COVID-19 Community Response Group Meeting Notes May 11, 2020

Attendees (via Zoom):

State Senate District 17, Cal State Parks, US Forest Service, Parks Management Company, Ventana Wilderness Alliance, Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, Big Sur Health Center, Big Sur Fire, Big Sur CERT, and the Community Association of Big Sur

Big Sur Health Center:
Executive Director Sharen Carey reports:
· There are still no known cases of COVID-19 in the Big Sur planning area.
· It appears that transmission of the virus is enhanced by close conditions in enclosed spaces over a prolonged exposure time frame.
· There is less risk of transmission in open air settings.
· There is evidence that Llamas produce more effective anti-bodies of the COVID-19 virus than humans. Research is ongoing.
· Bottom line defense against contracting the virus: Assume it is in Big Sur and take all precautions recommended : wearing facemasks in public, social distancing, frequent handwashing.

Big Sur Fire, Chief Matt Harris:
Chief Matt Harris reports:
· Big Sur Fire is prepared for fire season which will officially begin on May 18th.
· Reported fires are now receiving a “wildland response”.
· Big Sur Fire expects to respond to calls reporting illegal campfires, supporting the USFS and MOCO SO.
· BSF is resuming fire, rescue and medical training.
· Muster and other event dates are in flux pending Local and State SIP updated guidance.

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce,
Kirk Gafill reports:
· There is a noticeable shift in momentum to begin reopening California with each County in various stages of preparedness to facilitate that reopening.
· Supervisors Adams and Phillips are working with the Monterey County Hospitality Association to establish guidelines the hospitality industry will implement in order to safely reopen.
· Rick Aldinger adds, establishing these guidelines is a collaborative process, bringing in public health experts and industry experts as well as lessons learned from businesses already open in countries ahead of California on the epidemiological curve.
· As SIP guidance transitions in California, traffic in and out of Big Sur will continue to increase, putting pressure on closed trails and day use areas to reopen.

Community Emergency Response Team, Martha Karstens:
· That the residents SIP survey is ongoing.
· CERT successfully conducted two ZOOM training classes.

USFS, LPNF Monterey District Ranger Tim Short:
· The Forest Order closing the Monterey District expires May 15thand that order will be reinstated with some modifications and exceptions. The new Order may reopen some Day Use areas, the Nacimiento Rd and some roads and trails on the east side of the Monterey District of the LPNF. Remaining closed will be the developed campgrounds, dispersed camping areas and roads and trails on the coast side of the Monterey District.
· Fire restrictions will go into effect on May 13th. This will result in no campfires outside of developed campsites. Camp stoves with a permit will be allowed.
· Butch Kronlund requested that gates at the intersection of Highway 1 and Nacimiento Rd and Nacimiento Rd and the South Coast Ridge Rd need maintenance as they are nearly inoperable. Tim pledged to get them on the list of resources needing attention.

Ca. State Parks, Superintendent Brent Marshall:
· State Parks personnel extremely busy enforcing the ongoing SIP order.
· The public is confused by the State softening of restrictions and the more restrictive County SIP order.
· Relatively good news regarding California flattening the curve of the rate of infection.
· Opening of Day Use areas will precede opening of campgrounds.
· Brent appreciative of valuable input the stakeholder group provides on the weekly calls. This input helping to drive reopening policy and procedure. Between Saturday and Sunday, Parks issued over 35 citations. Verbal warnings were also issued (10 verbal warnings for each citation).

Parks Management Company,Brian Cushman, CEO:
· All Campgrounds and Day Use Areas remain closed.
· Seeing an increase in vehicle traffic and is in agreement that trails need to be reopened to give an outlet for people to go to.
· PMC is seeing more public disregard for the closures.
· Employees are here and ready and anxious to open once the SIP order is lifted.

Ventana Wilderness Alliance, Mike Splain, ED:
· VWA continues working on trails and campsites in the back country.
· 17 campsites restored.
· 41 lbs of trash packed out.
· 0 hikers encountered on the Big Sur Trail.
· 20 hikers advised to obey the Forest Order closing the Salmon Creek Trail.

17thState Senate District, Colleen Courtney for Senator Bill Monning:
· For clarification on DMV license/registration extensions, see dmv.ca.gov for more information.
If anyone has specific questions, feel free to contact Senator Monning’s office (831) 657-6315.
· Department of Motor Vehicles is extending Driver License renewal and vehicle registration renewal in consideration of the pandemic. Go to California Department of Motor Vehicles website to request an extension. Late fees may be waived.
· Most DMV offices are closed but Salinas DMV is open.

