LOCAL UPDATES
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19)

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City contact information

Call 211 for information on the health situation in Monterey County.

To receive updates regarding COVID-19 in Monterey County, text MCCOVID19 to 888777.

In an emergency, call 911.

 

Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball Courts, and the Playground Structure at Forest Hill Park are open as of Wednesday, June 10, 2020.

UPDATE #48, October 9, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Assistant City Administrator

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Purchased an additional 30 ‘wear your mask or risk a $100 fine’ signs this week.  Installed 20.  Please don’t take them or vandalize.  Also, the Visit Carmel banners have been reinstalled.
  • The first period (July/August) TOT was on target with our budget.  Took in $962,000, which was approximately $600,000 off from last year.  Innkeepers say October looks good.
  • Mayor’s ad hoc committee on outdoor seating – looking at appropriate ways to weatherize outdoor areas with some sort of protective structure, additional seating, low lighting, water flow (underneath) 
  • Good CC meeting this week.  The settlement agreement with Verizon for the installation of the antennae will go thru a planning process in which the public will have input.  Notices will be sent out when the application is part of the Planning Commission agenda.
  • Planning Commission meeting next week
  • The ballot drop off location at HML book drop began Monday (10.5.20).  Ballots can be dropped off 24/7 and up to 8:00 pm on election day.  Staff from the Monterey County Elections office make regular stops to pick up the ballots.  Please remember that there is No ballot box at City Hall.
  • I’ll be out next week visiting Jonas in ID so Maxine will be in charge
  • Working with a risk consultant on COVID safety protocols to once again open City buildings to the public.  Priority is the safety of staff and the public.
  • Annual League of California Cities Conference is virtual this year.  Attending many valuable sessions on issues from COVID to climate change.  Will share sessions with department heads.
  • Attended virtual League of CA Cities Annual Conference, share sessions with department heads
  • With Chip gone, please don’t hesitate to call or write Maxine if you need anything.
  • Take good care

UPDATE #47, October 2, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Thanks to CRA for yesterdays Candidate Forum and  Congressman Farr for proctoring
  • City Council agenda  – North Dunes Restoration Project update, budget status update, Forest and Beach Commission tree removal appeal
  • Election campaign signs are not permitted in the City public right-of-way, can only be placed on private property.  We have retrieved those in the right-of-way and they are available at Public Works.  We will contact candidates for pick-up instructions
  • Ballot drop off at HML main branch, in the garden at Ocean & Lincoln.  Ballots can be dropped off at the book drop beginning Monday (10.5.20) (24/7 and up to 8:00 pm on election day).  City Hall is not a drop-off location for this election due to closure.
  • Met with the Carmel Chamber’s Leadership Carmel group and discussed department operations and executive backgrounds.  The group will tour City facilities during another session.
  • PD, Fire, and Ambulance personnel are wearing pink and growing beards (beards for benefit) for breast cancer awareness month and other cancer awareness.
  • Sad news – former employee Captain Bruce Meyer passed away suddenly this week, he was a long-time member of Carmel Fire

UPDATE #46, September 25, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Thank you to Carmel Chamber for their Candidate Forum last night 
  • CRA Candidate Forum is next Thursday (10.1.20) at 7:00 pm, moderated by former US House Representative Sam Farr
  • Bonds sold well on Wednesday, due to City’s great credit rating and stable budget
  • Mayor’s ad hoc on outdoor seating met this week– coverings were approved and should start seeing them soon, looking at ways to get more seating, more enforcement, need to encourage employees to park remotely
  • Use of Post Office parking lot to go to council next month
  • Mayor Potter and Chip met with Supervisor Parker, outgoing Senator Monning, Assemblymember Stone, and Rivas  –  discussion centered around a letter sent to Governor Newsom regarding opening restaurants for indoor seating at 25% of capacity right now; Mayor Potter and Chip are discussing sending a similar letter to the Governor
  • People are stealing or taking down mask and beach signs –  please don’t do it.  We will replace them.  Enforcement continues.
  • Ferrari races this weekend – we welcome visitors but will hold people accountable
  • High surf advisory in effect this weekend – the weather is going to be nice so people will be out and enjoying the beach.  If you are on the beach and see people who are not used to our beach let them know of the hazard.
  • Take good care.

