PHASED REOPENING OF OUR COMMUNITY
The state of California announced that there
would be a phased reopening beginning in June,
following the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Since the
announcement, the City has heard from residents
with passionate opposing points of view and we
understand your concerns. The City of Carson is
committed to following Los Angeles County and
State guidelines.
As we move forward in our phased reopening we
would like to maintain the progress we made in
slowing down the virus with a re-imagined future
where social distancing, hand-washing and safety
directives remain imperative.
This means learning to use new processes in familiar
places, adjusting and adapting to these processes
and understanding that they have been implemented
for everyone's protection.
Some new processes include:
1) An appointment
system instead of walk-in services at City facilities,
2) One-way walking paths,
3) Health checks prior to entry at City facilities,
4) Face mask complianceEstablishments serving the public have a right to
require masks and refuse service to those who
don't comply.
I ask that we show patience and grace towards
one another. We are all adjusting to new social
norms and re-wiring old habits to adapt to our new
environment; things that we used to do without a
second thought now take planning and intention.
TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLIC ACCESS
In March 2020 the City held its first virtual City
Council meeting, meaning all participants were not
in physical attendance. The City Council meetings
are still being held virtually via Zoom and shall
continue as long as allowed by the state.
Council meetings are held on the first and third
Tuesday of the month and are broadcast on
Channel 35 (Spectrum), Channel 99 (AT&T)
and on the City's website. The public is able to
participate via email, phone and submitting written
comments in person before the 3:00 p.m. deadline.
Instructions on how to participate, agendas and
minutes are all accessible on our website at
ci.carson.ca.us
CITY BUDGET OUTLOOK
It is difficult to anticipate how long, far reaching
and profound the financial impact of COVID-19 will
be on municipalities. However, I am confident that
Carson's conservative approach to budgeting will
see us through this crisis and allows for cautious
optimism.
The City has applied for reimbursements that would
substantially assist with the unforeseen costs
expended due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Be reassured to know that the City Council passed
a balanced budget unanimously on June 15, 2021.
Budgeting decisions will be adjusted throughout
the year as needed as more data is collected
and processed.
The City continues to move forward and make
progressive strides and I want to thank our incredible
community for your civility and compassion. I am
proud of our community's resiliency and willingness
to come together during a time when uncertainty
could have torn us apart. There is so much that we
cannot control, but we can control the amount of
grace we extend to one another as we navigate this
unprecedented time.