What's in this Edition of eNews?
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- The City's response to COVID-19 falls within the Three R's: Respond, Restore, and Reimagine
- The County recently approved a Countywide rent increase moratorium
- Feeling anxious, overwhelmed or depressed? You are not alone. We have methods to help you cope, as well as professional resources
- Slow Streets Pilot Program, where certain low-traffic streets have been identified to allow residents to walk and bike more safely with members of their household, launched
- Calling all Non-Profit Agencies! SMC Strong Non-Profit Emergency Grant Applications process opens tomorrow, May 6
- New and updated County health data
- San Mateo County is still accepting donations of critical personal protective equipment, as well as financial donations through the San Mateo County Strong Fund.
- County of San Mateo launches Great Plates Delivered; a program where older residents at high risk from COVID-19 can receive three nutritious meals per day delivered to their home from restaurants and other food providers across San Mateo County
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Updates and Important Information
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The Three R's: Respond, Restore, and Reimagine
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It's been over seven weeks since the City proclaimed a local emergency due to COVID-19. It's been even longer since we had to make unprecedented changes in City operations for the health and safety for the community and our employees. It's been a whirlwind to say the least! And, with the Shelter-in-Place Revised Order through May 31, we wanted to reach out to remind you that we are still here for you. We are committed to taking actions to help our community thrive now and emerge more quickly from the COVID-19 pandemic. With that, our response to this crisis falls within the three R's -
Respond
,
Restore,
and
Reimagine
.
What are the Three R's?
Respond
to immediate community needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular care for seniors and vulnerable residents
Restore
community cultural, economic, and social vitality in partnership with community organizations and businesses
Reimagine
public services in light of evolving community needs and financial resources
At last night's City Council meeting, the City Council supported the three R's, which staff will use in putting together the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Recommended Budget, in addition to other recovery planning efforts already underway.
We know that it will take time to work through the different stages of our response and we won't be able to do it without you. Stay tuned for ways in which you can help shape strategies so that we come out of this even stronger, even if our "new normal" looks and feels different than we are used to.
To view the City Manager's powerpoint presentation from last night's City Council meeting on the City's Response to COVID-19, click
here
. To view the video of the meeting, click
here
.
Where Can I Read the Revised Shelter-in-Place Order?
San Mateo County’s orders are available here:
These orders are generally consistent with the state’s shelter in place order. On any issue where the local and state orders may differ, the stricter order applies.
All local requirements for social distancing and wearing face coverings remain in effect.
For more information, visit San Mateo County Health's website
here.
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Are you a Renter? Countywide Rent Increase Moratorium
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On April 28, 2020, San Mateo County approved an
emergency regulation
that established a countywide moratorium on rent increases, effective immediately through May 31, 2020. The emergency regulation prevents landlords from imposing a rent increase on an existing tenant, if the tenant demonstrates an inability to pay an in
creased rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency regulation is applicable to existing tenants for residential properties (including mobile homes and mobile home spaces)
except
those that are exempt from rent limits under California Civil Code Sections
1947.12 (AB 1482
)
and
1954.50, et seq. (the Costa-Hawkins Act).
Before giving a rent increase, landlords must provide their tenants with written notice of the Emergency Regulation using this
form
.
If a tenant is unable to pay an increased rent due to COVID-19 impacts, they must notify their landlord within 14 days of receiving the Emergency Regulation notice from the landlord.
During the moratorium period, this emergency regulation provides an affirmative defense to eviction in the event the eviction is based on the tenant’s failure to pay a rent increase. A landlord’s failure to comply with this emergency regulation will void any notice of rent increase served during the moratorium period.
For additional information, please visit the
San Mateo County COVID-19 Rent Increase Regulations
webpage
and if you have any questions, please contact San Mateo County at
[email protected]
.
Click
here
to read
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the rent increase moratorium.
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Feeling Anxious, Overwhelmed or Depressed?
You're Not Alone
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San Mateo County Health and the City of Redwood City supports the well-being of our family, friends and colleagues. When you hear, read, or watch news about an outbreak of an infectious disease, you may feel anxious and show signs of stress. These signs of stress are normal and you are not alone in feeling this way.
