Marlon Gamez
REALTOR ® in Orange County.
Years of connecting businesses and facilitating products to clients has taught him the
value of authenticity, of service, integrity, loyalty, the value of effective
communication, and to strive for immediate solution to challenges., the end
goal is to help his clients achieve their desired results by providing unique
service and the utmost value. His dream has always been that of becoming a
great Realtor, now pursuing his dream by helping others accomplish theirs. He is able to communicate fluently in English, Spanish, and partially Mandarin Chinese.
Married, and currently resides in Orange County with his family.
Member: National Association of Realtors
Member: California Association of Realtors
Member: Pacific West Association of Realtors
Military On The Move Certified
Feeding San Diego is responding to increased demands for free fresh produce and staples during the coronavirus pandemic by boosting supplies in areas such as Ramona where Free Farmers Markets have launched weekly drive-through distributions.
What used to be monthly Free Farmers Markets in Ramona have become weekly events at First Congregational Church of Ramona, Ramona Terrace Estates senior mobile home park, the Schmale Family Senior Apartments, Ramona Senior Center, and Capslo Nuevo Head Start day care center.
The weekly distributions at First Congregational Church of Ramona are held Fridays at 1:30 p.m. at 404 Eighth St. Volunteers and representatives of First Congregational Church of Ramona, Vista Hill SmartCare, Palomar Health, and Templo Monte Sinai Church in Ramona maintain COVID-19 social distancing requirements by pre-packing the free fresh produce and staples in bags and placing them in recipients’ car trunks as they drive through.
One of the Free Farmers Market’s leaders, Arthur Blanck, chair of the Mission Board of First Congregational Church of Ramona, said lines for last Friday’s food distribution service on March 27 formed up Eighth Street, continued around E Street and then down to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at 537 E St.
Dana Williams, Feeding San Diego director of marketing and communications, said Feeding San Diego has delivered approximately 5,000 pounds of food for each monthly distribution, but last week the organization sent more than 10,000 pounds of food.
In a typical month, free food had previously been given to about 300 households, or roughly 1,000 individuals. Last Friday, though, the group served 522 families that drove by First Congregational Church to pick up food in addition to providing food for 227 seniors at Ramona Terrace Estates, the Schmale apartments and the Ramona Senior Center.
Blanck said the volunteers used to record the names of recipients, but now all that is required is to provide the number of households and number of members in each household so appropriate amounts of food are distributed.
“Our goal is that for everybody who stops by, we will give them food and we don’t have to turn anybody away,” said Blanck, who notes that recipients can also pick up food for friends, family members and neighbors in need. “But at the same time, we still have seniors we’re focusing on because they’re in their home and shouldn’t get out, so we make sure we’re providing for some of their needs as well.”
In addition to Ramona, Feeding San Diego offers food assistance at sites throughout San Diego County. The organization is increasing food supplied at its 10 Feeding East County rural mobile pantry distributions and will continue to increase the supply as needed to meet the fast-growing need in San Diego’s mountain and desert regions.
Feeding San Diego is funded by philanthropic contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community organizations as well as government grants. More than 26 million meals are provided each year to people facing hunger.
Blanck said there has been no shortage of volunteers stepping up to help bag the produce and staples such as peanut butter, oatmeal, dried beans and salad dressing. He said last Thursday and Friday roughly 25 to 30 people, including First Congregational Church’s Youth Group members, helped to put the food in more than 1,000 bags. Others have donated, including Ramona Country Bakery sharing loaves of bread.
“Providing produce is important because it’s something healthy for people to eat and it gives them proper nutrients,” said Blanck, who appreciates the community’s support in getting the word out about the Free Farmers Markets through social media posts and promotions.
“I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who helped in the organization and promotion of the Free Farmers Market, as well as to those families and individuals who participated in the event and took home a bag or bags of food to their families and friends/neighbors in need,” Blanck wrote on the Love My Ramona Facebook page. “We are hosting another Free Farmers Market this coming Friday, and I would like to remind everyone that there are no requirements to receive food and that you are able to pick up food for family, friends or neighbors who cannot attend.”
To donate backyard produce or cash that can be used to purchase staples, or to volunteer, contact Blanck at agblanck@cox.net
These local restaurants offer discounts on takeout orders and gift card promotions. Here’s your chance to support O.C. businesses while switching up the menu at home and doing your part to help stop the spread of the coronavirus that causes the respiratory disease COVID-19.