Community Association of Big Sur, Butch Kronlund. ED:
· CABS, working with the Big Sur business HR departments, will be making a second distribution of financial assistance to those most financially vulnerable due to employment disruptions brought on by COVID-19.

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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News Release
For Immediate Release
May 11, 2020
Media Contact: Andrew Madsen
(805) 961-5759
andrew.madsen
www.facebook.com/lpnf
Twitter: @LosPadresNF

Los Padres National Forest officials raise fire restrictions

GOLETA, Calif. – Los Padres National Forest officials announced that fire restrictions will be raised throughout the Forest effective tomorrow, May 12. These restrictions will affect the use of campfires, stoves, smoking materials and internal combustion engines, and will remain in effect until the end of fire season in late autumn.

These restrictions are in response to the increasing potential for a wildland fire start in areas where significant late season rainfall produced a large grass crop and an abundance of fine fuels.

Effective May 12, the following restrictions will be in effect:

· No open fires, campfires or charcoal fires will be permitted outside of developed recreation sites or designated Campfire Use Sites (list attached), even with a valid California Campfire Permit. Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel will be permitted, but only with a valid California Campfire Permit, which is available free-of-charge on the Forest website and at any U.S. Forest Service office. Forest visitors must clear all flammable material for five feet in all directions from their camp stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times during use.

· Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or a designated Campfire Use Site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

· Internal combustion engines may be operated only on roads or designated trails. This restriction is in effect year-round. Please make sure your engine is tuned, operating properly, and has an approved spark arrester.

· Fireworks – even the “safe and sane” variety – are not permitted at any time or in any location within the Forest.

For a list of Developed Recreation Sites and Campfire Use Sites in Los Padres National Forest, or further information regarding Fire-Safe Camping, visit www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf or contact the U.S. Forest Service district office nearest you.

Monterey County Shelter-in-Place Order Extended and Amended

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE MONTEREY COUNTY HEALTH DEPT
May 1, 2020

Monterey County Health Officer, Dr. Edward Moreno has issued an updated Shelter-in-Place Order. This Order is effective Monday, May 4, 2020 and will continue through May 31, 2020.

Modifications in this order were determined in part by using a risk-based analysis. Modifications in this order include:

• · Easing of restrictions on construction, golf courses and golf driving ranges, which are subject to Health Officer requirements for operation.

• · The Order also provides clarification on residential transactions including rentals, leases, home sales and vehicle sales. Plant nurseries, landscaping and gardening is permitted, as well as drive-in church services. Fabric and craft stores that sell fabric and materials for the purpose of supplying material necessary to create face coverings, gowns and personal protective equipment are permitted to operate.

• · All activities permitted in the Health Officer Order must comply with physical distancing requirements, specific activity limitations, and all Health Officer Orders related to COVID-19.

Staying at home has been challenging for county residents. This order represents a phased approach for Monterey County businesses and residents to begin to engage in additional activities that pose a lower risk of spread of COVID-19.

According to Dr. Edward Moreno, “A phased approach to removing restrictions will allow our county to continue to slow the spread of virus and keep pressure off our health care system. Easing some restrictions, when combined with recent increases in testing capacity for COVID-19 and the use of face coverings, can continue to slow the spread of the virus while allowing some residents to return to work.”

Residents are still required to stay at home, but can leave their homes to participate in essential activities, as explained in the Order.

To promote physical and mental health, residents are still encouraged to get outside and exercise as long as they practice social distancing and adhere to outdoor activity limitations included in the Order .

“Monterey County residents have shown that we can slow the spread of the virus and protect our older friends and family members and people with chronic medical conditions,” said Dr. Moreno. “Thank you for your efforts to protect the health and safety of our county.”

A copy of the order and more information is available at www.mtyhd.org/shelterinplace

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release

April 30, 2020
Media Contact: Andrew Madsen
(805) 895-0841
andrew.madsen
www.facebook.com/lpnf

Twitter: @LosPadresNF

Los Padres extends Monterey Ranger District closure of roads and trails until May 15

GOLETA, Calif. – Los Padres National Forest officials today extended the temporary closure of roads, trails and trailheads on the Monterey Ranger District until May 15 to align with current state and local guidance for safe social distancing and to ensure the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and employees.

