To our Aliso Viejo community,
Though the recent COVID-19 pandemic has left many of us feeling uncertain, I remain confident and optimistic about the future. Since the onset of the pandemic, our city staff has remained in near constant communication with various county, state and federal agencies to provide residents with the most up-to-date information available. I am especially proud of how Aliso Viejo residents and businesses have heeded these health warnings and are practicing measures to help prevent the spread of the virus in our community.
While I have not personally been able to get around the city as much as I would have liked over the past few weeks (due to some respiratory issues that I am dealing with) my council colleagues and city staff have expressed how impressed they are with how our residents are responding: self-distancing while out exercising, supporting local restaurants by ordering take-out food, being courteous and kind while shopping for groceries, driving slower when they see kids out playing, offering help to support first responders and health care workers, and finding ways to help out their fellow neighbors. I know these are tough times, but if we continue this kind of behavior, we will all get through this and will be better for it.
As mayor, I, along with the rest of the city council, have been in daily contact with our city manager and staff regarding our response to COVID-19. To date, this response includes proclaiming a local emergency on March 16 to make additional resources available to the city, activating the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on March 17 which remains activated and will continue to be operational for the duration of the crisis, keeping our website updated with COVID-specific information
at
avcity.org/covid-19
, as well as our social media pages (
Facebook
,
Instagram
,
Twitter
and
Nextdoor
) up-to-date to provide information as it becomes available.
Under the stay at home order issued by Governor Newsom, the city has also had to adjust its day-to-day operations. City Hall’s doors may be closed to the public, but the city remains open and ready for business with most of our city employees working remotely. For example, permit applications can now be submitted by email and payments are now accepted online; inspections are being done virtually when possible or with proper safety measures when conducted in-person; staff is ensuring services such as street sweeping and trash collection are still occurring on schedule and our law enforcement officers are still responding to calls and keeping our community safe.
At the same time, we realize the community’s needs are changing and staff is working to fill those needs. Recently, our team came together to create a
Virtual Recreation Center
to provide residents with programs and activities that they can enjoy from the comfort of their homes. This not only provides an opportunity for residents to stay active and involved, it offers a chance for everyone in the family to participate together. I know that going outside and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air is a necessity for our health and well-being, which is why the City and AVCA have kept local parks open. However, if you are headed outside, please continue to follow the social distancing guideline of a 6-foot separation between you and others and do not congregate in groups or use playground, exercise equipment, fields, drinking fountains, restrooms or parking lots, as these are closed.
I’m sure you are aware the COVID-19 situation is extremely fluid with new information, recommendations and regulations coming out daily. As a city, we are actively responding to the situation as required and necessary. During these challenging times, it is important for us to remember that we are all one community and we need to do everything we can to support and protect each other. No matter what challenges the days and weeks ahead may present, I know our community will meet every situation head-on so that we will continue to persevere and ultimately thrive. I encourage you to remain optimistic and be kind to your neighbors, as we are truly all in this together. The strength and support we show each other is important in getting us through this uncertain time.
The city council and I, as your mayor, will continue to do everything in our power to ensure you and your family remain safe and healthy. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at
949-425-2500
, email us at
ContactUs@avcity.org
, or visit
avcity.org
for more information. For COVID-19 resources, I encourage you to contact the Orange County COVID-19 Hotline at any time at
833-426-6411
or visit
ochealthinfo.com
.
Thank you for your understanding and support, and I look forward to personally connecting with you soon.
Mayor Mike Munzing