DISCOUNTS
➜ Greenleaf Costa Mesa What: Get a free skinny margarita with the purchase of a family meal, which includes a protein, salad, brown rice, and your choice of side ($40) How: Pick-up or free delivery within a 5 mile radius Order: 949-200-3950
➜ Crawfish Cave Fullerton What: Family pack deal with two pounds of shrimp, corn, potato, chicken tenders, rice, and drinks ($48.25) and 20 percent off three pounds of shrimp, corn, and rice, and $1 oysters How: Pick-up or delivery through Ubereats, Postmates, or Grubhub Order: 714-879-2073
➜ Old Brea Chop House Brea What: “Dine at Home” three-course meal with starter, entree, side, and dessert for $60; 50 percent off bottles of wine, plus bonus $50 gift card with purchase of every $250 in gift cards How: Pick-up or delivery through Ubereats, Postmates, or Grubhub Order: 714-592-3122
➜The Yellow Chilli Tustin What: 20 percent discount off phone-in takeout orders How: Pick-up or delivery through Ubereats, Postmates, or Grubhub Order: 714-389-5280
➜ Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine Irvine What: 15 percent off a la carte menu and family packages that can serve as many as eight, plus 25 percent off bottles of wine How: Curbside pick-up or delivery through Postmates, Grubhub, or DoorDash Order: 949-387-8887
➜The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar Tustin What: Take-out menu that is priced 15 percent off regular menu How: Curbside pick-up or delivery through Postmates and Grubhub Order: 714-258-7600
➜Farmhouse Corona del Mar What: 10 percent discount on takeout orders. Orders must be placed by 12 p.m. to be ready for pick-up by 4 p.m. How: Curbside pick-up Order: 949-640-1415
➜Five Crowns Corona del Mar What: 20 percent discount on takeout orders How: Curbside pick-up Order: 949-760-0331
➜SideDoor Corona del Mar What: 20 percent discount, wines by the bottle are also available How: Curbside pick-up Order: 949-760-0331
➜ Sushi Roku Newport Beach What: Free delivery and 50 percent off wine and sake by the bottle How: Curbside pick-up or delivery through Postmates, UberEats, DoorDash, and GrubHub Order: 949-706-3622
➜ Mix Mix Kitchen & Bar Santa Ana What: 10 percent discount on pick-up orders How: Pick-up Order: 714-836-5158
➜Selanne Steak Tavern Laguna Beach What: 15 percent discount on pick-up orders; free delivery and a 20 percent discount for diners 65 and older within a 5-mile radius; raw meats from the butchery are also available for purchase How: Pick-up or in-house delivery only Order: 949-715-9881
➜ Harley Laguna Beach Laguna Beach What: 10 percent off takeout orders more than $100 How: Curbside pick-up or delivery through Postmates, DoorDash, and UberEats Order: 949-715-1530
➜ Vine Restaurant & Bar San Clemente What: A complimentary $25 gift card for future use with takeout orders How: Pick-up, Delivery through DoorDash Order: 949-361-2079
➜ Olea Newport Beach What: A complimentary $25 gift card for future use with takeout orders How: Pick-up, Delivery through DoorDash Order: (949) 287-6807
➜ Ironwood Laguna Hills What: A complimentary $25 gift card for future use with takeout orders How: Pick-up, Delivery through DoorDash Order: (949) 287-6807
➜ Twenty Eight Restaurant and Bar Irvine What: 10 percent discount on takeout orders How: Curbside pick-up and delivery Order: (949) 287-6807
➜ Falasophy Irvine What: 15 percent off delivery and first-time pick-up orders How: Pick-up or delivery through GrubHub, UberEats, and Postmates Order: 949-536-5008
➜ On The Hook Brea What: 15 percent off takeout orders How: Curbside pick-up Order: 714-671-5886
➜ Ten Asian Bistro Newport Beach What: 20 percent off all call-in takeout orders How: Pick-up, Delivery also available through GrubHub (without discount) Order: 949-660-1010
➜ Red O Newport Beach What: 15 percent off takeout orders How: Curbside pick-up and delivery Order: 949-718-0300
➜ 21 Oceanfront Newport Beach What: 20 percent off pick-up and takeout orders How: Curbside pick-up and takeout Order: 949-673-2100
➜ Bayside Newport Beach What: 10 percent off takeout orders, including wine How: Pick-up Order: 949-721-1222
➜ Jan’s Health Bar Multiple O.C. locations What: $10 off when your order four entrees or more How: Pick-up Order: Laguna Beach, 949-371-0023; Huntington Beach, 714-536-4856; Costa Mesa, 949-650-4856; Corona del Mar, 949-675-2520
➜ Bosscat Kitchen Newport Beach What: $20 off direct call-in takeout orders How: Curbside pick-up, Delivery also available through GrubHub, DoorDash, and UberEats Order: 949-333-0917
➜Royal Khyber Santa Ana What: 15 percent discount on pickup orders and 15 percent off e-gift cards for future visits How: Discount for carry-out only but delivery also available through Postmates, GrubHub, and UberEats Order: 714-436-1010
➜Oliver’s Osteria Laguna Beach What: 10 percent off $100 or more How: Takeout or delivery Order: 949-715-0261
➜Broken Rice TRADE Food Hall, Irvine What: One free kids meal (for kids 2 to 10 years old) with a purchase of a regular bowl How: Pick-up Order: Online at eatbrokenrice.com
