Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, March 28, 2020

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, March 28, 2020 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY ANNOUNCES NINE NEW DEATHS 
RELATED TO 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) 

421 New Cases of Confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County as of Thursday, March 26, 2020

REP. SCHIFF STATEMENT IN SUPPORT 
OF RELIEF PACKAGE FOR AMERICAN 
WORKERS, FAMILIES AND 
SMALL BUSINESSES

 

$2 Trillion Package 
Includes Expanded 
Unemployment Benefits 
for Freelance, Gig, 
and Contract Workers 
in Entertainment and 
Other Industries

 (Update: On Friday, the 
House of Representatives 
passed this bill 
and President Trump 
signed it into law.)

Washington, DC – Today, 
Rep. Adam Schiff 
(D-CA) released the 
following statement in 
support of the Coronavirus 
Aid, Relief, 
and Economic Security 
(CARES) Act. 

 

“Our nation is facing 
a health and economic 
crisis unlike any we have 
faced in our history. We 
have the fastest growing rate of coronavirus cases in the world, affecting every 
state in the country, and a rapidly accelerating increase in fatalities. And 
today, we see clearly the full economic havoc wreaked by this virus, with new 
unemployment claims over 3 mil-lion in a single week nationwide and more 
than 1 million in California alone.

 

“As daunting as this pandemic is, I have full confidence that we will get 
through it, but do-ing so requires us to act boldly today to mitigate the economic 
damage, protect working families, massively invest in our public health 
infrastructure and much more. This bill is not perfect, but thanks to the advocacy 
of House and Senate Democrats, it is a bill that prioritizes American 
workers and families and is of the scale this crisis demands. We must pass it as 
soon as possible so we can begin to get Americans the help they need, while 
staying clear-eyed that more will be needed.

 

“This bill accomplishes a number of the goals we initially laid out: it provides 
direct relief for individuals and families hurting economically, help for 
healthcare workers and hospi-tals on the front lines, relief for small businesses, 
and assistance to the states most affect-ed.

 

“This bill includes a dramatic expansion of unemployment insurance to cover 
more Amer-icans, provides benefits that match the depth of the economic 
crisis, and will ensure that workers who have lost their jobs will receive critical 
income for at least the next four months. I’m particularly pleased that the 
bill covers the millions of Americans who work as contractors, freelancers, 
in the gig economy, and a variety of other employment struc-tures. This concern 
acutely affects many of my constituents who, for example, work in the 
entertainment industry and have non-traditional employment. I was proud 
to play a lead-ership role with House and Senate negotiators on this issue and 
I’m grateful that this bill covers them, and many others.

 

“Additionally, millions of families and individuals hardest hit by this economic 
crisis will receive a direct cash payment to help them pay the bills and keep 
food on the table.

 

“This bill also puts relief and assistance to small businesses front and center. 
Millions of small businesses are struggling to stay afloat and pay their employees. 
The legislation provides $350 billion in no-interest loans, and forgives 
payroll and other costs if the busi-ness retains its employees and their 
salary levels. This will put us in a stronger position once the virus is controlled 
because small businesses are the engine of our economy.

 

“I’m also pleased at the level of support – over $150 billion – for healthcare 
workers on the front lines of this pandemic, hospitals, and the healthcare 
system to ensure that we can provide needed treatment to patients.

 

“This bill also includes an additional $7 billion for federal affordable housing 
and home-lessness programs to provide rental assistance so affected low-income 
families can re-main in their homes, and to prevent evictions, provide 
rapid-rehousing, and operate emergency shelters for people experiencing or 
at risk of homelessness. It is likely more action on this front will be necessary.

 

“Finally, it’s important to note that implementation of this legislation is going 
to require constant oversight, from ensuring that Americans are receiving 
the relief they need to making sure these funds are appropriately allocated to 
pay workers. Democrats demand-ed that the $500 billion set aside to help big 
businesses mitigate the economic effects of this crisis have important oversight 
and transparency protections, and that workers are put first. We were 
also able to secure language preventing the President and his family from 
receiving a bailout, and making sure that corporations don’t use it for stock 
buy-backs, executive compensation or other abuses of the past.

 

“Once this bill passes, I will prioritize efforts to make sure my constituents 
can access the relief it provides. As we begin to work on the next package, 
we will need to do even more to help renters and students, states and cities, 
and to make treatment for the virus free, along with additional support for 
individuals and families. These are uncertain times, but I am confident that 
America is up to the challenge. We will prevail over this disease and we will 
do it together as a community, state, and country.” 

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles 
County Department of Public Health 
(Public Health) has confirmed nine 
new deaths and 421 new cases of 2019 
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Additional 
information regarding some 
of the new cases is pending further investigation. 
Over the last 48 hours there 
have been 559 new cases.