UPDATE #45, September 18, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Thank you to CarrieAnn for the flowers at the 911 memorial
  • Thank you to Jane for coordinating this year’s City staff flu shot clinic 
  • Bond pre-sale meeting next week will be saving money
  • Mayor’s ad hoc committee on outdoor seating met Thursday
  • Thank you to Councilmember Reimers for her efforts in raising donations for mutt mitts, she has raised over $15,000 in donations.  Jan and Chip installing mutt mitt dispenser recognition stickers today.
  • Beach is open – you can do any recreational activity (can’t bring tents and umbrella, fires not allowed)
  • Providing services; staff cuts, please be patient, please call Chip, Max or department head if you are experiencing difficulties getting thru to people 
  • City buildings/offices will not be open to the public until we get safety protocols in place that protect staff and the public
  • Take good care

UPDATE #44, September 11, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Thank you to everyone for their patience last weekend with the number of visitors to Carmel and the beach closure
  • Thank you PD, Fire, and ambulance for assistance with beach closure.  A big thank you to the City’s CERT volunteers for once again stepping up and helping us out
  • Received good news about the City’s S and P Global rating (credit), looks like we will retain our AAA credit rating.  Thank you to Sharon Friedrichsen and Robin Scattini for all their hard work
  • Mayor’s ad hoc committee on outdoor seating will convene a meeting soon to discuss what coverings will look like for winter
  • Thank you to HR for putting together annual staff flu clinic
  • October City Council meeting – North Dunes rehabilitation update and another financial update
  • 9/11 Remembrance Day
  • Take good care

UPDATE #43, September 4, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Thank you to  Council and Sharon Friedrichsen for Sunset bond refinance and Robin Scattini for the budget update
  • Thank you to our Fire Department for stepping up regionally and locally
  • Thank you to  Councilmember Jan Reimers for work on Mutt Mitt dispenser sponsorship
  • Beach Closure and Del Mar parking lot posted – please stay away
  • Citation authority – will be citing
  • Tuesday when beach does reopen we will allow coolers, chairs, and blankets still restricting tents and umbrellas and bbq, continue to practice social distancing
  • Take good care

UPDATE #42, August 28, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Thank you to the Executive Team and Police Department for preparedness and communications during the fire situation
  • Thank you to Visit Carmel and Carmel Chamber of Commerce for collaboration
  • Thank you to the innkeepers for stepping up and housing evacuees
  • September 1st City Council meeting – proposed beach closure for Labor Day weekend, refinance of Sunset Center bond, ambulance operations update, budget update
  • Local wildfire information – we were ready and prepared, would be able to get information out in case of emergency, all City employees affected by the evacuations are back home, fires are mostly under control
  • Proposed beach closure for Labor Day weekend would be in effect Friday thru Monday and include the Del Mar parking area
  • 3 Police Officers came in contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID, they were quarantined and all tested negative

UPDATE #41, August 21, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Air quality continues to bad due to local fires
  • N95 masks have been provided to staff who are working out in the field
  • Shout out to Police Department, Planning & Building staff and all the unsung heroes who keep things going behind the scenes
  • Have a plan in case of emergency
  • The city is ready and we’re tracking the fires
  • As part of Monterey Fire, we are part of a large pool of resources
  • Thank you again for all your patience
  • Stay healthy, be prepared and take good care

UPDATE #40, August 19, 2020 – Special Edition

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator, Mayor, and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Protecting the Village and Staff
  • Working with Red Cross
  • Canceled Farmer’s Market
  • Canceled Curbside Book pick-up
  • Prepare and Plan
  • Notifications in case of an emergency/evacuation

UPDATE #39, August 14, 2020

Please watch this video message from the Assistant City Administrator and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Emergency Ordinance 20-02 signed by City Administrator Rerig on 8/12/20 which states the current beach rules and authorized the issuance of administrative citations for violations of the rules
  • Enforcement begins 8/15/2020 and citation fees are $100 for the first offense and $200 and $500 for subsequent violations
  • It’s Car Week but there are no events scheduled but there are concerns groups may be coming into town.  Traffic diversion plan in place.
  • It’s going to be hot this weekend.  Weather warning issued.  Stay hydrated and cool.
  • Thank you to City staff for great customer service.