➜Curry Up Now Irvine What: Use code DELIVERUPNOW for $20 off your next four delivery fees. First-time app users can receive $5 off your first order with code CURRYUP5 How: Pick-up or delivery Order: Curry Up Now app or call 949-932-0153
➜SAJJ Mediterranean Irvine What: Buy one entree and get one free through April 1; Feast For 4 deal which includes falafel, chicken shawarma, rice, hummus, tzatziki, mixed green salad, lentil soup, pita bread, and house sauces ($30) How: Pick-up and delivery Order: SAJJ Street Eats app or call 949-336-4404
➜Slater’s 50/50 Huntington Beach & Anaheim Hills What: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree through March 27. How: Pick-up Order: 714-594-5730 (Huntington Beach), 714-602-8115 (Anaheim Hills), or at slaters5050.com
➜Daphne’s Irvine, Tustin, Quail Hill, and Lake Forest What: Receive $5 off the Family Feast for takeout with code FAM500 and $2 off adult entrees with code LS444 How: Curbside pick-up Order: Online at daphnes.biz
➜Mama Tieu’s Garden Grove What: 1 free order of egg rolls with a purchase of $45 or more using code word “community”; Buy 5 banh mi bites, get 1 free How: Curbside pick-up or delivery through Grubhub Order: 714-590-8478 or through Yelp
GIFT CARD AND RETAIL DEALS
➜ The Harbor Grill: Get $10 added value to a card for every $50
➜ Driftwood Kitchen: Purchase a $100 gift card for $85 or a $200 gift card for $165.
➜ The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar: $50 gift card with a purchase of a $300 gift card; $100 gift card with a purchase of a $500 gift card thewineryrestaurants.com
➜ Portola Coffee Roasters: free coffee with a purchase of a $25 gift card; $5 gift card with a purchase of a $50 gift card, a $20 gift card with a purchase of a $100 gift card portolacoffee.com
➜ High Tide Coffee: small drink with a purchase of a $30 gift card, plus 20 percent off all beans online using code: CABINFEVER hightidecoffeeco.com/roasted-coffee
4th Street MarketDowntown Santa Ana, 201 E. 4th St., Santa Ana 714.486.0700 4thstreetmarket.comCurbside pick-up available through various mobile ordering apps. A Market201 E 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701949.650.6515 amarketnb.comAlta Baja4th Street Market, 201 E. 4th St., Santa Ana 714.783.2252 altabajamarket.com In-store special pricing on items including freshly prepared and pre-packaged food and beverages, all available for take-out. Tue-Sun 8 am – 7 pm, Mon. 8 am – 5 pm Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails2607 Main St, Irvine, CA 92614 949.387.8887 andreisrestaurant.com Offering curbside pick-up and delivery options with a limited a-la-carte lunch and dinner menu and family meal packages. All family packages and a la carte menu items are available Monday – Saturday, 11am – 7:30pm. Please call to place your curbside order. AnQiSouth Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 714.557.5679 anqibistro.com “Our culinary team and staff at AnQi privelidged to be of service to our dear community during this difficult time. Despite not being able to offer our dine-in service, we now offer our pick-up & delivery service— AN the GO, available at AnQi.” Specially curated family meals available daily. Check website for more info and menu. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations4647 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.333.0917 bosscatkitchen-newport.com Currently offering direct call in takeout orders and delivery via 3rd party platforms. All direct call in takeout orders will be given 20% off their bill. We will be handing out takeout orders curbside. Check website for more info and menu. Cafe Sevilla – TEMPORARILY CLOSED1870 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 888.738.4552 cafesevilla.com At Cafe Sevilla, the well-being of our guests & team members is of utmost importance to us. In light of the COVID-19 virus in our community and recent local & national announcements, we are temporarily closing operations in all locations until further notice. In the meantime, check out our “Travel to Spain With Us” Series HERE! You might not be able to travel there by plane, but you can take a virtual tour of Spain with us! Chelas Mexican Grill29975 Alicia Parkway, Unit 10 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 949.542.4606 chelasmexicangrill.comClay Oven Indian Cuisine15435 Jeffrey Rd., Irvine, CA 92618 949.552.2851 clayovenirvine.com Offering takeout and delivery of the entire menu, including wine and beer, plus some of the nightly specials available to go for the first time such as the Rack of Wild Boar, Wagyu Hanger Steaks, and Tandoor-Roasted Avocado! They also introduced two new Family Meal options (serves up to 4). Curbside and take out orders can be placed by phone or delivery orders through Grubhub, Postmates, and Doordash. Check website for menu. Lunch: Tues-Fri 11am – 2pm, Dinner: Mon-Sun 5pm – 9pm Dory Deli2108 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 949.220.7886 dorydeli.comHelmsman Ale House beer is available in 16 oz. crowlers to-go at Dory Deli. Electric City Butcher4th Street Market, 201 E. 4th St., Santa Ana 714.474.9096 electriccitybutcher.com Special pricing in-store on all pre-cut and pre-packaged proteins. Buy