These roads, trails, and trailheads were drawing increasingly heavy vehicle traffic and large groups of people, creating circumstances where social distancing was not possible. Additionally, some roads, trails, and trailheads are located adjacent to residential properties and could potentially contribute to exposure risks to local residents. Roads and trails may create unmanageable vectors for further community spread of COVID-19.

This forest closure order includes the following:

Roads

· Tassajara Road – Forest Road No. 18S02
· Piney Creek Road – Forest Road No. 19S10
· Milpitas Road – Forest Road No. 19S09
· Nacimiento-Fergusson Road – Forest Road No. 22S01
· Central Coast Road/Cone Peak Road – Forest Road No. 20S05.3
· South Coast Ridge Road – Forest Road No. 22S05
· Baldwin Ranch Road – Forest Road No. 24S06
· Plaskett Ridge Road – Forest Road No. 23S02
· North Coast Ridge Road – Forest Road No. 20S05
· Los Burros (Willow Creek) Road – Forest Road No. 23S01
· Sycamore Canyon Road – Forest Road No. 19S05

Trails

· Boranda Trail – Forest Road No. 20S03
· DeAngulo Trail – Forest Trail No. 2E07
· Kirk Creek Trail – Forest Trail No. 4E17
· Prewitt Loop Trail – Forest Trail No. 5E06
· Sand Dollar/Jade Cove Trail – Forest Trail No. 5E13
· Cruickshank Trail – Forest Trail No. 5E10
· Soda Springs Trail – Forest Trail No. 5E17
· Buckeye Trail – Forest Trail No. 5E09
· Salmon Creek Trail – Forest Trail No. 6E11

Trailheads

· San Carpoforo
· Salmon Creek
· Buckeye
· Soda Springs
· Cruickshank
· Prewitt South
· Prewitt North
· Mill Creek
· Kirk Creek
· De Angulo
· Boronda

This closure is an interim measure. Los Padres National Forest will continue to evaluate the emerging circumstances around COVID-19 and follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, as well as State and local health departments to ensure that the safety of our employees and our visitors remains our top priority.

DOWNLOAD THESE PDF’S

2020_April30_Monterey_RD_Closure_Extended_to_May15.pdf

Order 05 07 51 20 04 MRD COVID19 Emergency Closure Map.pdf

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

News Release

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2020
Media Contact: Andrew Madsen
(805) 961-5759
andrew.madsen
www.facebook.com/lpnf

Twitter: @LosPadresNF

Forest Service closes developed recreation sites throughout California until May 15

GOLETA, Calif. – The Pacific Southwest Region which includes Los Padres National Forest announced that developed recreation sites will remain closed through May 15. This closure order is being extended to discourage large gatherings of people and promote safe social distancing of staying more than six feet apart.

“Developed recreation sites” refers to designated recreational use areas such as campgrounds, day use sites and picnic areas. Information on individual recreation sites is available on Los Padres National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf.

Outdoor recreation is beneficial to mental and physical health but must be practiced safely. In light of the statewide shelter-in-place order issued by the Governor of California, we continue to ask visitors to recreate locally.

If you do plan on visiting the National Forest please be aware that:

• No trash removal is currently offered – please pack out all trash and waste
• All toilet facilities are currently closed – please plan accordingly
• Avoid high-risk activities – law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited
• If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location

Closing any site for any reason is not an action we take lightly, but protecting our visitors and employees remains our highest priority. We are working with our state and local partners to determine the best path forward to safely reopen closed sites.

Please keep health, safety and the environment in mind when visiting National Forests. Your personal responsibility is critical to ensuring public safety and preventing further restrictions. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our national forests safe and healthy for everyone’s use.

Information provided by USDA and posted by
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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Monterey County Health Officer Order – Face Coverings

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, the Monterey County Health Officer is requiring residents to wear a face covering when going out into the public to perform essential activities, effective 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2020. Combined with sheltering in place, social distancing, and frequent hand hygiene, facial coverings are shown to help slow transmission of COVID-19.

These changes reflect the serious nature of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and increased understanding about how the virus spreads. We now know from recent studies that people infected with COVID-19 can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms or without ever showing symptoms.

