Is the City administering Coronavirus tests? 

No, the City is not administering coronavirus tests. However, there is a County testing facility within the City of Santa Paula in the City parking lot located at the corner of E. Main Street and N. Ojai Street. The drive-up testing site serves community members Friday through Tuesday from 10 AM to 7 PM, and no appointment is necessary for testing. For more information on accessing and scheduling testing, please visit the County of Ventura's coronavirus website here.

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Does the City have information on specific coronavirus cases in city limits?

No. Due to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance, the city does not have access to resident information about coronavirus. For up-to-date information about COVID-19 cases in the area, please visit https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/. 

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Are there COVID-19 Cases in Santa Paula?

Yes. To date, there have been 1,510 cases of COVID-19 in Santa Paula. Please practice social distancing and wear face coverings to help slow the spread of coronavirus in our community.

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How is the current situation impacting local schools?

Santa Paula Unified School District (SPUSD) opened the school year on Wednesday, August 12 providing instruction to all students via a distance learning model (online instruction). For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the SPUSD website.

PLEASE NOTE: The Child Nutrition Services Team will be distributing multiple days worth of meals on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am to 1pm. Please visit the Santa Paula Unified School District Website for more information.

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Does the City determine whether schools remain open?

No. The City coordinates closely with schools, but the ability to reopen is based on State and County health guidelines. When schools are permitted to reopen, that decision will ultimately come from the district.

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Does the city have a health department?

No, the City (like most other municipalities) has no healthcare agency. For local health information, please visit http://www.vchca.org/.  

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What is the policy on face coverings?

On November 16, the California Department of Public Health now requires all people in California to wear a face covering when they are outside of their home unless they are:

• In a car alone or solely with members of their own household
• Working in an office or in a room alone
• Actively eating or drinking provided that they are able to maintain a distance of at least six (6) feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or residence
• Outdoors and maintaining at least six (6) feet of social distancing from others not in their household; however, these individuals must carry a face covering and wear it when they are within six (6) feet of others who are not in their household
• Obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service
• Workers who are required to wear respiratory protection
• Specifically exempted from wearing face coverings by other CDPH guidance

View the full state guidance here.

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What resources are available to help older adults?

The State of California has launched a “Stay Home. Save Lives. Check In.” campaign urging Californians to help combat social isolation and food insecurity among Californians who are over the age of 65 – a community that is uniquely vulnerable to COVID-19. You can learn more about their program in a press release announcing the program.

Santa Paula residents who are 60 years of age or older may also access meals through a City senior meal program. Seniors will be asked to fill out a one-page form in order to participate in the meal program. There is an optional $3.00 contribution for each meal, and seniors will not be turned away if they are unable to contribute. Participants can qualify for a home-delivered meal option or can take advantage of a pick-up meal option, with pick-up available at the Senior Center at 530 W. Main. Those interested can call Liz Castañeda at 805-933-4226 extension 356 for more information.

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What is the status of City facilities and services?

The City of Santa Paula is still here to serve you, but we’re reducing in-person interactions. On Monday, January 18, Santa Paula City offices closed to the public (with modified service) to protect the public health and safety of Santa Paula residents and employees. The Utility Billing counter in City Hall is open Monday – Thursday from 9:00am – noon and our Parks and Recreation Department is closed to the public. The same hours will apply to the alternate Fridays the City is open.  

View a listing of the most up-to-date information about the status of city services and facilities at https://spcity.org/453/City-Hall-Closures.

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How do I pay my bills?

We encourage residents to take advantage of several options to pay bills online. (Find out more on our Payments and Permits Center webpage.) As of January 18, 2020 the Utility Billing counter in City Hall will be open Monday – Thursday from 9:00am – noon. The same hours will apply to the alternate Fridays the City is open. 

Please note that the City is not issuing water shut-offs during this time, due to the implementation of California Senate Bill 998.

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What if I can’t pay my water bill?

Please know during the current coronavirus emergency the City of Santa Paula has suspended water service disconnections for non-payment. However, we encourage residents to reach out to the Finance Department to set up a payment plan for when payment enforcement resumes.

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Is the City conducting parking enforcement?

The city is currently conducting parking enforcement throughout the city with some modifications.  We know it can be hard to move your cars with the COVID-19 crisis. Street sweepers will work around parked vehicles, but please move your car if you can to help keep our city clean.  Residents unable to move their cars who have received parking tickets may appeal the citation by contacting (805) 525-4474, completing an appeal form at the police department or going to https://www.parkingticketpayment.com/appeals6/index.php?imsvil=5U.