fresh, high-quality daily-butchered meats from Electric City Butcher. Tue-Fri 11 am – 6 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am – 6 pm. Farmhouse2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625949.640.1415 farmhouserg.comFive Crowns3801 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625949.760.0331 TheFiveCrowns.comIl Dolce1902 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.200.9107 – Call for takeout or delivery ildolceoc.comIssé305 N State College Blvd unit b, Fullerton, CA 92831714.519.3831 issefullerton.comThe KroftAnaheim Packing District 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805 714.635.5900 The kroft.com Pick-up and delivery options available at the Long Beach location through the website or The Kroft app powered by ChowNow. Currently serving poutines and sides from 11am – 6pm. Offerings change daily. Please refer to our social platform to see current offerings. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar13290 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92602 714.731.9700 lazydogrestaurants.com Offering free delivery through our website every day on orders of $25 or more. Curbside Pick-Up as a takeout option in almost all of the restaurants. Mozambique will be the site of a Food Truck Drive-Thru1740 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949.715.7777 mozambiqueoc.com Food Truck Drive-Thru Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 4 pm-9 pm, Saturday – Sunday 11am-9 pm Featuring: Greek Mediterranean Cuisine Truck – Nostimo, Burger Truck – Burger Monster , Mexican Food Truck – Montoya’s. Also selling beer, wine and liquor bottles TOGO at discounted prices. Drive-Thru ONLY. During our Food Truck Drive-thru hours, we will have a Gift Card Promotion available. Purchase a $100 gift card, and receive $20, purchase a $50 gift card, receive $10. Pascalpascalrestaurants.com949.673.0033 They have set up a food stand at their kitchen backdoor. Daily specials are available for pick up and delivery. Playa Mesa428 E, 17th St., Costa Mesa, CA 949.287.5292 playamesa.comThe Quiet Woman Restaurant3224 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, CA 92625 949.640.7440 quietwoman.comOffering a curbside pick-up and take-out menu starting today. Rusty Pelican2735 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663 949-642-3431 RustyPelican.com Offering all of the to-go menu items online as well as beer, and cocktails to-go. 50% off any bottle of wine with an entree purchase. Check out their amazing wine list on their website. Check website for menu. Seasons 523333 Bristol Street, Suite 2802 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714-437-5252 seasons52.com Offering curbside takeout and free delivery within 20 minutes of the restaurant. Wine is also available with orders. Options for grocery kits also available. Hours of operation are 12:00 to 8:00pm, daily. Check menu on website. “100% fresh. 100% to go. Please call to place your order for signature favorites or our Family Style Dinner for takeout.” SideDoor3801 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 949.760.0331 SideDoorCdM.comSummit House Restaurant2000 E. Bastanchury Rd. Fullerton, CA 92835 714-671-4111 summithouse.com Curbside service for lunch and dinner. See menus on website. Currently taking phone orders only. Online ordering and delivery coming soon. Sundried Tomato American Bistros & CateringCall 949.661.1167sundriedtomatobistro.com20% off curbside pickup on any items ordered and available from our All Day Menu and Kid’s Menu. Noon-7pm everyday. 30% Off bottles of wine. Special family meals available. Gluten Free Penne or Angel Hair Pasta $50, ADD Grilled Chicken $15 Blackened Chicken over Bowtie $65, ADD Baby Green Salad or Caesar $15 ADD Sundried Chopped Salad $25 Creamy Sundried Tomato Soup (qt) $12 Mac ’n Cheese $15 Chicken Strips $15 Bowtie Pasta, Marinara or Butter $20 Toasted Cheddar Cheese Sandwich $20 (Curbside pickup only) Tangata RestaurantBowers Museum, 2002 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92706 714.567.3623 Tangatarestaurant.comCurbside pick-up and delivery. Tue-Fri 11-2pm Ten Asian Bistro4647 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.660.1010 Open for curbside takeout and delivery. Also offering 20% off takeout placed directly with the restaurant. tenbistrooc.comToast Kitchen & Bakery1767 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.873.5057 toastkitchenbakery.comVitalyThe Camp, 2937 Bristol St B103-B100, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.662.5500 vitaly.netThe Winery2647 Park Avenue, Tustin, CA 714.258.7600 thewinerytustin.com Curbside Take Out in Tustin at 15% off menu pricing, Gift Card Promotion, Groceries. Check website for menu or call for more info. Wine Sale with great wines up to 50% off! To receive lists and make appointments contact: Newport Beach: Dustin@thewinerynewport.com or by calling 714-317-4237, Tustin: William 949-292-8427 Prime Rib Dinner To Go Thursday and Friday: Available Thursday and Friday only. Pick up time is between 4-6pm. $79 for 2 or $155 for 4. Pre order 24 hours in advance.