• Signed Order, Dated April 28, 2020
• Orden de oficial de salud firmad
• Frequently Asked Questions about the Face Covering Order
• Preguntas frecuentes
• Esta página en español

Children ad individuals with Trouble Breathing
The order does not require children 12 and younger to wear face coverings or anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Children two years old or younger must not wear them due to risk of suffocation.
The use of medical masks, such as N-95 respirators and surgical masks, are strongly discouraged for general use. Due to the global demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), there is a severe shortage of PPE across the state. Those supplies should be reserved for health care workers and first responders. Monterey County Health Department asks residents to refrain from purchasing PPE for their own use and to utilize homemade face coverings instead.

Businesses
Businesses must take reasonable measures, such as posting signs, to remind patrons about face coverings, and may not serve customers who do not observe the order. Workers do not need to wear face coverings if they are alone in a personal office but must put them on when others are present.

Public Transportation and Rideshare Services
The order also includes customers of public transit (including while waiting at transit stops), rideshare services, and passengers in private automobiles who are not members of the same household.

Guidelines for Face Coverings
The California Department of Public Health has these guidelines for cloth masks/face coverings:

• Face coverings can be made from cloth, be factory-made or hand-sewn, or improvised using bandannas, scarves, T-shirts, sweatshirts or towels.
• The material should cover the nose and mouth.
• Ideally, face coverings should be washed after each use. Dirty masks should be placed in a dedicated laundry bag or bin.
• Use detergent and hot water when washing cloth masks and dry them on a hot cycle.
• Be sure your mask is comfortable; you don’t want to have to keep adjusting the mask because that means touching your face.
• Wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer, before and after touching your face or face coverings.
• If you must re-wear your cloth face covering before washing it, wash your hands immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face.

Resources
For guides on homemade face coverings, please see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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Monday, April 27, 2020

Dear Central Coast Small Business Owners,

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to harm small businesses on the central coast of California, we in Congress understand the need to help support our local businesses and nonprofits, including independent contractors and the self-employed. Small businesses are the heart of our economy on the Central Coast, and we must do everything we can to preserve them during this emergency and as we recover from this virus.

To help small businesses during this time, Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and bolstered the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program by adding EIDL Emergency Advance grants, which provide emergency financing for small businesses through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The PPP in particular provides small businesses forgivable loans to keep their employees paid and cover other basic expenses, and the EIDL program can provide up to $10,000 advance grants in addition to longer-term loans.

The Paycheck Protection Program:

• Provides forgivable loans to cover up to 8 weeks of payroll, including benefits, in addition to rent, utilities, and mortgage interest.
• Can be utilized by small businesses and 501(c) and veterans nonprofits under 500 employees, in addition to independent contractors, sole-proprietors, and self-employed individuals.

The term of the Paycheck Protection Program loans are 2 years, at 1% interest, and payments are deferred for six months. Small businesses can apply through any current SBA 7(a) lender or other participating lender, and can find one here: https://www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection/find

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Emergency Advances:

• Provides loans of up $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
• Provides up to $10,000 in emergency advance grant funding, which does not have to be repaid.
• Can be utilized by small businesses and 501(c) and veterans nonprofits under 500 employees, in addition to independent contractors, sole-proprietors, and self-employed individuals.

The terms of these loans are up to 30 years, at an interest rate of 3.75 percent for for-profit businesses.

Borrowers must apply directly with the SBA to receive EIDLs through the SBA’s website when the program reopens for new applications.

There has been overwhelming demand for both of these programs, which previously caused funding for them to lapse and for the SBA to stop accepting applications. Last week, I voted for an interim funding package that provided an additional $310 billion for the PPP program and $50 billion for the EIDL program, including $10 billion for the Emergency Advance grants. The PPP program has reopened, and the EIDL program continues to process current applications and will reopen for new applications soon.

I understand that many small businesses are frustrated, and many were unable to receive funding from either of these programs before applications closed. I have heard this frustration loud and clear. To make sure that smaller businesses have access to PPP loans, Congress set aside $60 billion in PPP funds for smaller banks, community development financial institutions, and credit unions, who focus on serving smaller businesses.

I have also cosponsored the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act, legislation that will allow businesses to easily extend their PPP loans for the duration of this pandemic, and authorize $900 billion in additional funding for the program. As stay-at-home orders are extended, I have heard from businesses who are worried that they may not be able to reopen in 8 weeks.

