By Julie BUTCHER

The City of Glendale is focused on responding to the coronavirus pandemic, which was evident when the council met on Tuesday to update the public and take action on both routine and extraordinary measures.

Mayor Ara Najarian chaired the meeting from City Hall with councilmembers participating by phone. Public comments on various agenda items were also taken telephonically.

Councilmember Paula Devine thanked the community and city for working together to keep the Montrose Harvest Market open so that “folks are able to purchase food and fresh produce.” The market will be open again this Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

City Manager Yasmin Beers commended the work of Glendale’s city employees and the responsiveness of the entire Glendale community and overviewed the city’s responses starting in early March. Beers highlighted national press coverage on CNN of the fire department’s quick volunteer program established to deliver essentials and groceries to seniors and high-risk individuals.

The city’s economic development team has been working with local businesses, easing parking enforcement restrictions for street cleaning, providing free parking for the first 20 minutes of metered parking, and setting up areas for business to do curbside pick-up. Working with area grocery stores, Beers rattled off a list of stores that have set aside special shopping hours for seniors or allow them to jump to the front of the line. She highlighted that the food delivery program set up by the fire department is made up of volunteers, helping on their own time.

Two added emergency measures were adopted. The first is eviction protection: landlords may not evict tenants if they can show that their inability to pay rent is related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The second closed all of the adult day care centers in the area to prevent groups of seniors from congregating.

The city has waived all late fees through this emergency period.

When Los Angeles County public health officials implemented a “Safer at Home” order on March 19, Glendale closed shopping malls, parks and playgrounds, with city workers putting up caution tape around play equipment on Saturday morning as park patrons griped.

For the unhoused, the city has added five hand-washing stations and restrooms at parks around the city. Hiking trails and sports areas were closed on March 23.

Beeline bus service continues its regular service and will be free for everyone for the duration of the emergency.

Late Tuesday night, the city activated its emergency alert network broadcasting this message to phones and email inboxes alike:

“The Los Angeles County Public Health Dept. issued a Public Health Order requiring people to stay home except for essential needs. The Order prohibits all events and gatherings, and requires the closure of non-essential businesses and areas.

“Everyone should stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to a job defined as essential as defined in the order (www.glendaleca.gov/order). Practice social distancing when you go out for essentials.

It is okay to walk in your neighborhood. Avoid going in large groups and stay six feet apart.”

The council heard from several public commenters, several urging the city to take action to implement a moratorium on the payment of rent. By unanimous vote, a halt on rent increases and an extension of the eviction protections to April 19 were approved.

After the meeting the city extended its emergency period to April 30, which covers all its emergency orders including COVID-19 eviction protections.

A video message from the mayor – found at https://tinyurl.com/twj3og3 -distributed after the March 24 council meeting announced the first Glendale death from the disease and offered various added suggestions for financial relief: those who have federal student loan debt can suspend payments without interest for at least the next 60 days. Based on job loss, mortgage relief may be possible.

“It is possible more relief is in sight,” Najarian said. Residential and commercial evictions are halted, allowing tenants six months after the end of the emergency for the repayment of past due rents.

“Glendale Water & Power (GWP) will not disconnect electric or water services or charge late fees through April 2020 to customers due to their inability to pay utility bills. Customers are encouraged to contact GWP to arrange alternate payment options. As a reminder, GWP will never call customers to demand payment by threatening to shut off service. Learn more about payment options [at the city’s website].”

Glendale’s libraries are closed but there are robust, free library resources available online, including educational materials for students of all ages. Visit the city’s website for details.

Senior meals are available for pick-up at spots throughout the city. Call (818) 548-3775 for information about the city’s Elderly Nutrition Program. Californians who are able to help others are encouraged to volunteer by visiting https://tinyurl.com/v47sbfu.

In separate action, the council authorized the expenditure of approximately $28,000 for a green program to replace gas blowers with zero-emission battery-operated ones.

“I would have thought the Sierra Club would be here, telling us what a good job we’re doing towards a carbon-free environment,” Mayor Najarian teased.

  Julie BUTCHER