THE SCENEEmily Eum, 4, eyes her harvest at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. SUPPORT THE FARM While strawberry-picking season is on hold amid the current public health crisis, you can still pick up produce at the farm’s drive-thru stand (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily). Or you can order online and pick up curbside. EXPLORER CREDIT Catherine Eum; @cathiecathicathyBEHIND THE SHOT “Her face is very serious in this photo because she was being extra careful so that she wouldn’t drop all her precious strawberries,” Eum says. “She especially enjoyed washing and eating all the strawberries she picked and also really liked trying all the other veggies they offered on the tour.”
Freddie Mac Multifamily recently announced a relief program affecting more than 27,000 multifamily apartment properties and the more than 4 million renters who reside at those properties. Multifamily properties are apartment buildings or other rental properties with five or more units.
How this program affects landlords
An apartment building owner with a Freddie Mac Multifamily loan may work with their lender to obtain up to 90 days of forbearance on their Freddie Mac Multifamily loans if their property operations have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
How this program affects renters
In exchange for loan forbearance, apartment building owners must agree to not evict tenants who are themselves adversely affected by COVID-19, whether due to illness, caring for a family member, job loss, reduced hours, or temporary unpaid leave, etc. This policy will last for the 90-day duration of the forbearance period.
How will I know if my landlord is participating in the program?
The best way for a renter to know if they are eligible for relief is to ask their landlord or management company if they are participating in the Freddie Mac Multifamily COVID-19 Relief Program.
How many renters will this program help?
Just over 20% of multifamily loan volume nationwide is financed by Freddie Mac Multifamily. Currently there are more than 4 million renters nationwide who live in properties that were financed with a Freddie Mac loan.
This program does not affect every renter in the United States. It only applies to renters who live in properties that are currently financed with a Freddie Mac loan and whose owners have opted in to the COVID-19 relief program.
Note: If your landlord is not participating in the Freddie Mac forbearance program, they may be participating in a similar program through their lender.
A growing number of cities across Orange County have adopted temporary bans on evictions due to the economic fallout of the state’s stay at home order — which shut down large swaths of the economy — to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Anaheim and Costa Mesa on Tuesday temporarily banned evictions to help provide some relief to residents and businesses economically suffering from the stay home order.
Instead of forcing landlords to comply through an ordinance, Irvine adopted a resolution urging landlords to voluntarily halt evictions during the state-mandated stay home order to combat the pandemic.
Garden Grove adopted a state of emergency resolution and a portion of it mirrors Gov. Gavin Newsom’s emergency declaration that allows cities to adopt eviction bans. However, the city didn’t adopt an ordinance explicitly banning evictions stemming from virus-related economic hardship.
Tuesday’s votes by the three city councils comes on the heels of Santa Ana’s eviction moratorium last week — the first in OC.
Gov. Newsom’s indefinite stay at home order issued last week put many people out of work across the state because it closed down “non-essential” businesses like bars, nightclubs, gyms, concert venues, hotels and scores of service industry businesses.
Unemployment claims hit an average of 106,000 a day for the past week, said Newsom at a Monday news conference, according to SFGate.
Residents and businesses in Anaheim and Costa Mesa will have to provide basic documentation to their landlords showing state-mandated business closures hampered their rent payments before rent is due.
Anaheim’s Eviction Moratorium
Anaheim residents and businesses will have eviction protections until at least May 31 after a series of amendments to the original ban, including specifically adding nonprofit businesses to the list.
Despite philosophical and political differences on the Anaheim City Council, Tuesday marked a rare moment when Councilmembers unanimously adopted an emergency ordinance barring evictions, making it effective immediately.
“In my core philosophy I’m a property rights guy,” Mayor Harry Sidhu said. “But this situation we are dealing with is unprecedented … We need to stop evictions for residents who are, during the crisis, struggling to pay the rent.”
