Full Notification

A Message from Mayor Tom Chavez

March 26, 2020

These past few days have shown us the magnitude of the threat we’re facing. Recent news of Temple City’s first reported coronavirus case has no doubt caused anxiety and fear. Unfortunately, that number now has risen to six locally reported cases.

As a community, we need to do what matters. And that means doing what we already know: practicing social distancing, ramping up our handwashing and limiting our exposure by staying home whenever possible—especially if we’re not feeling well.

Despite the adversity, Temple City is best in times like these. Over the past few days, we’ve received countless calls from residents asking how they might help their neighbors and local health workers. Here are just a few suggestions:  

-- Donate food items, hygiene products and diapers—or even your help as a volunteer—to the Foothill Unity Center, a health services provider and food bank that offers assistance to Temple City’s lower-income population. As their donation needs change constantly, we recommend contacting them directly at (626) 358-3486.

-- Local hospitals and health care providers serving Temple City—like Alhambra Hospital, HealthCare Partners and Kaiser Permanente’s Baldwin Park Medical Center—are in short supply of personal protective equipment like face masks and shields, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Visit templecity.us/PPE to learn how to donate unused items.

-- Use the social network Nextdoor, an online neighborhood hub (and app) frequented by many Temple Citians, to exchange helpful information, goods and services. The website now has an interactive Help Map that lets neighbors request assistance during this crisis or report if they can help others who need it.

The City has also availed additional resources for community members, many of whom will need them more than ever before:

-- A food bank, offered weekly by Foothill Unity Center, is open to Temple Citians. If you are in need of help, call (626) 358-3486 for more information.

-- Free delivered meals are available for those ages 65 and older, and to those ages 60 and older with underlying health issues. To register for meals, call (626) 960-2995, ext. 106.

-- Deputies from Temple Sheriff’s Station continue to check on vulnerable community members—including ones with disabilities, the elderly or those who are sick—who live alone or lack nearby family members to check on them. Deputies will also provide additional resources as needed. To request a welfare check, call (626) 285-7171.

-- The City’s Dial-A-Ride program has expanded its hours—from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends—to accommodate designated shopping hours for seniors and those with disabilities. Same-day reservations are also available. To schedule a ride, call (626) 286-2485.

-- Beginning next week, the City’s parks and recreation department will offer virtual recreation classes and excursions online. It is my hope that this service will make it easier for Temple Citians to prioritize their health and well-being during these uncertain times.

On behalf of the city council, our goal is to communicate, raise awareness and offer support as we navigate this uncharted territory. Should you have any questions or know of a community need, please send an email to [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support and faith as we work together. We will get through this crisis, and we will do it by taking care of each other.

Our prayers are with all of you and your families.

Tom Chavez
Mayor