December 22, 2020
Throughout this tumultuous year, BRC has been a little slice of sanctuary for me. And you've been a part of my bubble—as well as my sanity. Our mission of releasing birds back into the environment and teaching young and old about their critical roles in that environment and how we humans can be their best stewards has been a bright spot. Whether you've been able to physically come in, support from home, or keep tabs on what we've been up to, I hope you feel the same. As we prep for holidays and look forward to 2021, I want to give you an update about the recent happenings at BRC!

In this email you will find:
  • Update on the $250,000 Challenge Match
  • Safety for the holidays and BRC
Challenge Accepted - And We're There!
Drumroll, please! We have met the match!! That’s right, in just over a month and thanks to tremendous community support, we have raised $250,000!!!!

I am thrilled and I hope you share in this joy!
Holiday Preparations and COVID
As of this weekend, a state-wide Stay at Home Order has been initiated. Under this new order, the 10:00pm – 5:00am curfews continue, private gathering of any size are prohibited, and all operations except critical infrastructure and restricted retail are to close. This mandate will extend through Saturday, January 9th, 2021.

As an Essential Service, The Bird Rescue Center will remain open and in full operation during this time. Recognizing the seriousness of what is happening around us, we are dedicated to making our 'bubble' as safe as possible for all staff, volunteers, and our birds.

Katie has been an integral part in communications with Oiled Wildlife Care Network's team regarding state-wide facility safety protocols and standardization. She has been key in remaining current on protocols from across the state. We have drawn from state guidelines, her knowledge and my collaboration with various outside agencies to develop the protocols below.

Please take the time to familiarize yourself with all our protocols.
To keep everyone who enters BRC as safe and healthy as possible, I am reiterating the state guidelines below. BRC will be adhering to them closely to ensure we can all continue doing our important, life-saving work. 

Please take a few moments to read and understand the following as it pertains to your safety while onsite:  

  • All private gathers of any size or location are prohibited (holiday or otherwise).
  • If you attend any gathering of more than your own household, please wait two weeks before returning to your shift at BRC.
  • If you, or a resident in your household, leave the state, we ask that you quarantine for two weeks before returning to BRC.
  • We also ask you quarantine away from BRC for 14 days if you socialize with persons from out-of-state or who have recently re-entered CA.
  • If you, or a resident in your household, have any symptoms of illness (COVID-related or otherwise), please do not enter the BRC facilities and consult your doctor as soon as possible.
  • If you, or a resident in your household, have any symptoms consistent with COVID (i.e., coughing, fever, chest pressure, fatigue, loss of smell/taste), please do not enter BRC and get tested as soon as possible.
  • If you have been in close contact with anyone who has exhibited any of the above symptoms at any time in the last two weeks, quarantine for 14 days before returning to your shift at BRC.
As we enter the holiday season during the new mandate, BRC recognizes volunteer availability may diminish and have planned for additional staff coverage. Safety must come first – if the above conditions apply to you, please do not hesitate to notify us and safely quarantine away from BRC!
If none of the above conditions apply to you and you are still able to work your shifts, please review these reminders of our COVID prevention protocol while onsite at BRC:

  • Start each shift by having your temperature taken with the non-contact thermometer when you sign in. If your temperature is 99F or higher, you will be asked to go home.
  • Wear your mask at all times and make sure it completely covers your nose and mouth. There are some exceptions you can read about here: California Department of Health New Mask Ordinance Nov 2020.
  • While at BRC, wear an approved face mask. Use this link to learn about California mask recommendations.
  • If you need to take a 'mask break', step away somewhere isolated (preferably outdoors) before removing your mask to take a couple of deep breaths of fresh air. 
  • Sanitize your hands frequently, especially if you touch high-traffic surfaces such as door and fridge handles, sinks, light switches, cages, phones, etc.
  • Avoid congregating with other staff and volunteers in close quarters and refrain from physical contact. 
  • Minimize sharing office supplies, utensils, food, drink, and cell phones with other BRC staff and volunteers.
  • Sanitize all surfaces and frequently used items (i.e., counters, handles, door knots, key sets, locks, etc.) at the end of your shift.
Here are some helpful COVID resource links:


We're sure many of these procedures are things that you already know and observe. At the same time, as we get into the holiday season when people will be spending more time indoors with others, we want to keep our COVID prevention protocol at the forefront of our minds. Your safety is our utmost priority. As always, do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
You have made our 2020 successes possible! I hope you enjoy this holiday season and, despite the chaos swirling around us, your holiday is made a little brighter knowing that thanks to you, our Ambassadors are well cared for and thousands more birds are today populating our skies!

With deep gratitude,

Ashton
The Bird Rescue Center | 707/ 523-2473 | Email