showing testing
• Cases and death data by community, poverty level, age, sex and race/ethnicity
• Drive-Up mobile testing sites
• Los Angeles County school closures and school district closures
• Food Resources Hub
• City/County Elder Nutrition Program sites
• Local emergency proclamations for Los Angeles County
• Sites providing meals to students during temporary school closures, and
• Parks, Beaches, and Trails Closures and Ongoing Programs 

Visit LA County’s website at covid19.lacounty.gov to learn more.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY LAUNCHES NEW INTERACTIVE DIGITAL DASHBOARDS, CONNECTING RESIDENTS TO LATEST UPDATES ON COVID-19 IMPACTS

Los Angeles County launched several new digital tools today to help residents access up-to-date information about the COVID-19 pandemic. A suite of new interactive maps and dashboards are now live on the County website, providing—in one place—a digital hub for updates about virus case counts, emergency proclamations, and information regarding openings and closures for parks, recreation sites, and schools throughout Los Angeles County. 

The new dashboards track, analyze, and display multiple data sources. They are the result of collaboration between the County’s Department of Public Health, Health Services, Parks and Recreation, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, and the Office of Emergency Management. Though the focus is local, the new interactive sites also incorporate global data from Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 tracking map.

“These maps and dashboards are the latest step we have taken to keep the people of Los Angeles County informed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and connected to County services,” stated Kevin McGowan, Director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management. “The amount of information about the virus online can be overwhelming, and the data and updates change minute-to-minute. Our COVID-19 website, and its features including these new interactive tools, are a centralized source of trusted information.” 

Four new dashboards are now available (covid19.lacounty.gov/dashboards): 

• Case Count Dashboard: This map tracks and displays local Los Angeles County COVID-19 cases and deaths. The interactive dashboard allows users to click on a city or community name, zoom to the selected area, and view the total case count for that community, as well as adjacent areas. The dashboard is updated daily with case count data from the Department of Public Health. 
• Emergency Proclamations Dashboard: This interactive dashboard displays local emergency proclamations throughout Los Angeles County.  Users can click a city name to see when a local emergency was proclaimed and view the official proclamation. The dashboard links to cities’ official websites and is updated as LA County’s 88 cities make proclamations.
• Parks and Recreation Closures: This dashboard shows the status of recreation activities, senior programs, and other services provided by County Parks and Recreation.  Users can click to find out which services are open, partially closed, or completely closed. The dashboard is updated as services change throughout the County.
• School Closures: This dashboard displays the closure status of the 80 school districts supported by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). Users can click a district to view schools and enrollment count. It is updated with information from LACOE.   

These new dashboards are built on an Esri ArcGIs platform, and are additionally accessible through a mobile version. They are located in the County COVID-19 site’s Newsroom section, which also contains videos, photos, links to Incident Reports, and daily summaries created by the Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Center.  

Los Angeles County recognizes that staying home is not always a safe option for victims experiencing domestic violence during the COVID-19 crisis. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, from 2019 to 2020, domestic violence calls for services have risen in LA County from 863 to 933, an 8.11 percent increase. For people experiencing domestic violence amid the Safer at Home Order, there are services and resources available 24/7 for those who need it. You are not alone. 

L.A. County’s Domestic Violence Services remain available. Shelters are open and accepting people. If you are a victim of domestic violence and need help, resources include: 

• Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-978-3600, or
• You can also dial 2-1-1 any time to get connected with services and support in your area or visit 211la.org/domestic-violence.
• Domestic violence legal services.
• Dial 9-1-1. Law enforcement is still responding to domestic violence calls, and Emergency Protective Orders are still being issued. 

The Violence Against Women Act allows certain non-citizens who are in abusive situations to petition without the assistance of the abusive spouse or parent, for lawful permanent residency. These persons may include:

• The spouse of a US citizen or legal permanent resident when the abuser is the US citizen, legal resident spouse or a member of his/her family living in the home.
• The child of a US citizen or legal permanent resident when the abuser is the parent/parent’s spouse or a family member of the parent or parent’s spouse living in the home.
• The child of the battered spouse.
• The parent of the battered child. 

More information is available at the Department of Public Social Services website.  

Many victims of domestic violence do not leave abusive situations because domestic violence shelters do not accept pets, and they and their pets are forced to endure abuse. For pet owners, LA County Animal Care and Control (DACC) can assist people who are experiencing safe housing issues. To find safe animal centers near you, DACC has provided a map of their locations. 

• The COLA-HI program provides temporary sheltering for pets belonging to people experiencing homelessness.
• The Ani-Safe program provides temporary housing to pets belonging to victims of domestic violence.
• DACC will provide confidential and safe housing for these animals so victims can get the services they need and move into safe living arrangements. 
• The pets are later reunited with their owners when they have found permanent safe housing.
• DACC has greatly expanded its fostering program so people can quickly and safely choose a pet to take into their home for a period of time, providing that animal with a calm and nurturing home environment. 
• Contact DACC for more information. 