Sidhu, who brought the eviction ban to the council, extended the original repayment time from three months to four months. The ordinance also forbids penalties and fees for back rent payments.
Although the ban was originally going to expire April 30, Councilman Jose Moreno got unanimous support to extend the sunset to May 31. And he unsuccessfully tried to extend the rent repayment period from four months to six months to lessen the monthly back rent burden of residents and businesses.
“The intent here is to protect residents today, but we also want to be thinking ahead,” Moreno told his Council colleagues.
The Census Bureau considers a four-person family in poverty if the household makes just under $26,000 a year. A single person is considered in poverty if they make $13,300 or less yearly.
Councilman Trevor O’Neil raised issues about the impact to property owners, many of whom aren’t big corporations that have large financial portfolios to fall back on, but individuals who own a property or two, he said.
“I do agree that stabilizing the rental markets is critical,” O’Neil said. “I do though have concerns about the impact of breaking a link in the chain where a property owner … still has financial obligations that have to be met.”
He said those obligations include other jobs, like groundskeepers, landscapers and maintenance workers.
Deputy City Manager Greg Garcia, responding to O’Neil’s concerns, said they’ve been tracking state and federal efforts for property owner relief, but didn’t have anything solid the city can do.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have a great answer for you right now,” Garcia said.
Costa Mesa’s Eviction Ban
Costa Mesa also temporarily banned evictions for residents and businesses suffering the economic fallout from waves of business closures in the wake of Gov. Newsom’s stay home order to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The City Council voted 5-2 to adopt the emergency ordinance at Tuesday’s special meeting with Councilmembers Alan Mansoor and Sandra Genis dissenting.
Like Anaheim, Costa Mesa’s ordinance will be effective immediately.
“We’re not taking into consideration the landlord’s mortgage, if they’re not receiving rent, how do they pay their mortgage? Are they going to fall behind on their payments? Are they going to go into foreclosure? Not everybody is the Irvine company. There are mom and pop owners,” Mansoor said.
Genis opposed the ban because she said the ordinance could put a burden on “mom and pop landlords” who are also senior citizens.
“We’re pulling the rug out from under them,” Genis said.
Costa Mesa’s eviction ban lasts until Gov. Newsom’s state of emergency executive order is lifted and residents will have four months to pay back rent without fees or penalties.
Mayor Katrina Foley said the city must provide a lifeline for residents and small businesses during the spreading economic woes.
“We have a lot of residents in this city who do not have jobs that will allow them to be eligible for the government unemployment insurance, family paid leave, sick leave, they’re just not going to be eligible,” Foley said. “We’re in uncharted territory here and we must give a lifeline to our residents, our small business owners and people who are just literally sinking right now.”
Foley wanted to extend the four-month repayment, like Santa Ana’s six-month window to repay rent, so it would decrease the amount of back rent people would have to pay each month.
“I think we’re setting people up for not being able to pay the rent as soon as it becomes due,” Foley said.
But her idea fizzled out during Council deliberations.
The council amended the ordinance to make exceptions for landlords and tenants who have agreed on a deal in writing on how they would pay the rent because of the effects of the pandemic.
Costa Mesa has roughly 41,000 households in a city of about 114,000 residents. The city’s median household income is about $79,000 with 13 percent of its residents living in poverty, according to the US Census Bureau.
Irvine’s Eviction Resolution
Irvine Councilmembers voted 4-1 on a resolution that “strongly encouraged” landlords to not evict people, in contrast to an enforceable ordinance adopted by Anaheim, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana.
The resolution relies on a section of Gov. Newsom’s statewide declaration of emergency, which allows local governments to ban evictions. But cities have to adopt ordinances to provide any eviction protections for residents and businesses.
Councilwoman Melissa Fox dissented, and said an ordinance is needed — not a resolution — to protect residents.
“It is important that this council pass an enforceable order banning convictions and that order includes everyone,” Fox said. “This resolution has no force of law as written.”
City Attorney Jeff Melching described the resolution as “choosing cooperation over regulation.”
Fox proposed rebranding the resolution as an ordinance to make it enforceable by law but did not receive Council support.
The resolution said the city could go further but held back “based on (the city’s) long history working together with its business community.” The resolution stated “key members” of the business community indicated they were open to following the resolution.
The original draft of the memo accompanying the resolution identified them as the Irvine Company and FivePoint Holdings, the two largest developers in the city of Irvine, but a later update to the memo remove their names.
Irvine’s median household income for its roughly 95,000 households is almost $101,000, and 13 percent of its roughly 282,000 residents live in poverty according to the US Census Bureau.
Instead of discussing the item, Mayor Christina Shea and Councilwoman Farrah Khan attacked Fox for her comments on her blog about the resolution. Fox was not in the council chambers for the meeting but called in from home.
