Ventura County ACS/ARES Communications

What will California look like after June 15th?

California has reopened its economy with businesses resuming normal operations (with limited exceptions for mega-events). The new Health Order, effective June 15, replaced previous health orders issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Click Beyond the Blueprint to learn more.

Key Points to Beyond the Blueprint

• The Tiers, guidance documents, and prevention plans are no longer in effect. Most businesses can resume normal operations (how they conduct business with their customers.)
• There are no limitations on capacity or physical distancing of attendees, customers, or guests.
• Businesses with employees must continue to follow the Cal/OSHA Covid-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). This includes mask-wearing and other preventive measures. Click to read the ETS.
• Mega Events are characterized by large crowds greater than 5,000 (indoors) and 10,000 (outdoors) attendees. These events must still follow limited guidance and prevention guidance.

We are saddened to report that ACS member and CVARC President Brett Price-KM6VFW passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 9, 2021.  Brett just celebrated his 71st birthday on May 2nd.

He is survived by two sons, Andrew and Kevin and a fiancee, Shirlee Huffman. There will be a small family service in the future in the Lake Tahoe area where Brett had requested his ashes be scattered, near those of his father.

Brett spent four decades working as an attorney. He has represented governmental entities, public and private companies, and individuals in the areas of property tax law and civil litigation, commercial and business law, oil and gas law, energy resource law, construction law, real estate and bankruptcy matters.

Brett was in his second term as CVARC President.  His commitment to ACS and efforts in advancing amateur radio will be greatly missed.

A 45-year-old hiker who was reported missing after he texted a friend that he was lost in Angeles National Forest has been found. VC ARES member and satellite mapping enthusiast Ben Kuo-AI6YR, working from a cell phone photograph, helped authorities pinpoint the hiker’s location. View this interesting Twitter thread in which Ben explains how he was able to geolocate the hiker using only the general area and the grainy photograph on the left. Ben’s efforts resulted in nationwide attention from the New York Times to Good Morning America.

On June 15, California will fully open its economy if two criteria are met:

1.     If vaccine supply is sufficient for Californians 16 years and older who wish to be inoculated; and
2.     If hospitalization rates are stable and low

Ventura County moved to the State’s Orange Tier effective Wednesday, April 7 at 12:01 am. The California Department of Public Health announced that the County has met the State’s metrics to move forward.

“This progress, thanks to the hard work of our community members, means that our restaurants, retailers, gyms and other businesses can open to more customers which will help keep doors open, grow jobs in industries that were hit hard during the height of the pandemic and get us moving forward on the recovery path,” said County Executive Officer Michael Powers. “This is the time to keep it local in supporting our businesses.”

Ventura County moved to the State’s Red Tier beginning 12:01 am Wednesday, March 17, 2021. “This is great news for our community and an opportunity to work together to support our local businesses as we move forward in reopening our economy,” said County Executive Officer, Michael Powers. In alignment with the state’s reopening framework, masking, distancing, and infection control practices remain in place.