The ability to access the Internet has become a critical necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Internet access is not only key to our schools’ online learning programs, but many Federal, State and local resources are provided online, too.
In LA County nearly 110,000 children under 18 don’t have access to a computer at home. Approximately 210,000 children who do have a computer at home, lack an Internet connection. To combat this digital divide, LA County wants to remind residents of this free digital tool which all residents can access for locating free WiFi spots throughout the County.
How it works
To expand your digital connectivity and access during the COVID-19 health crisis, follow these simple instructions:
Exciting new grant opportunity for small businesses located in both LA County and Orange County! Through the Neighborhood Business Grant Program, funded by our partner Lowe’s, LISC will award $20,000 grants to 75 businesses in LA and the OC. Designed to help small business owners meet their most immediate needs, grant funds may be used to pay rent and utilities, meet payroll, and take care of other operational costs.
Today the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has declared a WARNING due to low power reserves and high demand for electricity on the California electric grid. At this time, CAISO rotating outages have not been declared but could be later. Rotating outages may begin if the CAISO declares a stage 3 emergency, most likely during peak hours from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Rotating outages typically last one hour. To see the impacted jurisdictions and for additional information, please visit www.sce.com/rotatingoutage
The WARNING is expected to be in effect until 11:59 pm on 8/18/20. CAISO encourages SCE customers to reduce energy to help avoid rotating outages.
Through the Federal CARES Act, Los Angeles County is dedicating $100 million to assist renters and landlords. This effort aims to serve more than 9,000 households and will be one of the largest programs in the nation. Those who are currently at 30 percent of the median income can receive up to $10,000 and those who are currently at 50 percent of the median income can receive up to $7,500. Applications open Monday, August 17 and will be accepted until August 31.
To ask questions or apply, visit 211LA.orgor speak with a representative by calling 2-1-1.
The California Independent System Operator (CAISO)issued a statewide Flex Alert calling for voluntary electricity conservation, beginning Sunday and extending through Wednesday. The Flex Alerts are in effect from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day. For more information, visit: www.flexalert.org
CAISO highlighted three simple actions individuals and businesses can take to reduce energy consumption:
Set your thermostat to 78° or higher between 3 and 10 P.M.
Refrain from major appliance use between 3 and 10 P.M.
Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances
Additional steps and guidance for individuals & businesses:
Adjust Your Thermostat
During peak hours or when you’re not home, remember to set your thermostat at 78° or higher. Setting your air conditioner 5° higher can save up to 20 percent on cooling costs.
Pre-cool your home by running air conditioning at 72 degrees in the early part of the day (when it is more efficient) then turn your system to 78 or higher during the hottest part of the day when demand is the highest.
Use smart or programmable features to help maintain energy savings when you’re not home.
Close Windows and Doors
Keep windows and doors closed to prevent the loss of cooled or heated air.
On summer nights, open windows to let cooler air in when safe. In the morning before the day starts to heat up, close windows and blinds to keep warm air out.
Tilt blinds up and close drapes and shades on windows that receive direct sunlight.
Smart Energy Use
Turn off unnecessary lighting and use task or desktop lamps with LEDs instead of overhead lights.
Enable “power management” on all computers and turn off when not in use.
Unplug phone charges, power strips (those without a switch) and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.
Access and Functional Needs
Check in on neighbors, friends and family who may be at risk.
Charge medical devices in off hours and have back up plan for if the power goes out.
In addition to traditional community support channels, individuals with access and functional needs should reach out to local government for assistance.
Contact local utilities companies if you are dependent on power for assistive devices.
Major Appliance Use
Postpone using major appliances like the oven, dishwasher, clothes washer, and dryer until cooler times of the day to avoid heating up your home.
Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when full. Wait until after 9 p.m. to use these and other major appliances.
When possible, wash clothes in cold water. About 90 percent of the energy used in a clothes washer goes to water heating.
Clean or Replace Your Filters
A dirty filter forces your air conditioner and furnace to work harder, wasting money, using more energy or natural gas.
Adjust Your Water Heater
Turn your water heater down to 120° or the “normal” setting. Water heating accounts for about 13 percent of home energy costs.
Conservation Programs
Consider participating in your utility’s demand response program. These voluntary programs are short, temporary measures to reduce energy consumption when power supplies are critically low and a Flex Alert has been issued. Contact your local electric utility to learn about your utility’s program and incentives they may offer to participate.
All Los Angeles County Voters are encouraged to vote by mail to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The County will mail all registered voters a ballot. It is important your information is correct, if you’ve recently moved or changed any information, please visitLAVote.netto receive your ballot. The last day to register to vote is October 19. You can always check your registration status with registration status tool here.
