WEEKEND EDITION
FRIDAY, March 20, 2020 S E R V I N G O U R C O M M U N I T Y S I N C E 1 8 7 9 • W W W. T R I P L I C A T E . C O M
Harbor officials address COVID-19 concerns By David Hayes Staff Writer
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rescent City Harbor District officials are taking measures to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. This includes changing office hours, doing more business online or over the phone and holding commission meetings remotely.
Harbormaster Charlie Helms told the commissioners at their meeting on March 17 hourly employees will not experience any changes, including RV park managers and maintenance and security personnel. “Maintenance staff are critical. They’ll still abide by social distancing guidelines of 6 feet. They pull
the gear off boats. They need to be going full bore. We’ll also count on staff being able to resolve issues and pay bills like normal,” Helms said. Facility Manager Mike Baker informed the commissioners that one of his staff is over 65 years old and, as part of the at-risk population, will be staying home to ensure he remains
Gov. Newsom places National Guard on alert
healthy. The commissioners voted to cancel the first Tuesday meeting next month to give Helms more time to set up a remote system, such as through Zoom, Slack or Go-to Meeting, for hosting their meetings. Helms explained the requirement that commissioners physically meet in
person had been waved by Governor Gavin Newsom. Rather, he will set up a physical meeting for visitors to follow any online teleconference. Helms reported to the commissioners he has also received guidance on how to monitor harbor traffic for coronavirus. Essentially, it’s an honor system where the vessel's crew
is required to self-report their port of origin and if anyone onboard is infected or come into contact with anyone infected with COVID-19. If this becomes the case, Helms would contact the port in McKinleyville who would send someone here to determine any
More Harbor on Page A4
COVID-19 reaction
Staff Report
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overnor Gavin Newsom signed emergency legislation Tuesday, March 17, providing up to $1 billion in funding to help California fight COVID-19. The emergency legislative package provides $500 million General Fund to help California fight COVID-19 and authorizes increases up to $1 billion. The funding will: • Increase hospital bed capacity and purchase medical equipment to combat the coming surge in COVID-19 patients; • Protect hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities most vulnerable to COVID-19 spread; • Provide lifesaving services to Californians isolating at home; • Support local government to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in homeless populations and provide safe beds for people experiencing homelessness; • and Provide funding to clean child care facilities that remain open. The package also provides $100 million Proposition 98 General Fund for personal protective equipment and cleaning for schools that remain open. It also allows schools to maintain funding despite service disruptions. National Guard on alert Following through on his commitment to mobilize state personnel and assets to protect local communities and fight the spread of COVID-19, Governor Newsom announced March 17 that he has placed the California National Guard on alert. The National Guard has been directed by the governor to be prepared to perform humanitarian missions across the state including food distribution, ensuring the resiliency of supply lines, as well as supporting public safety as required. “As Californians make sacrifices over the coming weeks and stay home, we are immensely grateful for medical providers, first-responders and National Guard personnel who are assisting those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19,” said Newsom. The announcement, made in the Governor’s capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the California National Guard, is consistent with duties routinely performed by the California National Guard during natural disasters and other emergencies within the state. Taking action to ensure that key commodities can be delivered to California retailers promptly during the COVID-19 outbreak, Newsom also signed an executive order on March 17 to ease restrictions on commercial drivers engaged in support of emergency relief efforts. More Alert on Page A4
Crescent City Council declared a state of emergency this week and closed municipal pool and suspended events through April 6. Photos by David Hayes.
Crescent City declares local emergency By David Hayes
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Staff Writer
he Crescent City Council voted unanimously Monday, March 16, to declare a local emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the council reluctantly voted to close Fred Endert Municipal Pool and suspend all community events that required city approval. That included events at the Cultural Center, youth sports and Live From Downtown: It’s First Friday. In addition, city staff will not shut off customers’ water for nonpayment for the duration of
the local emergency declaration, which will be reviewed in 60 days. Mayor Blake Inscore outlined the dire situation unfolding due to the coronavirus outbreak. “Obviously, we are in unprecedented times. We are very fortunate for the staff and leadership that we have,” Inscore said. City Manager Eric Wier told the council federal guidelines were changing quickly, the most recent discouraging gatherings of more than 10 people. Some counties in the state have also asked residents to shelter-inplace. “It makes common sense.
If you have more healthcare resources, you’re better able to care for patients that have it and fatality rates are lower if you have better resources,” Wier told the council. “If this spreads, and we have a giant, massive situation where people are going to be seeking healthcare, it will overwhelm our healthcare system.” Councilor Isaiah Wright and Mayor Pro Tem Heidi Kime were already adhering to social distancing guidelines by participating in the meeting via Zoom. Staff also took public comments through email and limited the More Emergency on Page A4
Safeway adjusts hours for seniors during COVID-19 outbreak S
tarting March 19, Crescent City’s Safeway store, located at 475 M St., will be open from 6-9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday for only senior citizens and at-risk members to the novel coronavirus. “We’ve reserved a three-hour window for them to get their shopping done, get prescriptions and essentials,” said Brian Ridgely, Crescent City Safeway Store Director. Ridgely said in the wake of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommending self-quarantine measures for at-risk population, Del Norte County Public Health Officer Dr. Warren Rehwaldt called him and recommended the revised hours. Ridgely said he hopes the rest of the community honors the block of time set aside for their fellow senior citizens and at-risk residents and self-regulates. “I don’t want to have to turn away every 19-year-old. Let these In the wake of COVID-19, Safeway in Crescent City other folks who have been contained or cooped up, some with cirwill be open to senior citizens and at-risk members of cumstances in dire straights and with no other outlet, to come in and the community from 6 to 9 a.m. every Tuesday and get their supplies,” Ridgely said. Thursday. Courtesy photo.
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FRIDAY
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As the northern-most Safeway of the 290 stores in the NorCal Division, Ridgely said his store is experiencing no problems getting supplies. The only demand is on the warehouse and manufacturers. “We’re still getting loads every day. We’re still getting the vast majority of everything we order,” he said, adding there is still an unnecessary high demand on toilet paper. “We get toilet paper in every single day, but by 8 p.m. it’s gone.” To accommodate the large shipments his store is still receiving, Ridgely said he has also eliminated being open 24 hours. The store now closes at 10 p.m. for restocking and opens again at 6 a.m. In addition, Ridgely has implemented a ration on high-demand items, like a limit of two packs of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and other basic essential items. “We want to make sure everybody can get what they need,” he added. The new store hours will last for the foreseeable future during the COVID-19 crisis, Ridgley said.
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Sat Sun 4:51AM 5:29AM
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Fri 4:05AM
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9:51AM 10:39AM 11:22AM
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4:42PM 5:19PM 5:52PM
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11:18PM 11:48PM M:12:14AM
$1.50