EMERGENCY $$$ NOW AVAILABLE FOR RENTERS AND MOM-AND-POP LANDLORDS

LA County, today, launched a new Emergency Rental Assistance Program. This $3.7 million program provides a lifeline to income-eligible renters and mom-and-pop landlords in unincorporated areas of LA County.

Those eligible for this program must be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic – whether it’s through job loss, furloughs or reduction in hours or pay.

Renters within unincorporated LA County interested in applying for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, shared in yesterday’s COVID-19 Update, may apply online at 211la.org/form/covid-rental-assistance. To apply over the phone, dial 2-1-1.

Landlords impacted by COVID-19 may also be eligible for emergency aid to help: 1) meet mortgage obligations on rental properties, or 2) Reduce rental payment delinquency in arrears. To find out if you’re eligible, visit lacda.org/programs/rent-relief.

Program applications must be received by May 31, 2020. For more information on this program, whether you’re a renter or landlord, click here

MORATORIUM ON RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL EVICTIONS 

Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-28-20, placing a moratorium on residential evictions for Tenants that meet certain conditions, which are listed below:

• A Tenant shall have first notified the Landlord in writing before rent is due, or within a reasonable period of time afterwards, not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days, that the Tenant needs to delay all or some payment of rent attributable to an inability to pay the full amount due to reasons related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
• Tenant was sick with COVID-19, unable to work, and was unable to use paid leave while sick.
• Tenant experienced a lay-off, work furlough, reduction in work hours or income resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Tenant needed to miss work to care for a minor child whose school was closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic or care for a household or family member was sick with COVID-19 AND the tenant was unable to use paid leave. 

If you meet any of the criteria above and would like to delay all or part of your rent payment, please send a notice to your Landlord immediately.  Be sure to include your reason for requesting a delay in payment.  Please note that you will need to provide some form of documentation as evidence that you meet one of the criteria.

This Moratorium is statewide and currently applies to San Fernando residents.  In addition, on April 6, 2020, the San Fernando City Council will be considering a local Ordinance.

Download California Executive Order N-28-20: ENGLISH

LOS ANGELES COUNTY EMPHASIZES PROTECTIONS FOR TENANTS AFFECTED BY COVID-19 

Rent is due for many Los Angeles County residents who have lost their source of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The County wants the public to know that there are protections in place for renters who are at-risk of being evicted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Kathryn Barger has signed an executive order banning landlords from evicting residential renters affected by the coronavirus. The ban is in place through May 31, 2020. The order states: 

“During this local emergency, and in the interest of protecting the public health and preventing transmission of COVID-19, it is essential to avoid unnecessary housing displacement, protect the County’s affordable housing stock, and prevent housed individuals from falling into homelessness.”

The order protects people who have suffered “financial impacts” due to the coronavirus. This means a substantial loss of household income due to business closure, loss of compensable hours of work or wages, layoffs, extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses or child care needs arising from school closures.

The protection extends to those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who are caring for someone diagnosed with the virus. The order also protects individuals who have suffered financial impacts due to compliance with the County’s recommendation to stay at home, self-quarantine or due to avoiding congregating with others during the state of emergency.

Under the order, tenants must notify their landlord in writing within a week after their rent is due —  unless there are extenuating circumstances — that they are unable to pay their rent because of the pandemic.

The following are other important facts and protections in place:

• The executive order ensures that all people in the County will continue to have access to running water during this public health crisis. This enables compliance with public health guidelines to wash hands often and have access to clean drinking water.
• The order ensures that all customers in the County who receive power services from Southern California California Edison and Southern California Gas Company continue to have access to electricity so they may receive crucial COVID-19 information, keep critical medical equipment functioning and utilize power as needed.
• Public utilities have announced that they will suspend service disconnections for nonpayment and waive late fees, effective immediately, for residential and business customers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
• The moratorium applies to only unincorporated L.A. County. 
• Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Culver City, Glendale, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, South Pasadena, and West Hollywood have issued similar orders. 

If you have questions about landlord-tenant issues, please visit the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs online at rent.lacounty.gov, call (833) 223-RENT (7368) or email rent@dcba.lacounty.gov.

Download County of Los Angeles Executive Order: ENGLISH

LA County has recently seen an increase in home fires during the COVID-19 health crisis. As a result, LA County residents are reminded that planning ahead of an emergency can truly save your life.

If there was a fire in your home, would you know the best way to escape? Help make sure you and your loved ones are truly Safer at Home by learning how to safely escape a home fire.

To help you get started, LA County’s Fire Department offers a free F.I.R.E Safety Guide with all the tips & checklists you’ll need for creating a fire escape plan that’s right for you.