Small Business Resources:

I want you to know that my office is here to assist small business owners with SBA loans, and is available to answer questions about the program. You can contact my Salinas office at: 831-424-2229.
In addition, below are helpful links to resources:

• We have created a Small Business Owners’ Guide the to CARES Act, and the funding opportunities related to it, which can be accessed here:
• In English
• En Español
• Fact Sheet for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP–Fact-Sheet.pdf
• PPP Frequently Asked Questions: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf
• Small businesses can find a participating PPP Lender here: https://www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection/find

For additional assistance with SBA loans, borrowers may contact our regional SBA offices, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), or other organizations below:

• SBA Fresno District Office: fresno or (559) 487-5791
• SBA San Francisco District Office: sfomail or (415) 744-6820
• Cal Coastal SBDC in Salinas: info or (831) 678-3941

Sincerely,

Jimmy Panetta
United States Representative
20th Congressional District, California

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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MONTEREY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MARY L. ADAMS, SUPERVISOR – FIFTH DISTRICT

Greetings, Everyone ~

As in past weeks, I begin this message with a wish for your continued health and appreciation for your adherence to the County’s Shelter-in Place (SIP) Order. Also, I thank you for continuing to reach out to my office to share your questions and concerns in regards to SIP and COVID-19. I’ve also been heartened by the number of messages we receive on the non-COVID issues we’ve been working on together these past 3+ years. It’s good to know the will to keep moving our community forward remains! No matter the topic, your engagement ensures my team and I are able to be the most effective advocates we can be for you day by day.

These past two weeks, the majority of questions and comments from Fifth District residents have centered around the following topics:

• Calls for an all mail-in voting process in November
• Requests to relax or to strengthen the SIP Order (split about evenly)
• The need for economic assistance for local businesses
• Concerns about alternate care and shelter plans

You will find information related to these top of mind issues, as well as a few others, “below the fold” in the April 10 – 22nd Digest section at the end of this newsletter.

One of the many difficult things we see as a result of COVID-19 and Shelter In Place, is that people’s nerves are getting frayed. There seems to be so much pressure these days. People might not be taking care of themselves as in the past. Not enough getting outdoors and going for a walk and too much focusing on anyone and anything that is not going as we think it should. Sadly, we have gotten calls and messages personally attacking our Monterey County Health Officer. Dr. Ed Moreno is a highly qualified public health official whom I trust and respect deeply. His credentials are impeccable. Some years ago, before I retired as President and CEO of United Way Monterey County, I was selected to be among community leaders who interviewed Dr. Moreno for the position he has now held since 2013. My perspective was sought to ascertain his commitment to community. As a candidate, he impressed me with his knowledge and understanding of Monterey County and its varied population. He also impressed me with his thoughtful intelligence, dedication to serve, and prior decade of work as the health officer in Fresno County.

Dr. Moreno has the heavy responsibility for navigating the 435,000 residents of Monterey County through this storm. We may not agree with every aspect of the SIP Order he is charged with developing and implementing, but I know he takes his responsibility seriously and he weighs every decision carefully, informed by local, state and national data. I can see the weight of this pandemic on his shoulders and it is not an easy to burden to carry.

Some of the questions people ponder are the modeling and attempts to forecast how COVID-19 may spread in Monterey County based on how much compliance there is with the shelter in place order. In the presentation that the Board of Supervisors received on April 14th, it was made clear that there are limits to modeling. The models available are designed for larger populations with more cases. Because we have a smaller population and far fewer cases in Monterey County, the modeling results are understood to be less robust. There are different models that produce varied results. No model can accurately predict complex situations. The main purpose for doing modeling is for our Health Department, local hospitals and emergency planners to be able to plan for increased resource needs before hospital systems are overwhelmed.

Regrettably, in a short news clip or summary of the presentation, what gets reported are the numbers without an explanation to go with them. In addition, certain facts that people are looking for just are not known or possible to be known, like predicting what will be the total number of cases when this pandemic has passed. Or when will we be able to get back to our usual lives, and our jobs and start to rebuild our economy.

Like so many of you, I find myself challenged by the Order. I would much rather be conducting business face-to-face than through a Zoom meeting. I keep sheltered at home, in solidarity with people around our globe, because I believe that inconvenience today ensures our survival tomorrow. Yes, Monterey County seems to be faring well during this crisis, but that is because each of us is taking the steps necessary to do our part to flatten our curve.

The Shelter In Place Order is under constant review. We have been receiving many requests to ease the order for certain activities and businesses, as well as outdoor activities like golf and tennis. I anticipate we will have a revised order around May 3rd but no matter what changes may be made to our local county order, we still need to comply with the State of California’s order. We could make our order stricter, but not looser.