“She’s just attacking me and Farrah Khan, it’s all political, it’s just a very negative and awful attack,” Shea said. “We need to focus on (the resolution) and stop the grandstanding and politicizing of items.”
When Fox attempted to respond to the comments from Shea and Khan about her post, the council majority voted her out of order and she was told she could comment later in the meeting.
No question, these are unprecedented times. A lot of us are feeling uncertain, stressed, and to be honest…sick and tired of being cooped up. We get it. But here are over 50 fun and safe activities to do at home during the quarantine…
Live Streams from Zoos & Aquariums
Nothing says calm, positive energy like animals. Just because these places are closed to the public doesn’t mean you can’t get in a healthy dose of the wild. Zoos and aquariums all over the world have free live streams so you can enjoy these amazing creatures from the comfort of your couch.
Live cams from the San Diego Zoo: Watch koalas, polar bears, tigers, giraffes, and many more! https://bit.ly/2WL0tLI
Experience the tranquil waters and the animals who live there with live cams from Monterey Bay Aquarium: https://bit.ly/33N7E7B
Chillax in real-time with the Panda Live Cam from the Smithsonian National Zoo: https://s.si.edu/3bvs9If
Go on “safari” with the Cincinnati Zoo (home of Fiona the Hippo!) live on their Facebook page, airing every weekday at 12 pm Pacific Time: https://bit.ly/2UFMYtO
See creatures great and small, from a hummingbird cam to a Bald Eagle’s nest with the wide variety of live nature streams from Explore.org: https://bit.ly/2WJ3nAw
The Elmwood Park Zoo in Pennsylvania is offering Zoo School on Facebook Live on weekdays at 8 am Pacific Time: https://bit.ly/2UALMrM
The Houston Zoo has live cams in several of their animal habitats, from giraffes and gorillas all the way down to the Leafcutter Ant: https://bit.ly/2UEpYLE
Bonus: The Houston Zoo also has Facebook Live videos on weekdays at 9 am Pacific Time: https://bit.ly/3duAZIh
Wild Earth can take you on a sunrise or sunset safari via their live streams all the way from South Africa: https://bit.ly/2QNbVT1
Penguins, jellyfish, sea otters, and more, oh my! Check out the live streams from the Georgia Aquarium: https://bit.ly/33LNVF1
Swim with the fishes (and sharks!) via the live cams from the National Aquarium in Baltimore: https://bit.ly/2UzKw8o
Tours of Museums and Interesting Places
Whether you’re looking for something educational to share with the kids while they’re home from school, or you just always wanted to see the Louvre, check out one of the many live streams offered by these world-famous locations.
The National Gallery of Art, in Washington, D.C. offers two online exhibits, Fashioning a Nation, and Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting: https://bit.ly/3bqOnev
Visit Paris for lunch! Explore the Musée d’Orsay with their virtual tour: https://bit.ly/2Ul8J3f
Journey to Korea and explore the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: https://bit.ly/2Uj39hN
Visit the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam via a Google street view from the inside: https://bit.ly/3aqe3YU
Ride Disneyland and Disney World Rides–Without Leaving Home!
Bring the Disney magic to your home with virtual rides you can go on again and again. No need to wait! Just hit refresh and you’re at the front of the line again.
One of the best DIY projects is one you can eat! Tantalize your tastebuds with these free cooking lessons. Just think about how you’ll be able to impress your friends when we can all go visit again…
Chef Massimo Bottura is offering a free nightly cooking lesson on his Instagram page: https://bit.ly/39kez9t
Delish is offering free daily digital cooking classes for kids at 10 am Pacific Time via Instagram Live: https://bit.ly/2UlCAZw
Learn how to recreate your junk food favorites like Twinkies, Cheetos, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and more from Bon Appetit Pastry Chef, Claire Saffitz: https://bit.ly/39eH740
Milk Street is offering their online cooking classes for FREE through the end of April. You’ll learn recipes, and new ways to approach food and cooking: https://bit.ly/33KehY0
Don’t Forget the Library!
Get an Electronic library card from the OC Public Libraries and start downloading content such as EBooks, EMagazines, music, and more.
The Internet Archive opened the National Emergency Library allowing you to virtually borrow over 1 million titles, while schools and libraries across the country are closed. https://bit.ly/2wvl9fY
Free Online Fitness Classes
With gyms closed, many of us are re-inventing our fitness routines. These free online classes can help…you might just find something new you love!