You can also download the F.I.R.E. Safety Coloring Book if you’re looking for a great children’s activity. Make the youngest members of your family a key part of your plan. 

Visit the LA County Fire Department’s website for more information on how to stay safe. Planning ahead can save lives!

Beware of this fraudulent California Department of Social Services (CDSS) letter. If you receive something similar, please know it is not coming from an official CDSS account.

Download Fraudulent CDSS Letter: ENGLISH

All LA County residents, especially seniors, should be on the lookout for frauds and schemes that include coronavirus treatments and vaccines, as well as attempts to obtain your Medicare number or other personal information.

• For additional information on healthcare fraud, please visit cahealthadvocates.org or call 1-855-613-7080. 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY ALERTS PUBLIC ABOUT INCREASING COVID-19 SCAMS, FRAUDULENT WEBSITES, EMAILS AND DONATION REQUESTS

Los Angeles County, including the City of San Fernando, residents are reminded of several fraud schemes designed to prey on the vulnerable in the midst of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Reports of malicious websites, email schemes, and suspicious links have come to the attention of law enforcement and public officials.

“Malicious actors can prey upon those that are distracted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and use it to their advantage,” stated Los Angeles County Chief Information Officer William Kehoe. “The public needs to be mindful and careful, and avoid websites, phishing emails, and scams that engage people through false information about the health crisis, and steal personal user information and data. By clicking on fraudulent weblinks, hackers can deliver malware and then gain access to passwords, browsing information, credit card numbers, and other personal information. We all need to stay vigilant.”

Currently, there are several Coronavirus tracking and mapping sites that are actually malware websites. Instead of clicking on these links, cybersecurity experts advise that website users should instead hover over the link to verify the uniform resource locator (URL) before moving forward. Online hackers may also send users emails from fraudulent accounts impersonating official websites and doctors, or offering medical supplies and services.

A trusted COVID-19 mapping resource is the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Global Map, which can be found at coronavirus.jhu.edu. Additionally, there are several websites the County of Los Angeles recommends for accurate, up-to-date information on COVID-19. The following is a list of sites:

• County of Los Angeles: covid19.lacounty.gov
• County of Los Angeles Public Health: publichealth.lacounty.gov
• California Department of Public Health: cdph.ca.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov 

As residents in Los Angeles County, including the City of San Fernando, practice “Safer at Home” directives, they are spending more time at home and online. Scammers are also taking advantage of this change in circumstances by reaching out door-to-door asking for donations and fundraising contributions through cash, Bitcoin, or Paypal. The County of Los Angeles reminds residents that they are not required to open their door, and encourages everyone to not feel intimidated by a false sense of urgency to answer door-to-door solicitations.

The following is a list of safety tips the public can follow:

• Avoid online advertising offers related to COVID-19
• Decline door-to-door solicitations claiming COVID-19 fundraising
• Do not click on emails and attachments that you do not recognize
• Visit trusted websites for COVID-19 related information 

Everyone should remain vigilant and take these steps to avoid being victimized by malicious scammers trying to profit from the COVID-19 crisis. If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report the information to local law enforcement.  

GET HELP APPLYING FOR FREE OR LOW-COST HEALTH COVERAGE

All agencies listed serve clients in the Los Angeles County; the City of San Fernando is located in SPA 2. Bilingual staff assist families with enrollment in public and private health programs. Please contact the agencies listed below for more information.

• Northeast Valley Health Corp (866) 696-3842
• Valley Community Healthcare (818) 763-8836 Ext 1053
• Child & Family Guidance Center (818) 739-5000 

Download full list of agencies: CLICK HERE

The Los Angeles County Public Library has launched it’s sidewalk service program. Library locations all around the county are now available for sidewalk library card sign ups, book pickup and returns as well as Laptop and Hotspot loans. 

How it works:

1. Call the Library once you have received notification that your hold is available or once you have uploaded your print job to let them know when you will pick up your holds and/or document.
2. Park in a space designated for Sidewalk Service pickup. Please bring a face covering with you; you must use one while picking up your holds or print job.
3. Call the Library at the number listed on the parking sign.
4. Follow staff instructions. You’ll be asked to wait in a designated area, wearing a face covering, while your holds and/or document are brought to a table for you to pick up.
5. Pick up your items and enjoy at home!
6. Return items to a book drop by the due date. Laptop & Hotspot Loans must be returned in person; please call the owning.

For more information on how it works and participating locations, click here.

If you’re ready to walk down the aisle – wait no more! LA County’s Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk announced, this week, residents can now purchase a marriage license & have their civil ceremony on the same video conference call!