UPDATE #38, August 7, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Sara Davis’ presentation to City Council at Tuesday’s meeting
  • Modifications to outdoor seating
  • Special recognition to Barbara Livingston
  • Cheif Tomasi talks about Urgency Ordinance and administrative citations
  • Carmel Chamber of Commerce video

UPDATE #37, July 31, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • State of the Forest and vision for the future, tree work fees
  • Consideration of cancellation of City events for the remainder of the year
  • Outdoor seating
  • Face coverings, compliance, distribution, signage

UPDATE #36, July 24, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Outdoor seating
  • August 4, 2020, Council Meeting

UPDATE #35, July 17, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Outdoor seating
  • Administrative policy on enforcement
  • Potential for a mobile testing facility

UPDATE #34, June 18, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator, Mayor and Alex Fallon

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Recap of Tuesday’s City Council meeting
  • Information on Juneteenth event scheduled for Saturday, June 20 in Devendorf Park
  • Carmel Public Library Foundation Executive Director Alex Fallon on what CPLF is doing
  • Musical performance by Chelsea Williams and Ross Garren

UPDATE #33, June 9, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi.

In today’s video,  highlights include:

  • The FY 2020-2021 Recommended Budget Book is available for review on the City’s website. 
  • At the July Council Meeting Chief Tomasi will be giving a presentation regarding current Carmel Police Department policies and procedures and how the department is working to make changes to improve services. 
  • Restricted beach parking will be lifted June 15, 2020 and the City will be evaluating whether or not to restrict beach parking during the 4th of July holiday. 

And, thanks to the Pine Cone, Monterey Herald and MC Weekly for sharing our vlog information with the community. 

UPDATE #32, June 4, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi.

The assembly planned for Saturday, June 6, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. has been cancelled.

UPDATE #31 June 3, 2020

Please watch this video message from the City Administrator, Mayor Potter, and Chief Tomasi

In today’s video,  highlights include:

  • There will be an BlackLivesMatter assembly in Devendorf Park on Saturday, June 6, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the full support of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea officials and staff who will be participating in the assembly. 
  • We are encouraging community members, residents and business owners, to also show their support and welcome our visitors.. 

And, this vlog features a song by local artist James Lee Murray.

UPDATE #30, June 1, 2020

Please take 7 minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and the Police Chief:

From Chief Tomasi-

The Carmel Police Department stands with those choosing to peacefully protesters against police brutality and the murder of  George Floyd.  We are sickened by what we have seen and what we have learned about this incident and expect justice for the family.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family or George Flyod as they mourn their loss.  Our hope is that through peaceful protests we can begin a much needed conversation about police officer tactics, police officers mental health and race relations in America.  As your Police Chief, I do not support those who are using this as an instrument for destruction or violence against others.  In today’s message I reiterate the three pillars I established for our police department, Trust, Respect and Love, which support our goals for Positive Relationship Building in our Community.   

We are anticipating a peaceful protest that has been planned for Saturday June 6th in Devendorf Park at noon.  We are encouraging those that organized the event to reach out to either the City Administrator of the Chief Tomasi so we can provide support.  

UPDATE #29, May 20, 2020

Please take a few minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator, Mayor Potter, and Amy Herzog, Executive Director, Visit Carmel. 

In today’s video,  highlights include:

  • Update on Restaurant Seating: Dolores Street will not be closed as previously proposed at this time. Restaurants will be able to put out tables adjacent to their restaurant to provide seating for take-away service. Contact the City for more information. 
  • Memorial Day Weekend: The City is prepared for an influx of visitors this weekend. Residents and merchants will need to continue to set the example for visitors regarding the current rules that are in place. 
  • Visit Carmel: Amy Herzog, Executive Director of Visit Carmel on current marketing activities, plans for the future, and the protocols that innkeepers are working to ensure visitor and employee safety, and assure the residents. Check out their Carmel Dreaming video.

Featuring a performance by Johan Sotelo who will be doing a livestream tonight from the Sunset Center terrace. 

UPDATE #28, May 13, 2020

Please take five (5) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi. 

In today’s video,  highlights include:

  • Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget: Council discussed the FY 202-2021 Budget at its meeting May 12 at 4:30 p.m. Staff will be answering all questions submitted and working on issuing a draft budget book.
  • Street Closure Pilot Program: Council received feedback on closing Dolores Street for communal seating and some other ideas regarding businesses utilizing public space.

And, a brief overview of what is going on at the Federal funding for state and local governments and the State budget. 

UPDATE #27,  May 11, 2020

Please take five (5) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and Mayor Potter. 

In today’s video,  highlights include:

  • Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget: Council will be considering the FY 202-2021 Budget at its upcoming meeting May 12 at 4:30 p.m. Council will be considering a number of ways to reduce the budget in anticipation of significant projected revenue deficits. At its last meeting Council defunded all proposed Capital Improvement Projects. 
  • Street Closure Pilot Program: At 4:00 p.m. on May 12 Council will also be considering closing Dolores Street for communal seating and some other ideas regarding businesses utilizing public space. 
  • Public Safety: The Carmel Police Department continues to work hard to keep our community safe. 

UPDATE #26 May 7, 2020

Please take five (5) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and Mayor Potter. 

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • City Meetings: Board and Commission meetings will resume virtually. Council is exploring meeting at the Sunset Center in the future. Council will review the City budget virtually on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. 
  • Capital Improvement Plan: At its last regular meeting Council decided not to fund any Capital Improvement Projects next Fiscal Year. 
  • Special Guest: Jenny McMurdo, Carmel Chamber of Commerce Executive Director spoke about the #CarmelRising initiative, ongoing efforts by the Chamber to support local businesses, and working with local and state officials to plan for reopening, 

And, featuring a special ballet performance by Alexa Julien, a performer for the Carmel Academy for the Performing Arts. 

UPDATE #25 May 5, 2020

Please take five (5) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and the Police Chief.

**NEWS RELEASE**

Woman Violently Attacked and Sexually Assaulted in Carmel-by-the-Sea
 
On Monday May 4, 2020 at approximately 7:00am. Officers were dispatched to a reported attack of a 61 year old female in the driveway of her residence, located on 13th Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  
 
Witnesses described a Hispanic adult male leaving the scene in a dark colored Nissan sedan.  The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics and was transported to Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula for her injuries. 
 
Police are actively pursuing leads and investigating this crime as a sexual assault and attempted murder due to the injuries sustained by the victim. 
 
To view the news release, click here.

UPDATE #24 May 1, 2020

Please take six (6) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and the Police Chief.

Video Highlights

  • Shelter-in-Place Order: The order has been extended through the end of May with some modifications. You can read the news release on Monterey County Health Department website and the full order here. 
  • Little Free Libraries: You can pick up a book courtesy of the Friends of the Library out side of the Main Library, the Park Branch Library or Village Corner. 
  • Upcoming Council Meetings: Closed Session Meeting, Monday, May 4, 2020 and Regular meeting, Tuesday, May 5, 2020. The second review of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan will take place at the May 5 meeting. 
  • Carmel Beach: The beach remains open for exercise only. If you do not live in town, a reminder that coming to Carmel to use the beach is not essential travel. Please exercise near your home. 
  • Face masks: For more information and clarification about when you need to wear a face mask check out the Monterey County Health website to review the guidelines. 

UPDATE #23 April 30, 2020

Please take six (6) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and the Police Chief.

Video Highlights: 

  • Carmel Beach: The Governor has closed Orange County beaches. Other California beaches remain open including Carmel Beach. In order to keep the Carmel Beach open, we must all do our part to adhere to the rules. Reminder to recreate don’t congregate. The beach is to be used for exercise such as walking and running. No sitting, laying down or lingering.
  • Beach Parking: No parking at Del Mar parking area, San Antonio (from Ocean to Fourth Avenue), and Scenic Drive restrictions have been extended through the end of May.
  • Monterey County Health Department: Expecting an update from the County on the current restrictions in place.

UPDATE #22 April 28, 2020

Please take six (6) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and the Police Chief.

Video Highlights

  • Carmel Beach: Police Officers were out at Carmel Beach reminding people to “recreate, but not congregate” and will continue to get the word out that the beach is for exercise only.
  • Shelter-in-Place: We realize the frustration in with sheltering-in-place. Please continue to try to be patient and kind. 
  • Police Department Activities: The PD continues to keep the community safe from bad guys and crime. 

UPDATE #21 April 24, 2020

Please take six (6) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and the Police Chief.

Video Highlights

  • Carmel Beach remains open. Del Mar parking lot has been closed and parking along Scenic Drive and San Antonio near the beach is prohibited at this time to discourage social gathering, and to provide more space for social distancing along the Scenic pathway. 
  • Join us on Nextdoor for additional updates from the Police Chief and to ask questions. There are a few extra steps for Carmel-by-the-Sea residents because of the lack of addresses, but there is a helpful how-to guide to walk you through that process. 
  • The Police Chief and Community Planning and Building Department are working with the Monterey County District Attorneys Office on construction in our community. Essential construction is being monitored by both departments. Contact the Police Department (831) 624-6403 or Planning Department (831) 620-2010 with any questions or concerns. 

UPDATE #20 April 22, 2020

Please take twelve (12) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and the Mayor:

In today’s video, highlights include:

  • Resiliency: The City and community will begin to work together to create a ”dimmer switch” plan that will dictate what re-opening looks like for Carmel. 
  • FY 2020-2021 Budget: City staff and the Council are beginning the planning process to confront serious budget shortfalls.At its next regular meeting the Council will be once again reviewing the Capital Improvement Plan and examining essential services. 
  • Sunset Center: Special guest Christine Sandin, Executive Director, spoke about planning for the Sunset Center for potential new models for future events. A new original song will be released by a local artist featured at Sunset Center this spring. The song will being launched on KRMLs Pub Talk and available on Sunset Center’s Youtube channel. 

UPDATE #19 April 21, 2020

Please take six (6) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and the Police Chief:

In today’s video highlights include:

  • Carmel Beach: The Del Mar parking lot and the East side of San Antonio have been closed, as well as the length of Scenic Drive to thru traffic in an effort to encourage social distancing, as these areas were becoming gathering places. 
  • Carmel Hotels: There have been reports of lights on and car parked at some of the hotels in town. This is being done by the innkeepers as a safety measure and is not an indication of guest activity. 
  • Importance of Sheltering-in-Place: A reminder that social distancing is working to prevent Monterey County residents from contracting COVID-19 and to prevent our local hospitals from being overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients. 

While we all might be frustrated sheltering-in-place, remember to be kind to yourself and to be kind to those around you. We are all in this together. 

And, a special shout out to local Girl Scout Troop 306 that knitted 20 masks for the Carmel Police Department. Thank-you so much!!!

UPDATE #18 April 17, 2020

Please take seven (7) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and the Police Chief:

Construction Activities in the Village
The Monterey County Shelter-In Place-Order allows certain construction activities to:

  1. Ensure that existing construction sites required to be shut down are left in a safe and secure manner, and
  2. Ensure that residences, and buildings containing essential businesses, are safe, sanitary, habitable and operable.

Any construction or repair that can be reasonably delayed, should be delayed. Requests to continue construction for the reasons noted above may be approved by the Building Official. A property that has received approval to perform construction will have a Notice of Authorized Work posted on-site along with a Pandemic Safety Plan and Jobsite Infection Prevention flyer.

The Community Planning & Building Department, in coordination with the Carmel Police Department, is enforcing the County order and following up on complaints regarding violations of the Order. If you believe non-essential construction is occurring in your neighborhood, please call and leave a message at (831) 620-2010 or email building@ci.carmel.ca.us. 

UPDATE #17 April 14, 2020

Please take five (5) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and the Police Chief:

In today’s video,  highlights include:

  • Monterey County District Attorney Press Release: The Monterey County District Attorney will enforce restrictions on construction activities under the April 3rd Shelter-in-Place Order
  • Carmel Neighbors: Carmel Neighbors is a group of Carmel citizens who have organized to help us take care of each other and protect the most vulnerable among us during these difficult times. If you would like to help or know someone in need contact them at support@carmelneighbors.org.

UPDATE #16 April 10, 2020

Please take six (6) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and Library and Community Activities Director.

A highlight from today’s video: Carmel Shell-ter in Place Campaign

The Carmel Public Library and Visit Carmel have teamed up to promote community solidarity with a “Carmel Shell-ter In Place” campaign.

Download the Carmel Shell or pick up a template at one of the little free libraries outside of the Harrison Memorial or Park Branch libraries. Cut out the shell. Color or decorate it! Make it your own! Then place it in your window to let us know you are shell-tering in place, and as a sign of strength, solidarity and love for our community

UPDATE #15 April 8, 2020

Please take five (5) minutes to watch the video message from City Administrator and Chief Tomasi.

In today’s video,  highlights include:

  • Budget:  The City Council met yesterday to discuss the CIP plus the structural imbalance the City will face ahead.
  • Monterey County – New Health Order: City continues to assess the updated order and have a better understanding on construction matters.
  • We’re Keeping Carmel Safe (GoodWill Video):  Last week, Visit Carmel released the video below, please take a few minutes to watch.
  • All staff meeting with all employees tomorrow to provide an update and receive questions from employees.

Weekend Beach closures: The City will be closing Del Mar Parking Lot. Scenic Drive from 8th-13th with No Parking on the west side of Scenic from Ocean to 13th and the Eastside of San Antonio from 8th-13th.

A Special Thank You:

Alesia Zhou (Stevenson Student) – donated sanitizer spray highlighted last week. Her organization is called Ledbyyouth.org. 

Kevin D’Angelo (Stevenson School Science teacher) – created the Face Shields highlighted in today’s video. His group is called Monterey Bay Makers.

UPDATE #14 April 6, 2020

Please take five (5) minutes to watch the video message from City Administrator and Chief Tomasi.

In today’s video,  highlights include:

  • City Administrator provides an overview on Friday’s updated Monterey County’s Shelter in Place (SIP). 
  • New signs have been placed at the beach to remind everyone to limit social gatherings and social distance.
  • Regular scheduled City Council meeting @ 4:30 PM tomorrow on 4/7 will be held via teleconference.  Please click here to view the agenda.  

UPDATE #13 April 3, 2020

City Administrator & Chief Tomasi Video Update #12

In today’s video (above), the highlights include:    

  • Governor Gavin Newsom announced yesterday that the State will allow certain businesses to defer sales tax for up to 12 months. This will hit us very hard, and the City is crunching numbers now based on revised revenue projections.  The legislature does have the power to back-fill city tax funds or provide gap loan funding if necessary.  We’re researching all of these options now.  
  • The National League of Cities has encouraged the US Congress to advance a fourth emergency appropriations package to address the immediate need for local budget relief by making direct emergency funding available to every city and town in need. Moreover, the National League called on Congress to include targeted programs focused on the intermediate and long-term needs of residents, households, and small businesses on the economic margins to ensure an economic rebound.
  • Property taxes are due next Friday (4.10.20).  
  • Working with VisitCarmel on an exciting new community solidarity campaign to be revealed next week!
  • City Council next week (April  6 (closed session) and April 7 (open session).  All virtual.
  • A vlog next Wednesday will be recorded at the Sunset Cultural Center instead of the City Council Chambers.

UPDATE #12 April 2, 2020

Please take five (5) minutes to watch the video message from Mayor Potter and City Administrator. 

Highlights from the Video:

Social Distancing Reminder!
Carmel’s beach is everyone’s therapy, BUT if Monterey County Health Officer should observe large gatherings on our beach, this could jeopardize keeping it open. Please do not congregate on the beach or pathways.  
 
Stay Home. Save Lives.
@GavinNewsom: I’m going to REPEAT. REPEAT. REPEAT. The most important thing we can do is STAY HOME and practice physical distancing. That’s how we flatten the curve.


 

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Take the Census 2020 Survey, Click Here!

UPDATE #11 March 30, 2020

Please take five (5) minutes to watch the video message from Mayor Potter and City Administrator. 

Here are the some referenced links from Monterey County:

To receive updates regarding COVID-19 in Monterey County, text MCCOVID19 to 888777. Para recibir actualizaciones sobre COVID-19 en el Condado de Monterey, envíe un mensaje de texto con MCCOVID19 al 888777.

UPDATE #10 March 26, 2020 

Please take five (5) minutes to watch the video message from the City Administrator and Chief Tomasi. 

In today’s message, here are the referenced links from Monterey County:

UPDATE #9 March 24, 2020

Please take five (5) minutes to watch this important video message from Chief Tomasi. 

Join us on Nextdoor. There are a few extra steps for Carmel-by-the-Sea residents because of the lack of addresses, but there is a helpful how-to guide to walk you through that process. 

And, another great place to connect with your neighbors virtually, is the new Carmel Residents Association website that seeks to keep our village engaged even during this difficult time.

See the text of Order No. 20-1 Staying Evictions in the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

UPDATE #8 March 23, 2020

Please take five (5) minutes to watch this important video message from our City Administrator and Chief Tomasi and below is some additional information from the Alliance on Aging and Monterey County Health Department.

Alliance on Aging Information
In light of the current COVID-19 crisis and the recent Shelter-In-Place order, the Alliance on Aging is temporarily closing offices in Salinas and the Monterey to the general public from March 16 to  April 8.  However, they are continuing to assist their clients via telephone and email on the following programs:

HICAP/Medicare — for medicare counseling.

Transportation assistance — for taxi voucher enrollment (65)+ and bus passes.

Benefits Checkup — for enrollment or questions about CalFresh and low income subsidy.

Ombudsman —  for problems of residents of nursing homes and residential care facilities.

Senior Peer Counseling — for counseling via phone appointment.

Alliance on Aging will continue to support you during this time.  Should you have any question, please call (831) 655-1334 or (831) 758.4011.
 
Home delivered meals for home bound seniors.  For many home bound seniors, access to a nutritious meal is extremely important.  Meals on Wheels (two locations: in Monterey and Salinas) are continuing their services for these seniors.  For more information, click on: 

Meals on Wheels:  Monterey 

Senior Shopping Hours
To assist seniors to be able to purchase groceries and other essentials items, many stores have designated special senior hours, usually just before store opening. For a listing of stores that have senior hours:

Monterey Peninsula:  Click here.

Salinas:  Click here.

County of Monterey Health Department
There is a lot of information available about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself here for you to review.  You can also call 211 for information.

To receive updates regarding COVID-19 in Monterey County, text MCCOVID19 to 888777.

For more information about the Shelter in Place Order there is an FAQ available or please contact Monterey County by dialing 2-1-1.  If there is an emergency, please dial 9-1-1. 

As Chip indicated in his video message, please click here to view Order No. 20-1 Staying Evictions in the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea. 

UPDATE #7 March 20, 2020

A message from our City Administrator and Chief Tomasi:

UPDATE #6 March 19, 2020

A message from our City Administrator and Chief Tomasi:

UPDATE #5 March 18, 2020

A message from our City Administrator and Library Director:

As with all other City facilities the Harrison Memorial and Park Branch Libraries are closed. We have renewed everyone’s books, so please hold on to your books until normal library services resume. Until then, while you are sheltering in place please take advantage of our virtual library. Books, audios, movies, and more, as well as the zip books program that allows you to order up to three books, DVDs, or audios a month delivered directly to you. If you don’t have a library card you can fill out an online application. You do NOT need to live in the one-square mile to get a card. Everyone is welcome! Contact us with any questions you may have regarding library services via email at hml.reference@gmail.com. We are here for you! 

For more information about the Shelter in Place Order there is an FAQ available or please contact Monterey County by dialing 2-1-1.  If there is an emergency, please dial 9-1-1. 

UPDATE #4 March 17, 2020

A message from our City Administrator:

Today, at 2:30 PM, Monterey County issues shelter-in-place order.  Monterey has ordered that all residents shelter in place starting Tuesday at midnight and going through April 8, 2020. 

Read the complete order here: Directive from Public Health

UPDATE #3 March 13, 2020

A message from our City Administrator:

As telegraphed yesterday, the City Council met for a special meeting earlier today and ratified my Proclamation of a Local Emergency.  The Departments have completed operational plans that will continue to provide service through limited social interaction.  

The emergency proclamation coincides with the State’s recent executive orders that provide cities more ability and resources to help contain the new virus. Despite having no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Monterey County to date, scientists and medical experts report that slowing the spread (also known as “flattening the curve”) of COVID-19 by reducing opportunities for transmission will save lives by giving police and fire personnel, hospitals, doctors, and vaccine-manufacturers time to respond and prepare for the outbreak. 
 
First on the list of new protocols are City facility closures, and City programs and event cancellations or postponements beginning Friday, March 13, 2020 at 5:01 pm through at least March 31, 2020. 
 
The City’s decisions to modify service delivery and cancellation of large gatherings are based on Donald Trump declaring a national emergency, World Health Organization (WHO) upgrading the Coronavirus to a pandemic, the recommendations of the CDC, and Governor Newsom’s executive directives. 
 
Effective Friday, March 13, 2020 at 5:01 pm, facility closures and/or program changes will take effect.

UPDATE #2

A message from our City Administrator:

On Thursday, March 12 at 10:26am, the City Administrator signed a Proclamation of a Local Emergency.   A Special City Council Meeting was held on Friday, March 13th at 11a.m. so the City Council could ratify the declaration. This may seem frightening, but it allows the City more flexibility to operate under the heightened demands of this event. The health and safety of our workforce, residents and Village is of utmost importance, and we appreciate all of your support during this time.

Once again, if you are not feeling well or are experiencing cold, flu or other symptoms, please stay home. We will continue to communicate information and raise awareness within the Village. Stay healthy!

UPDATE #1

Please take 15 minutes to watch this important message from our City Administrator and the presentation from Chief Tomasi

First and foremost, there is no higher priority than to keep our residents, employees and Village safe and healthy.  The City is actively participating in daily County Public Health briefings and tracking advisories being issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor’s Office, and Monterey County Health. Changes and measures will continue to be adopted in daily operations and activities in the best interest of our residents, employees and Village.  The City is taking extra precautionary measures and is regularly cleaning and disinfecting public City facilities.

Monterey County Health Officials continue to work closely with local hospitals, medical providers, emergency medical service agencies, federal and state officials, and other community partners to detect possible cases of COVID-19, facilitate testing, reduce the chances of local transmission of the virus, and safeguard the health of our communities.

If you feel sick and are concerned about COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus), please call your doctor or other healthcare provider before arriving at the office. Please reserve Emergency Rooms visits for accidents, severe symptoms, and other life-threatening emergencies.