March 20, 2020
The District held a special Board of Education meeting (click here to watch the recording), Thursday, March 19th – 3:00pm where they unanimously passed Resolution 20-2019-20 – Emergency Actions by the Superintendent of Schools.
With this authorization, the superintendent has extended the Piedmont Unified School District Site Facilities Closure and Student Dismissal through April 7, 2020 (to coincide with the current shelter-in-place).
As we progress over the next several weeks, District leadership, in consultation with the Governor’s Office, Alameda County Public Health Department, Alameda County Office of Education, and the Piedmont Unified School District Board of Education, will determine if the school facilities closure and student dismissal will be extended past April 7, 2020. If so, it may affect our scheduled Spring Break (April 13th-17th). The District will communicate if changes to Spring Break dates occur.
March 25, 2020 Regularly Scheduled Board of Education Meeting is Canceled.
The Piedmont Unified School District Board of Education, during its March 19, 2020 Special Board Meeting, unanimously decided to cancel their March 25, 2020 regularly scheduled Board of Education Meeting.
Distance-Learning Update
PUSD educators are working to develop and deliver distance learning opportunities for students. It was just a few days ago when the Board of Education voted to close schools and dismiss students, and much has changed since then. At first the District planned for a 2-week closure. Now we are shifting for a closure that may last for an extended period of time.
Educators will use this extended closure to collaborate (virtually) and build-out virtual lessons and learning experiences in order to grow in our ability to provide a continuance of education. These experiences will vary greatly from elementary to middle to our high schools. PUSD is committed to supporting our educators during this unique time of curriculum development and delivery. Patience and flexibility will be required as teachers and staff balance family and work responsibilities during this time of crisis.
Teachers and administrators’ email inboxes are overwhelmed with an abundance of suggestions and products for distance-learning solutions, both from the private and public sector. PUSD will progress in its development and delivery of distance-learning plans by researching appropriate technology tools and delivery strategies, provide the needed training and professional learning to teachers and staff, and collaborate with our educational professionals on how best to help students and families during this challenging time. School site administrators and teachers will provide families with progress updates along the way.
Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-33-20
March 19, 2020
“The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.”
Read a summary of the Executive Order here (CA.gov website) or the full Executive Order here (pdf).
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond stated in a follow-up email last night, that “the order does NOT change or impact our role, considered essential, and our duty to carry out the following essential services …”
Additionally, “the Education Facilities Subsector covers pre-kindergarten through grade 12 schools, institutions of higher education, and business and trade schools. The sub-sector includes facilities that are owned by both government and private sector entities.”
While PUSD educators will continue to develop distance-learning opportunities for students, PUSD implores those families with middle and/or high school students to share this information with them and restrict their outings to only essential tasks/trips.
PUSD will continue to provide updates as it learns more from the Alameda County Public Health Department and the Alameda County Office of Education.
For questions, please contact Randall Booker, PUSD Superintendent at rbooker@piedmont.k12.ca.us
March 20, 2020
MORE PIEDMONT CLOSURES
CITY FACILITY CLOSURE UPDATE
Tennis Courts, Play Structures, Beach Field, Coaches Field Closed to the Public.
In response to the continuing rise of COVID-19 cases in Alameda County and to promote adherence to the existing shelter-in-place order, the City of Piedmont has decided to close all City tennis courts and play structures as well as Beach Field and Coaches Field effective immediately.
As of today outdoor activity such as walking, hiking and running are allowed as long as specific social distancing requirements are followed. [Six feet apart]
The potential for escalation of this event is real. Assume that anyone outside your home could be carrying the virus.
Please comply with the spirit of the order by staying home unless absolutely necessary.
Contact: Chester Nakahara, Director of Public Works
510/420-3050
If you are older than 60 years or have underlying health conditions, please ask someone else to help you take care of your essential needs. If you do not have a family member, friend or neighbor you can call on, contact one of the resources below and attached.If you are not in need of assistance, please look out for your neighbors as you would during any emergency. Take some time to think about who lives near who might need some support.Thank you for looking out for each other,Sara Lillevand, City Administrator, City of PiedmontAlameda County Resources 211Consider dialing 211 for Alameda County Resources. Dialing 211 helps direct callers to services for the elderly, the disabled, those who do not speak English, those with a personal crisis, and those who are new to their communities. If you get a voicemail due to high demand, leave a message and someone will call you back. You can also send a text message with your questions. Send a text to 898211 with your questions and zip code. Visit: www.211alamedacounty.org/covid19Alameda County Public Health Resources for the CommunityOakland at Risk Match www.oaklandatrisk.comWill match you with a low-risk volunteer who lives in your community and wants to help you by getting groceries, picking up prescriptions, and checking in every couple of days.Piedmont residents in need can sign-up on the website www.oaklandatrisk.com or call (510) 306-4973City Services
- For service from City Departments, please use the main numbers below:
- Public Works Department: (510) 420-3050
- Recreation Department: (510) 420-3070
- Administration: (510) 420-3040
- Planning & Building Department: (510) 420-3050
- Police Department: (510) 420-3000 (Non-emergency), Emergencies call 911
FOR ADDITIONAL PIEDMONT INFORMATION CLICK BELOW:
https://www.ci.piedmont.ca.us/government/city_news___notifications/looking_for_services_or_want_to_help_
March 18, 2020
Dear Fellow Piedmonters:
This is an unprecedented time in our lives. It is imperative that we work together as a community to try and keep our residents from contracting (Coronavirus) COVID-19. As Mayor of Piedmont, I implore each and every one of you to follow the Alameda County guidelines to shelter in place, and only leave your homes for essential needs – groceries, pharmacy, gas, banking, and of course walking your furry housemates.