• Make sure you’re eligible. One or both of you must meet the criteria:

  • One individual must be a resident of LA County
  • Both individuals must be in the same place in the State of California
  • Both individuals must have valid government identification
  • Must have a device with video/audio capabilities (desktop, laptop, tablet or phone)
  • Must have an internet connection 
• Book your appointment. If you meet the above criteria, call 800-201-8999 (and select option 1) to book your appointment. We will accommodate all couples on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Visit our website. For more information on the process, including cost, visit the Registrar-Recorder/County-Clerk’s Marriage License & Civil Ceremony webpage. 

Pregnant women and single mothers may be experiencing particular food insecurity and hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Los Angeles County, there are several programs and services that help families who have been affected by recent events: 

• Home Visiting Programs are still enrolling new clients and serving families in LA County. Home Visitors provide support and services during pregnancy; coaches parents on how to support children during difficult times; offers techniques for lowering stress; and connects parents to educational training, job opportunities, and other resources. For the health and safety of our clients, all home visiting programs have temporarily moved all in-person visits to telehealth visits to continue providing support to all our families. For more information, call (213) 639-6434.
• MAMA’s Program is providing services to pregnant women and those who have recently delivered during the COVID-9 crisis by offering telehealth telephonic and video visits for medical and behavioral health services, social care navigation, and nursing support. The telehealth platform lessens the face-to-face contact for these women without decreasing the number of visits they require or desire. Pregnant women in the safety net who need prenatal and immediate postpartum services can call 844-37-MAMAS for appointments and enhanced perinatal services.  
• Doula services provide emotional support, physical comfort, education, and advocacy to African American pregnant women and persons during pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn period. Call (213) 639-6448 for more information and eligibility requirements.
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program provides healthy foods and other resources to pregnant women and families with a child under 5 years of age. For more information and eligibility requirements, text APPLY to 91997, visit phfewic.org or call (888) 942-2229.
• Cash aid and food purchasing services are available through CalWORKS. This program provides monthly financial assistance to help pay for housing, food, utilities, clothing, medical care and other necessary expenses. For more information and eligibility requirements, call (866) 613-3777. 
• Early childhood education and childcare services are available for essential workers. Call (888) 92CHILD (922-4453) or visit lacoe.edu/childcare for more information and resources.
• Emotional support services are available for pregnant and parenting families feeling anxious, panicked, or stressed. Mental health professionals are available at (800) 854-7771.
• California Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services are available and include nutritious foods and more resources that are available to all eligible families affected by COVID-19. WIC welcomes military families, migrant families, fathers, foster parents and legal guardians with eligible children. If your income has been affected by recent events, and you are:

  • Pregnant 
  • Breastfeeding (up to the infant’s first birthday)
  • Non-breastfeeding women (until the infant is six months old)
  • Women up to six months after a pregnancy loss
  • For infants and children, up to the child’s fifth birthday. 
  • To find out if you’re eligible, California residents can start by texting APPLY to 91997, call (888) 942-2229 or visit phfewic.org 

If you want to learn more about the risks of COVID-19 to pregnant women, visit COVID-19: Advice to Pregnant Women. If you are pregnant and you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or you think you may have contracted the virus, visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing to schedule an appointment. 

Lastly, pregnant women should take the same preventative measures as the general public to avoid infection. You can help stop the spread of COVID-19 by taking these actions:  

• Stay home. Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Have food delivered to your home so you can avoid checkout lines at grocery stores.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or using the restroom. 

Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones).

LOS ANGELES COUNTY RENT RELIEF PROGRAM TO LAUNCH AUGUST 17, 2020

LA County has announced the creation of a COVID-19 Rent Relief Program which aims to assist low-income renters who have struggled to pay their rent and/or who are behind on paying rent due to COVID-19. Those who are most at need will be targeted with more assistance. The program will launch on August 17, 2020 and close on August 31, 2020.

LA County’s COVID-19 Rent Relief Program will be operated by the LA County Development Authority (LACDA), and is funded by an allocation of $100 million in CARES Act funding meant to assist between 8,000 and more than 9,000 renting households with limited means.

Requirements: the program is available to all residents of the County who qualify (with the exception of residents living in the City of Los Angeles, as the City also received its own allocation of CARES Act funds). The following is required:

• A W-9
• Participation agreements are needed from the property owners to receive rental income on behalf of their qualified tenant; and
• Property owners must agree to the terms of the participation agreement 

To learn more or apply, visit rentrelief.lacda.org or dial 2-1-1. Please note citizenship documentation will not be requested from any party (renter or property owner).

LA County’s Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) is taking steps to protect County residents from price gouging and potentially fraudulent COVID-19 remedies by creating a “Stop Price Gouging” mobile application to help consumers easily report suspected cases of illegal price increases in LA County.

During the COVID-19 health emergency, fear and anxiety have led certain individuals to try and profiteer at the expense of those in need. To date, DCBA’s investigations team has tracked and documented over 500 price gouging complaints during the COVID-19 crisis.

