Home Blog Page 151

Horses isolated, but they’re still running at Los Alamitos Race Track

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Horses isolated, but they’re still running at Los Alamitos Race Track

Moved online years ago

While many local businesses reluctantly ground to a halt this week to protect public health, the horses at Santa Anita and Los Alamitos Race Track were still running this week.

Although there were a few personnel present, general manager Orlando Gutierrez said the race course is network through a national clearinghouse so that viewers and bettors around the nation can view the races.

Gutierrez said no fans were allowed, no owners are allowed onto the premises, just the jockeys, trainers and a network technician.

“We are adhering to all of the Orange County Health Department rules,” he said, adding that even the radio announcer, who calls the races, was working remotely at home.

Many years ago, the horse racing industry began to move onto the internet and is today connected by a series of sophisticated networks and computers that allows fans to watch and bet on races around the country. The wagers are taken remotely by computer and cleared electronically.

When fans are in the stands, the race course does have the ability to settle local wagers locally but the online system comes in handy, especially in times like these.

Gutierrez said not all tracks are operating in the U.S., but many of them are.

Jockeys are not allowed contact with the trainers and must leave immediately after they race, he said.

With a skeleton crew operating the massive facility, Gutierrez said is literally hundreds of feet between the handful of technicians it takes to operate.

Both Santa Anita and Los Alamitos Race Track were given approvals to operate by the California Horse Racing Board, according to the L.A. Times.

 

 

 

Rossmoor bans together in trying times to create community

David N. Young
-
0
Rossmoor bans together in trying times to create community

While gloom and doom prevailed for the first couple of days as the coronavirus took from all of us our daily routines, another type of virus quickly took over on the sidewalks and within the neighborhoods of Rossmoor.

According to Liz Deering, Assistant to the General Manager at Rossmoor Community Services District, the district has cancelled most official activities, yet the community has banded together.

She said both online and in person, there are a number of things going on in the community to spread hope and togetherness as residents have been very creative over the past week.

Here are some examples of what Rossmoor residents have done.

Rainbow Scavenger Hunt

Someone hid seven “Rainbows of Hope” on the odd number side of Paseo Bonita between Rossmoor and Bradbury as they invited the community to look “high and low” to find them. Whoever organized the content said they simply wanted “to spread some hope and adventure for the neighborhood kiddos.”

St. Patrick’s Day event

Some posted a series of leaflets with QR codes in the Rossmoor highlands and invited residents to “walk down Pine and Reagan and visit the park. Look for the green signs and use your device to scan the code for special messages. This was a fun activity for the kids.

Someone posted on NextDoor “A Prayer during Times of a Pandemic.”

The community ran a “Chalk the Walk” contest, inviting “sidewalk art” and “affirmations.” The posting reminded Rossmoor neighbors to…

See the good,

Look for the helpers,

Choose joy,

Be kind

We’re all in this together.

It simply concluded, “May we all be better humans after this.”

 

First death in OC blamed on Coronavirus

David N. Young
-
0
First death in OC blamed on Coronavirus

The OC Healthcare agency today confirmed the first death of an Orange County resident related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novello Coronavirus.

The individual was a male in his 70s with underlying health conditions who is receiving treatment at a local hospital. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the patient family and friends,” said Dr. Nicole Quick, Orange County Health Officer.

“This serves as a very unfortunate reminder to the community about the importance of staying at home and social distancing when leaving the household for essential activities or to work at an essential business in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 or to help protect our most vulnerable neighbors,” she said.

Additional details about the individual’s death, the name of the hospital or the city of residence was not and will not be disclosed, the agency said.
The HCA update their dedicated novel coronavirus website daily.

As of midnight Tuesday, there are 152 verified cases of COVID-19, which includes 89 men and 63 women. The Health Dept. statistics indicate most were contracted by travel and most cases were in the 18-49 age group.
To see the chart, click here. .

You can now receive text messages on COVID-19 updates

David N. Young
-
0
You can now receive text messages on COVID-19 updates

Here is the latest on COVID -19 from the Orange County Health Department. There is now epidemiological evidence of community transmission in Orange County, indicating that COVID-19 is spreading in the community.

You can NOW opt-in a new text messaging service OC Health has arranged through Everbridge and Nixle that will allow you to receive the latest info on COVID-19 from your smartphone.

To opt-in, all you have to do is text COVID19 to 888777. You should begin to immediately receive the text messages. If you have any questions, call them at 714-628-7085.

Remember,

  • People aged 65 and older should stay home and away from other people.
  • People with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk, for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system, should stay home and away from people.

Call Ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and you feel you need to seek medical care, call your health care provider first so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

Joint Forces Training Base at the ready if called upon

David N. Young
-
0
Joint Forces Training Base at the ready if called upon

Personnel attached to the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos are walking a tightrope of sorts as they comply with Gov. Newsom’s various isolation orders as they must prepare to serve the state if called up by the Governor.

According to Col. Richard Lalor, Public Affairs Officer for the base, the base has thus far implemented enhanced security precautions for anyone entering the base. In addition, they have been “put on alert” by Major General David Baldwin, the state’s adjutant general of the California National Guard.

Lalor said anyone entering the base is now being questioned about any recent travel and other personal health symptoms, but he said the base has not yet begun taking temperatures or imposing more draconian measures at the points of base entry.

Also, he said service members are practicing social distancing and the base canteen, Fiddler’s Green, is limiting food orders to take out only, as per the Governor’s order.
General Michael Leeney, base commander of JFTB, has instructed personnel attached to the base to “stay calm but carry on,” said Lalor.

Although the Guard has been activated to perform “humanitarian missions” in northern California, no such orders have yet been given to the base or units in southern California.
The massive facility in Los Alamitos has one of the largest working airfields in the western United States, and is a lynchpin for the state when moving massive amounts of goods and equipment.

During wildfires, earthquakes and overseas deployments, the state has called upon JFTB to move personnel, equipment and supplies.
A global pandemic, thus far, has demanded different military assets but Lalor says Gen. Leeney and the base is ready if called upon to serve the citizens of the state.

