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Two-thousand Los Angeles County families will have at-home access to tablets to use for educational activities, thanks to a donation from Amazon.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Safer at Home order, students across Los Angeles County have been attending school remotely. As we move into summer, the need for remote learning continues and the donation of Fire 7 tablets helps ensure families across the County have access to necessary technology.

“It’s a matter of equity that all of our students have access to technology in order to stay on a level playing field with students able to afford computers, tablets and other technology,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis. “I am grateful to Amazon for stepping in and ensuring that 2,000 of our students in need are not left behind as they study and learn at home.”

“Thank you to Amazon and L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis for the generous donation of tablets for the children of El Monte. Our Saviour Center will begin using these tablets on Monday, July 6 during our Summer Program,” said Jane Fall, executive director of Our Saviour Center. “Children grades K-8 will easily engage in quality, on-line educational experiences through our regular supervised learning. Additionally, our youth will participate in virtual trips, virtual fitness classes, virtual nutrition workshops and more.”

Access to on-line resources are critical to families throughout Los Angeles County. The digital divide should not impede access to food or other necessary support services during these very difficult times. These tablets will improve child development beyond remote learning by also connecting families with mentors and healthcare providers that can offer virtual assessments by viewing body language and sharing coping skills through relationship building.

“As students connect, learn, and grow using technology to ensure their health and safety, I’m immensely thankful Amazon generously donated 500 tablets to our Antelope Valley community as a gift to foster youth and their families,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “Antelope Valley Partners for Health and other local organizations will identify and distribute these valuable resources, which will help families in need and equip youth with tools to succeed.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating the challenges that many families in the Antelope Valley already face when connecting to vital supports. Ensuring that our most vulnerable school aged children have a device to access the internet is more than an education issue, it is a child development issue as well,” said Roxana Martinez, from First 5 LA, representing the Antelope Valley Resource Infusion, a collaborative working to increase resources in the area.  “Students are now engaging virtually not only to attend classes, but to access life-skills workshops, connect their family to critical resources, and communicate with adult supports and mentors. These tablets will allow for virtual interaction that can help deepen connections in the absence of in-person interaction and help them to develop the life skills necessary to thrive in this world.”

“We are humbled by the work Los Angeles County is doing to help community members during these challenging times and we are glad to support their efforts by donating Fire 7 tablets,” said Marc Whitten, vice president Amazon Entertainment Devices and Services. “We are hopeful these devices can help students and families continue learning and ensure they are able to stay connected to community support services.”

The 2,000 tablets will be distributed as follows:

• Antelope Valley Partners for Health (AVPH will manage the distribution of tablets across the Antelope Valley in coordination with the local Departments of Children and Family Services)
• Bassett Parent Center (Bassett Unified School District)
• Bell Gardens Neighborhood Youth Center
• Boyle Heights Beat
• Casa Cultural Saybrook
• East Los Angeles Community Youth Center
• ELAC (South Gate Satellite Campus)
• La Causa YouthBuild
• Los Angeles Conservation Corps
• Los Angeles County Office of Education
• Our Saviour Center
• Pomona Economic Opportunity Center
• Project Caring & Sharing
• Prototypes
• Spiritt Family Services
• SBCC Thrive
• The Whole Child

The organizations will distribute the tablets to families participating in their programs.

Los Angeles County leaders are urging residents to stay home this 4^th of July holiday weekend to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the healthcare system is not overwhelmed. They are asking each resident to do their part to keep the County safe and moving ahead toward recovery.

Rather than going forth on the 4th, residents should celebrate with members of their own households, avoid large gatherings, and practice the basic rules that keep everyone safer during the pandemic: cloth face coverings, physical distancing of at least six feet from non-household members, frequent and thorough hand-washing, and resisting the urge to touch your face.

With COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations on the rise, the County moved swiftly to modify its Health Officer Orders this week. To prevent gatherings where the virus can spread, all beaches, beach parking lots, beach bike paths, beach facilities and beach accessways will be closed from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, until 5 a.m. Monday, July 6. Public fireworks displays have been cancelled.

In addition, new Health Officer Orders are in place to comply with new state directives mandating the temporary closure of indoor operations at restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms, card rooms, zoos, aquariums and museums.

And if you’re hoping to get in a holiday weekend workout, new County directives require all patrons and employees of fitness facilities to wear cloth face coverings masks and gloves at all times while inside the facility.

Although Grand Park in downtown L.A. will be closed to public gatherings and picnics on the holiday, its annual 4th of July Block Party will go on--virtually. Catch the show on ABC7 Saturday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The program can be viewed on the County Channel (92 or 94 on most cable systems) and streamed at july4.grandparkla.org from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“We all wish we could celebrate at the beach or at a fireworks show, but this 4th of July is unlike any other we have experienced. It will take all of us working together to keep our communities safe and maintain our progress to flatten the curve,” said 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “This is an immeasurably difficult and stressful time for every L.A. County resident. We are tasked with balancing the health of our community members and our economic resiliency efforts. There are many businesses making meaningful investments to meet new safety measures to keep their crew and customers healthy. Likewise, many county residents are taking the necessary precautions to keep their families and neighbors safe. These precautions are not optional, but necessary to protect everyone’s well-being. Together, we can carefully continue on our path toward recovery.”

Other members of the Board of Supervisors underscored the need for the public to recognize the seriousness of the public health crisis and the importance of everyone sharing the responsibility for protecting our communities and each other.

“We must continue to take precautions to keep our communities safe. COVID-19 never left and it remains a threat to families, friends, and neighbors with underlying medical conditions,” said 1st District Supervisor  Hilda L. Solis, Chair Pro-Tem. “Stay safe by staying at home this holiday weekend. Let’s ensure our healthcare system can meet the demand from this pandemic, as well as treat patients with cancer, diabetes, and other pre-existing conditions. We are asking everyone to make collective sacrifices for the greater good by avoiding crowds, practicing physical distancing, and wearing a face mask this holiday weekend.”

“Like everyone else, I am impatient to reopen the economy, jump-start businesses and help people get their jobs back--but the only way to do it is by keeping each other safe,” said 2nd District Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. “We cannot simply wish coronavirus away, and ignoring it won’t work either. We need to take precautions, like staying safer at home or wearing a mask outdoors, particularly this Fourth of July Weekend, in order to continue on the path toward recovery.”

“The Fourth of July marks a day in American history when people agreed to come together against a common enemy, in order that they would all be better off in the long run,” added 3rd District Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. “It’s not so different now. This Fourth of July, do the patriotic thing for your family, your community, and for all of Los Angeles: Stay home, and if you really must go out, practice social distancing and wear a face cover.”

“This is not going to be the type of Fourth of July weekend that most of us are used to -- nor should it be,” said 4th District Supervisor Janice Hahn. “The spike we have seen in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across our County should alarm all of us. We all have to make personal sacrifices to protect the people we love and our communities from this virus. Our beaches will be closed this weekend and everyone should avoid gatherings with people they don’t live with.”

Other County leaders also stressed that, while things will be different this year, the 4th of July can still be celebrated safely.

“Staying safe at home also means keeping your family’s safety in mind,” Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby said. “Let’s celebrate this national holiday by spending quality time with our loved ones – and avoiding fireworks use and remaining vigilant. Although our Los Angeles County beaches will be closed this weekend to the public, our lifeguards will continue to patrol County shorelines, so everyone remains healthy and safe during this time.”

“Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, please enjoy the birth of American independence responsibly by limiting gatherings, wearing a face cover, and adhering to social distancing protocols,” added Sheriff Alex Villanueva. “The beaches are closed this weekend. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will be enforcing vehicle and penal code violations, beach parking lot closures, and street parking restrictions to ensure public safety.  Please have a safe and happy 4^th of July weekend.”

Health care leaders said the region is at a critical juncture in the pandemic that has already claimed the lives of more than 3,400 Los Angeles County residents and infected more than 105,000 people here. People of all ages are at risk. Those with underlying health conditions, who are at higher risk for serious illness or death due to COVID-19, should take special precautions and stay at home wherever possible.

“I know that many residents are frustrated and heartbroken that we may be taking steps backwards, but I am confident that with these actions, we have a chance to really prevent as many future cases, hospitalizations and deaths as we can,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Department of Public Health. “Over the holiday weekend, I ask that you avoid the Three C’s: Crowds, Confined Spaces, and Close Contact with people from outside of your household. These actions, as well as practicing physical distancing and wearing a cloth face covering whenever you are around others, do save lives.”

Dr. Christina Ghaly, Director of the Department of Health Services, also emphasized the need for caution in celebration: “The spike in COVID-19 cases and the uptick in hospitalizations we’ve seen in recent days is alarming and an important reminder of the need to aggressively practice prevention measures like face coverings and physical distancing to limit transmission of the virus causing COVID-19. While prepared to care for an increase in patients, we must all take action to prevent excessive strain on hospitals.  The sentinel bell is ringing loudly in every part of our County.  As we commemorate Independence Day and the way of life we celebrate this weekend, including access to healthcare, following simple public health guidance will be key to the continued reopening of society and the preservation of our hospital system and its dedicated workforce.”

Norma E. Garcia, Acting Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, urged the public to enjoy the upcoming weekend safely. "At L.A. County Parks, the Fourth of July is one of our busiest weekends of the year for enjoying our community and regional parks, trails, golf courses, tennis, and campgrounds. We welcome park guests to visit our facilities safely by following COVID-19 health guidelines of physical distancing, keeping your face coverings handy, and other specific restrictions required based on each amenity outlined at parks.lacounty.gov/covid-19."

Gary Jones, Director, Department of Beaches and Harbors, is already looking forward to a brighter future: “We know people look forward to a day at the beach on the Fourth of July. Unfortunately, that won’t happen this year. We encourage everyone to celebrate Independence Day at home, and we’ll see you at the beach next year.”

For more information, please go to COVID19.LACounty.gov.

Los Angeles County beaches and beach facilities will be closed to the public for the Fourth of July holiday weekend in an effort to prevent gatherings and crowds that may spread COVID-19, County officials announced Monday evening.

Under the modified order from the Health Officer, all beaches, beach parking lots, beach bike paths, beach facilities and beach accessways will be closed from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, until 5 a.m. Monday, July 6.

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The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors manages Marina del Rey harbor and 25 miles of beaches along the Los Angeles County coastline, including world-famous Zuma, Malibu, Surfrider, and Venice beaches. In addition to promoting and maintaining a clean coastline, the Department operates the Dockweiler Youth Center near Playa del Rey and at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey to serve the needs of the County's residents and visitors.

Free COVID-19 testing is available in Los Angeles County for next day appointments at a variety of sites.

Currently, there are four sites with availability subject to change below. Individuals still need to register for a next-day appointment in advance and are encouraged to visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing for an up-to-date list of sites that have availability, as this may change over the course of the day.

As of noon today, June 24th, these are the following locations where individuals can register for an appointment:

• Crenshaw Christian Center: 7901 South Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, 90044
• Dodger Stadium: 1101 Scott Avenue, Los Angeles, 90012
• Lincoln Park: 3501 Valley Boulevard., Los Angeles, 90095
• West Valley - Warner Center: 6097 Canoga Avenue, Woodland Hills, 91367

Individuals are encouraged to call their primary care provider if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. If you do not have insurance and need help connecting with a healthcare provider, dial 2-1-1. Testing capacity within the established health system has improved greatly over the past weeks and months; wherever possible, individuals should receive testing in consultation with their healthcare provider to ensure continuity of care and optimal follow-up.

The County of Los Angeles prevailed today in litigation that allows Project Roomkey to continue serving the most vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cities of Bell Gardens and Lynwood have been dismissed from a lawsuit brought by the County of Los Angeles. These cities had previously enacted legislation to bar local hotels from participating in Project Roomkey and related temporary housing programs run by the County of Los Angeles. The County sought to block their efforts.

Lynwood has rescinded its moratorium and Bell Gardens allowed its moratorium to lapse.

“Without a vaccine, physical distancing is our best line of defense. Since the start of this pandemic, L.A. County has always been intent on protecting and sheltering our most vulnerable residents to minimize their exposure to this highly contagious virus,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “Project Roomkey and our medical sheltering sites have saved lives, and our commitment to these initiatives reflect the moral character of Los Angeles County and its residents.”

“Project Roomkey and its related medical sheltering program has protected thousands of our most vulnerable residents and protected our communities. These programs are also helping us as we move forward on the road to reopening,” said Tiana Murillo, Los Angeles County's Temporary Supervisory Administrator overseeing and coordinating the County's emergency housing efforts. “We’re grateful for the partnership of our cities and their leaders as we work together to respond to an unprecedented pandemic.”

The litigation is still ongoing against the City of Norwalk.

Please see linked documents, which include:

• The County’s filing dismissing Bell Gardens and Lynwood
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s brief in support of Los Angeles County

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Background:

Project Roomkey is a statewide program to temporarily house in motels and hotels seniors and medically vulnerable people experiencing homelessness. This program is preventing the spread of COVID-19, saving lives and protecting capacity in our healthcare system.

Los Angeles County has secured more than 3,600 hotel and motel rooms for the program and more than 3,700 vulnerable people are temporarily housed today. The individuals participating in Project Roomkey have not been exposed to COVID-19.

The County is also providing medical, temporary shelter at hotels and motels for people who have been exposed to COVID-19. This quarantine and isolation program is for anyone, including people experiencing homelessness, who needs a place to quarantine and isolate and cannot do so on their own.

In April, the County obtained a temporary restraining order against the City of Norwalk after it took legislative action to prevent Project Roomkey from operating in the city.  The County then added both Bell Gardens and Lynwood to the lawsuit after they took similar action to block Project Roomkey and a medical sheltering site.

In early May, the County successfully sought the court's involvement to block Bell Gardens from interfering with the County’s quarantine and isolation program.

After the County prevailed in both requests to the court for assistance, the Lynwood City Council voted to voluntarily rescind its moratorium, and Bell Gardens allowed its moratorium to lapse without taking action to renew it.  As a result, the County dismissed both cities from the lawsuit today.

The City of Norwalk’s moratorium is still in place.

LOS ANGELES – On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors issued an executive order which extends an existing temporary moratorium on evictions in parts of Los Angeles County in response to the coronavirus/COVID-19 health emergency. The eviction moratorium, which can be extended on a month-to-month basis, will remain in place until July 31, 2020

The temporary eviction moratorium covers all residential and commercial tenants in Los Angeles County, except those who live or conduct business in cities that have already enacted their own eviction moratoria. The moratorium includes a ban on evictions for nonpayment of rent, if the tenant can show they have been financially impacted by the health emergency, among other protections.

The order also extends the temporary rent freeze in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Property owners may not increase rent for rental units or spaces covered by L.A. County’s Rent Stabilization and Mobilehome Rent Stabilization ordinances.

These actions are retroactive to March 4, 2020.

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), at the directive of the Board of Supervisors, will work to educate renters and property owners of these new rules.

In the interest of both property owners and tenants, DCBA has developed guidelines to help landlords understand the County’s temporary Eviction Moratorium and take proactive steps now. The Guidelines, available at dcba.lacounty.gov/noevictions, include the following topics that owners should consider as they plan for the months ahead:

• Applicability for residential and commercial tenants
• How to determine reasonable financial impacts
• Notice requirements and documentation
• Guidance for repayment of rent once the moratorium is lifted
• Resolving disputes between landlords and tenants

DCBA also provides expanded foreclosure prevention assistance for landlords with 15 or fewer units. If you are a renter or property owner facing financial difficulty, contact DCBA to learn about available resources.

For more details, please contact a DCBA Rent Stabilization counselor by calling (833) 223-RENT (7368); email rent@dcba.lacounty.gov; or visit rent.lacounty.gov.

Since 1976, the County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) has served consumers, businesses, and communities through education, advocacy, and complaint resolution. We work every day to educate consumers and small business owners about their rights and responsibilities, mediate disputes, investigate consumer fraud complaints, and enforce Los Angeles County’s minimum wage and rent stabilization ordinances. For more information, visit dcba.lacounty.gov.

Currently, the registration website for COVID-19 testing at the LA City and County supported sites is showing no appointments available. All available appointments this week are full. The lack of availability is primarily due to LA City not opening slots for registration at City-operated sites beyond tomorrow, June 24, as they migrate to a new vendor and registration platform; in addition to paring back testing sites and slots.

All LA County supported testing sites, which had appointments opened through Friday, June 26, are also full. LA County is also experiencing high demand at the State-supported testing sites, which are full for the remainder of the week.

We encourage all individuals to call their primary care provider if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. If you do not have insurance and need help connecting with a healthcare provider, call 211.  Testing capacity within the established health system has improved greatly over the past weeks and months; wherever possible, individuals should receive testing in consultation with their personal provider to ensure ongoing continuity of care and optimal follow-up.

There are some “Additional Testing Sites” that are run independently from the County or State that still do have same day or next day availability. Individuals can visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/ for a list of sites that have availability and to register.

Later today, more appointments will open for LA County supported sites for Saturday, June 27, Sunday, June 28, and Monday, June 29.

On Monday, June 29, LA County will open additional testing sites at the DHS Hubert H. Humphrey clinic and at the Wesley Health Centers (also known as JWCH) with 12 new sites. These will be added to the LA County website shortly for registration at covid19.lacounty.gov/testing.