Letter From Half Moon Bay Mayor Adam Eisen 3/31/2020

LETTER.  Dear Half Moon Bay Community,

I thought this was a good time to check in with everyone, and let you know what’s been going on at the City. As you know, things are changing daily – and I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. I truly appreciate the effort each of you is putting in to support one another, stay home, and keep each other safe.

Before we get into some City updates, I wanted to let you know that I’ll be conducting virtual office hours this week using Zoom. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have, or just chat. I’ll be available this Thursday, April 2, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. We’ll be scheduling five-minute slots. If you’d like to participate, please contact Jessica Blair at [email protected] and she will get you scheduled.

As Mayor, my priorities for the next few weeks continue to be:

Parks Closure Information:

As you’re likely aware, the City closed all City-owned beach parking lots in conjunction with the State of California closing parking lots of State parks, and San Mateo County closing County parks. These actions were taken in response to the influx of crowds we saw on the coast recently, despite the social-distancing advisories. Our outdoor amenities are certainly well-loved, but we must all do our part to mitigate the spread of this virus. Do get outside for some fresh air – be it a walk or bike ride along the coastal trail, or within your own neighborhoods. But be certain to practice physical distancing when out and avoid areas where you see other people gathering.

Shelter-In-Place:

The Santa Mateo County Shelter-In-Place Order has been extended through May 3. While not unexpected, this is important information as we plan ahead. The Governor’s Order does not currently have an end date. City facilities remain closed, and programming and events are canceled as we’ve previously let you know. Staff is working remotely but is available to answer your questions or help out in other ways, so please feel free to reach out.

Updated guidelines of the Order are as follows:

To read the Order in its entirety, please visit www.hmbcity.com/covid19.

Communications:

Many of you are aware of the City’s COVID-19 Daily Updates (www.hmbcity.com/covid19dailyupdates), where we post a relevant item concerning the pandemic. Of course, anything of urgency will be communicated through our eNews and social media as well – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Nextdoor. And if you have not yet heard, we launched the #WaveofStrength campaign to show support for the community and everyone involved in the COVID-19 response. Consider placing a blue ribbon on your door, trees, fences, etc., as a show of support, unity, and gratitude to first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, public safety, retail and restaurant industry workers, utility workers, volunteers, nonprofits, and all in the community who have come together to support each other.

Resources:

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors this week approved $3 million to seed a fund called San Mateo County Strong to support residents, nonprofit organizations and small businesses through this crisis. The fund will be used to help cover basic household expenses for residents, help local businesses avoid layoffs and stay open, and support nonprofit organizations that take care of our most vulnerable populations. If you are interested in donating to this fund or applying for economic help from this fund, visit their site for the latest updates. San Mateo County has also approved a resolution establishing a temporary, countywide eviction moratorium for nonpayment of rent by residential tenants whose ability to pay has been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For our local businesses, there are several resources available to assist, including the following:

The City Council and City staff are gathering new information daily and relaying it to the community as appropriate. There are a variety of daily briefing calls that councilmembers and staff participate in. Again, if you have any specific questions, let us know and if we don’t have the answers, we will connect with people at the County or State level that do.

Message for Our Youth:

As a father of young boys, I wanted to take a moment to speak directly to the children on the Coastside as well. To all the kids out there: I know that everything has changed. You’re not seeing your friends, you’re not going to school, family vacations have been canceled. There has been a lot of change very quickly. Please know that your cooperation and involvement during this time is just as important as what the adults are doing. We all need to stay home and do our part to protect our parents, grandparents, teachers, doctors, nurses, and everyone else involved. You guys are helping a lot by staying home, and I appreciate and thank each of you for doing your part! Thank you for helping your parents work from home, for sacrificing your usual day, for doing math class around the kitchen table, and for trusting in science. We’re in this fight together!

I appreciate everyone who has been following the shelter-at-home and social distancing orders – you’re really doing your part to help our entire community. I remain fully confident that we have what it takes to endure this crisis and thrive when it’s over. As always, feel free to email me with any comments or concerns.

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HMB City Council Agendas

HMB City Calendar

1. 1. Adam Eisen

      Mayor
      [email protected]
      Phone: 650-726-8250 (leave message with Clerk’s office)

   2. Robert Brownstone

      Vice Mayor
      [email protected]
      Phone: 650-726-8250 (leave message with Clerk’s office)

   3. Deborah Penrose

      Council Member
      [email protected]
      Phone: 650-726-8250 (leave message with Clerk’s office)

   4. Debbie Ruddock

      Council Member
      [email protected]
      Phone: 650-726

   5. Harvey Rarback

      Council Member
      [email protected]
      Phone: 650-726-8250 (leave message with Clerk’s office)