While the mobile app will be launched in the coming days, DCBA already offers a dedicated webpage and phone line to help report price gouging or COVID-19 scams. To report by:

• Phone: Call (800) 593-8222
• Online: Visit stoppricegouging.dcba.lacounty.gov

Once our “Stop Price Gouging” mobile up is available, it will help County residents file on-the-spot, accurate complaints that can be supported with: 1) photos of receipts, ads, and products, or 2) other possible evidence of wrongdoing.

The new app is expected to increase rapid reporting of price gouging complaints, which is critical to ensuring that investigations are conducted close in time to the suspected price gouging activity.

The City of San Fernando is very supportive of small business and is promoting a #SupportLocalSanFernando program through the City’s website and social media outlets.  

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

During the week of March 16, 2020, the City distributed a survey to local restaurants to help create a directory for San Fernando residents to gain access to food services. As of April 30, 2020, the directory has grown to over 50 restaurants. The directory will be updated periodically as it grows. 

Download the San Fernando Restaurant Directory (Updated 5/5/20): ENGLISH  

POSTERS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING FLOOR GRAPHICS

The City printed posters for social distancing floor graphics to assist our local small businesses in informing and reassuring their customers about the steps they’re taking to keep them (and their employees) safe during the COVID-19 health crisis.

• Current Health Order Poster to let you know what they’re doing to stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Food To Go Poster to let you know what food options they’re offering.
• Social Distancing Floor Graphic to remind you to #StayHealthySanFernando and stay at least 6 ft apart. 

Have you wondered whether or not you’ve mastered the art of wearing a face covering correctly?

Today, we highlight the very things your face covering should do when you’re wearing it correctly. Before we *cover* these, please note: you always want to wash your hands before handling your face covering.

Ok, here we go! You know you’re wearing your face covering like a pro, if your mask:

• Fits snugly but comfortably against the side of your face.
• Is secured with ties or ear loops.
• Includes multiple layers of fabric.
• Allows for breathing without restriction.
• Is able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
• Covers mouth and nose with no gaps between your face and the mask. 

Also, while wearing your face covering be careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth when removing your face covering. And you should wash your hands immediately after removing it.  

TIPS FOR AVOIDING FOGGY GLASSES WHEN WEARING YOUR FACE COVERING

• Wash your glasses with soapy water. Research has shown that washing glasses with soapy water, and letting them air dry before putting on your mask, reduces fogging.
• Use tissue paper. Placing tissue paper between your glasses and the bridge of your nose may help absorb the moisture that causes foggy glasses. 

If you still have questions on face coverings, read LA County’s Department of Public Health (DPH) Guidance on Face Coverings or visit their website.

FACE COVERINGS: WHEN AND WHERE TO WEAR THEM

WHEN

LA County’s Health Officer Order does not require wearing face coverings while in the backyard or while on a solitary run or walk. County residents are required, however, to wear face coverings when in contact with other people who are not household members (whether you’re in a public or private space). So, if you’re on a solitary run or walk – and you see someone approaching – put on your face covering! 

WHERE

LA County’s Order is effective for all 10 million people who live in LA County. There is one circumstance, however, under which this may not be the case: when your local jurisdiction has a face covering order of their own.

A few of you have asked, “My city issued its own face covering order. Which order am I supposed to follow? The county’s or my city’s?” Where local jurisdictions have implemented face covering orders of their own, the stricter order will apply.

We urge you to contact your local jurisdiction by phone or online, to see if they’ve issued a face covering order of their own. If not, you’ll certainly want to abide by LA County’s Health Officer Order, in order to keep you and your loved ones safe. 

For more information on how to stay safe during the COVID-19 emergency health crisis, visit covid19.lacounty.gov. 

FACE COVERINGS & THINGS TO TRY WHILE PHYSICAL DISTANCING

ICYMI: FACE COVERING GUIDANCE

Whenever you are leaving your home to procure or provide essential services, either in public or in private settings, LA County is asking residents to please wear a clean cloth face covering at all times.

Face coverings are not a substitute for our most powerful tools to slow the spread of COVID-19: staying home and practicing physical distancing – staying six feet away from all people – at all times. However, face coverings can:

• help prevent you from infecting others; and
• help save medical masks for healthcare workers or other essential workers that take care of people who are sick – or may be in contact with people who may be sick 

If you are already using cloth face coverings while out and about, thank you for taking this step to slow the spread of COVID-19. If you aren’t, help us save lives by doing so.

For tips on how to make your own cloth face covering, click here. Or watch a video by Dr. Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General, for DIY instructions.

Read more about LA County’s Cloth Face Covering Guidance here.

THINGS TO TRY WHILE PHYSICAL DISTANCING

While LA County residents focus on physical distancing in the fight against COVID-19, we’d like to take a moment offer a few ideas on how to beat the blues, entertain kids, learn something new, or remain social – for free!