YMCA is offering 60 free fitness classes ranging from Tai Chi to Bootcamp, Barre, Yoga, and more: https://bit.ly/2Ji5Lq2
Planet Fitness is offering Facebook Live at-home workouts daily at 4 pm Pacific Time: https://bit.ly/2wDTZTV
Lifetime Fitness is offering its most popular classes for free on-demand, including cardio classes, yoga classes, strength classes, and more: https://bit.ly/2Jlh2FL
Art & Cultural Activities
Art and drawing are perfect activities for when you’re enjoying the great indoors. Hone your drawing skills, take in an opera, or even do a little singing yourself!
Kids (and grownups too!) can learn to draw cute characters with illustrator Rob Biddulph, with new videos posted every Tuesday and Thursday: https://bit.ly/2WNcU9B
Join the OCEvents “Quarantine Karaoke Challenge” Facebook Group and post a video of yourself, or your kid singing a song. Just for fun! https://bit.ly/2Uk8aGS
Kids can take drawing classes via Instagram Live with illustrator Wendy MacNaughton weekdays at 10 am Pacific Time. Classes stay live on her IG stories for 24hrs: https://bit.ly/2UhhgUT
Take a live stream dance class, or enjoy a dance performance with “Dancing Alone Together.” Multiple activities daily: https://bit.ly/2QL1Nu2
Kids can take drawing classes with illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka via YouTube. New classes daily! https://bit.ly/2UCCGuv
Free Virtual Learning
Try your hand at something new, or improve upon your skills in an area you already love. You never know, you could unlock a hidden talent!
How many languages can you say “awesome?” Learn a new language for free with Duolingo, including High Valyrian for all you Game of Thrones fans out there: https://bit.ly/2vOvzqu
For those seeking a useful way to spend their time during social distancing—or anyone simply interested in forging a deeper connection with their homes—HB has launched Home Love, a series of daily tips and ideas to make every minute indoors more productive (and gratifying!).
Around the world, businesses are being forced to close their doors to help halt the spread of COVID-19. And yes, that includes the gym. While you might have to skip out on your favorite group fitness class (Pssst! There are a ton of studios live-streaming classes for free right now!), you should definitely keep moving—especially when you’re self-isolating instead of commuting to and from work as usual. But let us guess, you don’t have a home gym? Shayna Schmidt, co-founder of Livekick, a video service for home workouts, and personal trainer, is here to break down how to set up your very own at home.
What You Need
Not a ton, according to Schmidt! She says, “All you need is a 6 ft by 6 ft square of space. Seriously, that’s it.” That’s about the size of a small bathroom. So even if you live in a shoebox apartment (ahem, me), you shouldn’t have a problem finding space–even if it’s in the living room.
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Once you’ve found a spot to set up your home gym, you can start building your workouts. While Schmidt says that official gym equipment isn’t necessary, there are some “nice-to-have” items she recommends: If you can, get “a yoga mat and a set of dumbbells” (though, she says, “a set of wine bottles works just as well” as weights). Bonus: Reward yourself for working out by opening one of those bottles. Now that’s a workout I can get behind.
Schmidt also recommends taking advantage of items that you already own for your home gym setup. “A coffee table or ottoman works really well for tricep dips, Bulgarian split squats, and decline push-ups,” she says, and “A towel can easily replace a yoga strap.”
Got none of this stuff? No problem. “You can get some of the best workouts of your life with zero equipment,” says Schmidt, who recommends calisthenics, “a genre of fitness that utilizes gravity and your own bodyweight for resistance in order to increase strength and flexibility.” She says to think of it “like weightlifting, but instead of using external weights, you’re using what you’ve already got built in. The term calisthenics comes from the Greek words ‘Kalos,’ which means beauty, and ‘Stenos,’ which translates to strength. Strength and beauty–who doesn’t want that?!” Just search for “beginner calisthenics workout” on Youtube to get started.
What You Should Be Doing
With group fitness and gym trips out of the question, you might be wondering how to actually workout. If making up your own workout isn’t part of your social-distancing agenda, Schmidt recommends turning to fitness apps and live-streamed workouts.
Livekick
Like “a yoga retreat but without the need to leave your home,” says Schmidt, Livekick is a platform that offers “at-home yoga, fitness, meditation, and general wellness classes on live two-way streaming video, as well as private memberships.” Plus, you can do classes “with friends from all over the globe!” Fitness and remote friendships? Sounds like the perfect social distancing activity if you ask me.
While most people are familiar with ClassPass, a service that lets you try out a variety of boutique fitness classes, not as many are familiar with their app, ClassPass Go. While you’ll have to forego the in-person fitness sesh, “ClassPass Go connects you to audio-based fitness classes,” Schmidt says. Classes range from “stretching and meditation to strength training and outdoor running,” according to Schmidt. Each workout is curated by ClassPass trainers and range in duration from forty to sixty minutes.
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