Gov. Newsom orders citizens to stay at home

David N. Young
-
0
Gov. Newsom orders citizens to stay at home

Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued an Executive Order directing citizens of California to stay at home, only exempting leave for certain purposes and for certain ‘essential’ organizations.

Here is the full text of the Governor’s Order

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT STATE OF CALIFORNIA

EXECUTIVE ORDER N-33-20

WHEREAS on March 4, 2020, I proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS in a short period of time, COVID-19 has rapidly spread throughout California, necessitating updated and more stringent guidance from federal, state, and local public health officials; and

WHEREAS for the preservation of public health and safety throughout the entire State of California, I find it necessary for all Californians to heed the State public health directives from the Department of Public Health.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the State Constitution and statutes of the State of California, and in particular, Government Code sections

8567, 8627, and 8665 do hereby issue the following Order to become effective immediately:

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

1) To preserve the public health and safety, and to ensure the healthcare delivery system is capable of serving all, and prioritizing those at the highest risk and vulnerability, all residents are directed to immediately heed the current State public health directives, which I ordered the Department of Public Health to develop for the current statewide

status of COVID-19. Those directives are consistent with the March 19,

2020, Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response, found at: https://covid19.ca.gov/. Those directives follow:

ORDER OF THE STATE PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER March 19, 2020

To protect public health, I as State Public Health Officer and Director

of the California Department of Public Health order all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, as outlined at https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-during-covid-19. In addition, and in consultation with the Director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, I may designate additional sectors as critical in order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians.

Pursuant to the authority under the Health and Safety Code 120125,

120140, 131080, 120130(c), 120135, 120145, 120175 and 120150, this order is to go into effect immediately and shall stay in effect until further notice.

The federal government has identified 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, economic security, public health or safety, or any combination thereof. I order that Californians working in these 16 critical infrastructure sectors may continue their work because of the importance of these sectors to Californians’ health and well-being.

This Order is being issued to protect the public health of Californians. The California Department of Public Health looks to establish consistency across the state in order to ensure that we mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Our goal is simple, we want to bend the curve, and disrupt the spread of the virus.

The supply chain must continue, and Californians must have access to such necessities as food, prescriptions, and health care. When people need to leave their homes or places of residence, whether to obtain or perform the functions above, or to otherwise facilitate authorized necessary activities, they should at all times practice social distancing.

2) The healthcare delivery system shall prioritize services to serving those who are the sickest and shall prioritize resources, including personal protective equipment, for the providers providing direct care to them.

3) The Office of Emergency Services is directed to take necessary steps to ensure compliance with this Order.

4) This Order shall be enforceable pursuant to California law, including, but not limited to, Government Code section 8665.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that as soon as hereafter possible, this Order be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this Order.

This Order is not intended to, and does not, create any rights or benefits, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, against the State of California, its agencies, departments, entities, officers, employees, or any other person.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California this 19th day of March, 2020.

Gavin Newsom

Governor

ATTEST:

ALEX PADILLA Secretary of Statel

Communities come to virtual standstill

David N. Young
-
0
Communities come to virtual standstill

Like a passenger pulling the emergency brake on a speeding train, all of the communities within the Event News Enterprise coverage area came to a screeching halt virtually overnight as the invisible threat from a novel pathogen gripped the nation.

“It’s kind of shocking,” said Los Alamitos Mayor Richard D. Murphy, who noted that driving on the 405 Freeway this weekend was like “driving during the Superbowl. There was no one else on the road.”

He said the city has declared a state of emergency and is taking a series of actions being coordinated by city manager Chet Simmons (see related story).

Meanwhile, Cypress city manager Peter Grant said the city has also declared an emergency and has reacted to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recently declared State of Emergency and Executive Order.

All of the local officials interviewed by the Event News Enterprise indicated they are closely monitoring state and federal officials and will comply with whatever is required (see below).

Meanwhile, the situation was further complicated by the closing of Los Al schools, and all schools within Orange County, which created social reverberations throughout the area (see related story).

According to the Rossmoor Community Services District and the La Palma city council, they also held emergency meetings and have issued emergency proclamations listing all temporary changes to the district’s operation (see also below).

On Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation that included “guidelines” asking restaurants who stay open to utilize takeout only and/or practice social distancing and the executive order strongly suggested bars and nightclubs shudder their doors. Some cities, though not all, have  since ordered them closed

A survey of local grocery stores revealed overworked employees and a run on many cleaning and food products. Officials now are asking families to just buy what they need.

Officials are so busy implementing the state and federal mandates, they say they’ve had little time to contemplate the long-term implications of an unprecedented “standstill. Small businesses are being severely affected as Congress and the Trump Administration are taking actions to provide sick leave and financial relief for businesses.

Meanwhile, a top USC doctor working an experimental virus says the social impact will likely get much worse before it gets better. Dr. David G. Agus, a professor or medicine and engineering at the USC Keck School of Medicine said on CBS Monday that while officials were very happy to see how communities have “stepped up” in the face of the outbreak, but warned they may have “to step up a little more” in the weeks ahead.

Los Alamitos declares local emergency

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Los Alamitos declares local emergency

The City of Los Alamitos has declared a proclamation of local emergency due to

potential public health impacts of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The emergency declaration supports measures to be taken to protect public health, safety and welfare within the City.

While there are currently no reported cases of COVID-19 in Los Alamitos. The actions taken this afternoon by the City Manager and Director of Emergency Services, Chet Simmons, provides access to additional emergency resources in the event that they are needed, as well as provides a mechanism for accessing Federal and State funding to assist in addressing this pandemic. The actions by the City are in line with what other local and regional agencies are considering or have enacted as a preventative measure to decrease the risk of community spread of Coronavirus in their communities.

“Currently there are no reported cases of Coronavirus in the City of Los Alamitos, however, we feel it is our responsibility to help keep our community and employees safe. Please be reassured that Council and I have the utmost confidence in our Leadership Staff and Emergency Preparedness Team to mitigate the coronavirus situation” said Mayor Murphy.