Significant emergingevidence from clinical and laboratory studies show masks reduce the spray of microscopic respiratory droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. This is called source control.
A face covering, as seen in the above graphic, limits the spread of respiratory droplets from every person wearing a face covering that fits snugly over their mouth AND nose. The simple piece of fabric stops many of your respiratory droplets from reaching those around you.
Because we have no way of knowing if we (or those around us) are infected with COVID-19, the best strategy is to ALWAYS wear a face covering when around people that aren’t part of your household, and to ask that those around you wear a face covering as well.
Face coverings can feel uncomfortable, but they really do protect us all. And while we look forward to a time when we don’t have to wear them – we’re not there yet.
Don’t forget: 1) Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance; 2) Masks with exhalation valves (or vents) should NOT be worn to help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others; and 3) Adhere to the modifications and restrictions that are working to get us back to slowing the spread again.
With temperatures in parts of Los Angeles County expected to rise into the triple digits, various public facilities located throughout the County will serve as Emergency Cooling Centers starting on Friday, August 14th. These centers provide members of the public who lack air conditioning at home with relief from the heat, free of charge.
“Offering free emergency heat relief is an important service to help keep vulnerable members of the public safe and healthy during heat waves,” stated Kevin McGowan, Director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management. “The County is collaborating with various communities, such as Azusa, Burbank, Canoga Park, Claremont, El Monte, Glendale, Los Angeles, San Fernando, Sherman Oaks, Stevenson Ranch, Topanga, and Quartz Hill to bring this support service to all residents at no cost. We jointly stand ready to provide anyone who needs to get out of the heat with a safe place to cool down.”
All Centers will operate in compliance with physical distancing and other COVID-19 safety criteria from the current Health Officer Order. They will be located in areas selected based on heat forecasts provided by the National Weather Service and impact to regions identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. More locations may be added or hours extended based on weather conditions. To obtain a list of the County’s Emergency Cooling Centers or view a map of these sites, visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat or dial 2-1-1
Location Information, Dates and Hours of Operation:
Grace T. Black Auditorium 3130 Tyler Avenue El Monte, CA 91731 Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Griffith Manor Park 1551 Flower Street Glendale, CA 91201 Friday, August 14 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Pacific Community Center (entrance near outdoor basketball/pickleball courts) 501 South Pacific Avenue Glendale, CA 91204 Saturday, August 15 through Tuesday, August 18 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Valleydale Park 5525 North Lark Ellen Avenue Azusa, CA 91702 Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Buena Vista Library 300 North Buena Vista Street Burbank, CA 91505 Friday, August 14 through Monday, August 17 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Canoga Park Senior Center 7326 Jordan Avenue Canoga Park, CA 91303 Friday, August 14 through Monday, August 17 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Claremont Library 208 North Harvard Avenue Claremont, CA 91711 Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Pecan Recreation Center 145 South Pecan Street Los Angeles, CA 90033 Friday, August 14 through Monday, August 17 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Salazar Park 3864 Whittier Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90023 Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Slauson Recreation Center 5306 Compton Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90011 Friday, August 14 through Monday, August 17 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Las Palmas Park 505 South Huntington Street San Fernando, CA 91340 Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center 5056 Van Nuys Boulevard Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Friday, August 14 through Monday, August 17 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Stevenson Ranch Library 25950 The Old Road Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381 Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Topanga Library 122 North Topanga Canyon Boulevard Topanga, CA 90290 Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Quartz Hill Library 5040 West Avenue M-2 Quartz Hill, CA 93356 Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
DMV offers many services that can be handled online. Some online services are self-serve, meaning you can complete them on your own from start to finish. Others are “assisted”, meaning they are done with help from a DMV representative. Please visit the DMV site at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-online/for online services. You can also try DMV’s Service Advisor tool, which outlines service options for common DMV transactions, from title transfers and license applications to reinstating suspended registration and submitting a medical evaluation — and more!
On Wednesday August 5, 2020 South Pasadena City Council voted to approve Resolution 7673 Affirming the City’s Commitment to Diversity and to Safeguarding the Civil Rights, Safety and Dignity of all our Residents. Council unanimously approved the resolution. The City of South Pasadena reaffirms the public policy of the City to be inclusive and to respect the inherent worth of every person, without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, immigration status, disability, housing status, economic status, political affiliation, or cultural practices. Acts of discrimination and crimes motivated by hatred toward a person’s affiliation with any protected classification, their viewpoint or its expression have no place in our community and will not be tolerated by the City.
City Hall Scoop 