Full Notification

MESSAGE FROM MAYOR TOM CHAVEZ
April 9, 2020

As we finish up our third week of staying home, there are no easy answers for when state officials could begin to dial back their safer-at-home order. In the meantime, I appreciate the efforts of all Temple Citians in following guidelines by staying put, avoiding non-essential trips and practicing social distancing. Though the discomfort might feel outsized for now, it’s our most surefire solution for flattening the curve and getting rid of the COVID-19 virus.
 
Temple City currently has 11 reported cases, and thankfully no deaths. The County of Los Angeles continues to ramp up coronavirus testing throughout the San Gabriel Valley, now with a regimen that allows anyone in L.A. County—including Temple City—to be tested. If you have COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, fatigue, a dry cough and shortness of breath, please take the test; you can begin by learning more at templecity.us/test. And if you’re currently exhibiting severe symptoms, call your doctor or dial 911.
 
Over the weekend, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their guidelines to recommend the use of face coverings in public spaces, especially when social distancing is difficult. While this is only a guideline—and most likely will soon become a requirement—I encourage you to begin the habit of covering your nose and mouth with a paper or cloth mask when leaving home for essential services. A face covering will help keep you from spreading the virus—something that’s particularly important for those who might be unaware they’re carrying it because they’re not showing symptoms. For tips on how to properly wear or craft a face mask, visit templecity.us/coronavirus and click on the “Resources” tab.
 
In recent weeks, City Hall has received a number of calls about whether a free delivery service is available for seniors over 60, dependent adults and those with disabilities (in other words, those who are unable to leave their homes due to COVID-19) for groceries, household items and vital necessities. I’m happy to report there is now a temporary service being offered by L.A. County, allowing individuals to receive up to four deliveries or 40 miles of deliveries per month. For more information, visit templecity.us/delivery or call (888) 863-7411.
 
While Temple Citians may be physically apart right now, there’s an undeniable sense of togetherness growing in our community. In a variety of unique ways, our residents have shown that just because we’re socially distancing, it doesn’t mean we have to be socially isolated. Acts of kindness have been exceptionally apparent, from neighbors helping each other with groceries and other needs, to children using chalk to dazzle sidewalks with hopeful messages and gratitude to frontline workers. Temple Citians have also rallied to craft and deliver face masks to local hospitals, offer virtual recreation classes and even place stuffed animals in their windows as part of a communitywide scavenger hunt to entertain kids at home. It’s acts like these that make me proud to be part of not only a caring community, but a resourceful one at that.

There’s no doubt our current crisis is a source of stress and fear—tension that’s exacerbated by the ambiguity of when all this might end. But in Temple City, it’s also given us pause, allowing us to refocus our energy and concentrate on helping each other. Please continue to look out for one another. It’s my hope that sticking together and supporting those around us will make the uncertain weeks and months ahead a little easier.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (626) 285-2171, ext. 4111 or email [email protected]. I also encourage you to visit templecity.us/coronavirus for updates, fact sheets and resources.
 
Take care of yourselves, and may God bless you and your families.

Tom Chavez
Mayor