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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2 Public CommentAnthony Mejia Subject: RE: read now From: palm springs constituents <alldayalex02@pmail.com> Sent: Thursday, August 12, 20215:16 PM To: Llubi Rios <Llubi.Rios@palmsprinRsca.Rov> Subject: read now NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. I'm emailing you all to implore you to drop these mindless, weak, pointless restrictions like mask mandates and vaccine passports. Shame on all of you to take it upon yourselves to force these Orwellian mandates upon your own constituents. Drop them NOW. We will be forming a coalition and getting many locals together to come into city hall, day in day out and let yo all know how we feel about the situation and you personally as representatives. Clear your schedules. You weak and spineless, pathetic excuses of politicians, need to move aside and let us govern ourselves and make our own decisions. Good luck getting re-elected. Sent from Mail for Windows TTEM NO. -- a q IzoZt Anthony Mejia From: Jason Gilliland <thebeatlesjg@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2021 7:46 PM To: Llubi Rios; City Clerk Subject: New Citywide COVID-19 Safety Requirements NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and Council Members, I am reaching out to you in hopes that you will consider making a few revisions to the New Citywide COVID-19 Safety Requirements. Currently the safety requirements state that if you are an employee or an indoor diner that is unvaccinated, you are required to show proof of negative test results within the past 72 hours. I do understand that it is in the best interest to test regularly for COVID-19, but 72 hours is very hard to accomplish as a full time employee in the restaurant industry due to the limited scheduling availability from covid test clinics as well as the amount of time it takes to get the test results back. According to the staff at Rite Aids Pharmacy and many other testing sites, there has been a large increase in testing, so the results can take as long as 3 to 5 days to receive back from the lab test. Once you are past the third day of waiting for the results, those test results then become invalid in regards to being able to show proof of a negative covid test within the 72 hour time frame. If the test is invalid due to the amount of time it takes to receive the results back then it prevents the employee from being able to work and they are sent home. Employees in the restaurant industry were one of the most impacted financially due to the previous shutdowns and are still trying to financially bounce back. If we get sent home because there isn't enough time to get the tests back then it causes an even larger financial burden for those employees. Please consider extending the amount of time to up to 5 days for negative covid tests, or to revise the verbage to 72 hours from when the covid test results come back from the lab testing. The only way to avoid it taking so long to receive the results is to do rapid testing. As simple as it sounds, it is more complicated than you would expect. For starters, the cost of the test.. There are many testing facilities that are out of pocket for rapid testing and are not covered by your insurance. This is a very expensive way to guarantee testing results. For example, Palm Springs Airports testing costs between $75 to $319 per test, depending on which of the tests you do as well as how quickly you want to receive the results. They do also offer free testing, but they quote "2+ days" to receive the results. There is nothing under the new safety requirements that states who is responsible for paying for the out of pocket tests. Restaurants are not reimbursing for these tests and it is the responsibility of the employee to cover the costs. For financial reasons most employees have to take the tests that can take up to 5 days to receive the results instead of the rapid testing. The cost effective solution for rapid tests are the at home test kits. Although,these tests should not be considered as a valid testing method of verification of a negative test due to safety reasons.These tests are not always accurate and according to the CDC, these tests can provide a false negative test when the person taking it actually has covid. If you read the reviews from these at home tests, like from BiNaxNOW, which is a brand sold at local stores, you will find there are many people who have used these products that either had symptoms or who were asymptomatic, they report that the home kit showed it was negative even though the traditional lab testing method came back positive and the tests were within the same day of taking the tests. If this method is considered a valid proof for employees to work and this is the City's solution, then please require the employer to either reimburse employees for these tests or to have the employer be required to provide these tests for their employees. This leads to my final request. The safety requirements for testing only require unvaccinated people to show proof of negative test results. After reading the requirements and recommendations from the CDC, it would be in the best interest to revise the Safety requirements to make it to where all guests and employees in bars, restaurants and other indoor activities whether or not they are vaccinated, to show proof of negative test results. According to the CDC, even if you are vaccinated you can still receive COVID-19 and can spread it to others. So if a vaccinated person who is ITEM NO. o � U4 2�21 asymptomatic and was not required to show proof of a negative test, if they are dining in with others who either tested negative or were vaccinated, they are at risk of spreading the virus to the rest of the people at their table, at the bar or others within the restaurant. If you required them to show proof of negative testing as well, then it would greatly reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19 within indoor events, large outdoor events, bars, restaurants, etc. and that would greatly reduce the risk of having to enforce another citywide shutdown. Additionally, the public needs to be educated about being vaccinated due to the fact that I hear many guests in restaurants or others outside of restaurants, that have been vaccinated, say things like "We are COVID Elite", "We can't get Covid because we are vaccinated" or "We don't have to social distance and can go to large unmasked gatherings because we are vaccinated". Under the CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People, it