FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020
Laguna Beach Public Safety Departments Fully Operational and Responding to All Calls
The City of Laguna Beach wants the community to know that its Police, Fire, and Marine Safety Departments remain fully operational and are responding to all calls as normal. We are vigilant in our response to COVID-19, and committed to ensuring the safety of our community and visitors.
Our first responders are wearing additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when responding to all 911 calls. This equipment consists of gloves, masks, gowns and goggles. Please do not be alarmed by our response and our level of Personal Protective Equipment. It's precautionary to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to keep our community safe and healthy.
Firefighters will continue to respond to the highest priority medical calls, whether they are potential COVID-19 calls or not. If you see us entering a residence or business in full protective equipment, this does not mean that the caller has COVID-19, it only means that we are taking precautionary efforts.
All City offices remain closed to the public. Essential services are provided.
For questions call (949) 497-3311 during regular business hours.
Effective immediately, residents can now call 1 (833) 426-6411 for ALL inquiries related to novel coronavirus in Orange County.
County Begins Reporting City-Specific COVID-19 Data
Today the Orange County Health Care Agency began sharing City-specific COVID-19 data with the Orange County community. According to the Health Care Agency, City case data is reflective of where cases live; this does not necessarily reflect where COVID-19 transmission occurred.
The County has determined that based on HIPAA laws, they cannot release independent information for cities with populations of less than 25,000. Therefore, Laguna Beach (population 22,723) will be listed in the “other” category and grouped with the unincorporated area, Laguna Woods, Coto de Caza, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach and Villa Park (these areas have a cumulative population just over 200,000.)
As of Friday, March 27, the Health Care Agency reported to the community that 27 positive COVID-19 cases are currently reported in this cumulative reporting area.
“I urge everyone in our community to stay at home except for the most essential needs such as going to the grocery store, the pharmacy or to see a doctor,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen. “The most effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to avoid contact with others. I appreciate the tremendous compliance we have had so far from our residents and businesses and I ask everyone to keep it up.”
Today the City of Laguna Beach had a staff member test positive for coronavirus. The staff member has been at home and mostly telecommuting since March 16.
While we believe that the potential exposure is limited due to social distancing procedures already in place at that time, any employees who may have had contact were directly notified and encouraged to see a doctor if they have any symptoms.
As a reminder for all of us, the current guidance for people in potential contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus is to self-monitor for symptoms, practice social distancing and continue daily activities.
Always contact your physician if you show signs of illness, such as a fever, shortness of breath or cough.
Written and Call-in Public Comments Accepted During March 31 City Council Meeting
We are continuing to hold City Council meetings so we can conduct essential City business.
The upcoming Laguna Beach City Council meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31.
Public participation at the upcoming City Council meeting shall be limited to electronic and telephonic participation.
You may email public comments regarding any item on the agenda or any item not on the agenda to cityclerk@lagunabeachcity.net by noon on the day before the City Council meeting. There is an interactive Public Communications Form on the front page of the City's website. Please note the agenda item you wish to comment on in your email.
You may also call in LIVE during the meeting on Tuesday and comment on items as they are being discussed during Public Comment. For instructions on how to listen to the meeting and how to comment over the phone during the meeting, click the link below!
You can also watch the meeting live online on the City's website or on cable channel 852.
Listen to Today's Podcast Update from Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen
Hear Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen update the community on the closing of City beaches, what the expectations are for the community this coming weekend, and the cooperation with the County to protect community members at County beaches at the link below.
Beaches, Trails and Parks Remain Closed to the Public
To protect the public and prevent the spread of COVID-19, all trail access to the County wilderness parks, all City beaches and adjacent beach parks remain closed.
This includes Main Beach Park, Heisler Park, Crescent Bay Park and Treasure Island Parks. All basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, along with all children’s playgrounds are also closed.
Affected South Laguna Beach locations include the closure of parking lots at Aliso Beach and the pedestrian stairs/access points to Thousand Steps Beach, Table Rock, Camel Point, West Street Beach and Treasure Island Beach.
The County parking lots at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Nix Nature Center, James Dilley, Willow, and Big Bend are also closed.
According to the state's stay at home order, you can still go outside for walks and recreation but won’t be able to do so in groups. Social distancing should be practiced at all times.