 

To date, Public Health has identified 
1216 cases across all areas of LA County, 
including 21 deaths. Upon further 
investigation, one death and four cases 
reported earlier were not LA County 
residents. As of today, 253 positive 
cases (21% of positive cases) have been 
hospitalized.

 

Yesterday, Health Officer Orders were 
issued to ensure that individuals who 
test positive for COVID-19, and those 
who are told by a clinician they are presumed 
to be positive for COVID-19 are 
required to self-isolate for a period of 
7 days and 3 days of being symptom 
free. Additionally, those who have 
been in close contact with someone 
who is positive or presumed positive 
must quarantine themselves for 14 days 
from their last exposure to that person. 
It is critically important that everyone 
adheres to all the social distancing measures 
and practice good public health 
hygiene, including washing hands as 
frequently as possible.

 

“We are sad to report these nine additional 
deaths today - it is the highest 
daily number we've re-leased to date,” 
said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, 
Los Angeles County Public Health Director. 
“Un-fortunately, we have been 
expecting this. To the families and 
loved ones, we are deeply sorry for your 
loss. This dramatic increase in cases is 
due in part to increased testing capacity 
in LA County which is allowing us to 
identify more positive cases. In order 
to slow the spread and save lives, all of 
us must do our part by staying home, 
adhering to all social distancing measures 
and caring for each other."

 

Public Health has issued the following 
guidance during this time of increased 
spread:

• If you are mildly sick, stay 
home for at least seven days or until 
72 hours after being fever free, whichever 
is longer. Call your doctor if you 
are concerned and/or your symptoms 
wors-en. Individuals who are elderly, 
have underlying health conditions or 
pregnant should consid-er contacting 
their providers earlier when they are 
sick.

Public Health reminds LA County 
residents to do their part and adhere to 
the Order by always practic-ing social 
distancing.

 

Additional things you can do to protect 
yourself, your family and your community 
are on the Public Health website.

 

Please see the locations were cases have 
occurred: *These regions contain multiple 
communities.

 

Total Cases Laboratory Confirmed 
1216

-- Los Angeles County (excl. LB and Pas) 
1166**

-- Long Beach 41

-- Pasadena 9

Deaths 21

-- Los Angeles County (excl. LB and Pas) 
20***

-- Long Beach 1

-- Pasadena 0

Age Group (Los Angeles County Cases 
Only-excl LB and Pas) 

- 0 to 17 19

- 18 to 40 462

- 41 to 65 462

- over 65 223

Hospitalization 

- Hospitalized (Ever) 253

Altadena* 6

Arcadia 6

Azusa* 1

Burbank 6

Duarte* 2

Glendale 23

La Canada 

 Flintridge* 6

Monrovia* 2

San Gabriel 3

So. Pasadena* 4

Temple City* 6

For more information regarding the regions 
view: http://ph.lacounty.gov/media/
Coronavirus/ncovid19_regions_
communities.pdf

Always check with trusted sources for 
the latest accurate information about 
novel coronavirus:

Los Angeles County Department of 
Public Health: http://publichealth.
lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/

California Department of Public 
Health: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/
CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/
nCOV2019.aspx

Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/
coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

 

Spanish https://www.cdc.gov/
coronavirus/2019-ncov/index-sp.html

World Health Organization https://
www.who.int/health-topics/
coronavirus

LA County residents can also call 2-1-1

As of 2 p.m. on March 24, 2020, there 
were a total 2,535 positive cases in California. 
24 cases are from repatriation 
flights, and the other 2511 confirmed 
cases include:

• 707- community transmissions

• 1804 other (travel/ person to 
person/under investigation)

• 35 health care workers

• 36 Californians from the

 Grand Princess

• 53 - deaths (Includes one non-
California resident). Also includes the 
first CA youth death due to COVID-19.

Age Breakdown 

• 0-17 years of age: 37 (1%) 

• 18-45 years of age: 1278 (51%) 

• 50-64 years of age: 638 (25%) 

• 65 years and older: 562 (22%) 

• Unknown: 20 (1%)

Gender of all confirmed positive cases: 

• Female: 1,117 (44.1%)

• Male: 1,389 (54.8%)

• Unknown: 29 (1.2%)

Nationwide 

• As of March 25, 2020, there 
have been 737 deaths.

• 54,453 cases reported in 54 
jurisdictions (50 states, District of Columbia, 
Puerto Rico, Guam, and US 
Virgin Islands).

• 584 are travel related

• 986 transmitted by close 
contact

• 54,453 are under investigation

Testing in Los Angeles County 

Los Angeles County and City of Los 
Angeles have collaborated and secured 
20,000 COVID-19 testing kits. As of 
March 25, 5,700 people have been 
tested for COVID-19. Overall, 10% of 
people being tested are testing positive.