As a precaution to reduce community spread of COV-19 virus, the City is implementing temporary changes to City operations effective 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020. The changes to operations will be in place through March 31 or until further notice. These are in addition to the steps that have already been taken to be compliant with the guidance that has been received from the state. At this time, the state recommendations include postponing or cancelling large gatherings of 250 people or more, postponing or cancelling smaller gatherings in venues that do not allow social distancing, and limiting gatherings of high-risk individuals to no more than 10 people.

We are sympathetic to the concerns of the public and we are constantly assessing the evolving circumstances and evaluating how we will provide government services. Our goal is to remain responsive to the community’s needs and to ensure the safety, security, health and wellbeing for all in Los Alamitos.

The temporary changes to City operations are as follows:

City Facilities

All City facilities, including City Hall, the Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Center, and the Los Alamitos Museum will be closed to the public. However, City operations will continue to operate with staff available to provide services and answer questions by phone and email.

City Services

All services requiring in-person visits or public counter assistance will be handled by phone, email and in certain circumstances in-person (appointment only).

City Events and Recreation Classes

All City of Los Alamitos recreation classes and programs scheduled for the remainder of March will be cancelled. Classes that are in mid-session will be prorated. Upcoming classes will be fully refunded.

Private events scheduled for indoor and outdoor City facilities (sports leagues, picnic shelter rentals, Community Center rentals) will be cancelled.

The following special events will be postponed TBD- Weekend of Art (March 20 & 21) and Teen Expo (April 4). Spring Carnival scheduled for April 11 is cancelled.

City Meetings

City Council meetings scheduled in March will take place as planned. If you wish to attend the City Council meeting in person, the City Council Chamber located at 3191 Katella Ave, California 90720, will be open for this meeting and the public shall have the right to observe and offer public comment at this location.

While you may attend this meeting in person, given the health risks associated with COVID-19, please be advised that you may submit comments on any agenda item or on any item not on the agenda by email to wq********@***************os.org. You may also view the meeting live on local cable channel 3 and online at https://cityoflosalamitos.org/your-government/city-council/agendas-and-minutes/.

Please consider carefully before attending this meeting in person and keep a six foot distance from others as much as possible. Please do not attend this meeting in person if you have traveled internationally, particularly to China, Italy, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and/or you have had direct contact with someone who has travelled to those places or tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19), or you are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms.

The remaining Commission meetings for the month of March will be cancelled.

Note that the City of Los Alamitos Police Department will continue to maintain a 24/7 operation responding to all calls for service as usual with some minor exceptions regarding medical aides that they will follow the Orange County Fire Authority suggested protocols for law enforcement and non-paramedic firefighting personnel.

The City of Los Alamitos Police Department will continue to incorporate the Universal Precautions as outlined in their department policy (1016) detailing the police response and reporting requirements with regard to all communicable diseases to include COVID 19 (Coronavirus).

As a means to limit any unnecessary contact or exposure to COVID 19 to police employees and the community they serve, the police department is requesting whatever business that can be handled over the phone versus in person be considered by the public.

For more information and the latest status of City services, visit the City website at www.cityoflosalamitos.org.

Updates will be shared regularly through the City’s website and available by calling the City Hall’s main phone line at (562) 431-3538.

We encourage community members to help protect yourself as you would during any cold or flu season:

wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

When unable to wash your hands, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Avoid contact with people who are sick.

Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.

Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

City officials are in close contact with public health officials at the Orange County Health Care Agency, the

California Department of Public Health, surrounding public safety officials and will continue to adjust practices

as federal, state, and county official guidelines are updated in the coming days and weeks. The City will continue to keep residents informed with updates to the City website at www.cityoflosalamitos.org as information becomes available.

Cypress Emergency Response Plan

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Cypress Emergency Response Plan

In response to COVID-19 and Governor Newsom’s Executive Order, effective Thursday, March 12 through, at least, March 31:

  • Cypress Community and Senior Centers are closed.
  • All recreation classes, programs and rentals are cancelled.
  • All City-run adult and youth sports groups and leagues are suspended.
  • The Senior Center congregate lunch program will be modified after Friday, March 13 to ensure participant safety. Meals will continue to be available and more information will be provided as soon as possible.

The public is encouraged to limit visits to city facilities.  If your business with the city is time sensitive, please contact us to make arrangements in the interest of public health.

Please call 714-229-6780 with any additional questions.

For more information on steps you can take to stay safe and informed:

  • OC Health: http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus
  • CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/COVID19
  • Gov. Newsom’s Executive Order: https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3.12.20-EO-N-25-20-COVID-19.pdf

Rossmoor Community Services District Emergency Plan

David N. Young
-
0
Rossmoor Community Services District Emergency Plan

Rossmoor Community Services District on Thursday, March 12, 2020, the Rossmoor Community Services District (the District) conducted an emergency meeting of the Board of Directors to discuss the potential health impacts of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). In accordance with recent state and County orders and guidelines the Board is taking measures protect public health, safety and welfare within the Rossmoor Community.

The emergency declaration enables the District to call in additional resources which may be necessary. On February 26, 2020, the Orange County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency and County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick declared a local health emergency as part of broader preparedness efforts related to novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. On March 11th the Governor issued an updated policy on gatherings to protect public health and slow the spread of COVID-19, determining that gatherings should be postponed or cancelled across the state until at least the end of March.  On March 12th the Governor issued Executive Order N-25-20, ordering, inter alia, that all residents are to heed the orders and guidance of state and local public health officials.

The actions by the District are in line with what other local and regional agencies are considering or have enacted as a preventative measure to decrease the risk of community spread of Coronavirus in their communities.

Rossmoor has a population of approximately 10,500 residents, a significant portion of who may be at risk for Coronavirus. Additionally, Rossmoor is located near the County of Los Angeles and cities of Santa Ana and Long Beach, where several cases of Coronavirus have already been confirmed. The Board of Directors have concluded that it is in the best interest of the District to declare a local emergency.

Effective, 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020 the District will be implementing temporary changes to its operations. The changes to operations will be in place through the end of March or until further notice.

