At a time when it feels like our state and local institutions are doing more to help alleviate the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis then out federal government, it’s nice to see that the Alameda City Council has taken what actions that it can take to do so.
From last night’s City Council meeting which was a combo of some people in the chambers and some people dialing in:
The City Council meeting tonight is happening with some Councilmembers, staff, and members of the public attending virtually. To provide public comment, text or call 510-747-4802 or email clerk@alamedaca.gov. #alamtg pic.twitter.com/f8WBoQLchL
— City of Alameda (@CityofAlameda) March 18, 2020
“This is not just a crisis for tenants, but for small mom and pop landlords as well,” CM @tonydaysog on proposed 60d moratorium on eviction related to #covid19. #alamtg
— Steven Tavares (@eastbaycitizen) March 18, 2020
Love that @JKW4Alameda is serving up some solid Morpheus energy with the outfit tonight. Also I appreciate the clarification on the moratorium edits suggested by Daysog. Everyone apparently has to pay rent eventually which is fine. #alamtg
— social distancing fan 🍀😷 (@gaylonparsons) March 18, 2020
Alameda City Council approves a 60-day moratorium on evictions and the shutting off of utilities by landlords due to the #covid19 outbreak. Alameda CM @TonyDaysog voted no. #alamtg
— Steven Tavares (@eastbaycitizen) March 18, 2020
Blogging Bayport Alameda 
This reminds me of 9/11 but without the overwhelming patriotism…as some Americans have forgotten how to sacrifice. This is about buying time. Closing borders, cash payouts, delaying taxes, bailing out industries, using the Army Corps of Engineers to build infrastructure, sending Defense Department supplies, mobile hospitals, and hospital ships, are all historic and significant steps taken by the federal government in the meantime. I like what Governor Cuomo said-“This is NY, there is nothing we cannot do.”
The federal government has done a lot, compared to the reaction to swine flu, which spread through the population in 2009, where 60 million were infected and 12,469 deaths in the USA until a vaccine was developed. I suppose we could have followed this model for the Wuflu, but it would have hit vulnerable communities really hard and based on what we see in China, Italy, and Iran, would have overwhelmed our health system.
In late Spring or early summer there will be anti-viral medications available to ameliorate the symptoms, until we get a vaccine, which is already in clinical trials. At home testing kits have already been developed. We are a very productive country, with the best medical research centers in the world. The private sector, financed by the federal government, not a local, county or state government will be key.
This is a big moment for America. Hopefully, we will look back and say we may have overreacted. In the meantime, let’s all cooperate, enjoy time with your family and stay healthy.
Comment by Nowyouknow — March 18, 2020 @ 8:53 am
The federal response to COVID-19 has been atrocious. As of February 28, Trump said it would go away. He joked about it. He mocked anyone who thought it was serious. There had
been no federal leadership until this week. Trump fiddled while Rome burned, despite what experts and the media told him.
In contrast, the Obama administration received praise for its handling of swine flu. Praise from public health experts, not sycophants in the White House or Faux News.
Comment by Larry Witte — March 18, 2020 @ 11:08 pm
It’s is so heartening and reassuring to live in Alameda, where our local government is tuned into our needs and taking swift action. Thank you Mayor Ashcraft and City Councilmembers!
Comment by egelblock — March 18, 2020 @ 11:27 am
Just wanted to mention this again because I feel its important. We can only get rid of this thing if people actually participate. What I mean by this is that I just got through taking a short jog. Seems to me that I saw a LOT of cars on the road. I’d bet money they aren’t all heading to the grocery store.
But more astounding? People having cosmetic work done to their houses. As in I saw no fewer than 4-5 houses, complete with contractor crews, out there working away. How in the hell is that at all considered ” Essential”? This shelter in place thing means absolutely zero if people refuse to abide by it. My take? The city needs to consider actually enforcing it if residents can’t or won’t.
Comment by john doe — March 18, 2020 @ 2:46 pm