states that "fully vaccinated individuals should follow CDC's recommendation for testing". So please, if you are going to require negative tests, include requiring those who are vaccinated as well, instead of proof of vaccination. This will also help reduce discrimination from other people and businesses towards people who are unvaccinated and prevent businesses from being under the impression that they can terminate employment due to not being vaccinated. Currently the vaccines are still under review by the FDA and are in Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), Federal law for EUA's allow people to have the right to choose to be vaccinated or to refuse a vaccination that's under an EUA. Knowing what an organization can or cannot do in regards to COVID-19 vaccines can save them from costly and time-consuming litigation. When Dr. Amanda Cohn, the executive secretary of the CDC's Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices, was asked if COVID-19 vaccinations can be required, she responded that under an EUA, "Vaccines are not allowed to be mandatory. So, early in this vaccination phase, individuals will have to be consented and they won't be able to be mandatory." I really love living and working in Palm Springs because of how the City Staff and City Councilmembers, immediately took action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and how you are handling the current situation. All I ask is that you please take these revisions into consideration to help protect employees in the restaurant and bar industry. Below I have listed a few statements from the CDC's website as well as a bullet point from the Riverside County Tier Assignment Powerpoint. Best regards, Jason CDC Website: Self -Testing "Testing is critically important to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you have symptoms or have had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, you should be tested regardless of your vaccination status." "Fully vaccinated individuals should follow CDC's recommendations for testing." CDC Website: Self -Testing "A negative test result means that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was not found in your specimen. If you took the test while you had symptoms and followed all instructions carefully, a negative result means your current illness is probably not COVID-19. However, it is possible for a test to give a negative result in some people who have COVID-19. This is called a false negative." https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing.html CDC Website: Guidance For Fully Vaccinated People "Infections in fully vaccinated people (breakthrough infections) happen in only a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated, even with the Delta variant. Moreover, when these infections occur among vaccinated people, they tend to be mild. However, preliminary evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people who do become infected with the Delta variant can be infectious and can spread the virus to others." https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guida nce.htm I Riverside County Tier Assignment Powerpoint, Page Eleven, Second Bullet Point: " In July 2021, following multiple large public events in a Barnstable County, Massachusetts town, 469 COVID-19 cases were identified among Massachusetts residents who had traveled to the town during July 3-17; 346 (74%) occurred in fully vaccinated persons. Testing identified the Delta variant in 90% of specimens from 133 patients. Cycle threshold values were similar among specimens from patients who were fully vaccinated and those who were not. " htti)s://www.palmspringsca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/79669/637637826633030000 Anthony Mejia To: City of Palm Springs Subject: RE: *NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs From: City of Palm Springs <palmspringsca@enotify.visioninternet.com> Sent: Thursday, August 12, 20213:25 PM To: City Clerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>; Anthony Mejia <Anthony.Mejia @palmspringsca.gov> Subject: *NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs Full Name/Nombre alexander zarate City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia palm springs, Phone (optional) /Telefono (opcional) 7149440937 Email (optional/opcional) Mralexanderzarate@gmail.com Your Comments/Sus comentarios I speak for a huge facet of palm springs residents fed up with all of you implementing these ridiculous mask mandates and vaccine passports. Every adult constituent can make their own decisions without you, city council, forcing Orwellian measures against them. Shame on all you. By this time everyone who is at risk and wants the vaccine has gotten it. Those whom have refused may remain at risk but that is their choice. Doesn't concern the vaccinated because we are safe. Period. End of Story. So for you intellectually stunted individuals to take it upon yourselves to support any measure to force masks upon all of us once again is pathetic, shameful, and abominable. Speaking with the clerks office, the only power we have as citizens is petition and set meetings. I would like each council members' office hours to speak with each one individually. As will other citizens so you can all hear each, and every one of us. Clear your schedules. & good luck getting re-elected. Thank you, City of Palm Springs This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email. ITEM NO. 12 010) (4 1 2c'21 Anthony Mejia From: William Law <thedesertexpositor@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 6:57 PM To: ESasic@palmspri.gannett.com Subject: Breakthrough Cases NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. News stories that leave out important data points or address simple curiosities such as the number of Breakthrough Cases raise serious questions as to the legitimacy of all news coverage on this pandemic. Please help us stay informed. If media companies ever want to regain any stature among the masses, the masses must trust the reporting... otherwise, they will simply continue to seek information elsewhere... eventually, never checking in again... History is a powerful tool to discern the future... ITEM NO. Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Monique Lomeli Wednesday, August 4, 2021 4:19 PM Anthony Mejia Public Comment The following comment was received by phone: I do not want a mask mandate. This is about power and control, and it is not helping. Vilanizing the unvaccinated is unnecessary, and a mask requirement will punish those who chose to be vaccinated. I will no longer shop or eat in Palm Springs if this happens. I did my part and got vaccinated for convenience. I want my freedom back Carole LaDuca Resident 1 ~/4 /Jt/;Jt PIA~~-~ t!o V11mMt ITEMN0._'6 __ _ Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Rory Cox <iamrorycox@gmail.