The following suggestions are brought to you by the LA County Library, the Department of Arts & Culture, and creative and resilient artists and organizations who are finding ways of creating and engaging with you (from the comfort of your own home):

For the Young:

• Art webinars and online classes for youth
• One-on-one LIVE tutoring & homework help (Daily, 1 – 10:00 p.m.) 
• Resources & engagement tips for teachers, parents and caregivers caring for children at home from school

For the Young-at-Heart:

• Online art project tutorials & activities for adults
• Virtual programming, such as Book Talks (Coming Soon)  
• Courses for learning a new language, photography, coding, resume writing, and applications such as Office 365

For All Ages:

• Performances
• Physical distance dancing
• 24/7 digital collection of hundreds of eBooks, audio books, music, movies, magazines for LA County Library cardholders 

For more information on what LA County Library offers, visit lacountylibrary.org or reach Library staff via:

• Phone: Click here to locate your local library (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 6:00 p.m)
• Text: (626) 394-4019 (Monday-Friday, Noon-6:00 p.m.)
• Email or Chat (Monday-Friday, Noon-6:00 p.m.) 

People with no symptoms can spread novel coronavirus, too. The best way to stop the spread is to #stayhome. Homebodies help save lives! #COVID19 #SaferAtHome

LOS ANGELES COUNTY URGES PUBLIC TO CONTINUE PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING DURING WARM WEATHER

With warm weather forecasted for Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles reminds residents that the Safer At Home directives are still in effect, and cautions against “behavioral fatigue” that may set in, especially when it is tempting to go outside. 

All L.A. County residents should continue to remain inside their homes unless it is absolutely necessary to leave in order to perform an essential function. Each time you leave your home, you are putting yourself and anyone near you at risk for contracting and spreading COVID-19.

Remaining indoors as the weather gets warmer in Los Angeles County can feel like a challenge. The following are some ways to keep busy and productive at home:

• Find a furry friend: Foster a dog, cat or rabbit through Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control and save an orphaned animal.
• Connect virtually with loved ones: There is no better time to call, text, or video chat loved ones to check in.
• Use free online County resources for young children: If you are the parent or caregiver of a young child, decrease boredom and prevent the loss of preschool skills by clicking here to find resources and activities. The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) is also providing useful links and resources. Click here for more information.
• Work on professional development: Teachers and other education professionals may take LACOE’s free online professional development courses. 
• Do art activities at home: Visit Create at Home for free and fun resources to  engage your family members with the arts at home. 
• Get organized: Organize your personal spaces like closets, home office/desk areas, cupboards, drawers, and vehicles.
• Keep a routine: Take time to create and maintain a routine. Schedule time to eat, sleep, perform self-care rituals, pursue at-home hobbies, etc.  
• Stay tuned in with yourself: Take time to monitor your mental and physical health every day. 

And last but not least, make a “crisis deal” with your family members. Take time to talk about what truly matters to each of you during the COVID-19 crisis, and clarify essential wants and needs. Set clear priorities for your family. When this kind of communication takes place, set kinds of principles are communicated, the practical day-to-day decisions that come later are easier. 

For more information and resources from the County of Los Angeles, please visit the County’s COVID-19 website.

COVID-19 ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS (STIMULUS CHECKS)

What is a Stimulus Check? What do I need to do to get a stimulus check? Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) has put together a Frequently Asked Questions flyer.

Download NLSLA Covid-19 Economic Impact Payments Flyer: ENGLISH | SPANISH  

The Recreation and Community Services Department is excited to provide a variety of online and virtual activities to keep you busy. Visit the Recreation and Community Services webpage to access the activities and workouts at your convenience! Check back often as additional resources are added.

Recreation & Community Services webpage: Click Here

The ability to access the Internet has become a critical necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Internet access is not only key to our schools’ online learning programs, but many Federal, State and local resources are provided online, too.

In LA County nearly 110,000 children under 18 don’t have access to a computer at home. Approximately 210,000 children who do have a computer at home, lack an Internet connection. To combat this digital divide, LA County launched a digital tool today to help residents access free WiFi spots throughout the County.

How it works

The new Internet Locator website (findwifi.lacounty.gov) is part of a larger mission to expand digital connectivity, literacy, and access across LA County. When users enter a street address into the Internet Locator, the map returns the following information:

• The appropriate school district and district website, with any available information about Internet access for students.
• The street address, phone number, and website for any County Library within three miles that provides free public WiFi.
  • An LA County Library Card is required to login to the public library WiFi. If you do not have a card, call your local library or obtain a temporary card by clicking here.
• The street address and website for any County park within three miles that provides free outdoor public WiFi.
• Name, website, and phone number for both residential and commercial broadband Internet providers serving the address.
• Name, website, and phone number for consumer mobile (cellular) broadband Internet providers serving the address.

