lecular Medicine News Service Government in the Time of COVID-19, By John Leopold, Supervisor, First

FEATURED COLUMNIST Government in the Time of COVID-19

When one door closes, another one may open. Since March when Dr. Gail Newel, County Public Health Officer, issued one of the first Shelter-In-Place orders in the state, local government has gone through some changes in the ways in which we connect with constituents, hold public meetings, and carry on the business of municipal government. Some of the changes have been long sought and others require us all to adjust to our new circumstances.

None of us were completely prepared to shut down regular business and social activity when the shelter-in-place order was issued.

The order required immediate action to limit gatherings of people and to stay close to home for all but essential activities. This early action produced great results to slow the spread of the virus and likely saved many lives. The first order of business was creating the infrastructure to handle a surge in illness that could dwarf the local medical system, like we saw later in New York City.

County staff worked diligently with all our partners in health care to create the additional space and identify the supplies needed to handle the possible surge. Faced with a shortage of supplies, local residents offered their services, sewing hundreds of face coverings, donating food and other needed supplies, and replacing volunteers for programs that relied on seniors who were now at greater risk.

The Sheriff reorganized his deputies to have more out in the community, prepared the morgue for deaths on a scale that we have never seen before, and worked to limit the spread of the virus in our jail.

At the County government building, life also changed quickly. The County Administrative Officer was already working on a plan to increase telework options for County employees. The issuance of the shelter-in-place order accelerated that effort, and hundreds of County employees began working at home as we shut down most services to the public.

Local government meetings also changed throughout the county. Most city councils have gone to all virtual meetings, made possible by a change in state law. At the County Board of Supervisors, we have maintained a public meeting but allow participation from Supervisors who choose to participate over the web.

Our chambers have also changed. We require everyone to wear a face covering and we have only about 13 socially-distant seats, but we have added a second seating area in the community room in the basement of the building that allows for another 20 people to attend the meeting and have their comments broadcast to the chambers.

For the first time, we are taking public comments online as part of a commitment to provide new ways for the community to give their testimony.

Most of the meetings of other boards and commissions on which Supervisors also serve are being done virtually as well. While there are several different formats and a couple of hiccups along the way, it represents a commitment to reach the public as we move our way through this pandemic.

Communication with constituents also changed rapidly. Gone are the meetings in public, but it their place are increases in email communications and new formats to talk about the critical issues. I have held nearly weekly constituent meetings for the last 12 years, but quickly moved online with Facebook Live meetings at first, then telephone Town Halls, and currently Zoom Town Halls.

These meetings have featured our health leaders, school leaders, and public safety professionals to answer questions

By John Leopold, Supervisor, First District

directly from the community. I have been sending almost weekly email updates to constituents to combine all the new information and point people toward resources.

As we have seen, this pandemic is not close to being over.

We are all going to need to adjust the ways in which we connect with our friends, family, and local officials. It will be imperative for County government to remain committed to inclusion and provide ample opportunities for people to participate.

If we all can change what we do by wearing face coverings, staying at least six feet away from those who don’t live in our houses, washing our hands thoroughly, and not going out when we are sick, we can beat this virus and return to the traditional ways we have interacted.

Until then, join us in new ways as we continue the work of local government. n

To view John Leopold’s July 22 Town Hall with Dr. Gail Newel on COVID-19, see https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G6su3ugceU

Dr. Seuss

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Your August Horoscope

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

Your focus is more one-on-one early in August, and you seek to strengthen your family unit or bond with a close friend or lover. You know which relationships are most important, and you’re ready to keep them thriving. You have an opportunity to look at your own recent actions mid-month, to figure out how they’re tied to your success or failure. Is it time to step up and take more responsibility, or are you doing okay in this area? It’s time to get back to business as the month comes to a close. You may have had a lot of fun the last few weeks, but you can’t (and don’t want to) avoid your responsibilities forever.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

You’re likely feeling rebellious and maybe a little bit strange as the month begins. You might find yourself on a team with other power players, but you’ll still want to express your individuality. Working together is key, but finding the right dynamics won’t be easy. Mid-month is a perfect time to get started on a creative project. Expressing your artistic skills now brings a high chance to be noticed positively. People will be impressed by your willingness to put yourself out there! It is time to buckle down and get organized as August comes to a close. Whether at the home, the office, or just offering to help others, the feeling of accomplishment is what you seek.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

If you’ve been waiting to make a splash, then the beginning of the month is your time to shine! Express yourself loudly and proudly now, and don’t worry what other people may think. Your stubborn nature takes hold as power struggles come to a head mid-August. It probably won’t end without someone giving in, and it’s probably not going to be you. The month ends on an intense note, especially if you’re dealing with an unexpected crisis. You feel flustered when you don’t have time to think, which could lead to poor decisions. Don’t feel pressured into making any quick choices about love or money.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You’re feeling compassionate and understanding as August begins, a shift from the excitement you had at the end of last month. But if you pay attention to this nurturing energy, you won’t miss those moments quite as much. You normally don’t like to spend a lot of free time on non-adventures, but mid-month you can’t help doing the chores that need to be done when you them staring back at you. Tending to the mundane helps you feel productive. There have been some rough times around love and money of late, and as the month comes to a close you have a hard time reflecting on them positively. You deserve to be happy, but you still need commitment and discipline to achieve success.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

Your conversations are bold and dynamic early in the month. You love to embellish, and some “extra” details to see people’s reactions can be entertaining. You’re feeling a bit sarcastic mid-month. Passiveaggressive behavior feels appropriate right now, and you’ve been known to get in some strong barbs here and there. Still, only you can control how you react to other people’s actions. You are more at ease near the end of August as you revisit some of your unfinished goals. You’re encouraged to forge ahead with the ambition you’re known for. Very few things can stop you now.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