The temporary changes to District operations are as follows:

District Facilities

All District facilities, including the Rush Park Auditorium, Rossmoor Park Community Center and Montecito Center, Rossmoor Park Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts, Softball Fields, etc. will be closed to the public. However, District operations will continue to operate with staff available to provide services and answer questions by email. Online reservations will be available by visiting the District website at www.rossmoor-csd.org and clicking the online services link.

District Services

All services requiring in-person visits or public counter assistance will now be handled by phone and email.  Persons with disabilities who require assistance in accessing District services are encouraged to first contact the District by phone or email so that the District may accommodate their needs.

District Events and Classes

All District events and recreation classes and programs planned for the remainder of March are canceled.  All special events will be rescheduled at the appropriate time.

District Meetings

Meetings of the Board of Directors and District Committees scheduled for March will either take place as planned (if necessary), will be postponed until April or until further notice.  Consistent with the Brown Act and the Governor’s recent orders, the District will provide information to the public regarding any necessary restrictions on physically attending District meetings. As an alternative to attending in person, members of the public will always be able to access a taped recording broadcasts on LATV-3, or visiting the District website at www.rossmoor-csd.org.

Public health and safety are always our top priority and we will continue to work with local, County and State officials to help us navigate this worldwide pandemic. Additional information can be found by visiting the Orange County Health Care Agency website at http://www.ochealthinfo.com. Please stay tuned for future announcements.

La Palma Emergency Plan

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
La Palma Emergency Plan

This is the City of La Palma’s central location for local updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The City continues to closely monitor the coronavirus situation and is in regular communications with the County of Orange Healthcare Agency and other community partners.

Latest Updates

There is now laboratory evidence of community transmission, indicating that COVID-19 is likely spreading in Orange County.

Older adults (ages 65 and higher) as well as people who have serious, chronic medical conditions (like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease) are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19. These individuals should avoid crowds as much as possible as well cruise travel and non-essential air travel.

All residents should practice good health hygiene, which includes washing your hands, staying home if you are sick, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve (not hands).

Minimizing risk through social distancing whenever possible, which includes avoiding attendance at large gatherings (250 or more). Small gatherings should be limited to no more than 10 people and provide social distancing of six feet per person.

Maintain vigilance and personal readiness by being prepared if there is COVID-19 in your household or a disruption of daily activities.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, stay home. If you need to seek medical care, call your health care provider first so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

Impacts to the City of La Palma

Basic Precautions

Basic precautions are similar to avoiding the flu or the common cold.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects

Primary election update: Incumbent Diep may be in trouble

Jeannette Andruss
-
0
Primary election update: Incumbent Diep may be in trouble

Final votes are still being counted from the March 3 Presidential Primary election but it looks like the incumbent in the 72nd Assembly District will lose his seat. Republican Tyler Diep has slipped into third place in the race to represent the district that includes Seal Beach, Los Alamitos and Rossmoor. For state and congressional contests, only the top two vote-getters advance to compete in the November general election regardless of party.

Last week, Democrat and Garden Grove City councilwoman Diedre Nguyen surpassed Diep to take second place. She now leads him by 825 votes according to the Orange County Registrar of Voters website as of March 17.

“So glad voters embraced our message of lower healthcare costs and better educational opportunities,” Nguyen wrote in an email.

If the results hold, Diedre Nguyen, who is also a cancer scientist, will face Republican and former state senator and businesswoman Janet Nguyen in November. Janet Nguyen is currently in first place, leading the race with 33.8% of the vote. Democrat and civil rights attorney Bijan Mohseni remains in fourth place.

“We’re very pleased and excited about the results,” Janet Nguyen said in a phone call on Tuesday but added she’s not making an official statement yet since the results are still preliminary.

Tyler Diep’s campaign issued this statement to The Event-News Enterprise: “I am sincerely thankful to all those who voted and placed their trust in me in this recent election. While the results aren’t what we wanted, I am committed to representing and fighting for my district until the last day.”

Diep was first elected to represent the 72nd district in 2018, the same election where four congressional seats in Orange County went from Republicans to Democrats. It was also the election where Janet Nguyen lost her reelection bid for her state senate seat to Democrat Tom Umberg.

Primary Reveals Republican Rift

The primary contest between the two Republicans, Janet Nguyen and Diep, revealed a rift among Orange County Republicans. The race was marked by negative ads and online attacks. She entered the race in December amid criticism of Diep by local GOP leaders. The Orange County Republican Party revoked its endorsement of Diep in January saying his votes were “incongruent with the Republican platform.” The group did not endorse a candidate in the primary for the 72nd AD. The California Republican Party still endorsed Diep.

“A few political insiders have made it their agenda to distort my record as I have done my best to represent my district in Sacramento,” Diep told the Orange County Register in February.

Diep was the only Republican in the Assembly to vote for AB 5, a bill that creates new rules for part-time or freelance workers. Many employers, including Lyft and Uber, opposed the bill. Political Action Committees, including one funded by Lyft, sponsored campaign mailers critical of Diep.

Nguyen’s campaign website says Diep is the one distorting voting records. An entire page on her site is dedicated to “Tyler Diep’s false attacks on Republican Janet Nguyen.”

During the phone interview on Tuesday, Janet Nguyen criticized Diep saying, “You cannot campaign as a conservative and go to Sacramento and vote with the Governor.” But she noted how Republicans need to shift gears. “At this point we need to unite as a community,” she said.

Now the focus turns to the general election.

“On the surface, the two candidates for Assembly in November might be hard to tell apart: two Vietnamese women named Nguyen with similar backgrounds,” Democrat Diedre Nguyen wrote in an email message. But she said the two couldn’t be more different.

“Janet Nguyen is an ultra-conservative career politician who dragged Tyler Diep’s moderate reputation through the mud leading up to Tuesday’s election. I am a cancer scientist, running to solve big problems facing California,” Diedre Nguyen wrote.

“It’s comical to say I’m a career politician,” Janet Nguyen said in response noting that Diedre Nguyen has been a councilwoman for Garden Grove since 2016. She characterized a vote for Diedre as a vote for more of the same in Sacramento. “I’m there to fight for our community.  I’m not there to negotiate,” Janet said.

