New Santa Ana

Waste Management won’t be able to take your calls for the next three days

Posted on March 17, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Disease, Santa Ana, Waste Leave a comment

Due to the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic circumstances, Waste Management is closing all Southern California customer service call centers effective at midnight tonight, March 17, 2020.

Waste Management was already in the process of setting up their customer service representatives remotely with laptops to accommodate the six feet for social distancing. However, the decision to close came before the transition was complete. This means for approximately the next three days, customers will receive a generic recording when calling 714-558-7761.

Should you receive a generic recording when calling Waste Management Customer Service, please call the City of Santa Ana Public Works Dispatch at 714-647-3380 or via e-mail PWADispatch@santa-ana.org.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and patience.

Santa Ana City Council to consider proclaiming a local COVID-19 emergency

Posted on March 17, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Disease, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana officials are aware that many members of the public have questions about street sweeping tickets, utility bills, library fines and other issues that are being affected by new public health policies during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Tonight, March 17, the Santa Ana City Council will meet at 5:45 p.m. to consider adopting a resolution proclaiming a local emergency to address COVID-19.

The resolution would grant City Manager Kristine Ridge the executive authority to make decisions over the extension of agreements and contracts set to expire during the 60-day emergency; closing City Hall or other public buildings; collecting and waiving late charges and fees for City services; the shut-off and extension of City-provided utilities; and the issuance or enforcement of parking violations and possible waivers.

The resolution also would set price controls on food and other consumer items and would allow the creation of eviction relief for residential tenants if not implemented by the state.

If the Council approves the resolution, City Manager Ridge will announce as soon as possible any additional measures being implemented as allowed under the resolution.

The City is strongly encouraging the public to watch the meeting on television or online instead of attending in person due to the health concerns. The meetings are broadcast live on Spectrum TV Channel 3 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 and livestreamed at www.santa-ana.org/cc/city-meetings. The agenda also is available there. Members of the public who wish to comment on matters before the council, instead of doing so in person, may submit comments by emailing ecomment@santa-ana.org. The comments will be provided to the City Council as part of the meeting record and will be uploaded to the City’s website.

For the latest information about Santa Ana closures, cancelations and service impacts and other COVID-19 resources, please visit www.santa-ana.org/coronavirus.

The O.C. Health Officer issues an Order to slow the spread of COVID-19

Posted on March 17, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick issued a Health Officer’s Order today to protect the health and wellbeing of Orange County, CA residents.

“We are taking these mitigation steps in line with a directive issued by Governor Newsom to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Nichole Quick, County Health Officer. “We recognize community members may experience anxiety related to the social disruption caused by COVID-19, and want to encourage residents to reach out to loved ones using appropriate methods like telephone, video messaging, email and text.”

As this is a rapidly evolving situation, this Order may be revised and/or extended at any time.

This Order prohibits social gatherings, calls for all bars to close, and restaurants to close onsite dining but make food available through delivery and pick-up options.

This order is consistent with what other counties like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Alameda are doing.

For general information about COVID-19, please call the OC Health Care Agency’s (H.CA) Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448, visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus, or follow the HCA on Facebook (@ochealthinfo) and Twitter (@ochealth).

Here is an excerpt from the Orange County Order, read the full Order here:

ORDER OF THE LOCAL HEALTH OFFICER

Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code sections 101040, 120175, and 120175.5 (b), the Orange County Health Officer ORDERS AS FOLLOWS:
Effective immediately and continuing until 11 :59 p.m. on March 31, 2020, the following will be in effect in Orange County:

All public and private gatherings of any number of people, including at places of work, occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited. However, nothing in this Order prohibits the gathering of members of a household or living unit.
a. This prohibition applies to all professional, social, and community gatherings, regardless of their sponsor, that are not engaged in Essential Activities, as defined below. Gatherings that involve Essential Activities should only be conducted when they cannot not be postponed or achieved without gathering, meaning that some other means of communication cannot be used to perform
the Essential Activity. For gatherings involving Essential Activities,
maintaining a six-foot separation of Social Distancing between persons, except family members, is recommended to the greatest extent possible.
b. “Essential Activities” include:
All services needed to ensure the continuing operation of the
government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public.
Healthcare operations ( e.g. hospitals) and essential infrastructure;
m. First responders, emergency management personnel, emergency
dispatchers, court personnel, and law enforcement personnel.
1v. Grocery stores, certified farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other
establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods,
fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry,
and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and
personal care products). This includes stores that sell groceries and
also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to
maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of
residences;
v. Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing;

Click here to read the rest of this Order.

Governor Newsom takes action to protect renters and homeowners during the COVID-19 pandemic

Posted on March 17, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in california, Disease, Gavin Newsom, Housing, Public Safety Leave a comment

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order that authorizes local governments to halt evictions for renters and homeowners, slows foreclosures, and protects against utility shutoffs for Californians affected by COVID-19.

The Executive Order comes as Californians are experiencing substantial loss of hours or wages, or layoffs related to COVID-19, affecting their ability to keep up with their rents, mortgages, and utility bills.

“People shouldn’t lose or be forced out of their home because of the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Newsom. “Over the next few weeks, everyone will have to make sacrifices – but a place to live shouldn’t be one of them. I strongly encourage cities and counties take up this authority to protect Californians.”

The order does not relieve a tenant from the obligation to pay rent, or restrict the landlord’s ability to recover rent that is due. The protections are in effect through May 31, 2020, unless extended. The order also requests banks and other financial institutions to halt foreclosures and related evictions during this time period.

The Governor’s Executive Order asks the California Public Utilities Commission to monitor measures undertaken by public and private utility providers to implement customer service protections for critical utilities, including electric, gas, water, internet, landline telephone, and cell phone service on a weekly basis.

The full Executive Order can be found here.

There are now 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Orange County

Posted on March 17, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety Leave a comment

As of 3/16 there are now 22 known cases of COVID-19 in Orange County, according to the O.C. Health Care Agency.

13 of these cases are Travel Related. Four are the result of Person to Person Spread. Four additional cases were Community Acquired. One case remains under investigation.

So far 14 of the victims are male and 8 are female. Eleven of them are in the 18 to 49 age group. Seven of them are in the 50-64 age group and four are older than 65. Interestingly there are no identified subjects under 18.

The total number of people tested by HCA Public Health Lab (PHL) and by commercial labs is 300. HCA PHL has kits are currently available to test 1,075 subjects.

Some key points include:

High-risk populations which include 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 self-isolate at home.
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 people 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 which includes being prepared if there is COVID-19 in your household or a disruption of daily activities in your community. For example, maintain a supply of medications, food and other essentials in your house.
Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, stay home while you are ill. If you need to seek medical care, call your health care provider first so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

Background:

There is an outbreak of respiratory illness that was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in 2019 caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (or COVID-19).

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.

These actions will help ensure that the County of Orange’s ability to respond to a potential outbreak, should one occur, will remain flexible and can evolve as this rapidly changing situation does.

The HCA is working with federal, state, and local partners including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and health care providers on preparedness efforts and to guide appropriate care for people who may be at risk for illness associated with COVID-19 or who have tested positive.

Mayor Miguel A. Pulido speaks out about the COVID-19 crisis

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Disease, Miguel Pulido, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Mayor Miguel A. Pulido today issued a video message to the people of Santa Ana about the City’s response to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

The video is available at www.santa-ana.org/coronavirus, where the City is providing updates and resources for COVID-19. Today the City closed libraries, community centers, recreation centers and the Santa Ana Zoo in the interest of public health.

On Tuesday, March 17, the City Council will meet in closed session to discuss public safety impacts related to COVID-19. During the Council’s open meeting, they will consider other possible actions, including Declaration of an Emergency, which may further expand closure of non-essential services and actions to alleviate financial hardships for our community due to business interruptions.