We know Piedmont is a social place, but we ask that all residents, no matter what age, practice social distancing and avoid gathering for social purposes. This is also true at our dog parks and includes distancing your pets. It is not rude to stand 6 feet away, it is the most polite and thoughtful thing you can do for the next three weeks.
This virus is not obvious. It is spreading throughout Alameda County and likely already spreading within Piedmont. It is possible to be contagious without symptoms. Our job as responsible citizens is to do everything in our power to slow down the spread of this virus so we do not overwhelm our healthcare system.
We have many seniors living in our community. Please look out for your neighbors as you would during any emergency. And if you are older than 60 years or have underlying health conditions, please ask someone else to help you take care of your essential needs.
Our city staff is working hard to keep our City website up to date with information and resources and of course our Police and Fire Departments are fully staffed and working to respond to any emergency calls. We need to keep our first responders safe and healthy as well.
You should also have confidence in your neighbors. We are a community of smart, resourceful and compassionate people. With those collective strengths, I am confident we will persevere and meet the challenges in the days ahead.
If we look out for one another, and prioritize our collective health, together we will get through this, one day at a time.
Sincerely,
CITY OF PIEDMONT
Mayor Robert McBain
Click below to read signed letter:
McBain- Letter from the Mayor to the Community – Covid19
The Piedmont Unified School Board will hold a Remote Meeting to discuss emergency actions. For Agenda details, participation, and observation opportunities go to:
Read Emergency Measures Agenda item below :
V_A_Resolution20201920EmergencyActionsByTheSuperintendentOfSchools_0
March 17, 2020
To help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Piedmont Unified School District has temporarily closed school facilities, including the Witter Field Complex. No access will be permitted to the field house, track, or football, baseball and softball fields until further notice. During this unprecedented health crisis, the District’s custodial staff is not available to clean and maintain these facilities for safe use. The District will continue to work with County and State health officials to determine when to reopen its facilities.
*****
Questions or comments? Please contact Superintendent Booker at rbooker@piedmont.k12.ca.us or Director of Facilities Pete Palmer at ppalmer@piedmont.k12.ca.us
PIEDMONTERS ORDERED TO SHELTER IN PLACE FOR 3 WEEKS
Numbers to call at end of article.
Updated 03-17-2020
Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan joined six other Bay Area public health jurisdictions to issue a mandatory health order for all Alameda County residents to shelter in place to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and preserve critical health care capacity across the region.
Without this restrictive action, our healthcare systems may become overwhelmed. The mandatory Health Order directs residents to shelter at home for three weeks beginning March 17 for three weeks.
The order limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs. The guidance comes after substantial input from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and best practices from other health officials around the world.Refer to the Alameda County Public Health Department for the full text of the Order
New! Please do not call the Piedmont Police Department to report possible violations of the “Shelter In Place Order”. Officers will conduct routine patrol to ensure general public safety and will address any compliance issues with the “Shelter In Place Order” that are observed.
We need to ensure our public safety services do not get saturated with non-critical requests or non-emergent inquires. In addition to contacting your personal physician, the following advice phone numbers are being provided as a resource for general health information.
Alta Bates Berkeley and Alta Bates Summit 24 hr line:
1-800-224-0336
Kaiser Oakland 24 hr lines:
Adult Medicine: 1-510-752-1190
OB/GYN: 1-510-752-1080
Pediatrics: 1-510-752-1200
Highland Hospital Call Center:
1-510-437-8500
Recreation, CIP, Public Safety, Special City Council –
Click below to read the meeting cancellations:
2020-03 Notice of Regular Meetings – Revised
CITY CLOSURES
The City of Piedmont is joining State and County efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, following recommendations to limit exposure and slow transmission of the virus by closing all City facilities to the public and suspending all City programs through March 29th. These measures to severely limit possibilities for transmission are to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community during the rapidly changing COVID-19 health emergency.
City services remain operational, but facilities will be closed to the public for non-essential functions.
