On March 4, 2020, the Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency relating to the coronavirus identified as COVID-19 and the worldwide spread of this new disease for which most people do not have immunity. On March 10, 2020, the County of San Bernardino declared a local health emergency. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020, the President declared a National Emergency. On March 17, 2020, the City Council ratified a local emergency declaration and adopted a resolution declaring a local emergency in support of the action taken by the City Manager on March 16, 2020.
 
Subsequent to the local emergency declaration, the Governor and the San Bernardino County Health Department issued numerous health orders and directives designed to save lives by reducing the number of Californians who contracted COVID-19. On June 15, 2021, the Governor terminated the Stay-at-Home Order and retired the Blueprint for a Safer Economy effectively lifting many of the previously instituted restrictions.
 
During the pandemic, the City Council has regularly approved resolutions continuing the current local emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic based on the continuing health concerns in Chino Hills and throughout San Bernardino County, as required by Sections
2.44.160 and 2.44.190 of the Chino Hills Municipal Code. 
 
The City Council will continue to evaluate this local emergency and take appropriate official action to continue the local emergency on a regular basis, and will proclaim the termination of the local emergency at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant (Gov. Code §8630).

The proposed Resolution, and the actions anticipated by the Resolution, were reviewed pursuant to the California Environmental  Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of Regulations §§15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines"). Based upon that review, this action is exempt from further review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines§ 15269(a) because the protection of public and private property  is necessary  to maintain service essential to the public, health and welfare. CEQA findings regarding an  anticipated  imminent emergency are valid (see Ca/Beach Advocates v. City of Solana Beach (2002) 103 Cal.App.4th 529).

Staff is continuing to monitor the fiscal impacts associated with this public health emergency. Direct expenditures to date are estimated at $146,571.57.

This agenda item has been reviewed by the City Attorney and the Finance Director.