The City is encouraging the public to watch the meeting on television or online instead of attending in person. The meetings are broadcast live on Spectrum TV Channel 3 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 and livestreamed at www.santa-ana.org/cc/city-meetings. Members of the public who wish to comment on matters before the council, instead of doing so in person, may submit comments by emailing ecomment@santa-ana.org. The comments will be provided to the City Council as part of the meeting record and will be uploaded to the City’s website.

The OC Human Relations Commission speaks out on discrimination and COVID-19

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Asians, Disease, Hate, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. (March 16, 2020) – The Orange County Human Relations Commission issues the following statement on discrimination against the Chinese American and Asian American community due to fears about COVID-19, commonly known as novel coronavirus.

“We stand with the Chinese American and Asian American community against the rise of racist rhetoric, stigma, and paranoia due to fears about COVID-19. We support the right of every person to go to school, work, and other public places without being subjected to race-based discrimination. During times of crisis, Orange County residents will rise above the tendency to look for scapegoats. We will not give into fear, panic, prejudice and discrimination.

We encourage residents who have experienced a hate incident or other racist actions related to the coronavirus outbreak to report it to the OC Human Relations Commission Hate Crime division by calling 714-480-6570 or filing online at http://www.ochumanrelations.org/hatecrime/report/.”

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) continues to engage and monitor the rapidly changing worldwide response to COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to visit HCA’s website or call the HCA’s Health Referral Line from Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (800) 564- 8448 and monitor HCA’s social media channels for the most accurate and up-to-date information related to COVID-19.

About OC Human Relations Commission The mission of the OC Human Relations Commission is to seek out the causes of tension and conflict, discrimination and intolerance and attempt to eliminate those causes. We serve to advise the Board of Supervisors on issues that affect the human and civil rights. The Commission is led by volunteer members of the public appointed by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to seek out the causes of tension and conflict; discrimination and intolerance based on race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or marital status. For more information, please visit the OC Human Relations Commission website at: http://occommunityservices.org/ochrc.

Northbound Main Street lane closure to start on March 19

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, public works, Santa Ana, Traffic Leave a comment

The rightmost curb–No. 3 Lane of Northbound Main Street (Buffalo Avenue to Edgewood Road) is scheduled to be closed from 9 am to 3 pm during weekdays beginning on Thursday, March 19, 2020 and continuing for approximately one week.

The lane closure is for potholing to properly locate new traffic signal pole locations for the Main Street/Edgewood Road/I-5 Northbound Off-ramp intersection signal modification. This work is in support of the I-5 Freeway Central Corridor Project. The schedule may be modified due to changes in weather.

Please use alternate routes and plan for possible delays since this lane closure may impact traffic. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for understanding.

The OCDA warns consumers about price gouging during the Coronavirus outbreak

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana 3 Comments

SANTA ANA, Calif. – As the State of California and the County of Orange continue to respond to the ongoing threat posed by the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer warned business owners and scam artists that they will be criminally prosecuted if they engage in price gouging.

During a declared state of emergency, it is illegal for a business to increase its prices for essential goods or services by more than 10 percent, unless they can show their own costs have increased.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California on March 4, 2020, and the Orange County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency on February 26, 2020.

“The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will vigorously enforce price gouging laws in order to protect Orange County residents from any unscrupulous attempt to illegally profit from the coronavirus threat,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “While I understand this situation has created a lot of uncertainty, exploiting the public’s panic is not a defense to engaging in criminal activity. We will get past this at some point and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will ensure that there will be accountability for those who break the law and prey on vulnerable victims.”

Violations of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution and can result in one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violations are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, injunctive relief and mandatory restitution.

The law applies to several products and necessities including: food and drink (including food and drink for animals); emergency supplies such as water, flashlights, radios, batteries, candles, blankets, soaps, diapers, toiletries; and medical supplies such as prescription and nonprescription medications, bandages, gauze, isopropyl alcohol, and antibacterial products.