City facilities closed to the public include:
• Piedmont City Hall
• Piedmont Police Department
• Piedmont Fire Department
• Piedmont Recreation Department
• Veterans Memorial Building
• Schoolmates Sites
• Kennelly Skatepark
• Piedmont Community Hall
• Lower Level Community Hall
• Piedmont Community Pool
• Piedmont Center for the Arts
• 801 Magnolia East Wing
• Piedmont Playschool at Hampton Park
• Dress Best for Less Marking Room (Carriage House)All Recreation Programs are postponed/cancelled through March 29 including:
• Minimates
• Schoolmates
• All Preschool Classes and Programs
• All After-School Enrichment Classes and Programming
• Aquatics Programming including all swim lessons, water aerobics, facility rentals, and lap swimming
• Adult Drop-in Sports, including Basketball, Tennis and Pickleball
• Adult and Senior programming, including Yoga and Walking on Wednesdays
• Bunny Blast
• Egg DiveThe goal of these measures is to continue to provide as many services as possible while minimizing in-person contact. City Hall will provide access to the public for essential City meetings, and by appointment only for essential services.
For service at City Hall, please phone or email one of the contacts listed below.
• Public Works: 510-420-3050 or cnakahara@piedmont.ca.gov
• Planning & Building: 510-420-3050 or kjackson@piedmont.ca.gov
• City Clerk’s Office: 510-420-3040 or largue@piedmont.ca.govTo schedule an appointment with a Planning & Building staff member, please contact Mark Enea at 510-420-3051 or menea@piedmont.ca.gov
For questions or assistance at City facilities, please contact the following:
• Recreation Department: 510-420-3070 or prd@piedmont.ca.gov
• Veterans Hall: John Wilk 510-420-3089 or jwilk@piedmont.ca.gov
• Community Hall: John Wilk 510-420-3089 or jwilk@piedmont.ca.gov
• 801 Magnolia East Wing: John Wilk 510-420-3089 or jwilk@piedmont.ca.gov
• Piedmont Community Pool: Jackson Stearns 510-420-3075 or jstearns@piedmont.ca.gov or Zoe Clavere at zclavere@piedmont.ca.govYou can also visit the Services and Departments page of our website for contact information for all departments.
The City Council Meeting scheduled for March 16th starting at 7:30 p.m. City Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA will go forward as scheduled at this time.
READ ADVISORY > 2020-03-15 Covid 19 Advisory Notice Regarding Public Meetings
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ADVISORY NOTICE
The Alameda County Public Health Department has advised that non-essential gatherings should be canceled, postponed, or done remotely. Additional information is available at http://www.acphd.org/2019-ncov.aspx. This meeting is necessary so that the City can continue to conduct its business and is considered an essential gathering. The public may still attend the meeting in person. However, the City is asking members of the public to consider these Steps to Prevent Illness when deciding whether to attend this meeting. The City is asking members of the public to follow the California Department of Health’s Guidance on Mass Gatherings when deciding whether to attend this meeting. Please note that social distancing measures will be observed. As always, the public may submit public comments in advance and may view the meeting from home.
Below is information on how to watch the meeting via cable and/or live stream and how to send in public comments that will be part of the public record.
How to Watch the Meeting:
1) Cable TV Broadcast on KCOM Channel 27 or AT&T Universe Channel 99
2) Livestream online at: https://piedmont.ca.gov/services___departments/kcomtv/live_content_and_video_archive
How to Submit Public Comments:
Comments submitted by 5:00 p.m. prior to the commencement of the meeting will be presented to the City Council and included in the public record for the meeting. Comments can be submitted by email to cityclerk@piedmont.ca.gov or in person at City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont.
Note: If the Alameda County Public Health Department changes their recommendations relating to gatherings, the format of this meeting may be altered or the meeting may be cancelled. You may check on the status of the meeting by visiting the City’s website: https://piedmont.ca.gov/
Agenda:
Consent Calendar
1. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes for 02/18/2020
2. 2nd Reading of Ord. 748 N.S. – Adoption of the 2019 California Code of Regulations; Title 24; and Reorganization and Amendments to Chapters 5, and 8 of City Code 07052nd Reading of Ord. 748 N.S. – Adoption of the 2019 California Code of Regulations; Title 24; and Reorganization and Amendments to Chapters 5, and 8 of City Code
3. Introduction and 1st Reading of Ord. 749 N.S.– Amending Chapters 1 and 6 of the City Code to Designate the Planning Commission as the Appeal Body for Violations Involving Building Standard or State Housing Law 0705 http://piedmont.hosted.civiclive.com/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=16537060
Public Forum This is an opportunity for members of the audience to speak on an item not on the agenda.
Regular Agenda
4. Consideration of the Acceptance of the 2018-2019 Audited Financial Statements 0100 http://piedmont.hosted.civiclive.com/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=16537071
5. Receipt of the 2015 and 2019 Housing and Community Development Department Annual Reports 0775 PCA 2019 PC Report – Annual Housing Progress Report 3-09-2020
6. Consideration of the Award of the 2020 Priority Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project 0045, 0935 http://piedmont.hosted.civiclive.com/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=16537067
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