I know this is a very frustrating time. Many people are suffering financially. There are a lot of questions and debate over what is needed to protect our collective health and safety, and I am receiving a full range of views and opinions from you in the messages I have received. I have passed many of the suggestions to my colleagues for consideration. The decisions our healthcare professionals are making are painful and challenging not just in Monterey County, but throughout the State of California, the nation and indeed throughout the world.

We all need to stay the course, looking to trusted sources of information, including:

• Monterey County Health Department
• Daily Situation Report
• Monterey County Office of Emergency Services

If you have more questions, please join me next Wednesday, April 29th from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. for a Virtual Fireside Chat. If you have questions you would like to send ahead, please submit them here. Yuri, Sarah, Susan and I are ready to listen and eager to help solve problems. I used to feel it was what we did best!

Best,
Mary.

SIP Digest for the Week of April 10 – 22

November 2020 Election

• In light of the fact that there might be a new surge of the COVID-19 pandemic to come in the fall-winter of 2020, with the election scheduled for November 3, 2020, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution on April 14th in support of an Executive Order by the Governor of California to modify voting procedures for the Presidential General Election on November 3, 2020 to conduct the election entirely by mail in ballot. Here is a copy of the adopted Board Resolution.

Economic Assistance Recovery:

• Microloan Program – On April 14th, the Board of Supervisors approved a local small business microloan program. You can access details of the plan here. I am exploring additional opportunities for the County to support the sustainability and recovery of local business community.

• Virtual Business Townhall – On April 16th, Supervisor Jane Parker and I hosted a virtual townhall for our business community. The meeting included updates on County activities related to COVID-19 in the areas of administration, health, economic and workforce development, social services, and public safety. You can access a recording of the townhall here. I look forward to working with our industry partners as we figure out how to reopen businesses when the SIP Order begins to be edged back.

Social & Community Services

• Alternate Care & Shelter Sites – The County released it’s Alternate Care and Shelter Plan, including targeted sites on April 14th. Alternate Care Sites are large facilities that can accommodate the anticipated surge beyond the collective hospital capacity. Alternate Housing Sites are temporary housing for persons who have been confirmed COVID-19 positive or are being monitored but require minimal or no medical care AND live in compromised, congested, or congregate living situations with no alternate housing. Access the press release regarding our plans here.

• Libraries – County library buildings might be closed, but services continue. Here’s a message from our County Library Director.

• WIC – The CA Dept. Of Public Health released the linked information related to accessing Women, Infant and Children (WIC) benefits.

• The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program provides up to a 35-percent discount on utility bills. Many people who have recently lost their jobs due to COVID-19 will be eligible for the program. Customers just have to call their utility and ask to be enrolled. Information on participating in the program, including monthly income limits, can be found on the CPUC’s website.

Public Safety:

• Park, Trail, and Beach Access – Federal and State partners have responded to SIP orders at all levels of government by instituting some local temporary closures. Please familiarize yourself with those restrictions before venturing out.
• USFS Monterey Ranger District temporary closure
• CA State Parks Restrictions

• SIP Enforcement –In addition to the Sheriff, our District Attorney, Jeannine Pacioni is supporting compliance with the SIP Order, ensuring we all stay safe. Linked is a press release from her office cautioning short-term lodging facilities of travel restrictions during SIP.

1200 Aguajito Road, Suite 1, Monterey, CA 93940 | (831) 647-7755 | district5

Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 87
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org
http://www.thebigsurblog.com
http://www.twitter.com/BigSurCC
https://www.facebook.com/BigSurInformation

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News Release
For Immediate Release
April 15, 2020
Media Contact: Andrew Madsen
(805) 961-5759
andrew.madsen
www.facebook.com/lpnf
Twitter: @LosPadresNF

Los Padres closes Monterey Ranger District roads and trails to the public until June 1

GOLETA, Calif. – In alignment with current Federal, state, and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure the health and safety of its visitors, volunteers and employees, Los Padres National Forest will temporarily close roads and trails on the Monterey Ranger District to the public effective April 16, 2020.

This forest closure order will be in effect through June 1, 2020.

These roads, trails, and trailheads are drawing increasingly heavy vehicle traffic and large groups of people, creating circumstances where social distancing is not possible. Additionally, some roads, trails, and trailheads are located adjacent to residential properties and could potentially contribute to exposure risks to local residents. Roads and trails may create unmanageable vectors for further community spread of COVID-19.