Residents of LA County with no Internet access can dial 2-1-1 for assistance.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY WDACS CRITICAL DELIVERY SERVICE  

The need for delivery services for our aging population has significantly increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the California Safer at Home Initiative. Through a grant provided by the Federal Transportation Authority (FTA) and administered by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Workforce Development, Aging, and Community Services (WDACS) Department New Freedom Transportation has launched a temporary delivery program called Critical Delivery Service (CDS) to deliver food and other vital necessities to individuals who are unable to leave their homes due to COVID-19. The Critical Delivery Service program is intended to address delivery service gaps and barriers for our older adults and individuals with disabilities while enabling them to stay healthy and thrive at home during this health crisis.

WHO ARE THE DELIVERIES FOR AND HOW CAN DELIVERIES BE SCHEDULED?

Delivery Services are reserved for those who meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Aged 60 years and older
• Individual with a permanent or temporary disability
• Dependent Adult (aged 18-59 yrs.)

  • Persons who have physical or mental limitations that restrict their ability to carry out Activities of Daily Living (ADL) or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)
• No Application Process Required just call the call center to enroll  
• Call the New Freedom Hotline and ask for Deliveries: (888) 863-7411 and or email newfreedom@wdacs.lacounty.gov we will respond to emails within 24 hours
• Schedule Deliveries can occur Monday through Friday
• 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.    

   

WHAT IS BEING DELIVERED?

• Food, groceries, household items, medication and other type of vital necessities through grocery stores pick up ONLY
• Items must be pre-paid and ready for pick-up
• There is no cost to client for delivery    

   

WHERE CAN ITEMS BE DELIVERED?

• To and From Anywhere in Los Angeles County    

   

WHEN CAN ITEMS BE DELIVERED?

• 7 Days a week; 24 hours a day with pre-scheduled pick ups
• Individuals can utilize this service up to 4 times per month (maximum)    

   

For more information, contact: 

New Freedom Transportation Critical Delivery Service: (888) 863-7411 | NewFreedom@wdacs.lacounty.gov | https://newfreedom.lacounty.gov/

Download DACS Critical Delivery Services Flyer: ENGLISH

GREAT PLATES DELIVERED

Los Angeles County is now offering a first-in-the nation meal delivery service and will provide three home-delivered meals a day to qualifying older adults and adults over 60 who are high-risk as determined by the CDC.  This effort aims to assist those in need of home delivered meals and to help get our local restaurant hospitality and transportation community back to work. 

To be eligible for this program, individuals:

• must meet age requirements;
• are unable to prepare or obtain meals; and
• are not currently receiving assistance from other state or federal nutrition assistance programs. 

See full list of requirements. To apply, dial 2-1-1.

Restaurants interested in participating in the “Great Plates Delivered” program should fill out an interest form by clicking here. LA County is finalizing criteria which will be posted here in the days ahead. In the meantime, selection will be based on the following factors:

• ability to meet volume and nutritional standards and prioritize local jobs.
• worker retention.
• worker health and safety.
• standards of equity and fairness in employment practices. 

For more information about the “Great Plates Delivered” initiative in LA County,click here. 

ELDER ABUSE

If you are concerned that someone you care about may be the victim of elder or dependent adult abuse, don’t be silent.

• Report it to Adult Protective Services: 1-877-477-3646 

FRAUDULENT CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES NOTICE

Beware of this fraudulent California Department of Social Services (CDSS) letter. If you receive something similar, please know it is not coming from an official CDSS account.

Download Fraudulent CDSS Letter: ENGLISH

All LA County residents, especially seniors, should be on the lookout for frauds and schemes that include coronavirus treatments and vaccines, as well as attempts to obtain your Medicare number or other personal information.

• For additional information on healthcare fraud, please visit cahealthadvocates.org or call 1-855-613-7080. 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY ALERTS PUBLIC ABOUT INCREASING COVID-19 SCAMS, FRAUDULENT WEBSITES, EMAILS AND DONATION REQUESTS

Los Angeles County, including the City of San Fernando, residents are reminded of several fraud schemes designed to prey on the vulnerable in the midst of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Reports of malicious websites, email schemes, and suspicious links have come to the attention of law enforcement and public officials.

“Malicious actors can prey upon those that are distracted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and use it to their advantage,” stated Los Angeles County Chief Information Officer William Kehoe. “The public needs to be mindful and careful, and avoid websites, phishing emails, and scams that engage people through false information about the health crisis, and steal personal user information and data. By clicking on fraudulent weblinks, hackers can deliver malware and then gain access to passwords, browsing information, credit card numbers, and other personal information. We all need to stay vigilant.”