Turnout & Other Election Results

“We have counted 804,410 ballots, bringing us to a 49.2% turnout for the Primary Election so far,” Orange County Registrar of Voters, Neal Kelley said in a press release on March 14. In some precincts in Seal Beach, turnout was even higher measuring above 60%. The results are still unofficial as counties have until April 3 to submit final results to the State. On March 17, there were still 1,749 ballots countywide left to count. Here’s a look at the results so far.

Congressional Contests

The 48th Congressional District covers all of Seal Beach. Incumbent Democrat Harley Rouda leads the race with 46.7% of the vote. It looks like he will face Republican Michelle Steel in November. Steel, an Orange County Supervisor and Surfside resident, is in second place with 34.9% of the vote.

The 47th Congressional District covers parts of Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor and Cypress. Incumbent Democrat Alan Lowenthal is leading with 45.0% of the vote. Republican John Briscoe, an Ocean View School District board member, has 17.3% of the vote. The results suggest that Lowenthal and Briscoe will face off in November which would be a rematch of the 2018 race.

Orange County Measure A

Orange County voters are approving of Measure A with the “yes” vote garnering 78.4% of the vote. Measure A would amend the Orange County Charter so that any proposal to increase or extend taxes would require a two-thirds supermajority vote of the Board of Supervisors before the tax proposal is considered by voters.

Statewide Measure Proposition 13

Proposition 13, the $15 billion bond measure to fund repairs and upgrades at California schools, is failing. Right now, 53.7% of the ballots said “No” to the statewide measure. The “Yes” vote is 46.3%.

For the latest tallies on Orange County contests, visit ocvote.com/results.

For statewide results visit, https://electionresults.sos.ca.gov/.

Casa Youth Shelter to remain open

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Casa Youth Shelter to remain open

Through war and peace, now Coronavirus, the Casa Youth Shelter has not closed for a single day since it was opened by Myldred E. Jones in 1978.

“The youth who seek help at Casa Youth Shelter are among the most vulnerable in our community. At this time, we are committed to continuing to provide much needed shelter, food, and counseling to teens in need,” according to an email from the shelter.

Though Casa vowed to remain open, officials there say they are taking extraordinary precautions to keep the staff and tenants safe. “The health and safety of our clients and staff is always our primary concern, so we have made some adjustments to our program to ensure the health and safety of our people,” the email noted.

According to the notice, here are the steps being taken by Casa Youth Shelter to remain open during the crisis.

  • We are modifying our crisis call and intake procedures to include recommended questions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a minor is unwell and presents with symptoms consistent with the coronavirus, we will request a medical evaluation and note prior to admission.
  • We have implemented strict hygiene and cleanliness procedures throughout the shelter, including hand washing, maintaining 6-foot distance when possible, and regularly disinfecting common areas and frequently used surfaces and objects.
  • Offsite outings have been canceled.
  • Visitors to the shelter will be limited. No group tours will be scheduled through the end of April.
  • We are developing emergency staffing protocols, including remote work where possible, limiting staffing to essential personnel, and requiring quarantine after travel.
  • We will strive to maintain a 30-day stock of emergency supplies at the shelter, including food, linens, toilet paper, paper towels, and other cleaning materials.
  • We will continue to monitor the situation, and follow guidance from the CDC and local health departments.

Though the shelter will remain open, they did postpone several events, including;

  • Reality Party (scheduled for March 14)
  • Los Alamitos Thrive Teen Expo Conference (scheduled for April 4)
  • Awareness through Art Open House (scheduled for April 25)
  • Youth Leadership Program meetings cancelled through March

They said parenting classes, however, would continue.

“As a friend of Casa Youth Shelter, you know that the wellbeing of our youth is our highest priority. Many of our teens are particularly susceptible, not only to this new virus, but to other physical and mental illnesses that stem from the trauma of living on the streets or experiencing significant crisis,” according to Casa.

“Your support is a lifeline for these youth. We appreciate you standing by us during – and after – this crisis. It is your support that allows our staff to continue their quietly courageous work. Your support keeps our youth safe.”

Casa Youth Shelter officials acknowledged a “rapidly evolving crisis” and committed itself to remain “vigilant.”

Pulver guides LAUSD schools into closure period

David N. Young
-
0
Pulver guides LAUSD schools into closure period

Friday was a busy day for Dr. Andrew Pulver and perhaps, the biggest test of his administration of schools since he assumed the post of Superintendent less than a year ago.

In a wide-ranging interview shortly before a hastily called “emergency board meeting at 2:30 p.m., he explained the hectic and rapid sequence of events that prompted Friday’s decision to approve a two-week closure of district schools to protect students, teachers and staff from the Coronavirus crisis.

Pulver said he had been sending messages to parents since Wednesday, “hoping to urge them to get prepared,” the superintendent said.

Following a mid-morning group phone call between Orange County Superintendents Al Mijares and the OC Health Department, in which he participated, Pulver prepared a resolution and called the emergency board meeting to get their approval.

Mijares said later he supported the closure of all 615 K-12 public schools in Orange County, acknowleding also that “we do not know how this will ultimately impact our county. “

Although Superintendents “do have the power” to shut down schools in the case of an emergency, Pulver said having the board delegate the authority to him was the “smarter thing to do.”

First of all, he said it ensures a strong case if, for any reason, the district must appeal to the state for financial closure benefits, and also, Pulver said he has remained in constant communication with the board since the crisis began. “They have been constantly hearing from me,” he said.

The board approved the resolution to close the schools for two weeks and gave Pulver the authority to make a decision to close for two more weeks, if necessary,without coming back to the board.

“Four weeks is a long time to commit to without more information,” he said, referring to the process as a “student dismissal.”

Instruction will continue

“First of all, we are making a determination of which staff members are critical to remain” at school during the closure to make sure organizational elements like payroll, network administration and other vital services remain functional, he said.

Pulver said he is first among them and planned to report to work every day during the closure period.