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 4:11 PM City Clerk Masking and proof of vaccinations -tonight's special meeting NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear City Council, I would like to express my support of the City Council approving an indoor mask mandate AND proof of vaccination mandate for the City of Palm Springs. Please help protect our citizens AND our businesses, especially restaurants, gyms, grocery stores, and bars. Thank you, Rory Cox 2723 Sunrise Sonata Ln Palm Springs CA 92262 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Joan And Steve < ps.cool@verizon.net> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 4:16 PM Anthony Mejia Message for City Council Meeting, 8/4 NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Please relay to PS City Council Members for tonight: My family of three requests that vaccinated persons NOT be required to mask indoors . Thank you. Joan Smith & Family 1 iNl:mt j.. 'PIA el,I b ())ll1m ~ /J J ITEM NO. ___,;;er~--- Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Larry Crist < Larry.Crist@intusurg.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 4:16 PM City Clerk Larry Crist Masking and Proof of Vaccinations -Tonight's Special Meeting NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Good afternoon, As a resident of Palm Springs, I ask my elected officials to implement both masking and proof of vaccinations for all businesses including restaurant's, grocery stores and gyms. We need to get on the other side of this pandemic. Thank you, Larry Crist 2723 Sunrise Sonata Lane Palm Springs, CA 92262 408-338-9624 8/q~I 11111 bt11 l, (_µ,,vi /YlPl\r 1 ITEM NO. __ "c)-' __ _ Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Teri McCoppin <terimccoppin@yahoo.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 2:32 PM City Clerk Mask comments for 8/4 meeting NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Yes, I think the mask mandate should be implemented again until our numbers return to early summer levels. Thanks for listening Teri McCoppin 2545 N. Whitewater Club Dr. Sent from my iPad %/4/JDJ ( p IA ~I., I t tw,vr>l f1',{f l ITEM NO._e> __ _ Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: Delta Variant and Palm Springs Businesses: Forging though From: T Talala <tareef,tala la@g mail.co m> Sent: Wednesday, August 4, 2021 2:48:55 PM To: Geoff Kors <Geoff.Kors@palmsp ri ngsca .gov>; Talala Talala <tareef .talala @gm1U.c;gm > Subject: Delta Variant and Palm Springs Businesses: Forging though NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on llnks or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Mr Kors, Thank you for taking the time to share this with council members, City staff and the Public during this special council meeting this Wednesday, August 4, 2021 I believe the best approach to the Delta variant is for the City to be at the forefront and act as we always have, independent and decisive. All indications are that this Variant is exponentially more virile than the initial COVID-19. We should hope for the best but prepare for the worst. The reason behind my thinking is it has been allowed to mutate since unvaccinated people and contamination presents fertile grounds for mutations to evolve. I believe it will continue to do so as long as there remains unvaccinated people. last year might have been actually just a warning. The last thing I want is to be discussing a year from now is a beta or epsilon variant and look back and think what did we NOT do enough of. The first option, and it is my gut instinct, and I do realize it might be a shotgun approach, is a total shut down for one month, and as bad as this sounds and as painful as it will be for my business, I am fearing the worst. And in the spirit of consistency, I believe EVERY business should be shut down regardless of "status" or "type", unless it's of an emergency nature. I think that at the very least the city should mandate everyone return to wearing a mask, especially indoors and in crowded spaces. It should be applied uniformly and FAIRLY to all businesses so that one business does not gain an unfair advantage or profit from another business that is abiding by the rules. This is especially the case when it comes to bars, nightclubs and restaurants. I think the city is and has been in my experience aware and sensitive to possible inequities that may be created if we're not applying the standards uniformly and carefully . It is unfortunate that the County cannot even unify on a decision so that all of Coachella Valley could have a consistent policy and have a real chance at fighting the Delta Variant. We all remember last year Palm Springs was at the forefront and provided leadership, yet several other neighboring municipalities did not do so and unfortunately -and it wasn't a fault of the city' but rather a reflection of putting people and safety first -due to the inconsistency of application across the valley, much of our business went to those neighboring cities and helped their businesses instead . That is also the case when it came to casinos which were obviously opening and operating under an entirely different set of rules as they were allowed to continue to open late, able to keep their activities "indoors" while for some time everyone else was only allowed outdoors, and also not have a requirement to be serving food while serving alcohol while the rest of us had to. I'm all fo r rights,/ however, a consistent policy is what we need and it will only help all of us, j ( v1 2t.JZ,( 1 ~~1,,1a (),)~~( ITEM NO._.,,..-__ ~ The second option could be to request all customers either state they are vaccinated or show proof of vaccination. I think it would be prudent though for the City to take the leadership in this role and look into the legal aspect of such an approach. I also think that certain rules should apply to staff, which may present a legal challenge since employers in my opinion don't have the right to request their staff to get the vaccination. One thought is If Staff decides to opt out of the vaccine then they should at the very least be asked to wear a mask. I would be supportive of this provided Palm Springs's businesses receive the support and blessing to do so from the city. I remain your local and supportive business owner who has owned a business here in Palm Springs for the last 25 years. I support whatever decision you decide to take and I'm available to clarify or to answer any questions you may have anytime. Sincerely, Tareef TALALA 760.408. 