During an infectious disease outbreak, care for your own physical and mental health and reach out in kindness to those affected by the situation.
Here are some ways to help cope:
Manage your Stress
- Stay informed. Refer to credible sources for updates on the local situation.
- Stay focused on your personal strengths.
- Maintain a routine.
- Make time to relax and rest.
Be Informed and Inform your Family
- Become familiar with local medical and mental health resources in your community. Attend virtual community meetings for resources and education.
- Avoid sharing unconfirmed news about the infectious disease to avoid creating unnecessary fear and panic.
- Give honest age-appropriate information to children and remember to stay calm; children often feel what you feel.
Connect with your Community
- Keep in contact with family and friends.
- Join a Neighborhood Association, community and/or faith group.
- Accept help from family, friends, co-workers and clergy.
- Reach out to neighbors and friends with special needs who may need your help.
Reach out and Help
- If you know someone affected by the outbreak, call them to see how they are doing, and remember to keep their confidentiality.
- Consider an act of kindness for those who have been asked to practice social distancing, such as having a meal delivered or offering to drop off homework at their doorstep.
- Locate and volunteer at a charity or organization near you.
- Encourage friends and family to get involved with you.
Be Sensitive
- Avoid blaming anyone or assuming someone has the disease because of the way they look or where they or their families come from.
- An infectious disease is not connected to any racial or ethnic group; speak up in kindness when you hear false rumors or negative stereotypes that foster racism and xenophobia.
Consider seeking professional help if you or a loved one is having difficulty coping.
Below are some resources that provide free, confidential and immediate emotional support via phone, text or chat to anyone in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 9-1-1 or see the County's
crisis services
page.
Crisis/Suicide Hotline & Text
- 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) or (650) 579-0350
- 1 (888) 628-9454 Spanish speakers
- 1 (800) 273-8255 Veterans Crisis Line or chat online
- 1 (800) 985-5990 Disaster Distress Helpline or text TALKSWITHUS to 66746
- Chat online
Crisis Text Line
- Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support. Text BAY to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
Learn how it works
Peer-Run Warm Line
- a 24/7 non-emergency resource for anyone in California seeking emotional support. Call 1 (855) 845-7415 or
chat online
Domestic Violence Hotline
– 1 (800) 799-7233 (SAFE) or
chat
, 24/7
CORA
(Communities Overcoming Relationship Abuse) 24/7 - 1 (800) 300-1080
Kara
- Grief support for children, teens, families and adults (650) 321-5272
Please remember, we are here for you and you matter.
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We've Made Some Room for You; More Info on the
Slow Streets Pilot Program
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The City Council approved the
Slow Streets Pilot Program
at their April 27, 2020 meeting by temporarily designating some low-traffic neighborhood streets primarily for physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Redwood City
Slow Streets Pilot Program
is intended to increase the safety of walking, biking, and rolling on the designated streets by providing more space for physical distancing and reducing the clustering of foot traffic on sidewalks.
What the Program Does
- Increases space where people can get physical activity while abiding by social distancing protocols
- Maintains local access to homes and businesses
- Maintains emergency and delivery access
What the Program Does Not
- Provide space for people to congregate with friends or neighbors
- Install barricades and signage at every intersection (only select streets have been identified)
What Streets are Included in Phase 1?
There are 10 streets included in the first phase of the Pilot Program, which are highlighted on the map
here
. In addition, there is an interactive map that can be found
here
. In total, there are 5 miles of
temporary
soft closures (2.5% of total streets in the City).
If you'd like to suggest a street to be considered, have a requested change to a street, or have overall feedback, please email
[email protected].
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Calling all Non-Profit Agencies! SMC Strong Non-Profit Emergency Grant Applications Process Opens Tomorrow
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All non-profit agencies providing services in San Mateo County whose operations were disrupted by COVID-19 are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted until receipt of 250 applications or Monday, May 11, 2020 at 5 p.m. whichever comes first.