Pulver said curricula will continue throughout the ‘closure period,’ however long that happens to be. In addition, Pulver said the system has teamed up with Verizon and Google to help ensure access to instruction for all students.

Teachers and staff were ordered back to school Monday through Wednesday, said Pulver, in order to “train” staff on how to use the “Google Classroom” online platform, said Pulver.

“Many teachers already use it,” he acknowledged, “but some don’t.” By Wednesday, he said, the teachers should have a plan for two weeks of lessons and be trained on how to interact online with their students.

As a contingency, said Pulver, he asked teachers to also be considering lessons that may be needed if the closure period has to be extended.

In order to receive the lessons, students must have a “capable device” at home. For those that do not have access to such a device, he said, “they can return to school and check out an approved device” for as long as it is needed.

To facilitate students that do not have online access, Pulver ordered 100 Verizon hotspots that were delivered on Monday.

Child care and meals

“I’m very concerned about our families that do not have childcare,” said Pulver, “and worried about what they will do.”

The superintendent said the Los Al Unified School system would continue offering child care for K-8th grade students, noting that it is a service paid for by parents.

Since classrooms will be empty, Pulver said the administrators will be able to maintain the required “social distancing”dsss of the children. While other systems are not doing it, “I made sure we’re doing it,” said Pulver.

“Our job is to keep children safe,” said Pulver, and “it’s better there than them not having a place where they are being supervised.”

While some parents will be able to make arrangements for child care, many others will not. “We should provide for those who can’t,” he said. The custodians will disinfect the premises daily and Pulver said they would ensure the children are kept in a socially responsible way.

“If we get different direction from public health agencies as we’re rolling this out, “we’ll just have to adapt.”

Pulver said simliar arrangements are being made for students receiving free and reduced breakfast and lunches. (See update, page 10)

Financial implications

Pulver said extraordinary precautions are being taken to ensure there will be no adverse financial impact, saying the state will likely adjust to allow for the distance learning, They will also authorize other emergency measures being taken during the closure period of keep kids safe and learning, he said.

For sure all the “certificate” employees will not be impacted, and he said the board and the system managers are working to ensure there is no fallout at all in terms of employees.

Pulver said the system is coordinating carefully with the state and the OC Superintendent’s Office as the system works through this unprecedented educational crisis.

Aquarium among other notable closings

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Aquarium among other notable closings

“After careful discussions with the City of Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific will be closing to the public starting Saturday, March 14, through Tuesday, March 31, 2020. During this time, staff members will continue to work and be paid. We will be offering a variety of online programming so that the public may continue to engage with our exhibits and animals and learn about our ocean. We invite you to visit our website for updates at aquariumofpacific.org. We thank you for your support and we send you our best wishes.”

In a Facebook posting, Run Seal Beach announced the cancellation of the 5K, 10K and Kids Fun Run scheduled for Saturday, March 28.

“At this time, the Run Seal Beach Board of Directors is evaluating options for a revised 2020 race date, along with registration refunds or deferrals processing. We ask for your patience as we work through different options in light of current unfortunate circumstances. Communication updates will be sent regularly via email and social media channels,” the post read.

Save Our Beach is cancelling its monthly scheduled beach clean-up that was slated for Saturday, March 21. In a posting on its Facebook page the group wrote: “We hope as things progress, we will be able to hold all regularly scheduled cleanups in the future, beginning April 18th.”

Seal Beach PONY Baseball League is temporarily suspending its season. The league uses the fields at J.H. McGaugh Elementary school and the Los Alamitos Unified School District has cancelled any use of its facilities by outside groups. “We will do our best to closely monitor the situation, and keep you apprised of all future developments as they are received,” a post on the leagues Facebook page read.

The Orange County Public Libraries have been closed. “The health and wellness of our OC Public Libraries’ staff and customers is our main concern. Based on recommendations from the County of Orange and in concurrence with guidelines issued by the Governor of the state of California, all OC Public Library branches will be closed from March 16 through March 31, 2020 to limit the number of people in a public building and to help curtail further spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

In this interim time, although our doors may be closed, there are many ways you can still connect with our library services. OC Public Libraries’ robust digital services give library card holders 24/7 free
access to ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, resources and
More. For official updates about the coronavirus visit the OC Health Care Agency website.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and look forward to resuming full library services as soon as we can. Thank you for being a patron of the OC Public Library system.”

OC Health Dept. clarifies ‘Shelter in Place’ Order; Most biz ok

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
OC Health Dept. clarifies ‘Shelter in Place’ Order; Most biz ok

Orange County health officials are walking back an order released two days ago, saying the order issued by County health officer Dr. Nichole Quick was “NOT an order to shelter in place. It is not a lockdown.”

The hastily issued order sparked much confusion among Orange County business owners, as the Health Department now says “it is important for all Orange County businesses to remain open while practicing social distancing consistent with the Governor’s guidelines.

However, following state guidelines, all bars and other business establishments that serve food shall close. All restaurants and other business establishments that serve food shall close all onsite dining. Pickup dining and drive thru services may remain open. It is important for all Orange County residents to read the order IN ITS ENTIRETY.

Unfortunately, said health officials, “the order, as written, caused widespread confusion.” In order to provide more clarity, the Health Department said it would be issuing amended orders.

Residents or businesses with questions are asked to call the OC Health Department hotline at (714) 628-7085.

The Cypress Chamber Student Business Mentor Breakfast Postponed

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
The Cypress Chamber Student Business Mentor Breakfast Postponed

The Cypress Chamber of Commerce has had to postpone our popular, annual Student-Business Mentor Breakfast originally set for Wednesday, March 18 th . Due to concerns regarding the Covid-19 Coronavirus, the City of Cypress has cancelled all large gatherings on city owned property.

Our keynote speaker was going to be California Military Reserve Chief Warrant Officer Rochelle Sonza, who oversees the Recruiting, Placement, Mentorship, and Outreach department of Sunburst Youth ChalleNGe Academy. We hope she will be able to share her presentation once we arrange for a new date.