Your eccentric side is poking through early in the month, making it a perfect time to think outside the box to tie up any loose ends you may have. Your pioneering spirit helps you come up with ideas that other people would never be able to even dream of. Your need to forge your own path is tempered a bit mid-August as you explore some less-unusual alternatives. Nothing has to be decided for sure now, but following a traditional path something to think about. Communication late in the month will likely be precise, accurate, and detailed. If you say you’re going to text someone, you do it, and you expect the same in return.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

You’re a little less shy early in August, more likely to speak your mind. While you’re normally happy working backstage, you don’t mind being in the spotlight right now. You are looking for love and attention anywhere you can get it mid-month. Pay close attention to the comments on your social media posts. It’s possible someone will say something you weren’t expecting that makes you feel really good about yourself. It might be difficult to remain calm during events at the end of the month. Whether you caused it or had no part in it, the effects are still the same. You’ll have to find a way to deal with it instead of sticking your head in the sand.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

You are drawn to the unknown early in the month. Others may be surprised at your focus on the strange, but when have you cared about what anyone else thinks? Later in the month you’re feeling the luck and courage that you’ll need to fight some unexpected battles. Everyone might think things come easily to you, but underneath it all you’re a warrior going hard for what you want. Late in August you’re not feeling quite as intense, gaining a valuable earthiness that you can apply to your everyday life. There is a lot to be said for calming down and getting into a set routine.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

It’s hard to apply logic to many of situations you find yourself in as the month begins. Try not to make any sudden moves; accidents can happen when you don’t plan ahead. As you move through to mid-August, your attention shifts to home life and how you can make things more comfortable. You might experience more mood swings now than usual, but it’s only because you’re so concerned about everyone else’s feelings. Late in the month you feel the beginning of a long journey of self-discovery and reflection upon you. Life isn’t always predictable, but your reaction to it can be.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You want to make a difference as August begins, and you’re best when teamed up with others to fight for a good cause, but if that’s not possible you can do plenty on your own. Try to wrap up loose ends before starting something new. Sudden changes mid-month may leave you feeling surprised and unsettled, but you should have a few months to work through any major problems. Use the time to figure out the best path forward. Communicating with friends and co-workers becomes practical late in the month, but be sure you’re not coming across as short or uncaring. You take communication issues seriously, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any room for humor.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

You might have outstanding issues in both family and finances early in the month, but there isn’t an urgency to deal with them. You believe that good things will come if you’re patient, so relax and make plans. You are more likely to grow when you’re open to new ideas and opinions, but when things change suddenly mid-month, they can take you off guard. It may take some time to find the best way to react to challenging situations. You finally feel ready to reign in the lack of control you’ve been feeling at the end of August. Make a list of what you need to get done and start tackling the most important chores first.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

You’re sense of drama is in full swing at the beginning of the month. You don’t exactly lie, but you love to emphasize parts of every story now. You give some pretty impressive compliments as well, even if they are exaggerated. Mid-August is a time of reflection, the beginning of a long look at what has held you back this year and how to keep that from happening in the future. It could take months to figure things out, but if you’re patient you have time. There’s a moment of optimism coming your way late in the month. If you’ve put in the work, you should see some rewards and recognition coming you way. ••• www.tpgonlinedaily.com

FEATURED COLUMNIST No Website = No Business

As it looks like we’ll all be living with Covid-19 for the near-term future, your business can’t wait for the virus to magically disappear.

Realize that in the last 90 days all people have improved their online skills dramatically, from learning to stream entertainment to holding Zoom “happy hours” with friends, all while also increasing their online ordering and buying.

Now more than ever, if you don’t have a website, you don’t have a business. If your website isn’t updated with the most current services you offer or the products you’re selling, you’re losing business. If your website doesn’t have the ability for people to schedule appointments or place online orders, whether for delivery or curbside pickup, then you’re losing even more business. You can’t afford to wait any longer.

Times have changed, and hopefully you spent the last three months problemsolving and quickly implementing solutions. You’ve likely heard of many businesses that had to instantly pivot into something they weren’t. Even the simplest cupcake shop that catered kids parties (which got cancelled) quickly implemented a website and app for online ordering, store pickup — and even home delivery!

People and families who live together and continue to shelter-in-place still have needs. They’re not self-sufficient. Sure, people are learning to grow their own food, but the literal fruits of their labor likely won’t be for another 30 days – if they planted early! There are a few people leaning how to home-brew their kombucha or craft beer, but that’s not the majority of us. People still have basic clothing, beverage and food needs for themselves, and their pets as well!

Please don’t think that people will just phone your business and ask questions. In today’s busy world, people don’t want to waste their time going through phone prompts, or

By Ron Kustek

be put on hold listening to scratchy music while a new and likely unknowledgeable employee walks your store to find out a price, or mumbles while looking it up in a system they’re not familiar with.

And, you’re spending money on that employee who has to answer the phone to deal with a ‘potential’ customer on the phone, when they may have actual customers frustratingly waiting in line for that call to be over, so they can be on their way and spend less time mask-to-mask with an employee they don’t know, in an environment they aren’t 100% sure is safe!

I am all for the personal shopping experience. Humans still need other humans, whether that is to talk to or buy from. But until we get back to not being masked and comfortable anywhere in public, making your website mobilefriendly and e-commerce based will help you satisfy more people right now — who will likely continue to be your returning customer when we are no longer experiencing this pandemic.

And think of the added advantage you will have, each of your customers placing online orders which require their email address and purchase history, telling you how to contact them in the future — just another added bonus to finally getting the website for your business that will help you stay in business and grow your business! n •••

Ron Kustek is a business instructor at Cabrillo College. Email: rokustek@cabrillo.edu