LA Animal Services wants your valuable input to help plan a future in which we can do even more for animals and people in the City of LA.
Share your thoughts and ideas with them! Please take a few minutes to complete their strategic planning community survey today. English Survey Encuesta en español
All input gathered will be compiled to assist with the future priorities and goals of LA Animal Services. You can help make a difference in our City and for your Animal Services Department!
An earthquake rattled Southlanders from their sleep, Thursday morning. Did you feel it?
A magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck Southern California’s San Fernando Valley early Thursday morning. The United States Geological Survey reports the quake struck just before 4:30 a.m.
The quake was felt in Pacoima, and as far away as Oxnard, Irvine, and San Diego. It was quickly followed by more than 50 aftershocks, one as large as 3.8.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said it immediately implemented its post-earthquake protocols, with fire department vehicles and helicopters patrolling its 470 square-mile jurisdiction to look for damages or residents experiencing emergencies. About 5:30 a.m., the department said it had completed its protocols.
“The LAFD has concluded the systematic survey of the City of Los Angeles by ground and air, and is pleased to report that no major infrastructure damage was noted by our personnel in the City of Los Angeles and that there has been no loss of life or serious injury that we can directly attribute to the (magnitude) 4.2 earthquake,” spokesman Nicholas Prange said.
The Los Angeles and Beverly Hills police departments reported normal operations, but both strongly encouraged residents to be prepared in the event of a major earthquake.
Great news! Great Plates Delivered has been extended until August 9th. Through LA County’s Great Plates Delivered program, you can help a local senior or business in your community.
Great Plates Delivered offers eligible seniors with three (3) home-delivered meals a day. Seniors over 65, seniors 60-64 years of age who have been diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19, or those at high risk for COVID-19 may qualify. When you help a senior connect to Great Plates Delivered, you’re also helping your local restaurant, hospitality, and transportation community get back to work.
The City’s Emergency Renters Assistance Program for rent relief is still accepting applications until 11:59 p.m. tonight. To learn more about the program, check eligibility and apply, visit https://hcidla.lacity.org. Due to expected high demand, qualified applicants will be selected by lottery.
Residents who need a COVID-19 test can call their primary care provider or healthcare center to request one. Free testing by appointment is also available, with priority given to people experiencing symptoms or to certain critical front-line workers who interact with the public. Click here to find a testing center near you and register.
We hope this email finds you safe and well. As we continue to see increased community spread of COVID-19 across the County, we ask everyone to stay home as much as possible, to stay physically distant from people you don’t live with and take all of the necessary precautions to minimize risk – wear a face covering, maintain physical distance, wash your hands and avoid crowds. We encourage you to stay informed by visiting our COVID-19 homepage.
Since the $25 million was secured for a long-term health study of the 2015 Aliso Canyon Well Blowout, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) has undertaken the initial scoping phase of the study. Incorporating input from the Community Advisory Group (CAG) and guidance from the Scientific Oversight Committee (SOC), DPH has initiated a planning process for the health study that is community-centric and scientifically driven. Here are some study activity highlights for the month of July: Read more »
Fireworks may be sidelined this year, but patriotic live and virtual festivities still are planned in & around Los Angeles County.
Independence Day celebrations will look decidedly different this year, as COVID-19 concerns spurred cancellations of most July 4th parades, carnivals, and fireworks extravaganzas throughout Greater Los Angeles and statewide.
More events are canceled then proceeding, to be sure. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health nixed live fireworks shows throughout the county — leaving the closest confirmed display in Rancho Cucamonga, plus a smattering set to go off in Riverside, Orange and San Diego counties.
But the patriotic spirit will go on in the L.A. area as several communities are getting creative with home-decorating contests, aerial flyovers, online activities or virtual fireworks, and concerts.
Scroll through the list, and see what’s going on near you. Stay safe, and have a Happy Fourth of July.
Due to the pandemic, counties or cities may adjust or cancel events at the last minute, so double-check with organizers.
The Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council granted a Neighborhood Purpose Grant of $1,000 to EnrichLA to be used at Tulsa Elementary School for the 2019-2020 school year. The students at Tulsa Elementary were able to enjoy the garden program this school year and we wanted to share these updates with you during these difficult times. At EnrichLA, we were also able to create Learn From Home video lessons that we shared with all our schools, to keep students connected to the garden during the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic. You can find our video lessons on our Youtube or Webpage.
The generous grant we received from Neighborhood Councils, such as the one from Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council, helped us provide students with an educational, fun and engaging Garden Ranger program throughout the school year. It also helped us adapt to the pandemic and still provide some type of learning experience for the thousands of students that we serve. A breakdown of how we used the funds can be found below:
Materials Amount
Class Materials: including soil for experiments, poster boards, markers, notebooks, snacks etc. $250
Seedlings and Seeds: including basil, tomato, strawberries, assorted flowers and much more. $250
Soil amendments: including soil, compost and organic fertilizers. $150
Garden tools for students. $100
Replacement of Irrigation timer and drip lines (due to damage from squirrels) $250
TOTAL: $1,000
The success of our Garden Ranger Program at Tulsa Elementary would not have been possible without the amazing contribution from the Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council, and we send you our deepest gratitude.