7065 •i•iffii 2 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Paula Auburn <sunrisepaula@gmail.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 3:02 PM City Clerk Paula Auburn City Council -Masks NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Paula Auburn August 4, 2021 RE: Masks YES YES YES to mask wearing!! It is a very small price to pay for increased Covid safety. Even those of us who are vaccinated run a certain % risk of infection from others. Why be stupid and short-sighted at this point? Keep your mask on for a while longer. And YES to mandated vaccines -or exclusion in activities, shopping, etc if not vaccinated. Thank you, Paula Auburn 1 gJ1,1/wu Pn ;;Ue /!mmtr1 f , r i-,M NO. 4= Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Lannie Lucier <lanniejlucier@gmail.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 3:33 PM City Clerk 8/4/21 Zoom mtg re: masking inside NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear PS City C'cil members: I favor resumption of required masking inside PS businesses AND proof of Covid vaccination for entry -both. We have a large number of old people in PS -at 73, I'm 1 of them. As well -for protection of employees at Ralphs, Rite Aid, 99 Cent (etc.) -who are stuck indoors working a 6-or 8 -hr shift. Thank you. J. Lucier, PS Midtown • 714-244-7786 l Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: *NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs From: City of Palm Springs <palmspringsca@enotify.visioninternet.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 4, 2021 3:12 PM To: City Clerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>; Anthony Mejia <Anthony.Mejia@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: *NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs Full Name/Nombre Rick Howell City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia Palm Springs, Phone (optional) /Telefono (opcional) Email (optional/opcional) Be efeate1psntlngs@gmail.com Your Comments/Sus comentarios Dear Mayor and Counselors, Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the latest emergency issue before the Council on behalf of the citizens of Palm Springs, California. We as a people have been in varying stages of crisis for more than eighteen months with death, disease and economic damage as a result. It is imperative that decisive action be taken to reduce the suffering of our community. The science is unambiguous and the path clear to find a way out of this madness. Since it is the sworn duty as the legislative and executive officers of our City, you are responsible for promoting the welfare of the inhabitants and visitors. The only reasonable, proven beyond doubt proscription is the requirement of proven vaccinations for large capacity business. Having failed to foresee the outcome that removing precautionary measures too soon to be prudent might impact the population at large is the responsibility of us all. But not all of us were elected and hold decisive positions. Thank you, City of Palm Springs This Is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email. l '614 l~Zl ?~bu o. ()r~rntt1f ITEMNO. 'ef Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: wzpilot@gmail.com Wednesday, August 4, 2021 3:20 PM City Clerk Comments for Council Meeting This Afternoon Importance: High NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. I want to provide my thoughts on the consideration of a face covering policy and mandatory vaccinations. 1. Mask Mandate/Face Covering Policy a. There have been extensive randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies and meta-analysis reviews of RCT studies, which all show that masks and respirators do not prevent respiratory influenza-like illnesses or respiratory illnesses that are believed to be transmitted by droplets and aerosol particles. There is no scientific evidence that mask-wearing is effective. In fact, many scientific studies have concluded that masks are not effective in preventing respiratory influenza-like illnesses. I will provide citations to those studies below for anyone interested in understanding the science. b. The reason that masks do not work to prevent the transmission of viral respiratory diseases is because the main transmission path is long-residence-time aerosol particles(< 2.5 µm), which are too fine to be blocked, and the minimum-infective dose is smaller than one aerosol particle. c. Such small particles(< 2.5 µm) are part of air fluidity, are not subject to gravitational sedimentation, and would not be stopped by long-range inertial impact. This means that the slightest (even momentary) facial misfit of a mask or respirator renders the design filtration norm entirely irrelevant. In any case, the filtration material itself of N95 (average pore size ~o.3-0.5 µm) does not block virion penetration, not to mention surgical masks or cloth face coverings. d. Wearing masks, particularly for extended periods, can have significant negative effects on the wearer. Both physiological and emotional. This is not to mention other concerns such as potential bacterial growth on the mask, the environmental impact of mask manufacturing and disposal, and psychological consequences of wearing a mask as a fear-based behavioral modification, to name a few. e . I respectfully ask that the Council does not issue a mask mandate. 2. Mandatory Vaccinations a. Without delving into a discussion about whether the COVID-19 vaccinations are a vaccine by definition or the fact that they continue to be authorized under emergency use and not full approval, no vaccine or medical procedure should ever be required of any citizen as a requirement of employment or to engage in activities guaranteed by the Constitution. b. It is already difficult to find and hire employees, and adding a requirement that some may feel is overreaching is bad policy. Do you think that a vaccine mandate would positively impact the City's hiring of new police officers? Of course not. c. The government should never be able to dictate what we put into our bodies. I suspect that most of the people in this City believe in Pro-Life, right? If a woman should have the decision whether ~;/; to 71 1 9~1-;l;o 1vm,,...t"f ITEM NO. "'?):: abort a child (her body, her choice), how in heaven's name should the City be able to mandate a "vaccine?" Thank you for the opportunity to share my views, and I hope that the