Actions Taken by the State and Federal 
Government

On March 25, Governor Gavin Newsom 
announced mortgage relief for 
Californians affected by COVID-19. 
Eligible homeowners would be able to 
defer mortgage payments for at least 
three months. The relief package included 
Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, Citi 
Bank and J.P. Morgan Chase, as well as 
200 state-chartered banks and credit 
unions.


SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MOSQUITO & VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT PAUSES 
OPERATIONS TO HELP SLOW COVID-19 SPREAD

Inclement weather and public health effort to curb COVID-19 suspend District programs and services this week

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY, Calif. (March 23, 2020) – The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) 
will suspend programs and services this week to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

This temporary closure will have minimal impact on the agency’s core mission to suppress mosquito populations due to 
the forecasted days of rain and colder temperatures. Employees will continue to work remotely while the District facility 
is closed to the public.

“We care deeply about the health and safety of the public and our staff,” said District Manager Jar-ed Dever. “And for this 
reason, our agency will close this week out of an abundance of caution.”

SGVMVCD’s automated online tip line will remain open for residents to report mosquito issues in the community. For the 
most up-to-date information, please visitwww.sgvmosquito.org.

“We appreciate the patience and support from the public during this uncertain time,” said Levy Sun, SGVMVCD public 
information officer. “In between the rain events, we encourage all residents who are Safer at Home to stop mosquitoes in 
their yards and patios.”

To prevent mosquitoes from emerging when the weather warms, all residents should eliminate stagnant water weekly 
around the home. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in a container as small as a bot-tle cap and complete their life cycle in about 
seven days.

SGVMVCD also urges residents to use CDC-recommended mosquito repellent when outdoors. Any repellent that contains 
active ingredient DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, Picaridin or IR3535 is effec-tive against mosquito bites.

About SGVMVCD

SGVMVCD is one of five vector control districts in Los Angeles County. Year-round, the agency monitors stagnant water 
sources, such as gutters, storm drains, channels and non-functional swimming pools. The agency also routinely monitors 
populations of adult mosquitoes using traps and tests groups of adult female mosquitoes for the presence ofWest Nile Virus 
(WNV) and other mosquito-borne diseases. In addition, submitting wild birds, such as crows, for testing can provide 
insight into the spread of WNV.

TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills

thechefknows@yahoo.com

Please support all of our great neighbors in Sierra Madre and Hastings Ranch,

Raffi’s

Growing up and living in Athens Greece I have a strong fondness for Middle Eastern Food, 

Doesn’t matter if it’s Lebanese, Greek, Armenian or Turkish. If you can pronounce Kebab, feta or Babagadosh I salute you !! As you know by now I 
love neighborhood restaurants, heck you might say I am your neighbor!! guy, today I visit at Raffi’s Grill in what is called the Hastings Ranch area of 
Pasadena. I’d say this out of the gate about Raffi’s is that little neighborhood restaurant that you wish was just down the street from you, fortunately if 
you reading this in Sierra Madre it is. 

I offer this description of the restaurant 

Unassuming, clean , friendly service but not fawning , You wont find belly dancers or anyone breaking a plate, just honest fresh and good food, as far as decorations you can see by the murals on the wall 
that this is bare bones, though if you ask for a description of the murals our server can describe each on to a T. Speaking of our server Salpi, she is 100% Lebanese and I fondly rember her from the now 
closed Burger Continetal

The Kitchen is masterfully run by Ms. Sona Fournouzian, she is always in the kitchen and if she not here well, the restaurant just isn’t opened, I was amazed how large the kitchen is considering the size 
of the dining room I am told they do a big catering business and well that makes sense.

Many happy diners here and I am one of them, what to order? The feast of course, go with a party of at least four people and you will feel like you are in someones home. Tahini, hummus, babaganoush 
as starters, make sure you get the Greek Salad and ask for extra Feta Cheese, as far as the entrees go there are kebabs, including Lule and chicken. The real deal is the lamb chops every at my table agreed 
that they were the “best” of the best. So many good things to order check it out today!!

Raffi’s Pasadena a True Neighborhood discovery, no beer and wine. 3887 E Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, closed on Mondays

Follow me on Facebook and Podbean I’ll be live this Sunday morning at 9 AM

Other favorites

Nano Café (626) 325-3334 Discounts through localcouponhub.com Casa Del Rey (626) 355-6060

Domenico’s (626) 486-9942 Chiquita Bonita on Colorado (626) 665-0376

Lucky Baldwin’s (lisa’s Hangout) (626) 355-1140 Call ahead !!


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com