A Message To The Community From Calabasas Mayor Alicia Weintraub

Press release from the City of Calabasas:

A Note from Calabasas Mayor Alicia Weintraub

May 29, 2020

We started this week off paying tribute to those who bravely served our country and passed away defending our freedom. This year, Memorial Day, like everything else, took on a much different form and tone. What didn't change was honoring those who sacrificed for our Country.

Every day we are receiving more updates to the County Health Orders and more is being allowed to open up in Calabasas. This means we are busy working to make sure that these businesses open safely and follow all established health and safety protocols. Just this week, Los Angeles County Public Health Orders were changed to allow the following activities to open in Calabasas:

* Faith-based organizations may resume services, with the number of congregants limited to less than 25% of the building's capacity, or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is lower;

* All retail, including those located in indoor and outdoor retail shopping centers may now open for business at 50% capacity;

* Drive-in movie theaters may resume operations;

* Pools, hot tubs and saunas that are in a multi-unit residence or part of a homeowners association may now open. Specific guidelines have been provided to HOA's on how pools are permitted to open under the County Health Order.

The updated order allows people to take part in all permitted activities while continuing to practice physical distancing and wearing a cloth face covering when in contact with others.

Although these updates were enacted, Los Angeles County residents are still encouraged to remain in their residences as much as practical and limit close contact with others outside their household both indoor and outdoor. Gatherings of people not from the same household are still prohibited, except for faith-based services and in-person protests.

Additionally, people 65 years and older, and people of any age with underlying health conditions, should remain in their residences as much as possible. People in these categories should only leave their residences to seek medical care, exercise or obtain food or other necessities. Telework should continue as much as possible. We know it is hard for everyone to be missing their community and social interactions.

We understand the impossible situation that has been placed on residents who are unable to work and businesses who are unable to open. We are optimistic that more and more will open with safety requirements and more people will be able to return to work. We are continuing to help residents with their claims, who have not been paid their unemployment benefit. The City Council also voted unanimously to develop a program that will assist restaurants when they open to use more outdoor space to serve customers. The City Council also approved a grant program to assist Calabasas small businesses on costs associated with new safety requirements as well as re-opening costs. Information on this grant program will soon be available on the City's website.

We are also pleased to report we have hired an interim City Manager. Ray Taylor has accepted this position as we recruit for a full-time City Manager. Ray has more than 40 years of city management experience. Prior to retiring, he was the City Manager for the City of Westlake Village. We will continue to provide updates and information to our residents.

Your Mayor,
Alicia

City of Calabasas
100 Civic Center Way
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 224-1600
www.cityofcalabasas.com

This press release was produced by the City of Calabasas. The views expressed here are the author’s own.