Council makes the right decisions regarding these issues. References for scientific mask studies are below: Jacobs, J. L. et al. (2009) "Use of surgical face masks to reduce the incidence of the common cold among health care workers in Japan: A randomized controlled trial," American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 37, Issue 5,417 -419. https;/t'ttWW,ncbi,nlro ,oib,goyt pubmed/19 2]60Q2 N95-masked health-care workers (HCW) were significantly more likely to experience headaches. Face mask use in HCW was not demonstrated to provide benefit in terms of cold symptoms or getting colds. Cowling, B. et al. (2010) "Face masks to prevent transmission of influenza virus: A systematic review," Epidemiology and Infection, 138(4), 449-456. https:/l www.cambri dBe,or gtc ore /joumalsJep idemiololl>'- and-i nfectionta rtide/face:masks•w -p r eveot-tcansro l sslon:0 f•l nfl uenz a-yjru s-a-s,yst ematic- reyi ewJ64P368496EBDE0AFCC6639CCC2Q86CQS None of the studies reviewed showed a benefit from wearing a mask, in either HCW or community members in households (H). See summary Tables 1 and 2 therein. bin-Reza et al. (2012) ''The use of masks and respirators to prevent transmission of influenza: a systematic review of the scientific evidence," Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(4), 257- 267. bttps://oolinelibrary.w iley.cQm{coitepdf/10.11 , 111,1 ZSQ-2659.201 1,00301,x ''There were 17 eligible studies .... None of the studies established a conclusive relationship between mask/respirator use and protection against influenza infection.'' Smith,J.D. et al. (2016) "Effectiveness of N95 respirators versus surgical masks in protecting health care workers from acute respiratory infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis," CMAJ Mar 2016 https;11www.cmai.cakontent11 &8l8!56J "We identified six clinical studies .... In the meta-analysis of the clinical studies, we found no significant difference between N95 respirators and surgical masks in associated risk of (a) laboratory-confirmed respiratory infection, (b) influenza-like illness, or (c) reported work-place absenteeism.'' Offeddu, V. et al. (2017) "Effectiveness of Masks and Respirators Against Respiratory Infections in Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 65, Issue 11, 1 December 2017, Pages 1934-1942, https;l/academir,oup,com/cid/article/65/11 /1934/4068747 2 "Self-reported assessment of clinical outcomes was prone to bias. Evidence of a protective effect of masks or respirators against verified respiratory infection (VRI) was not statistically significant''; as per Fig. 2c therein: S tUJ)' rf>PI:: ,,.'N, Cc·11ur·ol ,..,.,., VRI kit (~•~• C U "A wclg Mu..:lnl)'re 2011 N~ 131949 IY4HI 0.44 (0.21 . 0 .92) )f MacIntyre 2015 med 19/5RO 1Rf4~R OJI) (0.44 , 1-~7 ) .l 4 Mac:lnlyrc 2011 med 13/492 I Y4HI ' O,KS (0,41 , I . 76) 2· Ovcmll (l•!lquun:d • 4H»t, p • O.J !kl) <!> 0 .70 (0.4?', 1.03 ) IOC ,025 .12s ,25 ~ 2 .. K fuvuun,; rPPI! fovnun,; nu rPPE Rlr.k ratio Radonovich, L.J. et al. (2019) "N95 Respirators vs Medical Masks for Preventing Influenza Among Health Care Personnel: A Randomized Clinical Trial,"JAMA. 2019; 322(9): 824- 833. bttps://jamanetwork.com!Jou rnats/jama/fullartitle/27 492 J 4 "Among 2862 randomized participants, 2371 completed the study and accounted for 5180 HCW-seasons .... Among outpatient health care personnel, N95 respirators vs medical masks as worn by participants in this trial resulted in no significant difference in the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza." Long, V. et al. (2020) "Effectiveness of N95 respirators versus surgical masks against influenza: A systematic review and meta-analysis," J Evid Based Med. 2020; 1- 9. bttps ;//onlioelibrary ,wiley,com/doitepdf/10,1111 {je bm.12381 "A total of six RCTs involving 9,171 participants were included. There were no statistically significant differences in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza, laboratory-confirmed respiratory viral infections, laboratory-confirmed respiratory infection, and influenza-like illness using N95 respirators and surgical masks. Meta-analysis indicated a protective effect of N95 respirators against laboratory-confirmed bacterial colonization (RR= 0.58, 95% Cl 0.43-0.78). The use of N95 respirators compared with surgical masks is not associated with a lower risk of laboratory-confirmed influenza." Sincerely, J. Wickham Zimmerman 1036 E Granvia Valmonte Palm Springs CA 92262 3 The key difference between these other cities, such as Pasadena and San Francisco, requiring employee vaccination and reinstatement of face coverings is that those areas have Public Health Departments that can monitor localized conditions and base its orders on science and facts. I hope that Palm Springs Council bases its decisions on actual science and localized facts rather than anecdotal opinions from 20-30 of the same people who consistently think their opinions are facts. The Vast Majority Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Dhyana Carlton-Tims <d.carlton.tims@gmail.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 9:56 AM City Clerk comments for special meeting 8/04 NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Hello, I am writing in favor of updating the local mask mandate to include all persons in indoor spaces -both employees and patrons. I also support mandatory vaccinations for city employees. In addition, I think it's important for restaurants to continue to keep their dining areas spread out. I personally do not feel safe dining out otherwise and want to help keep our businesses afloat during the summer lull. We now know how contagious the Delta variant is and must protect our community and visitors. We've done remarkably well so far and must remain vigilant. Thank you, Dhyana Palm Springs Homeowner/Resident 8141~,, 1 ,7 IA blAc tllWlrnetit Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Kathy Hart <kathy.director@bonesnscones.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 7:00 AM City Clerk indoor masking NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Good Morning, As a long-time small business owner, I fully endorse the requirement for indoor masking. We need to protect our employees, clients, and neighbors. Thank you. Regards, Kathy Hart Chairperson & CEO B2.res .. t1 .. Sc,2ttes Bones-N-Scones, Inc. (760) 864-1133 1 ~,Lf,~], 1tA~Uc eomtrLtll 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Mark Eagle <markeagle111@gmail.