City Hall Scoop

Pregnant Women and Mothers Resources and Information

CityHallScoop

April 29, 2020

Pregnant Women & Mothers who are experiencing food insecurities and hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic can look for support with the following LA County programs and services:

Home Visiting Programs
- Home Visitors provide support and services during pregnancy; coaches parents on how to support children during difficult times. For more information, call (213) 639-6434.
MAMA’s Program
- Provides services to pregnant women and those who have recently delivered during the COVID-9 crisis by offering telehealth telephonic and video visits. Pregnant women who need prenatal and immediate postpartum services can call 844-37-MAMAS.
Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program
- Provides healthy foods and other resources to pregnant women and families with a child under 5 years of age. WIC welcomes military families, migrant families, fathers, foster parents and legal guardians with eligible children. If your income has been affected by recent events, and you are:
  - Pregnant
  - Breastfeeding (up to the infant’s first birthday)
  - Non-breastfeeding women (until the infant is six months old)
  - Women up to six months after a pregnancy loss
  - For infants and children, up to the child’s fifth birthday.
- To find out if you’re eligible, text APPLY to 91997, visit phfewic.org or call (888) 942-2229.
Cash Aid & Food purchasing
- Services are available through CalWORKS. This program provides monthly financial assistance to help pay for housing, food, utilities, clothing, medical care and other necessary expenses. For more information and eligibility requirements, call (866) 613-3777.

To learn about the risks of COVID-19 to pregnant women, please visit this website that provides some advice. If you are pregnant and think you have been exposed to, or may have contracted the virus, may visit the LA County Testing website to schedule an appointment.

4/29/2020

196 Bicycle Parking Spaces added Around the City!

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April 29, 2020

In an effort to promote environmentally sustainable transportation, City of South Pasadena has installed additional 196 bicycle parking spaces at various locations along the business districts, parks and schools. After multiple years of public outreach, the City, in coordination with ActiveSGV, was able to select the locations that best reflect the community’s interests and the current commuting patterns. The installed infrastructure allows for secure and convenient storage of bicycles. The shelters placed at Heritage Plaza, Library Park, and at Huntington and Fremont provide covered parking, protecting the bicycles from environmental elements. The hitches have been installed close to the entrances of key destinations to allow for accessibility and visibility.

The vibrant green color yields a noticeable appearance, making it easier for residents and commuters to locate the hitches when visiting the local shops, grocery stores, restaurants, playgrounds and workspaces. This project was funded from a Bicycle Transportation Account (BTA) grant through Caltrans which only required a 10% match of City funds

Shahid Abbas
Public Works Director

4/29/2020

Free Food Resources for LA County Residents During COVID-19 Crisis and Ways to Help

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April 28, 2020

An estimated 2 million people in Los Angeles County suffer from food-insecurity issues on an ongoing basis. That vulnerable community is sure to swell because of pandemic-related economic losses in the months to come, but Los Angeles County is committed to preventing hunger and ensuring access to food for all residents. The County is currently mobilizing a Countywide response to hunger by coordinating public agencies, nonprofits, and volunteers to provide meals to anyone in need during the weeks and months to come. The County is also launching new digital resources to help members of the public access food at no cost — including program sign-up information, maps, and frequently asked questions.

Individuals/Families in Need Can:

Get help with food expenses. CalFresh is a Nutrition Assistance Program that can help people in low-income households purchase food by increasing their food-buying power. Apply here and see eligibility requirements here.

Find free food near you. County agencies and partners that provide free groceries and meals are expanding their services during COVID-19. Click here to see options and find food distribution sites near you. Some programs also provide delivery.
Get food delivery assistance. The County has launched a Critical Delivery Services program to deliver food and other vital items to adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities who are unable to leave their homes due to COVID-19. Items must be prepaid and ready for pick-up. There is no cost to the client for delivery. For more information, click here or call 1-888-863-7411.

For assistance, or if you do not have access to the Internet, please dial 2-1-1. Multilingual operators are available to help members of the public find free food resources.

Your Water Safety and Service

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April 28, 2020

You can be confident in is the unhindered supply of safe drinking water being delivered to the residents of South Pasadena. It is the South Pasadena Water Division’s goal to continue to provide exemplary customer service and safe drinking water to its residents during these unprecedented times.

Prior to the LA County stay at home order, the Water Division was one of the first water agencies to implement water operational guidelines to combat the spread of Covid-19. Measures include splitting field staff in teams with separate schedules, practicing social distancing, using personal protective equipment where distancing isn’t feasible, and purchasing additional parts and materials for water production operations. Even though the division is small with limited staff, we continue to consistently fulfill our duties as public servants by maintaining daily tasks including water quality testing, meter reading, customer service, and emergency response. Staff continues to monitor the water system daily and take an average of over 90 water quality samples monthly. With these aggressive actions and cautionary plans, the South Pasadena Water Division stands grounded in serving the people of South Pasadena.

Shahid Abbas
Public Works Director

4/28/2020

Take a Second and Slow Down

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April 28, 2020

South Pasadena Police wants to remind everyone to slow down and adhere to traffic laws. With many people staying home and less traffic on the roads, there has been an increase in complaints about speeding. Driving faster can cause a disaster! Take a second to slow down and enjoy the views of our city. Residents are reminded to drive within the speed limit and obey all traffic rules. Following the traffic rules ensures everyone’s safety when you’re behind the wheel! Stop Speeding before it stops you.

Joe Ortiz
Police Chief

4/28/2020

South Pasadena Care Center Receives Personal Protective Equipment

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April 27, 2020

Assisting the South Pasadena Care Center manage the COVID-19 outbreak has been a top priority for staff. One of the biggest challenges has been securing additional supplies of PPE’s for the facility. Last Friday, Fire Department staff were informed that LA County Department of Health delivered 6,000 N-95 masks. In addition to the masks, gowns have been ordered and we are hopeful the facility will receive a shipment soon. The numbers as of today stand at, 25 staff members, 51 residents that are COVID-19 positive with 4 associated deaths.

Paul Riddle
Fire Chief

4/27/2020

“Meet” me at the Counter

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April 27, 2020

The City’s Building Division has started taking Virtual Counter appointments for Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:30-5:00pm. Staff has missed the one-on-one customer service we were able to provide at the Public Counter, so we are happy to reintroduce the Counter virtually!

Applicants can sign up for a time-slot to talk directly with the City’s Plan Checker, either by phone or video conference, and including the ability to share computer screens to review drawings. The calendar allows appointments for future days and, if available, with the option of making same-day appointments 15 minutes prior to the appointment time. The public is invited to schedule an appointment to address questions big and small, from reviewing plan check comments on an existing permit application to asking what permits are required for a small home improvement. Transtech, the contract firm that serves as the City’s Building Division, has brought E-Plan Submittal, Virtual Counter appointments, and coming soon, real-time Virtual Inspections! Please check out the Virtual Counter and other new ways to reach us during COVID-19: Go to the Building Division webpage and click on “Building Division Operations During City Closure Due to COVID-19”

Joanna Hankamer
Planning and Community Development Director

4/27/2020

Local Businesses Continue to Serve the Community

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April 27, 2020

Many local businesses are finding creative ways to stay open and continue serving our community.

Gift cards and gift certificates – ALWAYS the perfect gift! Even though we are staying at home, you can send a gift for a birthday, anniversary or just to say “can’t wait to see you”! It will be a very bright spot in a very challenging time.

www.BingsWingsProductions.com can help you engage your audience with a video newsletter describing what your business is doing or planning during this time – and how you can help! They can help you to create your own or easily work with you and take over the details…remotely! Email them or call (818) 383-6165

Hayes Law Firm is offering online access to their estate planning services (limitations apply). Please visit their website for details.

Mission Gardens can help you make your inside space more beautiful!

Activ Consulting is available to assist businesses with their communication needs during this challenging time.

Playhouse Pilates, Young Stars Theatre, Pascale Music Institute and South Pasadena Art & Music Academy (formerly Green Brooms Academy) are all offering virtual classes and sessions online.

Adobe Design is offering 25% off gift cards in a “buy now, spend later” promotion. You can purchase a discounted gift card online now to spend in store when they re-open their doors. Check their Instagram page for more information.

The Print Spot is (virtually) open for limited printing. Visit their website to contact!

Rosebuds & Rosestuds has great gently used treasures for kids on their website and Instagram.

Wine & Song is now available for listening online as a podcast at BlueGuitar.club

Del Mar Birth Center: If you’re looking for birthing alternatives, consider Del Mar Birth Center, right in town!

D&S Printing shop is not open but they are taking phone orders.

South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce

4/27/2020

Fire Department Finds Creative Ways to Train Probationary Firefighter Paramedics

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April 27, 2020

The COVID-19 Crisis has made daily fire operations challenging to say the least. Part of that challenge is ensuring that our five probationary Firefighter Paramedics are receiving the training necessary to successfully complete probation. On average, 3-5 hours of training a day are required to successfully complete the 12 month probationary period. Most, if not all, of the training is currently conducted at the fire station and social distancing is maintained. Multi-company training with other agencies continues but is conducted via Zoom or Facetime. Currently, two of our new Firefighters have completed their nine month exams and are well on their way to completing probation. The others are preparing for their three month exam and are all doing an exceptional job during these difficult times.

Paul Riddle
Fire Chief

4/27/2020

FIRE DEPARTMENT URGES RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AS TEMPERATURES INCREASE AND WILDFIRE SEASON BEGINS

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April 24, 2020

As South Pasadena residents continue to follow the current safer at home orders, the Fire Department encourages our residents to take precautions as temperatures are expected to increase.

HEAT SAFETY TIPS:

· Keep Hydrated; water is your best choice!

· Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose fitting clothing.

· If you must be outdoors, seek shade, apply sunscreen, and wear a hat or use an umbrella.

· Call to check on your elderly family members and friends.

· Bring pets indoors and make sure they have plenty of water too.

· NEVER leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle

WATER SAFETY TIPS:

· Never take your eyes off a child when they are in or near any body of water.

· Don’t rely on inflatable devices to keep your child afloat.

· Remove toys, tricycles, or other playthings out of the water and away from the pool or spa.

· Keep a life-saving ring, shepherd’s hook and CPR instructions at poolside.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

· Have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in each level of your home.

· Have two escape routes out of your home and practice with your family

· Clear leaves and other debris from roofs, gutters, and decks.

· Have a “Ready, Set, Go” kit in your home and establish a meeting place for your family in the event of a fire.

4/24/2020