It is also a misdemeanor for a hotel or motel to increase regular rates by more than 10 percent during a declared emergency and for the 30 days following the state of emergency.

In addition to price gouging, consumers should be on the lookout for other types of scams that are common during emergencies. Criminals may set up fake websites or charities, send emails, texts or post on social media pretending to be from the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in an attempt to profit illegally. They may also seek donations to help victims of this emergency. Also, be wary of any business claiming to have a miracle cure. There is currently no cure for the coronavirus. Do not allow your fear or anxiety to overtake your common sense.

You can report suspected price gouging or other attempts to profit from the threat posed by COVID-19 to the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit by submitting an Online Complaint Form found at www.orangecountyda.org or to the California Attorney General’s Office.

The City of Santa Ana closes the Libraries, Community Centers and Zoo in response to COVID-19

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Family, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo Leave a comment

The City of Santa Ana took further action today to address the growing threat of COVID-19 (coronavirus), closing all libraries, community centers, recreation facilities and the Santa Ana Zoo and canceling related programs and services, City Manager Kristine Ridge announced.

The City additionally is expanding upon its decision last week to cancel City-sponsored events of 250 or more people to now include gatherings of 50 or more indefinitely, in accordance with new guidance announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. City Manager Ridge also is restricting the ability of outside groups to obtain permits for hosting gatherings in excess of 50 or more attendees. Restrictions are also in place for general public access to police and fire facilities.

The City previously closed the Santa Ana Senior Center and canceled adult recreation classes in order to protect those most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Those who rely on the senior meals program will be able to pick up frozen to-go meals. In addition, the City implemented enhanced cleaning measures at all City facilities.

“I am in communication with the governor and other California mayors to ensure that we have a coordinated effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Mayor Miguel Pulido said. “The measures we have put in place in Santa Ana will help protect the public health while we continue to provide essential services to the community.”

Please go to www.santa-ana.org/coronavirus for updates, links to updates from local school districts and other agencies, health resources and more. Details about City services impacted by the closures and cancelations are below.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Santa Ana City Council will meet on Tuesday, March 17, but the City is encouraging the public to watch the meeting on television or online instead of attending in person. The meetings are broadcast live on Spectrum TV Channel 3 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 and livestreamed at www.santa-ana.org/cc/city-meetings. Members of the public who wish to comment on matters before the council, instead of doing so in person, may submit comments by emailing ecomment@santa-ana.org. The comments will be provided to the City Council as part of the meeting record and will be uploaded to the City’s website.

SANTA ANA SENIOR CENTER
The Santa Ana Senior Center is closed and adult recreation classes have been canceled. Beginning on Tuesday, March 17, seniors will be able to pick up frozen to-go meals at the Senior Center provided by Meals on Wheels. The Senior Center is located at 424 W. 3rd St. and can be reached at (714) 647-6540.

COMMUNITY/RECREATION CENTERS
All community centers, recreation centers and sports facilities have been closed, and all classes and activities have been canceled. Existing field reservations at City facilities will be honored, but the City is requesting that organizers cancel their activities. For more information, call the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency at (714) 571-4224. The closed locations include:
• Corbin Center, 2215 W. McFadden Ave.
• El Salvador Community Center, 1825 Civic Center Drive.
• Jerome Park Recreation Center, 726 S. Center St.
• Logan Recreation Center, 1009 N. Cluster St.
• Memorial Recreation Center, 2102 S. Flower St.
• Salgado Recreation Center, 706 N. New Hope St.
• Santa Anita Recreation Center, 300 S. Figueroa St.
• Garfield Center, 501 N. Lacy St.
• Roosevelt/Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
• Nature Center, 2535 N. Main St.
• Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.

LIBRARIES
The Main Library and the Newhope Library have been closed and all programs and classes have been canceled. For information, call the Main Library at (714) 647- 5250. For digital books and other eLibrary services, go to www.santa-ana.org/library/elibrary.

POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Santa Ana Police Department front lobby, Santa Ana Family Justice Center and the Santa Ana Jail front lobby will be closed until further notice.

FIRE STATIONS
The Orange County Fire Authority, which provides fire and emergency services to Santa Ana, announced that it has closed all fire stations to the public for non-emergency matters. The fire stations are still staffed and available for all emergency needs.

Cierres de los Vestíbulos Delanteros de Santa Ana PD y Cárcel y El Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana

Por extrema abundancia de cautela y siguiendo las medidas establecidas por los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades y la Agencia de Salud del Condado de Orange, el vestíbulo delantero del Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana, El Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana, junto con el vestíbulo frontal de la cárcel de Santa Ana, permanecerán cerrados hasta nuevo aviso para minimizar la exposición a COVID-19.

La seguridad de NUESTRA comunidad es nuestra máxima prioridad y estos cierres no tendrán ningún impacto en nuestra capacidad para proporcionar servicios de vigilancia.

NÚMEROS DE TELÉFONO IMPORTANTES PARA RECORDAR

Línea de no emergencia
(714) 245-8049

Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana
(714) 245-8278

Le agradecemos su paciencia y comprensión durante este tiempo. Manténgase atento y conectado para recibir actualizaciones.

Mayor Pulido will not advance to the First District General Election in November

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2020 Elections, Andrew Do, Elections, Miguel Pulido, Orange County, Politics, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Sergio Contreras Leave a comment

The Orange County Voter Registrar has just about tied up the results of this year’s March Primary Election. It is safe to say now that Westminster City Councilman Sergio Contreras will advance to the November Primary to face off against incumbent Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do, in the First District of the O.C. Board of Supervisors.

Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido trails Contreras currently by 2,147 votes. That number has not shifted in some time.

It is a surprise end to Pulido’s political career that few expected. He is terming out this year as Mayor of Santa Ana after over 20 years. In that time he brought a lot of positive change to our city but he antagonized the liberals because he was always a pro-business moderate.

In hindsight perhaps we should have seen this coming as Contreras was assisted from the start by Pulido’s old nemesis, former Santa Ana City Councilman Sal Tinajero. You might recall that Tinajero barely lost to Pulido in the last Santa Ana Mayoral race.

Contreras was very active in social media and he garnered the endorsement of the Democratic Party of Orange County, which has shifted far left over the past few years. He also got a lot of support from the area’s more liberal unions.

That said it is highly unlikely that Contreras can beat Do. While the First District has shifted to the blue column Contreras is very liberal and the voters in the district tend to be more moderate. Do also will outraise him by a country mile.

Here is Contreras’ bio:

Sergio Contreras, a husband, father, homeowner, and registered Democrat, has served on the Westminster City Council since 2012, where he successfully championed the largest upgrade to Westminster’s park system since 1996, encompassing 22 park facilities and representing a $10.4 million investment in the community. Contreras oversaw the city’s first general plan update in decades. He also placed emergency call boxes in all Westminster parks to enhance public safety, and fought to place outdoor exercise equipment in local parks to improve public health Contreras accomplished all of this at no cost to the city’s General Fund, showing how to do more with less.

Contreras previously served on the Westminster School Board from 2004 to 2012, including serving as president of the board in 2012. On the School Board, Contreras helped pass a $130 million school bond to modernize Westminster’s school facilities and make them safer. In that role, he established an all-day kindergarten system, making Westminster School District the first in Orange County to provide day-long kindergarten at all school sites. Contreras also increased access to music and arts programs districtwide, while expanding afterschool programs.

Contreras works as the Senior Director of Education and Healthy Schools for the Orange County United Way, where he helps oversee dispersal of funds to students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

Born and raised in Orange County, Sergio attended Westminster High School and Orange Coast Community College before transferring to California State University Long Beach, where he received his BA and MPA.