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Is public transportation being impacted?

To find the latest information about public transportation across the County of Ventura, including bus services, please visit www.ventura.org/visitors/transportation/.

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When will programs and events restart?

The City is closely monitoring and assessing the situation, but has no scheduled date for full resumption of activities. The City received state clearance to open parks for outdoor youth sports practices only. Organizations wishing to reserve a field should call our Parks & Recreations Office at (805) 933-4226 ext. 350. Kids with permitted organizations may practice individuals skills and conditioning. Games, tournaments and scrimmages are prohibited to protect our community from the spread of COVID-19.

Please do your part to distance yourself and stay healthy! You can visit the California Department of Public Health website for the most up-to-date information. 

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How can I view or comment on a City Council meeting?

Santa Paula City Council meetings will be conducted via teleconference, beginning April 1, 2020, to ensure essential City operations continue while also practicing safe social distancing. Residents can submit public comments on any agenda item through email, phone call or Virtual Public Comment Card. Visit the following link to learn more about how you can view the City Council meetings and share your comments: https://ca-santapaula.civicplus.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=22.

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What is still open?

The following essential services and businesses will remain open:

• City/County government services: Police stations, fire stations, hospitals/clinics and healthcare operations, jails, courts, garbage/sanitation, transportation, utilities (water, power, and gas) and City offices

• Gas stations

• Pharmacies

• Food: Grocery stores, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants

• Hardware stores/plumbers

• Banks

• Community benefit organizations on a case-by-case basis

• Laundromats/laundry services

• Outdoor Recreational Facilities without any food, drink or alcohol sales. Additionally, overnight stays at campgrounds will not be permitted.

• Indoor Retail operations at 20 percent capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.

• Shopping Centers at 20 percent capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.

• Hotels and Lodging for critical infrastructure support only.

• Restaurants for take-out or pick-up only.

• Offices for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible.

• Places of Worship for outdoor services only.

• Entertainment Production including Professional Sports without live audiences. Additionally, testing protocol and “bubbles” are highly encouraged.

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What is closed?

• Nightclubs

• Concert Venues

• Theme parks

• Indoor and Outdoor Playgrounds

• Indoor Recreational Facilities

• Hair Salons and Barbershops

• Personal Care Services

• Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums

• Movie Theaters

• Wineries

• Bars, Breweries and Distilleries

• Family Entertainment Centers

• Cardrooms and Satellite Wagering

• Limited Services

• Live Audience Sports

• Amusement Parks

For additional details, visit https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/.

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What can I do?

• Go to the grocery or retail stores for needed supplies

• Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities

• Visit a personal care business, such as a gym, barber shop or nail salon

• Go to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first)

• Go to a restaurant for outdoor dine-in, take-out, delivery or drive-thru

• Care or support a friend or family member 

• Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian if necessary

• Help someone to get necessary supplies

For additional details, visit https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/.

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What can’t I do?

• You cannot engage in group activities in person with those outside your residence.

• Try to limit unnecessary trips on public transportation, in your car or on your motorbike.

• You cannot invite friends over to your place of residence.

For additional details, visit www.vcemergency.com/staywellvc.

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Who can I call or contact for assistance?

For information about general resources available to Santa Paula residents, you can call 2-1-1 or visit https://211ventura.org/.

For emergency police response, please call 9-1-1. For non-emergency response, please contact the Santa Paula Police Department at 805-525-4474.

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What do I do if I think I have the virus?

If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider. Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips of face, contact your healthcare provider or emergency room and seek care immediately. Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested.

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What can I do if I need (or someone in my household needs) internet access to be able to work remotely or to participate in distance learning?

There are numerous internet providers offering free or discounted services to households in need during the current coronavirus emergency. You can see a listing of some of the available services here.

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How can I avoid scams related to COVID-19?

Consumers should be on the lookout for scammers trying to take advantage of this public health emergency, according to the Ventura County District Attorney. Federal and local law enforcement agencies are reporting an increase in scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about the types of scams to be on the lookout for, and how you can help avoid becoming a victim, read the Ventura County District Attorney’s press release.

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What can I do to help?

We are operating in a dynamic environment and the best course of action may fluctuate. As of now, the first priority should be social distancing activities. Stay at home as much as possible. Do not gather in groups and do not visit people. Keeping your distance from others is a great first start. If you must leave your residence, wear a mask.

One organization with opportunities to “Get Involved” is the Ventura County United Way. Find information on how you can get involved at https://211ventura.org/.

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