Note: Fireworks complaints are accepted within the city limits of Los Angeles only. Incidents occurring in other areas should be reported to the law enforcement agency for that area. LAPD will not forward complaints to other agencies.
As many of you know, GHNNC’s Bill Hopkins was struck with a life-threatening illness late last fall. CERT, AFCS, So Cal Prep Foundation, some of the NC folks and others put together a little get together this past Saturday morning at 10:00 AM at Bill’s house to say “Thank you” to him for all his hard work over the years for Disaster Preparedness. His contributions to this field are truly spectacular!
Supervisor Kuehl will be hosting a virtual town hall this Saturday, May 16 at 11 am with Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the Director of the County’s Department of Public Health, to answer your questions about LA County’s experience with the virus and the planned rollout for reopening businesses, services and recreation. The event will be live-streamed on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sjkuehl/ and if you have a question, you are encouraged to post it starting at 10:45 am Saturday morning.
As you know, the COVID19 pandemic is continuing to threaten our health as well as our economy. After a careful assessment of our local County conditions and adhering to Governor Newsom’s guidelines, the LA County Department of Public Health has begun to permit certain businesses and public places to reopen. It is of utmost important that businesses and members of the public follow this important public health guidance.
If you can’t join us for the virtual town hall, please stay up-to-date on how to protect your health and the health of your loved ones and your community. The following links may be helpful:
Anyone who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms can be tested for free at any one of 3 test sites set up in the San Fernando Valley.
Please see the link below to a LA City video on COVID-19 Mobile Drive-Up Testing. The video was customized for Our Valley Community by videographer Mark Hovater. Yesterday, Mark went to the only 3 locations for the San Fernando Valley (locations and addresses of each testing site are shown on the video). Please check out the video. It’s an easy process to get tested if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. Stay safe & well!
With support from the Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, the Angeleno Card provides financial assistance for in-need households via no-fee prepaid cards provided by Mastercard’s City Possible network in amounts determined according to the following table:
Friday afternoon, President Trump signed the CARES Act – a $2 trillion economic rescue package that will provide relief to many groups affected by the coronavirus. This plan will offer assistance to tens of millions of American households affected by the coronavirus by providing stimulus payments to individuals, expanded unemployment coverage, student loan changes, different retirement account rules and more. To learn more, click here.
STATE UPDATE:
Information about state information and resources for residents seeking financial assistance due to COVID-19 here.
On Tuesday, Governor Newsom announced many financial institutions will provide relief for a vast majority of Californians during the COVID-19 crisis in the form of a 90-day grace period for mortgage payments and more. To learn more, click here.
COUNTY UPDATE:
Information about county resources for residents seeking help due to COVID-19 here.
LA Metro buses and trains are running on a reduced schedule. Latest schedule here. Passengers are asked to board/exit buses from the rear doors only.
Metrolink schedule and service reduced. Latest schedule here.
CITY UPDATE:
Information about city resources for residents seeking help due to COVID-19 here.
Emergency eviction moratorium extended to April 19, 2020.
8 rec centers are up and running as temporary shelter for unhoused residents. 5 more estimated to come online by the end of the weekend. Hope of the Valley is the nonprofit partner helping to operate the Granada Hills and Northridge Park Recreation Center, which are both
Coronavirus.lacity.org/laprotects – if you want to partner with the City to make more protective gear for first responders and essential workers.
Corona-virus.la – to see if you are eligible for COVID-19 testing.
SCHOOLS:
60 Grab N Go centers are open across the district. LAUSD students may pick up 2 meals daily per student. Visit lausd.net for more information, or call the following phone hotlines:
Mayor Garcetti issues “Safer at Home” emergency order – ordering all residents of the City of L.A. to stay inside their residences and immediately limit all non-essential movement. Coronavirus.LACity.org
El alcalde Garcetti anuncia la orden de emergencia “Más Protegidos en Casa”, ordenando a todos los residentes de la Ciudad de Los Ángeles que permanezcan dentro de sus residencias y limiten de inmediato las actividades que no son esenciales. Coronavirus.LACity.org
These are challenging days, and there will be more ahead. We’re doing all we can to help the nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers on the front lines of this crisis.
At the same time, I want to make sure that everyone in the San Fernando Valley gets the information and support they need. I’m especially concerned about our seniors and others who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.
With these regular updates, we hope to keep you informed about how our communities are addressing this outbreak, the services available, and suggestions to help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and safe. If you have a specific question or concern, please click here to send an email for follow-up by my staff.