We thank our many partners for this event as well as the business experts who had signed up as mentors for the morning. Key sponsors for 2020 includes: McDonalds of Cypress, ENO Brands, Kinetic Mortgage, The City of Cypress, Crystal Geyser Water and Forest Lawn of Cypress. More information can be found on the Cypress Chamber website at cypresschamber.org or by calling the Chamber office at 714 484-6015.

 

Cirque du Soleil cancels local performances

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Cirque du Soleil cancels local performances
The California authorities have requested a ban on all public events over 250 persons to contain the coronavirus pandemic. In the interest of ensuring the safety of its audience and its employees, Cirque du Soleil cancels all performances of VOLTA which was scheduled from March 18 to April 19, 2020, at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California.

Carrying out operations all over the world, Cirque du Soleil regularly updates its procedures and applies specific measures to each region of the world and to each project.

Although this situation results from circumstances beyond its control, Cirque du Soleil apologizes for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause. The Cirque du Soleil tour planning team is currently working on the next visit of one of its Big Top shows in Costa Mesa, California.

All ticket holders for VOLTA in Costa Mesa will be contacted by their point of sale regarding the refund process.

For any other questions, please contact the Customer Service team at 1-877-9 CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783).

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. On top of producing world-renowned circus arts shows, the Canadian organization brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, theme parks and special events. It currently has 4,900 employees from nearly 70 countries. Going beyond its various creations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group aims to make a positive impact on people, communities and the planet with its most important tools: creativity and art. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit :

CirqueduSoleilEntertainmentGroup.com.

Greg Olsen, the artist, visits Church of Latter Day Saints

Vickie Wagstaff
-
0
Greg Olsen, the artist, visits Church of Latter Day Saints

Greg Olsen began painting when he entered an art show in the eighth-grade. “I did the painting in oils of a Saguaro Cactus the night before the show.  The paint hadn’t dried so I put up a sign that read, ‘wet paint.’  For eighth-graders that’s an invitation to touch, so by the end of the show it looked more like an abstract painting.”

Olsen now owns an art studio and his current artworks can be found online at GregOlsen.com, minus the cactus.

“I was shocked when I heard myself telling the caller, ‘I’ll see what I can do,’” said Greg Olsen.

Olsen said that because of a mix-up in the caller’s art order, the man was asking for a painting of Christ with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and they needed it in three days.

Although it was the middle of the afternoon, miraculously Olsen said he was able to find three guys with beards who had some free time. Using bathrobes, bed sheets and duct tape they proceeded to create costumes and then headed to a dirt road in the neighborhood.

As the makeshift Jesus and two disciples walked down the road, Olsen circled them taking pictures to use as he created the needed painting. He worked nonstop to complete the painting and was able to meet the commitment.

As he tells it, “The interesting thing for me happened a few days later. It was Sunday and I was at Church. I met a lady from my neighborhood in the hallway between meetings. She ran up to me, grabbed me by the arm and said, ‘Greg, I’ve got to talk to you. I want to share an experience that I had this week.’  She was a little emotional and I could tell it was something important and so we found a quiet spot to talk.

“I have to tell you what happened earlier this week,” She said, “I was home alone, standing at my kitchen sink, doing the dishes. I looked out of my kitchen window and suddenly, there HE was.  I thought it was the second coming. Jesus and a couple of his disciples; it was so real.  He was right there!”  She was enraptured in the amazing experience she was recalling, and then, that rapturous expression evaporated and was replaced with kind of a scowl.  She continued, ‘It was so real, and then I saw YOU!  With your stupid camera, taking pictures of the Second Coming of all things!”

“I didn’t know what to say, so I told her that it must have been kind of amazing to her for a few seconds,” Olsen explained.

Then he continued his story.

How would that be, to see Christ?

As Christians, we believe in Jesus. We believe in the Savior and yet, how amazing would it be if we could actually look out of our window and see him?

Would He be real to us?

Would that change our feelings about Him?

We probably aren’t going to look out of our window and see Jesus. But I think most of us are on some kind of a quest searching for the Savior. Where can we look to find the Savior and a piece of Heaven here on Earth?

I think many of us seek Him and want Him to be part of our lives. I’ve wondered about Jesus and how he grew through boyhood and how he learned about his divine mission on this Earth. That must have been an interesting process.

As we read scriptures in the Bible, we learn that it wasn’t something that happened instantly for Christ.  He grew and learned line-upon-line. He grew in wisdom, knowledge and understanding. I think that’s something that we do also. It’s sort of a parallel journey that we’re on.

Finally, at some point, I think Christ fully understood what His mission was; who He was and why He was here. Sometimes I wonder if part of His mission isn’t to help us, not only form a connection with Him, but to discover who He is in our lives and to also learn something about ourselves.  What our mission is.  Why we are here.  What we have in common. What this Earth life is about for each of us.

Each of us is on a journey to find God and ourselves. I think those things happen, or can happen, simultaneously. That on this journey of life, as we learn more about God and our relationship to Him, we learn more about ourselves.

Olsen shared insights to learning more about Jesus and ourselves, through the paintings in his studio.

In the painting titled “Forgiven,” a woman in a red robe kneels at the Savior’s feet. “This is a painting where the red robe the woman is wearing represents the burdens she is carrying,” Olsen explained.  “It might be sin; perhaps depression, discouragement, sorrows, or trials in her life.  When we look at those things, they might seem so heavy, or huge. The Apostle Paul teaches us, ‘But now I see through a glass darkly; then face-to-face.  Now I know in part.  Now, we see things, but we don’t see the bigger picture.  We see our burdens out of proportion. We don’t really know what we’re made of.  We are our own greatest mystery. We don’t really know of the strength and power we have inside of us.  ‘But some day – then shall I know – even as also I am known…’ I ask you to give pause to those thoughts,” Olsen admonished.
If we could know ourselves as we are known in Heaven.  If we could know who we truly are, how powerful would that be for each of us.  Sometimes we think we have to create a big checklist to become who we want to be.  Perhaps, it’s not that way at all.  Perhaps we are already that person, and just need to shed the outer clothing that covers us up, to reveal what and who we are inside.

Much of the joy and peace that Christ offers us is helping us discover our true self.

