PRESS RELEASE
City of Woodland
300 First Street
Woodland, California – The City of Woodland officially proclaimed a local state of emergency on March 17 at a special City Council meeting. The Council adopted a resolution to proclaim a local emergency regarding 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and suspend the disconnection of water services for non-payment during the emergency and for 30 days thereafter. The proclamation of a local state of emergency will assist in a coordinated public health response to reduce transmission and illness severity, provide assistance to health care providers, coordinate and mitigate public services that may be disrupted from this emergency, and mitigate any other effects of this emergency on the citizens of Woodland. The local state of emergency is now in effect.
The declaration of a local emergency comes as local, state, and federal governments work to control the spread of COVID-19 across the country and reduce the impact on hospital systems. This declaration follows proclamations of state and federal public health emergencies. California Governor Gavin Newsom asked California residents to shelter in place to curb the spread of the COVID-19.
At this meeting, the City Council also adopted an emergency ordinance to prevent the eviction of residential tenants for non-payment of rent if the inability to pay is due to COVID-19. The ordinance provides for a delay in rent payments but does not waive the requirement to pay rent. That ordinance went into effect immediately following City Council adoption.
In conjunction with the proclamations, on Monday March 16 the City activated a virtual Emergency Operations Center (EOC) due to the spread COVID-19. The activation of the virtual EOC will enhance the City’s ability to monitor the continually evolving coronavirus pandemic, plan ahead for the needs of the community, improve our lines of communication, and increase access to additional resources.
The City’s core operations will not be affected. These operations include police and fire services, operations and maintenance of critical infrastructure (sewer and water), garbage and recycling services, minimum parks maintenance, and management of the City’s emergency operations center. To the extent possible, Planning, Building, and Engineering activities will continue in an as-needed basis.
City Hall: Effective March 19, 2020, City Hall will be closed to the public. However, those needing building permit and inspection services may contact (530) 661-5820. Individuals doing business with the City are encouraged to do so remotely by phone, email, or online. Phone numbers can be found on the City’s website www.cityofwoodland.org or by calling City Hall at (530) 661-5800.
Woodland Police Department: The front lobby will be open Monday – Friday from 8 am to 1 pm only.
Other Facilities: The Library, Municipal Services Center, Community & Senior Center, Woodland Sports Park, and the Charles Brooks Community Pool (and associated programs) will be closed until further notice. Library reference questions will be answered by emailing library@cityofwoodland.org.
Water Bills: Water bills can be paid online by visiting www.cityofwoodland.org/paymybill. Water bills can also be paid by calling (530) 661-5831, Option 1. Water will not be shut off for non-payment during this time.
Residents are urged to continue social distancing practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19; stay home if you are sick, and wash hands often.
Please refer to the Yolo County website for updated information. www.yolocounty.org/coronavirus