If anyplace knows how to handle a crisis, it’s the San Fernando Valley. We know that times can be hard, but we also know that challenges like these can bring out the very best in us. Let’s remember, we’re all in this together. — Bob Hertzberg
FIRST CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
Los Angeles County Public Health Department has identified confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Northridge, Sherman Oaks and Encino. Officials reported a countywide total Monday of 94 cases, and of these, at least 15 likely due to community transmission. “We are seeing a significant increase in cases and evidence of community spread as more testing occurs,” said Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer. “We are implementing more social distancing requirements and we expect everyone to do their part.” To see the breakdown of cases by city go to http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus
LEGISLATURE TO ADDRESS EMERGENCY FUNDING
Lawmakers met Monday to consider setting aside $500 million to address the COVID-19 state emergency. Funds are expected to be used to lease and activate two hospitals, provide hotel beds for people experiencing homelessness, support local government efforts to reduce spread of COVID-19 among the homeless, buy hospital and public health surge equipment, assist hospitals and nursing homes, clean child care facilities so they remain open; and fund teams to support seniors during isolation. The Legislature is also expected to consider a measure providing $100 million to help schools address the emergency.
GOVERNOR CALLS FOR HOME ISOLATION OF SENIORS
Governor Gavin Newsom has called for those who are 65 or older and those with chronic conditions to isolate in their homes as they face the greatest risk from COVID-19. He also requested that visitation of patients in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, senior and assisted living homes be for “end of life” only.
VALLEY MEAL SITES FOR SENIORS CLOSED, MEAL DISTRIBUTION STARTING
While meal sites are closed effective Monday, packaged and frozen meals will be distributed at sites for older adults at some locations. See here for a map with detailed plans for each meal site. The Congregate Meal Program at the ONEgeneration Senior Enrichment Center, Canoga Park Senior Center and the Owensmouth Gardens Dining Center will hand out meals from noon to 1 pm. Learn more by calling (213) 482-7252 or at https://aging.lacity.org/
LOS ANGELES PARKS CLOSING ALL SENIOR CITIZEN CENTERS
Senior citizen centers are closed at all Los Angeles parks and recreation facilities. Dining centers for older adults will be contacting participants to provide information regarding meal distribution at the dining centers. Home delivered meals will continue to be delivered. Older adults can contact the centers they participate at directly or reach the LA City Department of Aging at (213) 482-7252.
Starting Wednesday, the Los Angeles Unified School District will open family resource centers weekdays from 6 am to 6 pm. While locations and details are still being finalized, several will be in the San Fernando Valley, providing supervised places where children can learn, receive a meal, and engage with peers. Space will be limited, and the centers will carry out recommended public health measures, including social distancing, and checking the temperatures of children who attend. LAUSD will establish some grab and go locations for food distribution. For additional information go to www.lausd.net or call (213) 443-1300.
CA ATTORNEY GENERAL ISSUES PRICE-GOUGING ALERT
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has issued a price gouging alert. Under Penal Code Section 396, price gouging is illegal in all California communities during the declared state of emergency. California law prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10 percent, the price of an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business. You can report price gouging to the Attorney General’s office at (800) 952-5225 or https://oag.ca.gov/consumers. More information is available here.
MAYOR ISSUES MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS
Mayor Eric Garcetti has ordered a moratorium on evictions of residential tenants who demonstrate an inability to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These include loss of income due to a COVID-19 related workplace closure, child care expenditures due to school closures, health care expenses related to being ill with COVID-19 or caring for a household member who is ill with COVID-19, or reasonable expenditures that stem from government-ordered emergency measures. Tenants will have up to six months to repay any back due rent. Learn more at: https://www.lamayor.org/sites/g/files/wph446/f/article/files/Mayor%20Garcetti%20Emergency%20Order%20-%20March%2015%202020.pdf
STATE TAX FILING DEADLINE EXTENSION FOR CORONAVIRUS RELIEF
State Controller Betty Yee announced that individual taxpayers, partnerships and LLCs will now have until June 15 to file their tax returns and pay any taxes owed. Those who have quarterly estimated payments due on April 15 will now also have until Jun 15 to make those payments. Taxpayers filing under this extended deadline relief should note “Coronavirus” on top of the tax return. The Franchise Tax Board will also waive interest, late filing, and late penalty fees. Learn more at www.ftb.ca.gov.
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, DISABILITY, AND PAID FAMILY LEAVE
The California Employment Development Department has developed guidelines for those who are ill, caring for sick family members, or whose job has been disrupted by the Coronavirus. The guidelines address quarantine-related reduction of hours, missing work due to school closure-related childcare needs, and work loss due to age/underlying health-related isolation, among others. Learn more at https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm
PROTECTING YOUR COMMUNITY AND THE ONES YOU LOVE
Everyone has a role to play. So much of protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense things you learned as a kindergartner:
Washing hands with soap and water.
Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Follow guidance from public health officials.
It is also important that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, call their health care provider first before seeking medical care.
Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
REMEMBER, WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER
If you have a specific question or concern, please click here to send an email or call my office at (818) 901-5588. And please connect with me on Facebook and Twitter as my office continues to provide more information regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
Bob Hertzberg Representing the San Fernando Valley, CA District 18
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