Month: May 2020

LPNF Fire Restrictions go into effect tomorrow, 5/12

Los Padres National Forest officials raise fire restrictions

GOLETA, Calif. – Los Padres National Forest officials announced that fire restrictions will be raised throughout the Forest effective tomorrow, May 12.These restrictions will affect the use of campfires, stoves, smoking materials and internal combustion engines, and will remain in effect until the end of fire season in late autumn. 

These restrictions are in response to the increasing potential for a wildland fire start in areas where significant late season rainfall produced a large grass crop and an abundance of fine fuels. 

Effective May 12, the following restrictions will be in effect:

·         No open fires, campfires or charcoal fires will be permitted outside of developed recreation sites or designated Campfire Use Sites (list attached), even with a valid California Campfire Permit. Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel will be permitted, but only with a valid California Campfire Permit, which is available free-of-charge on the Forest website and at any U.S. Forest Service office. Forest visitors must clear all flammable material for five feet in all directions from their camp stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times during use.

·         Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or a designated Campfire Use Site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 

·         Internal combustion engines may be operated only on roads or designated trails. This restriction is in effect year-round. Please make sure your engine is tuned, operating properly, and has an approved spark arrester. 

·         Fireworks – even the “safe and sane” variety – are not permitted at any time or in any location within the Forest.

For a list of Developed Recreation Sites and Campfire Use Sites in Los Padres National Forest, or further information regarding Fire-Safe Camping, visitwww.fs.usda.gov/lpnf or contact the U.S. Forest Service district office nearest you.

Monterey County Health Dept Supplemental Order, 5/8

Monterey County Health Department Stage 2 Opening Order
The Monterey County Department of Health released a Supplemental Order today, May 8, 2020. The new order continues sheltering in place, but now relaxes restrictions on certain lower risk businesses in Stage 2 of opening California.
Download a copy of this order HERE.  (PDF, 2 Pages, 447 KB)
You may also visit the California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response web site to read more detailed information from the state.

Mo Co extends SIP until 5/31 with some modifications

Post Date:05/01/2020
 Monterey County Health Officer, Dr. Edward Moreno has issued an updated Shelter-in-Place Order.  This Order is effective Monday, May 4, 2020 and will continue through May 31, 2020.

Modifications in this order were determined in part by using a risk-based analysis. Modifications in this order include:

  • Easing of restrictions on construction, golf courses and golf driving ranges, which are subject to Health Officer requirements for operation.
  • The Order also provides clarification on residential transactions including rentals, leases, home sales and vehicle sales. Plant nurseries, landscaping and gardening is permitted, as well as drive-in church services. Fabric and craft stores that sell fabric and materials for the purpose of supplying material necessary to create face coverings, gowns and personal protective equipment are permitted to operate.
  • All activities permitted in the Health Officer Order must comply with physical distancing requirements, specific activity limitations, and all Health Officer Orders related to COVID-19.

Staying at home has been challenging for county residents. This order represents a phased approach for Monterey County businesses and residents to begin to engage in additional activities that pose a lower risk of spread of COVID-19.  According to Dr. Edward Moreno, “A phased approach to removing restrictions will allow our county to continue to slow the spread of virus and keep pressure off our health care system.

Easing some restrictions, when combined with recent increases in testing capacity for COVID-19 and the use of face coverings, can continue to slow the spread of the virus while allowing some residents to return to work.”

Residents are still required to stay at home, but can leave their homes to participate in essential activities, as explained in the Order. 

To promote physical and mental health, residents are still encouraged to get outside and exercise as long as they practice social distancing and adhere to outdoor activity limitations included in the Order.

“Monterey County residents have shown that we can slow the spread of the virus and protect our older friends and family members and people with chronic medical conditions,” said Dr. Moreno. “Thank you for your efforts to protect the health and safety of our county.”

A copy of the order and more information is available at www.mtyhd.org/shelterinplace