Sergio currently lives in Westminster with his wife Adriana and their daughter and son.

Health & Emergency officials confirm 335 COVID-19 cases in California

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in california, Disease, Gavin Newsom, Health and Medical, Public Safety 1 Comment

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health today announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19. California now has 335 confirmed cases.

Today the Governor and state officials provided an update on California’s response to COVID-19. View the update on Office of the Governor of California Twitter feed.

For more information on the return of individuals from the Grand Princess cruise ship, see this update from ASPR and CalOES.

California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting California from COVID-19. Consolidated guidance is available on California Department of Public Health’s Guidance page.

For more information on COVID-19 and California’s response visit the California Department of Public Health’s website.

COVID-19 in California by the Numbers (as of 6 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on March 14, 2020):

6 – Deaths (including one non-California resident)

335 – Positive cases

Ages of all confirmed positive cases:

Age 0-17: 6 cases
Age 18-64: 210 cases
Age 65+: 116 cases
Unknown: 3 cases

24 – Cases of positive tests related to federal repatriation flights

311 – Cases not related to repatriation flights

70 – Travel-related
68 – Person to person
82 – Community transmission
91 – Under investigation

11,700+ – Number of people self-monitoring who returned to the U.S. through SFO or LAX
49 – Number of local health jurisdictions involved in self-monitoring
21 – Labs with test kits, 19 of which are already testing

How Can People Protect Themselves
Every person has a role to play. So much of protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense:

Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Wash your hands afterward.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
Following guidance from public health officials.

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:

Community Care Facilities, Including Assisted Living Facilities and Child Care
People at Risk for Serious Illness
Drinking Water, Recreational Water and Wastewater
Employers, Health Care Workers and Workers in General Industry
Entertainment Venues
First Responders, Including Paramedics and EMTs
Food Industry
Event and Gathering Guidance
Homeless Assistance Providers
Individuals with Access or Functional Needs
Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans
Health Care Facilities from Cal/OSHA
Health Care Facilities, Including Long-Term Care Facilities
Health Care Plans
Coverage Options
Home Cleaning with COVID-19 Positive Individuals
Laboratories
Schools and institutions of higher education
Long-Term Care and Adult and Senior Care Facilities

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 worked in partnership with the federal government to aid in the safe return of 962 Californians from the Grand Princess cruise ship. This mission centered around protecting the health of the passengers, and ensuring that when the passengers disembarked, the public health of the United States, the State of California, and partner communities was 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.
The Public Health Department is supporting hospitals and local public health laboratories in the collection of specimens and testing for COVID-19.

The California Department of Public Health’s state laboratory in Richmond and 20 other public health department laboratories now have tests for the virus that causes COVID-19. Nineteen of them are currently conducting tests, with the others coming online soon.

Governor Newsom signs an Executive Order ensuring State funding for schools that close due to the COVID-19 virus

Posted on March 15, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in california, Disease, Education, Gavin Newsom Leave a comment

Order mandates that school districts use dollars to fund distance learning and high quality educational opportunities, safely provide school meals, and arrange for the supervision of students during school hours

Order requires Department of Education and California Health & Human Services Agency to develop strategies to address equity challenges around internet connectivity, ensure students with disabilities receive specialized education, and safely provide meals

Order urges employers to take area school closures into account and provide flexibility during the COVID-19 crisis

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order ensuring California public school districts retain state funding even in the event of physical closure. The order directs school districts to use those state dollars to fund distance learning and high quality educational opportunities, provide school meals and, as practicable, arrange for the supervision for students during school hours.

“Closing schools has a massive, cascading effect for our kids and their families – especially those least equipped financially to deal with them. The needs of California kids must be met regardless of whether their school is open or closed. School districts that choose to close must use state educational dollars to quickly meet the needs of children and families. The State of California is working around the clock to help those districts and provide best practices to ensure no kid is left behind,” said Governor Newsom.