Grants are for a maximum of $20,000 and it is expected that these funds will address the loss of revenue and/or unexpected costs, such as:
- Supplies related to health and hygiene (e.g., masks, gowns, gloves, and other protective equipment) as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control or the county public health department
- Technology upgrades or purchase of virtual communication vehicles
- Other operational expenses related to the shift in services or the provision of emergency services
For frequently asked questions, click
here
.
To learn more about San Mateo County Strong, please
visit
.
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COVID-19 Update from San Mateo County Health
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San Mateo County Quick Facts
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Number of Cases
According to San Mateo County Health, as of May 4, there are 1,315 COVID-19 cases with 56 deaths in San Mateo County. The County is sharing data daily on the cases, which can be found
here.
Visit San Mateo County's All Together Better site
here
to explore local data on a broad range of topics, such as demographic information, health outcomes and important resources in our Country.
Please note that San Mateo Public Health has shared that their primary concern is the health and safety of residents, and the privacy of patients. At this time, they will not be providing further information on cases, including location, gender, age, and condition.
Video Briefings by County Manager on YouTube
The last media briefing on San Mateo County's response to COVID-19 hosted by San Mateo County Manager Mike Callagy can be viewed
here
. Subscribe to the County's YouTube Channel by clicking
here
.
Blood Donations
The American Red Cross reports that they have experienced 250,000 fewer blood donations nationally since the onset of coronavirus - but the need for it continues. If you are feeling healthy and well, and feel a call to assist your community, please consider donating blood by making an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App found in your app store, visiting
RedCrossBlood.org
or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Testing
If you are interested in getting tested for COVID-19, you can complete an online screening based on guidelines from public health officials through Project Baseline at
Verily.com.
B
ased on the responses and testing appointment availability, you will learn whether you qualify for testing through this program at this time.
Free, Safe Transportation to Testing Site
The County of San Mateo is ready to assist residents who qualify for COVID-19 testing but lack transportation to get to the Verily testing site at the San Mateo County Event Center. The County reconfigured vehicles to protect both the patient and driver from contact.
County residents should first click
here
to be screened for testing eligibility and obtain an appointment. At that time, individuals with no other means to reach the testing site can call (650) 779-9375 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to arrange transportation.
2-1-1
A reminder that residents needing social service assistance may call 2-1-1 for information about a wide variety of resources in the community.
Stay Informed
Questions about the Shelter in Place Order?
To view Frequently Asked Questions compiled by San Mateo County Health, click
here
. You can also email your questions to
[email protected]
or call the Legal Call Center (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at (650) 363-4588.
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City Service Reminders - Essential Services Continue
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Fair Oaks Community Center
:
(650) 780-7500
The Fair Oaks Community Center remains staffed with safety modifications for providing essential human services, including food distribution, homeless support services, safety net information and referral services, etc. All non-essential classes and programs are cancelled/postponed.
Click
here
for more information.
Veterans Memorial Senior Center:
(650) 780-7270
The Veterans Memorial Senior Center will provide senior lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please Call (650) 780-7259 to make your reservation and hear the daily menu options. We offer curbside pick up at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center (1455 Madison Ave.) or home delivery throughout Redwood City including Redwood Shores.
Remote City Services
Most City facilities are closed to the public. Members of the public may still contact City services remotely.
For an Update on Redwood City Construction Projects in Compliance with the San Mateo County Health Officer's Order, click
here.
Please note that services may change at any time based on guidance from public health officials.
- Planning Division, including permits and plan checks and review services. Please call (650) 780-7234 or email [email protected]
- Building Regulation and Code Enforcement, including permits and plan check review services. Please call (650) 780-7350 or email [email protected]
- Engineering and Transportation, including permit and plan check review services. Please call (650) 780-7380 or email [email protected]
- Financial questions including accounts payable, claims, and taxes. Please call (650) 780-7070 or email [email protected]. Phone hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Revenue Services, including residential, commercial billing and customer service, and Business and Residential Services, including business license, monthly parking permits. Please call (650) 780-7210 or email [email protected]. Phone hours are 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
- Library customer service for general questions. Please call (650) 780-7018, extension 4 or [email protected]. eBooks, Audiobooks, streaming video content, online magazines and newspapers, and live online homework help will remain accessible 24/7 at https://www.redwoodcity.org/departments/library/downloadables. Don't forget to join us here at 11 a.m. on Wednesday and Friday for our new pre-recorded video series, Stories and Play with Redwood City Public Library Librarians!