This forest closure order includes the following roads, trails and trailheads:

Roads
· Tassajara Road – Forest Road No. 18S02
· Milpitas Road – Forest Road No. 19S09
· Nacimiento-Fergusson Road – Forest Road No. 22S01
· South Coast Ridge Road – Forest Road No. 22S05
· Baldwin Ranch Road – Forest Road No. 24S06
· Los Burros (Willow Creek) Road – Forest Road No. 23S01
· Sycamore Canyon Road – Forest Road No. 19S05

Trails
· Boranda Trail – Forest Road No. 20S03
· DeAngulo Trail – Forest Trail No. 2E07
· Kirk Creek Trail – Forest Trail No. 4E17
· Prewitt Loop Trail – Forest Trail No. 5E06
· Sand Dollar/Jade Cove Trail – Forest Trail No. 5E13
· Cruickshank Trail – Forest Trail No. 5E10
· Soda Springs Trail – Forest Trail No. 5E17
· Buckeye Trail – Forest Trail No. 5E09
· Salmon Creek Trail – Forest Trail No. 6E11

Trailheads
· San Carpoforo
· Salmon Creek
· Buckeye
· Soda Springs
· Cruickshank
· Prewitt South
· Prewitt North
· Mill Creek
· Kirk Creek
· De Angulo
· Boranda

This closure is an interim measure. Los Padres National Forest will continue to evaluate the emerging circumstances around COVID-19 and follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, as well as State and local health departments to ensure that the safety of our employees and our visitors remains our top priority.

Anyone found in violation of it is subject to a $5,000 fine, or $10,000 for any organization in violation, and up to six months in prison, or both.

Emergency Closures Map – Order 05 07 51 20 03 Monterey Ranger District

Monterey Ranger District Closed to Public April 15, 2020

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Dear Friends,

The Board of Supervisors will receive a special presentation about COVID-19 at our meeting on Tuesday April 14 starting at 10:30am. County staff will be presenting details about our local shelter-in-place order, emergency planning to ensure that our health care systems are prepared to respond, and what is next for us.

This report will provide information on many important topics including:
1. Current Status of Testing
2. Modeling to determine the county’s peak for the virus and potential impact on medical providers
3. Care and Shelter Plan Update
4. Alternate Care Sites
5. Personal Protective Equipment Update
6. Natividad Personal Protective Equipment Status/Procedures
7. Business Assistance

Presentations will begin at approximately 10:30 am on April 14th during the Monterey County Board of Supervisors meeting. You can view the meeting online and give or send comments before and during the meeting.

Watch the meeting online at: https://montereycty.zoom.us/j/224397747
Or to participate by phone: 1-669-900-6833, Meeting ID number: 224397747. Please note there is no Participant Code, you will just hit # again after the recording prompts you.

Our next district4. Join us from your Computer at: https://montereycty.zoom.us/j/402565563 or from your telephone at 669-900-6833 – meeting code is 402 565 563#

If you missed Hot Topics Guest Dr Susan Swick last Monday, we have the video of her presentation posted online.

Due to the “Shelter in Place” Order, my office is closed to the public. However, my staff and I are all working from home, coordinating essential County services, and responding as quickly as we can to calls and emails from the public.

You can reach my team by calling us at 831-883-7570 or emailing us at District4. If we don’t answer please leave a message so that we can get back to you. For general questions about COVID-19 or the Shelter in Place order you can also call 211 or visit the County COVID-19 website.

This is an unprecedented time, and we are all working together to navigate new challenges. Thanks for your vigilance, please check in on your neighbors and support one another, and stay healthy.

Sincerely,
Jane Parker
Monterey County Board of Supervisors, District 4

and team!
Kristi Markey, Wendy Root Askew, and Lori Chappell

PS: Have you done your Census yet? It only takes a few minutes to ensure that everyone in our County gets counted! https://2020census.gov/

QUICK REFERENCE MONTEREY COUNTY RESOURCES

Monterey County Health Department – www.mtyhd.org/covid19

• California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
• California Department of Public Health
• Centers For Disease Control (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• 2-1-1 Monterey County information and referral hotline.
• Additional questions about coronavirus and the shelter in place order can be sent to covid-19@co.monterey.ca.us
• Sign Up for Jane Parker’s Email Newsletter – https://mailchi.mp/janeparker/parkerreport