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 9:37 AM City Clerk Masks NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Hi, I think the city council should require masks only for unvaccinated people and should require proof of vaccination for anyone not wearing a mask entering an establishment as this will further encourage unvaccinated people to get vaccinated. We need to get to heard immunity once and for all. Mark Eagle 208 Lei Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 ~q,~?1 1 P lA'bUc l1mm "11f Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Jack Pray <jackpsca@gmail.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 9:21 AM City Clerk Face masks NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Please let the city council know that I strongly recommend that they invoke the requirement that masks be worn at any indoor facility and large, outdoor group gatherings. I hesitate to think what is going to occur when the two Splash Party weekends are held with thousands of people gathering in very close proximity to each other and no masks. Not only will the be jeopardizing the health of those at the event but also those who come in contact when they are visiting the sites and restaurants in Palm Springs. We need to do everything we can to stop the spread of this deadly virus. Thank you. Jack Pray 7557 Regency Drive, Palm Springs. 760-831-3975 Sent from Mail for Windows 10 1 ~,4,~71 Vu bl. C,, &m tY\ Mr Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Eric Gray <eric@itosolutions.net> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 9:21 AM City Clerk Subject: Response to: SHOULD THE CITY COUNCIL ONCE AGAIN REQUIRE MASKS TO BE WORN IN OUR COMMUNITY? THE CITY WANTS YOUR INPUT. NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. I wanted to give my full response regarding: SHOULD THE CITY COUNCIL ONCE AGAIN REQUIRE MASKS TO BE WORN IN OUR COMMUNITY? THE CITY WANTS YOUR INPUT. Please require people to wear masks when entering all business including: Retail, Gyms, Dr's Offices, Government Buildings etc ... *For Bars and Restaurants. I believe they should be allowed to stay open and operate. They took the brunt during the pandemic and I don't believe many can stay afloat if they are forced to shut down again. Please require bars and indoor restaurants to require Proof of Vaccination to enter. I think Palm Springs is a desirable destination and needs to take a stand against anti vaxxers. They are putting us all at risk and allowing the virus to mutate. The majority of Palm Springs residents and Californians are vaccinated. Thank you and Regards, Eric Gray ITO Solutions, Inc. 198 Vibe Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-733-9290 *For more information on ITO Solutions and the products and services we offer, visit us online at www.itosupport.net g\ ~\l(J?\ 1 ~ b \, C e,Y)\,nVl\t' Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: PS Limoncello <pslimoncello@gmail.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 8:58 AM City Clerk NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Greetings! My husband and I are part-time residents who spend our non-PS time in Vienna, Austria. Our comment here is to suggest that Coachella Valley pharmacies and public programs expand their ability to deliver free rapid PCR tests, with fast and timely results. Current free services at Walgreens and CVS in Palm Springs are free, but PCR testing delivers unaccountable results that are too untimely to be relevant or useful (takes longer than 5 days based on 5 test experiences in July 2021). Example of what works: While COVID vaccines were not readily available in Austria until May/June of this year, free, rapid at-home PCR testing has been available since February. Each registered person receives a free, 4-test kit allotment per week (16 for a family of 4), which is given via scannable, smartphone barcode. The self-test process requires an on-camera 30-second gargle/swish, along with careful bar-code registry to ensure results are processed at attributed accurately. A completed test is dropped off at any number of drugstores or grocery stores, with kits picked up daily by the processing labs at 9am and 2pm. Results are emailed within 9-12 hrs of the pickup time, and are good for 72 hrs from the time the test is taken. This ensures that a person can have a rolling assurance of negative status that is valid on any given day of the week. This is particularly useful for those who cannot be vaccinated due to health concerns, political orientation, or age. The point is that getting kits, taking tests, and receiving fast, travel-compliant results has been made so easy that, for restaurants, museums, events, etc .. to require proof of negative or vaccinated status, it is not overly restrictive nor is it cumbersome. In addition, each restaurant requires table-specific registration through a QR code to better enable contact tracing. It does not require people to have a vehicle to be tested (drive-thru tests are only good if you have a car), and it is universally available. It requires only an address, valid ID, and digital ability to be on camera. Please consider working with the same amazing local and state health agencies that rolled out incredible access to vaccines to deliver fast, free PCR home-testing with results that are accurate and timely. This will help bridge the gap between vaccinated and unvaccinated. Respectfully submitted, Donella Muzik 1100 S. San Joaquin Drive Palm Springs 1 ~I"' 1"°~( f 1.,1bl; c Curn,nt;llt f Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Patty Sullivan <pmsulle@gmail.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 8:42 AM City Clerk Yes to Masking indoors NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. First off, thank you for this opportunity to be heard. I had Covid and am vaccinated. I work at a popular gallery on N Palm Canyon. I find that the majority of people who do not wear masks and are vaccinated are angry with Fauci and the powers that be, therefore, righteously not wearing a mask. However, I choose to wear one with antibodies and science by my side, to protect myself and others. It's just that simple. "Science is not the truth. Science is finding the truth. When science changes it's opinion, it did not lie to you. It leaned more. Respectfully, Patty Sent from my iPhone 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Mark Saladino <mjsaladino@yahoo.