- Parks, Recreation and Community Services general information. Please visit www.redwoodcity.org/prcscovid19 for the most up-to-date information
- City Hall’s Customer Information Center may be reached by calling (650) 780-7000
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All of San Mateo County is lending a hand to ensure we keep our community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The County of San Mateo is accepting donations of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) from organizations and individuals.
What Can I Donate?
- Unused N95 respirators and surgical masks. Boxes and packages can be opened, as long as masks have not been used. Packages of disposable gloves, preferably nitrile exam gloves in all sizes.
- New containers of commercially produced hand sanitizer
- New containers of disinfectants and disinfecting wipes
- Packaged, unused protective goggles
- New surgical gowns; fluid resistant gowns; coveralls
Questions about making a donation or a member of a technical organization (EXAMPLE: pharma, biotech) or other business with supplies to donate? Please email
[email protected]
Where Can I Donate?
Supplies can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following donation site:
Maple Street Correctional Facility
1300 Maple Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
Interested in Making a Financial Donation?
Please visit
smcstrong.org
to make a donation. You can choose to help individuals, families, small business, non-profits or where the need is greatest in San Mateo County.
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County of San Mateo Launches Great Plates Delivered
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Older residents at high risk from COVID-19 can receive three nutritious meals per day delivered to their home from restaurants and other food providers across San Mateo County, helping them stay home and stay healthy. The program also provides an avenue for local food services and providers to continue operations and maintain their employees, softening the losses felt by the COVID-19 crisis.
Local restaurants, caterers and food providers are strongly encouraged to apply immediately for the program, titled ‘Great Plates Delivered SMC’, administered by County Health. All registered food businesses in San Mateo County were sent an email survey to invite participation and are encouraged to fill out the survey, linked
here
in English and
here
in Spanish or by calling the following hotlines staffed by multi-lingual County workers:
(833) 600-7276 | English
(833) 261-3663 | Spanish
Participating providers will need to be able to meet volume and nutritional standards; meet cultural needs; and prioritize local jobs, worker retention, worker health and safety, and standards of equity and fairness in employment practices, wages, hiring, and promotion. The program will reimburse up to $66/day for three meals per recipient and excludes food providers currently participating in another state or federal meal service program.
Great Plates Delivered SMC matches participating restaurants with qualified residents, including those who are 65 and older, and adults 60-64 who are at high-risk from COVID-19, to deliver three (3) nutritious daily meals. Delivery is arranged by the food provider and requires that delivery workers are pre-vetted by background checks and other screening, likely tapping into existing delivery infrastructure. Eligible residents include those who are COVID-19 positive or have been exposed to COVID-19, and individuals with an underlying condition. In addition, they must live alone or with one other eligible adult, may not currently be receiving assistance from other state or federal nutrition assistance programs, and earn less than 600% of the federal poverty limit.
The Great Plates Delivered program was conceived at the state level, anticipates partial reimbursement from federal sources, and is first in the nation to create a vital solution that connects residents-in-need with struggling restaurants and local food providers.
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Tax-Aid is Offering Free Virtual Tax Assistance to
Qualified Residents
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Tax-Aid is offering free tax services to people who earn less than $55,000 a year. If you have not yet filed your taxes for 2019, here are the current options Tax-Aid offers:
- Prepare your return on your own using the the IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax on the Tax-Aid website.
- Have a TurboTax coach review your TurboTax return. When you've prepared and saved your return, send us an email with your availability at [email protected].
- Have Tax-Aid help prepare your return. Visit this webpage to fill out the questionnaire, and email copies of your tax documents to [email protected]. You can take pictures of the documents if you do not have access to a scanner.
- Do you have questions on the Federal CARES Act or your economic impact payment? Visit this webpage for more information.
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Follow the City of Redwood City on social media for regular updates on the City's response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and for other information and resources. Additionally, visit our newly re-vamped dedicated web page at
www.redwoodcity.org/coronavirus
.
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Partner Agencies Resources and Information
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