Parking Lots at Crystal Cove State Park Now Closed
State Parks has taken temporary safety measures to reduce crowds and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
Crystal Cove State Park is now closed to vehicular traffic. All museums and visitor centers, and campgrounds in the state parks system are closed until further notice.
As of Wednesday, non-campground outdoor areas of parks, including trails and beaches, remain open. Restrooms also remain open, and visitors are advised to take soap for hand washing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers when water is not available.
If visitors cannot maintain social distancing, they will be asked to leave the park.
Laguna Beach Farmer's Market Open Saturday
The Laguna Beach Farmer's Market will be open Saturday, March 28 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon in lot 11 of the Village Entrance located at the corner of Forest Avenue and Broadway.
Updated state COVID-19 guidelines allow for the continued operation of certified farmers markets throughout the state of California.
Those guidelines include discontinuing samples, encouraging pre-bagging to expedite purchasing and spacing booths and patrons in accordance with state social distancing measures.
Laguna Beach Food Pantry is Open for Drive-Through Service
Laguna Food Pantry is responding to the COVID-19 outbreak and staying open to serve our neighbors in need.
The Pantry is serving shoppers in a drive-through distribution program set up in the Pantry’s parking lot.
Instead of allowing our shoppers inside to select what they want to bring home to their families, volunteers are bagging food and providing curbside service.
The Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at 20652 Laguna Canyon Road.
State Department of Education Creates App to Find Grab & Go Meals for Students
The California state Department of Education has created an app for iPhone and Android devices that allows parents to find nearby schools, community centers and other sites offering free grab-and-go meals while campuses are closed to students. Click the link below for more.
Grab & Go Meals and Resources Available for Seniors
Age Well is providing “Grab & Go” meals for seniors in need every Monday, Wednesday & Friday as needed. For more information call Age Well Senior Services at (949) 715-5462.
The County has announced the availability of resources and support for seniors over 60 who may be self-isolating during the COVID-19 outbreak in Orange County. For more information, call the Office on Aging Information Center at 1 (800) 510-2020.
Sally's Fund team members are shopping, running errands and providing transportation for seniors to doctor's appointments. For more information on Sally's Fund services, call (949) 499-4100.
Takeout and Delivery Offered at Many Local Restaurants
Though bars that serve food and all restaurants are closed to on-site public dining, they may still offer takeout and food delivery.
Social distancing of 6 feet of separation between persons must be maintained at all restaurants offering takeout.
Leaf Blower Reminder
The City is reminding community members that leaf blowers continue to be illegal to use within the City limits. These include the operation of electric and gas-powered blowers which are described in Laguna Beach Municipal Code 7.25.070(D).
Warnings and/or citations may be issued when Code Enforcement Staff view someone using one of these devices. Homeowners who receive complaints will also be sent letters educating them about the law.
Governor Newsom Establishes a Statewide Moratorium on Evictions
Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order banning the enforcement of eviction orders for renters affected by COVID-19 through May 31, 2020.
The order prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent and prohibits enforcement of evictions by law enforcement or courts.
It also requires tenants to declare in writing, no more than seven days after the rent comes due, that the tenant cannot pay all or part of their rent due to COVID-19.
The order takes effect immediately, and provides immediate relief to tenants for whom rent is due on April 1st.
Governor Announces 90-Day Mortgage Payment Relief During COVID-19 Crisis
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that financial institutions will provide major financial relief for millions of Californians suffering financially as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Californians economically impacted by COVID-19 may receive 90-day grace periods to make mortgage payments. To read more about the plan click the link below.
COVID-19 is Not Spread Through the Mail
The CDC, the World Health Organization, as well as the Surgeon General have indicated that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is being spread through the mail.
According to the CDC, “in general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures.
Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods.”
This newsletter is texted out directly to residents registered for Laguna Beach’s Nixle Community Alert system.
Know someone or a senior who needs to sign up? Simply have them text 92651 to 888-777.
If You Have An Emergency,
Always Dial 9-1-1
The City of Laguna Beach is Committed to Bringing You COVID-19 Information
The City of Laguna Beach is committed to keeping you updated on the latest COVID-19 information. We're providing resources, closures and postponements, the latest COVID-19 news and health information on our website.
We’re @lagunabeachgov on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter