Calabasas Declares Local Emergency Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

From the City of Calabasas: The Calabasas City Council has unanimously ratified Executive Order No. 2020-01, the Proclamation of a Local Emergency signed earlier today by Calabasas City Manager Dr. Gary Lysik so that the City may continue to proactively address the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proclamation enhances the City’s ability to access federal and state funds for COVID-19 response as well as receive services from Los Angeles County and other entities.

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More specifically, the proclamation declares that trucks delivering goods to grocery stores are exempt from having to comply with any City rules and regulations that limit the hours for such deliveries; strongly urges the leaders of the City's houses of worship to limit gatherings on their premises and to explore and implement ways to practice their respective faiths while observing social distancing practices; and orders that no landlord shall evict a residential tenant in the City of Calabasas during this local emergency period if the tenant is able to show an inability to pay rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These circumstances include loss of income due to a COVID-19 related workplace closure, child care expenditures due to school closures, and health care expenses health care expenses related to being ill with COVID-19 or caring for a member of the tenant's household who is ill with COVID-19, or reasonable expenditures that stem from government-ordered emergency measures. Nothing in this section of the proclamation is to be construed to mean that the tenant will not still be obligated to pay lawfully charged rent. Tenants will have up to six months following the expiration of the local emergency period to repay any back due rent, verifiably caused by COVID-19 related circumstances. Tenants may use the protections afforded in this section of proclamation as an affirmative defense in an unlawful detainer action. This section remains in effect during the local emergency period.

This proclamation acts in accordance with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's Emergency Public Order which requires all permanent food facilities to limit their services to only preparing and offering food to customers via delivery service, via pick up for take­out dining only, or via drive through. Furthermore, bars and nightclubs that do not serve food, gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, live performance theaters, bowling alleys, and
arcades are closed in Calabasas. Calabasas continues to actively work to protect the health and safety of the community. City officials urge everyone to remain calm, and to continue to follow local, state, and federal directives associated with stopping the spread
of COVID-19.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Related:

What You Need To Know About California's Lockdown Of Seniors And The Chronically Ill

California Coronavirus: Live Updates On Cases, Updates, Closures