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A Call for Community in the time of Coronavirus

by Rana Sharif, VP Outreach and Communication

April 1, 2020

Dear NWNC Community, Neighbors, and Stakeholders:

We hope this letter finds you all in the best of health and well-being during such a precarious time. On behalf of the Northridge West NC, we wish you all strength and resilience as we navigate this difficult time. We realize there is a lot of information, and we appreciate you reading through it, but we wanted to bring together the most current information on the Coronavirus and local efforts in keeping our community safe. We want to also acknowledge the overwhelming acts of kindness and support the Northridge West community has shown during this time. Together we are, indeed, stronger.

The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about a palpable fear and sentiments of uncertainty among our community. According to the most recent information from the Los Angeles County of Public Health, Coronavirus has infected approximately 764 individuals in the County of Los Angeles and claimed the lives of 13 fellow Angelenos. These are difficult times. On March 19th, Los Angeles City Mayor, Eric Garcetti issued a “Safer at Home” emergency order calling on all residents in the City of Los Angeles to remain in their places of residence at least until April 19th. With the exception of “essential businesses and essential activities,” all Angelenos are ordered to remain at home to “flatten the curve,” slowing down the transmission rate of the virus.

Los Angeles Unified School District closed all its campuses and children have transitioned on virtual learning. In partnership with the Red Cross, the district has opened 64 ‘Grab & Go’ Food Centers, providing nutritious meals to all students who need them for the duration of school closures. Our own, California State University, Northridge has transitioned to virtual/online classes for the remainder of the spring semester and has postponed commencement until late fall.

Compounding the pandemic are the economic and social strains being placed on our communities throughout the City. Large events, concerts, business conventions, etc. have come to a halt. Many small business have had to close during this time, impacting those who rely on them for income. The Northridge Fashion Center, nearby retail stores such as Ross, T.J. Maxx, and HomeGoods have all closed. The Mayor has also issued the temporary closure of all bars and nightclubs that do not serve food, movie theaters and entertainment venues, bowling alleys and arcades, and gyms and fitness centers. Folks in service industries as well as gig economy and contingency work have felt the economic impacts of such closures. Many are struggling to make mortgage and rent payments. To address the economic impacts of the Coronavirus, Angelenos can access information and resources on healthcare, employment, and emergency by visiting the Los Angeles Jobs Portal. To assist small businesses, the Mayor’s office announced the Los Angeles City Small Business Emergency Microloan Program to support local, community businesses. Additionally, the Mayor has issued a moratorium on commercial evictions for those struggling to pay rent. In addition, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power will not disconnect service during the COVID-19 emergency response.

In response to those unhoused and homeless, the Mayor has ordered additional support for those struggling with housing insecurities. In partnership with the City Council, the Mayor will use $20 million in budget reserve funds towards emergency relief efforts. In addition, Los Angeles will add thousands of emergency shelter beds “as part of comprehensive efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.” Northridge Recreation Center has opened as a shelter to support the homeless community. As of March 31st, the shelter is at capacity.

While we are each doing our part in exercising physical distance, adhering to the recommendations of city and medical officials, NWNC is committed to building our community. As we enter the second week of quarantining, we will continue to monitor developments of the Coronavirus and share important information. We have been posting the most current news from various agencies, elected officials, and supportive resources on our Facebook page and invite you to follow us.

We would like to know how to best support you, our community, stakeholders, and neighbors, during this time. We ask that you take a moment and complete this form to help us asses how we may offer you and your loved ones support as we navigate these difficult times. Again, together we are stronger.

Please feel free to reach out to us at if you have any questions or would like to get involved. Wishing you all good health, strength, and wellness.

Sincerely,

Rana Sharif, NWNC

Quick Resource Guide
Grocery Stores with modified hours for the elderly, immunocompromised, disabled, and pregnant. Please call store to confirm hours. Target: (818) 924-9001

8999 Balboa Blvd, Northridge, CA 91325

Vons:(818) 349-2494

9119 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA 91324

Ralphs: (818) 832-5955

19781 Rinaldi St, Northridge, CA 91326

Smart & Finals: (818) 368-6409

18555 Devonshire St, Northridge, CA 91324

Costco: 818) 775-1860

8810 Tampa Ave, Northridge, CA 91324

Super King: (818) 350-5970

19500 Plummer St, Northridge, CA 91324

Vallarta: (818) 576-1280

8453 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA 91324

LAUSD Grab & Go Schools (7 am – 11 am, daily) Chatsworth High School: 10027 Lurline Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311
John A. Sutter Middle School: 7330 Winnetka Ave, Winnetka, CA 91306
Mulholland Middle School: 17120 Vanowen St, Lake Balboa, CA 91406
Student Health and Human Services (213) 443-1300
COVID-19 Online Testing Portal https://lacovidprod.service-now.com/rrs
Affordable & Reliable Internet https://www.everyoneon.org/
City of Los Angeles Employment Portal https://lajobsportal.org/ – find-jobs
COVID-19 City of Los Angeles Mass Resources List This is a crowd-sourced resource guide.

 

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