On Our "Virtual Route 101" In Trump's America

During our "Virtual Route 101" Travels around America, our team curated an overview of the week that was in Donald Trump's America, as we look forward to the continued privilege to serve:   

Notations From the Grid (Special W-End Edition): On Quite a Week....

The headlines said it all as Friday dawned after what was quite a challenging Week.  

Our team was in community throughout the day  visiting the local markets and the scenes from Ralphs (a Kroger company) was quite telling:

This is as Our Local County Supervisor here in Orange County California sent forth the following Guidance--although it is specifically related to Orange County, we felt it critical in terms of the guidance at hand and what we all need to be aware of as our team will continue to provide updates through our Twitter Corner, @OrdinaryFaces as we implore all to stay safe:

The County of Orange held a press conference today regarding our ongoing efforts and latest information in addressing the coronavirus concerns in Orange County. To view the press conference, please click here. In addition, the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) has issued a statement supporting school closures as a precautionary step to prevent the spread of COVID-19. To view the OCDE Coronavirus Update, click here. Currently, the County of Orange is following the guidance of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). To that end, CDPH issued new guidance Wednesday, which included urging the postponement or cancellation of large gatherings of over 250 people.Visit the CDPH website for guidance on schools, institutions of higher education, food industry, and many more. In addition, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order yesterday that includes many actions, including key changes and suspensions to the Brown Act to enable broad use of teleconference for meetings and alternatives to in-person public participation. Furthermore, the Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) Operations Center (AOC) has increased activation to HIGH Level (I). AOC hours of operation will remain from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. This level of activation is increased to support public health and medical system participants and will coordinate system needs according to local policies and procedure. Inquiries, Questions, Resource Requests: Public questions/inquiries should be referred to the Public Health Referral Line 800-564-8448. Media inquiries should be forwarded to jgood.ochca.com or Media Line 714-834-2178. All Hospitals and *Health Care Providers are encouraged to access the HCA Agency Operations Center. Note: *If your primary business interest does NOT require a medical certification or license you are NOT a health care provider. For the latest information on COVID-19 in Orange County, information, please visit the HCA website.

NEW: First Locally Acquired Case of COVID-19

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) today reported the first case of locally acquired COVID-19, more commonly known as novel coronavirus. The individual, a woman in her 50s, appears to have acquired infection locally and is currently hospitalized in isolation and reported in stable condition. HCA’s Public Health Services staff are following-up with people who may have been exposed and an investigation is underway to determine how the individual contracted the virus. Details about three additional cases confirmed today include: A man in his 70s who is isolated at home, travel-related exposure A man in his 30s who is isolated at home, contact to a known case A man in his 60s who is hospitalized in isolation, travel-related exposure “As public and private labs increase testing capability and surveillance, we expect to see more cases of COVID-19,” said Dr. Nichole Quick, County Health Officer. “We realize the mitigation strategies that have rolled out this week by schools, businesses, and all levels of government are concerning for community members. We empathize and want to thank OC residents for their flexibility and willingness to make adjustments to their daily lives to help protect and promote the health and well-being of their neighbors.” The most current information about COVID-19 is available on HCA's dedicated website and by following HCA on Twitter @ochealth and on Facebook @ochealthinfo. Community members are also encouraged to call HCA’s Health Referral Line 8 AM - 5 PM, 7 days a week, with medically-related COVID-19 questions at (800) 564-8448.