“I applaud Governor Newsom for the action in his Executive Order to provide schools with the tools they need to continue providing students with high quality education while keeping them safe. This allows schools to put safety first without jeopardizing the financial resources needed to meet the needs of our students. The California Department of Education looks forward to working closely with Governor Newsom and educators from across the state to provide guidance for addressing critical education issues such as providing students with meals and insuring the delivery of needed services and supports to students with disabilities,” said California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

The order provides that even if schools close temporarily because of COVID-19, school districts must:

Continue delivering high-quality educational opportunities to students through other options, distance learning and independent study;
Safely provide school meals through the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option, consistent with the requirements of the California Department of Education and U.S. Department of Agriculture;
To the extent practicable, arrange for supervision for students during ordinary school hours
Continue to pay employees.

The full executive order can be viewed here.

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 Labor.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

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:

The Governor has signed an executive order further enhancing California’s ability to respond to the pandemic. The order directs residents to follow public health directives and guidance, including to cancel large non-essential gatherings that do not meet state criteria; waives the one-week waiting period for people who are unemployed and/or disabled as a result of COVID-19; and readies the state to commandeer property for temporary residences and medical facilities for quarantining, isolating or treating individuals, among other things.
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.
The Public Health Department is supporting hospitals and local public health laboratories in the collection of specimens and testing for COVID-19.

The California Department of Public Health’s state laboratory in Richmond and 18 other public health department laboratories now have tests for the virus that causes COVID-19. Eighteen of them are currently conducting tests, with the others coming online soon.

For more the most up to date information on COVID-19 and California’s response, visit the CDPH website.

Orange County COVID-19 update

Posted on March 15, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Santa Ana 4 Comments

As of today the O.C. Health Care Agency is reporting that there are 17 cases of Covid-19, the novel Coronavirus, in Orange County.

Eleven of these cases are travel-related. Three were contacted via person-to-person spread and three more were community acquired.

So far no deaths are reported.

Twelve of the victims are male and 5 are female. Seven of them are in the 18-49 age group and 6 are in the 50 to 64 age group while four are over 65.

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

People aged 65 and older, and those with chronic health conditions (heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease) should stay home.

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).

As of 3/15: The total number of people tested by HCA Public Health Lab (PHL) = 160. HCA PHL has kits available to test 1,098 specimens.

Some key points include:

High-risk populations which include 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 self-isolate at home.
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 people 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 which includes being prepared if there is COVID-19 in your household or a disruption of daily activities in your community. For example, maintain a supply of medications, food and other essentials in your house.
Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, stay home while you are ill. If you need to seek medical care, call your health care provider first so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

For the most updated information on this outbreak please visit CDC COVID-19.

Santa Ana PD Front Lobby, Santa Ana Jail Lobby & Santa Ana Family Justice Center closures

Posted on March 15, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Santa Ana Leave a comment

Out of extreme abundance of caution and following measures set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and OC Healthcare Agency, the #SantaAnaPD front lobby, Santa Ana Family Justice Center, along with the Santa Ana Jail front lobby, will be closed until further notice to minimize the exposure to COVID-19.

The safety and security of OUR community is our top priority and these closures will have no impact on our ability to provide policing services.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS TO REMEMBER

Non-Emergency Line
‪(714) 245-8049‬

Santa Ana Family Justice Center
‪(714) 245-8278‬

We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. Stay tuned and connected to receive updates.

Advisory: Cierres de los Vestíbulos Delanteros de Santa Ana PD y Cárcel y El Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana

Dear Art Pedroza,

La seguridad de NUESTRA comunidad es nuestra máxima prioridad y estos cierres no tendrán ningún impacto en nuestra capacidad para proporcionar servicios de vigilancia.

NÚMEROS DE TELÉFONO IMPORTANTES PARA RECORDAR

Línea de no emergencia
(714) 245-8049

Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana
(714) 245-8278

Le agradecemos su paciencia y comprensión durante este tiempo. Manténgase atento y conectado para recibir actualizaciones.

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