“In another piece of artwork, I was trying to portray the love that Jesus has for each of us. ‘In His Light,’ it shows Jesus with a young child. In the painting, the child is the son of the man who is portraying Christ.  ‘The father and his son,'” Olsen explained.

Olsen went on to say, “Our relationship with God, our Heavenly Father; with our elder brother, Jesus Christ, Heavenly parentage, these are family relationships we’re talking about. That’s about as close and endearing as we can get. That very idea ought to give us confidence and courage and a wonderful respect for who we are,” he said. “That, is what we are made of. That is in our DNA and we should have confidence in approaching our Heavenly Father, by the very fact that we are family; it gives us an ‘in’ so to speak, that they are concerned for us, love us, and want to help us.”

Further, Olsen explained that those who are parents or who have parents, know of the love connection that is there.

In Romans 8:17, we read, “If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ… that we may also be glorified together.”

“That’s a pretty amazing thing to be joint-heirs with Jesus Christ.  That’s a wonderful inheritance we have,” Olsen concluded.

Apostle Luke teaches us that the kingdom of God is within us.

When we came to Earth, we brought a piece of Heaven with us.  We have a place we can go, any time we like, inside of us to find a refuge. When we shut our eyes, we close out the distractions around us.  We create a piece of Heaven right inside of us. Sometimes we may only have five seconds in the middle of the day, to breathe.  Do that, and remember this piece of Heaven inside us, that it is there.

Sometimes to reach that piece of Heaven within us, we have to remove all distractions in our mind.

He is inviting us.  “Come follow me.”  Come to that sacred space where he has invited us to be.  It is a place that is divine.

Courtesy photo

 

Governor’s Executive Order on Coronavirus

David N. Young
-
0
Governor’s Executive Order on Coronavirus

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a new executive order further enhancing California’s ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to keep our readers informed, here is the full text of the Governor’s Executive Order.

The Governor’s order:

Waives the one-week waiting period for people who are unemployed and/or disabled as a result of COVID-19;

Delays the deadline for state tax filing by 60 days for individuals and businesses unable to file on time based on compliance with public health requirements related to COVID-19 filings;

Directs residents to follow public health directives and guidance, including to cancel large non-essential gatherings that do not meet state criteria;

Readies the state to commandeer property for temporary residences and medical facilities for quarantining, isolating or treating individuals;

Allows local or state legislative bodies to hold meetings via teleconference and to make meetings accessible electronically; and

Allows local and state emergency administrators to act quickly to protect public health

The full executive order can be found here.

Last night, Governor Newsom and state public health officials announced that gatherings should be postponed or canceled across the state until at least the end of March. Non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 250 people, while smaller events can proceed only if the organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person. Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people, while also following social distancing guidelines.

“Each of us has extraordinary power to slow the spread of this disease,” said Governor Newsom in announcing the state’s new policy last night. “Not holding that concert or community event can have cascading effects — saving dozens of lives and preserving critical health care resources that your family may need a month from now. The people in our lives who are most at risk – seniors and those with underlying health conditions — are depending on all of us to make the right choice.”

State Efforts to Assist California Workers

California will continue acting swiftly to help workers hurt by COVID-19. Affected workers can visit the Labor & Workforce Development Agency’s website to review what benefits are available to them. For instance,

If you’re unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 you may qualify for Paid Family Leave (PFL).

If you’re unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness, you may qualify for Disability Insurance. Those who have lost a job or have had their hours reduced for reasons related to COVID-19 may be able to partially recover their wages by filing an unemployment insurance claim.

If a worker or a family member is sick or for preventative care when civil authorities recommend quarantine, workers may use accrued paid sick leave in accordance with the law.

If workers are unable to do their usual job because they were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 during the regular course of their work, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. All information and resources can be found at Ca.Gov/Coronavirus2019

All Community Guidance Released from CDPH:

The California Department of Public Health has consolidated state guidance on how to prepare and protect Californians from COVID-19 in a single location. This includes guidance for:

Health care facilities, including long-term care facilities

Community care facilities, including assisted living facilities and child care

Schools and institutions of higher education

First responders, including paramedics and EMTs

Employers, health care workers and workers in general industry

Health care plans

Home cleaning with COVID-19 positive individuals

Gathering Guidance

Guidance for Using Disinfectants at Schools and Child Cares

Laboratories

Health care facilities from Cal/OSHA

Homelessness Providers

What to Do if You Think You’re Sick:

Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider or local public health department first before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

California’s Response to COVID-19:

We have been actively and extensively planning with our local public health and health care delivery systems. Here are some of the things we are already doing:

As in any public health event, the California Department of Public Health’s Medical and Health Coordination Center has been activated and is coordinating public health response efforts across the state.

California continues to prepare and respond in coordination with federal and local partners, hospitals and physicians.

Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the state prepare for broader spread of COVID-19.

Governor Gavin Newsom requested the Legislature make up to $20 million available for state government to respond to the spread of COVID-19.

California activated the State Operations Center to its highest level to coordinate response efforts across the state.

24 million more Californians are now eligible for free medically necessary COVID-19 testing.

California made available some of its emergency planning reserves of 21 million N95 filtering face piece masks for use in certain health care settings to ease shortages of personal protective equipment.

The Public Health Department is providing information, guidance documents, and technical support to local health departments, health care facilities, providers, schools, universities, colleges, and childcare facilities across California

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) is encouraging individuals who are unable to work due to exposure to COVID-19 to file a Disability Insurance claim.

EDD is also encouraging employers who are experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the Coronavirus impact on the economy to apply for an Unemployment Insurance work sharing program.

California continues to work in partnership with the federal government to aid in the safe return of 962 Californians from the Grand Princess cruise ship. This mission is centered around protecting the health of the passengers, and ensuring that when the passengers disembark, the public health of the United States, the State of California, and partner communities is protected.

The Public Health Department is coordinating with federal authorities and local health departments that have implemented screening, monitoring and, in some cases quarantine of returning travelers.

In coordination with the CDC, state and local health departments, we are actively responding to cases of COVID-19.

1...150151152...324Page 151 of 324