COVID-19 Impacts on our Senior Population

Over the past two days, we have received many inquiries regarding the closure of local senior centers in South County, and the impact such closures may have on congregate meal programs. The decision to temporarily close senior centers is being made by local cities in accordance with Federal, State and County guidelines. This is being done to minimize gatherings and adhere to the social distancing recommendations. As our senior population is particularly vulnerable to serious illness from COVID 19, we are supportive of these closures and cancellations of non-essential programs. That being said, it is essential that our seniors continue to receive food. We are working diligently with Age Well Senior Services and other contracted partners to implement a consistent contingency plan to ensure our seniors continue to have access to food. Effective Monday, March 16, all congregate meal programs will be converted to take home meals. Frozen meals and shelf-stable meals will be distributed at senior centers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with sufficient food to last the whole week. Our home delivered meals clients will also be given several days-worth of food at each delivery. We are also working with the State to create as much flexibility as possible while still meeting nutritional guidelines, keeping access to food for our seniors is our top priority. This is a rapidly evolving situation. Please stay tuned to our Health Care Agency website and follow them on social media for additional information on Facebook @ochealthinfo and Twitter @ochealth. The shutdown of America is continuing exemplifed by the decision made by Soka University--and our School District, Capistrano Unified (the 7th Largest District in California), declared all schools closed: Dear Patron - Soka Performing Arts Center is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving events surrounding the recent outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and considers the health and well-being of our patrons, artists and employees with the highest priority.  In light of the recent directive from the Governor of the State of California, and the escalating issues related to COVID-19, we will be postponing or cancelling all shows for the rest of the season. This decision was not entered into lightly. The safety of our community and those most vulnerable among us is our main concern. We want to reassure our patrons that no cases have been reported on the campus of Soka University. The University has taken additional precautions to mitigate risk and exposure on campus. Click here for details. At this time, our physical Box Office on campus is closed to walk-up service. For those of you holding tickets to events, please watch your inbox next week for further instruction.  Due to the current circumstances, our call volume and length of wait-time has increased dramatically. The preferred method of communication is through email at tickets@soka.edu. Please allow 24-48 hours to receive a reply during our normal operating hours Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm. Please click here for the most up-to-date information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding COVID-19. Thank you all for your understanding of our efforts to keep everyone safe at this time. We truly appreciate your continued support of Soka Performing Arts Center. Stay well, and we look forward to a wonderful season in 20-21. Warm regards, Renee Bodie General Manager Soka Performing Arts Center performingarts.soka.edu  949.480.4278 | 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656  Orange County United Way is continuing to monitor the unfolding situation with the outbreak of COVID-19. Here is a quick update on status and actions across the organization, including our United to End Homelessness initiatives. Obviously, this is a fluid situation so we will provide additional updates as appropriate. 1. As for our United Way employees, we are doing our best to ensure they are able to continue to do the amazing work while knowing their personal health is paramount for our county's speedy recovery. Thus, at times we may be working remotely and pivoting from in-person events to electronic ones; all while we continue our important work to improve lives. 2. As for our events, here is an update: a. Scorecard Event on March 25th: This is being cancelled as an in person event. However, we will create an electronic version to share with all of you to showcase what Orange County has accomplished together in improving the lives of so many over the past year. b. Women's Philanthropy Fund Breakfast on May 20th: We are keeping it on your calendars for now but know we may need to move it depending on our collective progress in managing the spread of the virus. c. Homelessness 101 Classes: These in-person classes hosted by United to End Homelessness have been cancelled through the end of April. We will instead be hosting them "virtually." You can RSVP to upcoming class using the Eventbrite link below:      • Thursday, March 26th at 3:00 p.m. PST - Click Here      • Monday, April 13th at 3:00 p.m. PST - Click Here 3. As for our Community Impact work, we are determining how to best help and even accelerate our work to ensure the most at risk are supported. Our teams are working closely with the County, non-profit partners and the schools to learn the most critical needs and create the appropriate solutions. Obviously, this is fluid but we are actively engaged to find ways to help those most in need. 4. Finally, we are setting up a fund to help fill gaps that have been exposed or worsened through this period of uncertainty. You'll receive a separate note on that fund. United Way's strength is helping communities rebuild and strengthen during and after challenging situations like this. This is an ever-evolving situation that could also affect our neighbors experiencing homelessness, and we will need your help. Now, I will invoke my dear 92-year-old mom's message. This too shall pass. We will manage through this as a community and know your United Way will help make us even stronger. Thank you for all your support and let us know how we can help you as we all navigate this uncertain moment together. Sincerely, Susan B. Parks President & CEO Orange County United Way As We went to Press, the Defense Department announced the following as reported by Defense One:   Breaking News     March 13, 2020 Pentagon Halts Domestic Travel by Troops, Dependents // Bradley Peniston U.S. troops and their dependents are now forbidden to travel beyond the "local area" of their assigned base, according to a Defense Department statement released Friday night. Read full article »