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 8:29 AM City Clerk Opposed to mask mandate, in favor of vaccination NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. To the City Council: I'm opposed to new mask mandates, but I am in favor of requiring proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, bars and other non-essential businesses. People who do the responsible thing and get vaccinated should not be penalized because of the stupid and selfish people who refuse vaccination. Safety and efficacy of the vaccines has been proven, so there is no legitimate reason why vaccination cannot be mandated as it has been many times in the past (as still is in many settings, such as schools). Mark Saladino Palm Springs resident 1 Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: Splash From: josh levin <jjuwsnyc@gmail.com > Date: August 4, 2021 at 5:39:02 AM PDT To: Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Splash NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Mayor. Here is a story for you that might help in determining how to handle Splash. But first I recommend that all of you study the July 4th Gay Bear event on Cape Cod. So last week in DC 7 vaccinated friends met in a park with their own boxed dinners. They hung out for about 2 hours. Unmasked, outside. I was not there but my 44 year old Nephew was there. All are highly educated professionals. 3 or 4 days later one of them had the sniffles. He reported that as he was entering his place of employment. They told him to leave and get a rapid test. 30 minutes later he finds out that he is positive for covid. He contacts the other 6 friends. In total 6 of 7 are positive. One negative 5 of 6 have no symptoms. Only the first had sniffles. So for them the vaccines worked to prevent illness and hospitalization. But they became spreaders potentially. This issue is going to be the story of the next months. We will never know how many vaccinated Americans are positive and the CDC has no idea how many are positive because the majority will never have symptoms and so they may not get tested. We will only know how many unvaccinated people end up in the hospital and a good gage at how many unvaccinated become positive if they have symptoms. So, vaccinated people can bring virus to others unknowingly. This could kill unvaccinated. Thus is why Manitoba had a complete lock down again in June. To stop the spread as Canada finally vaccinated more of a percentage. Since PS cannot stop American's spread, my suggestion is to state loudly that all gatherings inside and out have proven to be very successful spreading events, often completely undocumented because very few break outs have symptoms. So Splash like every other event, birthday gathering, BBQ, etc is a spreading event. For the safety of unvaccinated they should stay away. For all vaccinated they should assume that they have been exposed even outside and if they are concerned about infecting others like children under 12 or the unvaccinated then they should take steps to protect those people. And everyone attending should take a rapid test day of and a rapid test 4 days post plus a PCR to back it up. This will help set the stage for all events given the open state of affairs that is most likely not wise but the only thing that Americans will tolerate. And vaccinated people who are responsible and concerned will be wise to exercise their own restraint and stay clear of becoming spreaders. This will cover you from criticism because shutting something down when everything else is open will have minimal impact on the grand scale. 1 Dr Joshua Levin 2 Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: Mask Mandate, etc. From: Judy's Gmail <judyp@tpda.com > Date: August 4, 2021 at 6:02:34 AM PDT To: Geoff Kors <Geoff.Kors@palmspringsca.gov> Cc: Dennis Woods <Dennis.Woods@palmspringsca.gov>, Grace Garner <Grace.Garner@palmspringsca.gov>, Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov>, Lisa Middleton <Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Mask Mandate, etc. NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Counselor Kors, Thank you and the council for taking up the issue of mask mandates and vaccination requirements for indoor activities. I urge you all to adopt the vaccination requirement to keep everyone in our beautiful community safe. Those of us who have been responsible during this long ordeal feel we are being held hostage by those who have not. We are looking forward to a more "normal" winter season when we can take advantage of all the wonderful activities the city has to offer and this is an important step toward making that happen. Sincerely, Judy Paolini JUDY PAOLINI 212 Stone Ter Palm Springs, CA 92264 (207) 871-1813 1 ! Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Steve & Steve <stevesinps@gmail.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 8:50 AM City Clerk In support of mandatory masks indoors and proof of vaccination. NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: Steven Erickson <Steven.Erickson@mmgccpa.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 7:46 AM To: City Clerk Subject: Mask and Vaccine Mandate for Palm Springs NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Mayor and Council Members, Please establish a mask mandate and a vaccine mandate as soon as possible. Our residents' and business owners' safety must come before uninformed, or misinformed tourist/resident dollars. A City vaccine mandate will take the pressure off of business owners from implementing their own. In June, I implemented this policy at my office. It's quite straightforward and is the only logical step in protecting my employees and providing a safe work environment. We never lifted our mask policy. It's so easy to wear a mask to protect others and yourself. Since the masks went away (too soon), we have not ventured to any local establishments other than the grocery store ... that's simply not good for business in our City. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. Steve Steven T. Erickson, CPA-Managing Partner Maryanov Madsen Gordon & Campbell Direct 760-778-8562 Main 760-320-6642 steven.erickson@mmgccpa.com www.mmgccpa.com This message is intended for the use of the addressee and may contain information that is confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. if you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately. Any US federal tax advice included in this communication was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding US federal tax penalties. 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Roy Hartsock <roy.hartsock@yahoo.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 7:35 AM City Clerk City council covid requirements 8/4/21 NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. 