Full Notification

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July 9, 2020

Dear Community Members:

As we soon enter the fourth month of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s fair to say things have been interesting. A few months ago, we began to see the gradual reopening of businesses and other amenities, signaling a slow return to normalcy. But as reported COVID-19 cases continue to spike statewide and across the San Gabriel Valley, public health officials last week released orders to temporarily close beaches, movie theaters and restaurant dining rooms, to name a few types of gathering places.
 
With all this happening, I’ve been asked by residents if I think further restrictions are coming. My response to them: Most likely—if behaviors don’t change.
 
Along with 22 other counties statewide (there are 58 counties in California), Los Angeles County is on the state’s “watch list” as cases, hospitalizations and deaths reach record numbers. Statistics released earlier this week tallied 120,000 reported cases and 3,500 deaths countywide. Recent data for Temple City revealed 33 coronavirus-related deaths and almost a 10% increase in reported cases (280) over the past few weeks.
 
If this trend continues, the state could impose further restrictions on Los Angeles County businesses and other amenities within a matter of days—a decision beyond the City’s control. So, please do your part to help “flatten the curve” and restore the economy: Wear a face mask in public settings, continue physical distancing, avoid large gatherings and stay home if you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. These guidelines apply not only to our seniors, but our young adults as well.
 
All this isn’t to say we don’t understand the irreplaceable value of human interaction. The pandemic has unleashed changes that seemed unthinkable just a few months ago, the idea of “going virtual” among them. With public health protocols often preventing traditionally in-person experiences, many of us now rely on video conferencing and web streaming for connection and entertainment. We’re taking a similar approach with our summer programming, broadcasting our summer concert series on the City’s social media platforms and providing an interactive, web-based youth day camp. While things will feel a little different this year, our goal is to provide the Temple City community with engaging and fun learning opportunities safely at home.
 
For more information on our growing virtual offerings, call (626) 579-0461 or visit templecity.us/vrc. Also, follow the City’s social media accounts (we’re @ConnectWithTC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for updates on upcoming events. I’m especially excited about a virtual revamp of our neighborhood watch meetings, which will launch later this summer.
 
Finally, I’ve received questions from the community on when City Hall will reopen to the public. Good news: Beginning the week of July 20, City Hall will provide in-person service on an appointment-only basis. To schedule an appointment, head to templecity.us/appointments or call (626) 285-2171. Visitors will need to take a non-invasive temperature check and report any coronavirus symptoms before entering the building; they will also be required to wear a face covering and maintain physical distancing at all times. With this limited reopening, the public is encouraged to continue accessing City services online or by phone. 
 
While the pandemic remains in flux, holidays and anniversaries continue to remind us that time does—and will—go on. Recently, our community would have celebrated its 60th anniversary of cityhood. This has brought back memories of our 50th anniversary, when many displayed lawn signs across town proudly proclaiming to be 50-plus-year residents of Temple City. Today, one is more likely to see lawn signs giving thanks and showing deep appreciation for our first responders as well as offering supportive reminders that we’ll get through this together. I remain confident that Temple City will emerge an even stronger, closer-knit community of residents who continue to stand as one.
 
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.
 
Please continue to stay safe and stay strong. May God bless you and your families.
 
Cordially,
 
Tom Chavez
Mayor