Currently, there are several Coronavirus tracking and mapping sites that are actually malware websites. Instead of clicking on these links, cybersecurity experts advise that website users should instead hover over the link to verify the uniform resource locator (URL) before moving forward. Online hackers may also send users emails from fraudulent accounts impersonating official websites and doctors, or offering medical supplies and services.

A trusted COVID-19 mapping resource is the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Global Map, which can be found at coronavirus.jhu.edu. Additionally, there are several websites the County of Los Angeles recommends for accurate, up-to-date information on COVID-19. The following is a list of sites:

• County of Los Angeles: covid19.lacounty.gov
• County of Los Angeles Public Health: publichealth.lacounty.gov
• California Department of Public Health: cdph.ca.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov 

As residents in Los Angeles County, including the City of San Fernando, practice “Safer at Home” directives, they are spending more time at home and online. Scammers are also taking advantage of this change in circumstances by reaching out door-to-door asking for donations and fundraising contributions through cash, Bitcoin, or Paypal. The County of Los Angeles reminds residents that they are not required to open their door, and encourages everyone to not feel intimidated by a false sense of urgency to answer door-to-door solicitations.

The following is a list of safety tips the public can follow:

• Avoid online advertising offers related to COVID-19
• Decline door-to-door solicitations claiming COVID-19 fundraising
• Do not click on emails and attachments that you do not recognize
• Visit trusted websites for COVID-19 related information 

Everyone should remain vigilant and take these steps to avoid being victimized by malicious scammers trying to profit from the COVID-19 crisis. If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report the information to local law enforcement.   

ALZHEIMER’S EDUCATION & SUPPORT FROM YOUR HOME

Join Alzheimer’s Los Angeles via web or telephone to learn about the warning signs of dementia. Discussion includes the difference between demential and Alzheimer’s disease, what causes memory loss, and the process of a diagnosis.

Email or call for more information: help@alzla.org | (844) 435-7259

Download Alzheimer’s Los Angeles Flyer: ENGLISH

GOLDEN TALK

GoldenTALK is a chat and crisis line for Older Adults who are 60 years of age and older. The chat line assists seniors facing social isolation through warm conversations and also provides referals and works closely with multiple agencies within Los Angeles County in the event of a crisis. 

Visit their website or call for more information: www.idsgtfoundation.org | (888) 604-6533

Download GoldenTALK Flyer: ENGLISH  

MEDICAL CARE

Today, L.A. County’s Department of Health also issued the following guidance to older adults, in light of increased COVID-19 spread:

• If you have underlying health conditions you should consider contacting your providers earlier when you are sick. 

MENTAL HEALTH

Older adults may experience stress more acutely during this time. Know the signs:

• Fear and worry about personal health and the health of loved ones
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Difficulty concentrating
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs   

If you are an older adult feeling overwhelmed, there is support available 24/7. Call the Department of Mental Health at 1-800-854-7771 or visit their website for Coronavirus/COVID19 Mental Health Resources 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP) OVER THE PHONE

The LA Food Bank is now accepting new applications for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.

Program Guidelines:

• Must reside within Los Angeles County
• Be 60 years of age or older (must provide date of birth)
• Household income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (see table below)
• Applications are temporary for a 90-day period or until the COVID-19 crisis ends
• Home-delivery is only guaranteed for May 2020 

Contact Information: CSFP@lafoodbank.org | (323) 234-3030 ext 170

Download CSFP Flyer: ENGLISH  

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SENIOR MEALS PROGRAM

The County of Los Angeles continues to offer its older adult population with critically-needed services. It is important to know:

• Meal sites operated by the County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles are in the midst of transitioning all meal operations to home delivered meals.
• For details on the status of your location, visit: http://bit.ly/mealsites 
• Older adults may also contact their local meal provider to make arrangements. Call 1-800-510-2020 for assistance. 

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO SENIOR MEALS PROGRAM

Effective March 31, 2020, the City of San Fernando’s Senior Meals Program contractor, YWCA San Gabriel Valley will no longer be distributing meals from Las Palmas Park. All program participants were informed that, to protect their well-being, all meals will be delivered directly to their home. Seniors that are interested in receiving meals may contact YWCA San Gabriel Valley at (626) 214-9456.

Download YWCA San Gabriel Valley Memo: ENGLISH/SPANISH  

Download Senior Meals Application:  ENGLISH    

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO SENIOR MEALS PROGRAM TEMPORARILY CHANGES

On March 12, 2020, YWCA San Gabriel Valley advised the City of San Fernando that they would be temporarily changing the senior meal program and limiting the time program participants spend congregating. At the direction of Los Angeles County and effective March 17, 2020, YWCA San Gabriel Valley will distribute two box lunches and if possible three frozen meals for seniors to take and enjoy at home. Meals will be provided once each week, on Tuesday, at Las Palmas Park until further direction is provided by Los Angeles County. 

Download Memorandum from YWCA San Gabriel Valley: ENGLISH | SPANISH