8/4 Council meeting members Mask should be a minimum requirement for essential businesses ( grocery stores, medical facilities, government agencies, etc.) Vaccines required for non essential businesses (bars, restaurants, museums, galleries, shops, etc.) Roy Hartsock Palm Springs resident 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Bob <bobbiltong@aol.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 7:13 AM City Clerk Comment for council meeting re: covid NOTICE: This message originated outside ofThe City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Please require masks and proof of vaccination at indoor restaurants, gyms, theaters, and large outdoor gathering of more than 100. Require masks at all other retail and office environments. Bob Marlin 659 N Via Acapulco Palm Springs 92262 Sent from the all new AOL app for Android 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Dan Healy <danhealyemail@gmail.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 7:13 AM City Clerk Mask Mandate NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Please enact a mask mandate at tonight's meeting. Our merchants need all the help they can get to protect themselves. It is also important to protect local residents. I prefer to shop only where masks are mandated. Thank You, Dan Healy 1091 Paseo De Marcia Thanks, Dan (Sent from iPad) 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Mary Miller <marymmiller@live.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 1 :44 AM City Clerk Comment on possible mask mandate NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. I hope the City will think long-term before bowing to the latest panic and making us all wear masks again. There have already been a number of COVID variants and more are likely coming, potentially for years. As a vaccinated person, I prefer not to be required to wear masks everywhere I go. It has helped the community spirit a lot to see people smile and see faces again. Our vaccination rate is much higher in Palm Springs than in Riverside County as a whole and our citizens should be rewarded for doing the right thing and getting vaccinated. Those who prefer to wear a mask can certainly continue to do so, and unvaccinated individuals should wear masks, but I do not support a blanket requirement to wear masks everywhere even if vaccinated. I believe most of the people who want a mask mandate do not understand the high vaccination rate here and are allowing themselves to panic which is stoked continually by the news media. Best regards, Mary Miller Palm Springs homeowner and taxpayer Sent from my iPhone 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Karen Pope <waterlady65@gmail.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 12:36 AM City Clerk Wearing of Masks NOTICE: This message originated outside ofThe City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Yes, I think the City Council should mandate the Wearing of Masks. Let's get ahead of this deathly Covid/Delta Wave. Palm Springs Resident Demuth Park Karen Pope 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Tamara Hedges <tamara.hedges@gmail.com> Wednesday, August 4, 2021 12:29 AM City Clerk City Council Special Session August 4, COVID-19 prevention measures NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Mayor Holstege, Councilmembers and City Staff, I respectfully ask that you make the difficult but responsible decisions that will ultimately help end the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce the number of people who become seriously ill or die from this virus. There is a roadmap out of the pandemic, as epidemiologists, virologists, immunologists and other subject matter experts have repeatedly explained -vaccinations and face masks. Like most of us, I am exhausted and aching to get back to a semblance of normalcy. The Delta variant has shattered our hopes of a return to many of the activities that we love and enjoy. Now it is time to double down on prevention measures so that we don't lose more beloved friends, colleagues and family members to COVID-19 and truly end this pandemic before it mutates even further. Please do the right thing, the responsible thing, and 1) require masks in all public indoor spaces as well as at large outdoor events, paired with heightened social distancing in indoor restaurants and bars; and 2) make COVID-19 vaccination a mandatory condition of employment for all current and new city staff members (with medical and religious accommodations). This action will send a positive signal to local businesses and organizations who have been considering vaccine mandates themselves. Palm Springs should follow the lead of Los Angeles, Berkeley and a growing list of other cities who are taking the necessary steps that will get us out of this nightmare. The "return to normal" this summer was too quick. The virus took advantage of our exuberance and our naive attachment to recommendations rather than requirements, showing us that it too has a strong will to survive and thrive. Let's not continue to underestimate its resilience. Instead, let's pull together to build up ours. Sincerely, Tamara Hedges Palm Springs 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Linda Patterson <lpruns@gmail.com> Tuesday, August 3, 2021 11 :22 PM City Clerk Masks NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Please don't require masks. We can't go back to that again. Fully vaccinated people feel what was the point if they have to wear them again. 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Cindy Nelson <cindynelson286@gmail.com> Tuesday, August 3, 2021 10:58 PM City Clerk Masks NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Considering the seriousness of the new Covid-19 variant, I think the city should return to wearing masks indoors at least. Cynthia Nelson 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Chad Gardner <chad@rolychinafusion.com> Tuesday, August 3, 2021 8:53 PM City Clerk Public statement regarding new proposed COVID regulations NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Please add this to the public record for city councils consideration. I own several restaurants in Palm Springs and would support that guests dining in my establishments show proof of vaccination or recent negative covid test. Thank you, Chad Gardner Chef, Owner Dash and a Handful Extraordinary Events & Artisan Cuisine Roly China Fusion Restaurant 533 Viet Fusion Restaurant 1501 Uptown Gastropub dash and a handful studio 760-883-5333 dashhandful.com Roly China Fusion 760-548-0041 rolychinafusion.com 5 3 3 viet fusion 760-778-6595 5 3 3 vietfusion.com 1501 uptown gastropub 760-320-1501 1501 uptown.com Sent from my iPhone 1