Coronavirus
Rocklin Reopening City Offices on Tuesday, May 26
City of Rocklin offices will reopen to the public on Tuesday, May 26, in compliance with the State of California’s Resilience Roadmap allowing office functions to resume where telework is not possible.
The City has implemented key prevention practices recommended by public health authorities to reopen safely and responsibly, including, but not limited to:
Rocklin Relaxes Sign Ordinance, Implements Additional Business Support
The City of Rocklin understands businesses large and small are fighting for their livelihood’s as coronavirus-related restrictions continue to batter the economy. To offer assistance, the Rocklin City Council on May 12 approved a program designed to offer businesses temporary relief from some City regulations and fees.
With Placer County and Rocklin receiving special clearance by the state allowing retail, restaurants, some offices, and other industries to reopen with restrictions, the program can offer those preparing to reopen more flexibility, and save money for those awaiting clearance.
Business support efforts (through August 31, 2020) include:
- Temporary advertising and promotional signs are now allowed without a permit. Signs must still be kept on the business’ property, not impede the public right-of-way, or present a safety hazard.
- Modification of outdoor dining standards to assist restaurants in serving customers comfortably and safely. Details and an online application can be found here.
- Flexibility regarding late payment of business license taxes. Interested businesses should contact the City Finance department for details at (916) 625-5020.
- Waiver of fire safety inspection fees.
Updates on Coronavirus
News
May 22 - Rocklin Reopening City Offices on Tuesday, May 26
City of Rocklin offices will reopen to the public on Tuesday, May 26, in compliance with the State of California’s Resilience Roadmap allowing office functions to resume where telework is not possible.
May 15 - Rocklin Offers Restaurants More Flexibility with Temporary Outdoor Dining Guidelines
The City of Rocklin is temporarily allowing the creation or expansion of outdoor dining areas to facilitate social distancing.
May 13 - Rocklin Relaxes Sign Ordinance, Implements Additional Business Support
The Rocklin City Council approved a program designed to offer businesses temporary relief from some City regulations and fees.
View the relaxed regulations here.
May 11 - City Council Meetings to be Held at Rocklin Event Center
Rocklin City Council meetings will be held at the Rocklin Event Center until further notice to allow for in-person public participation while adhering to COVID-19 social distancing requirements.
May 5 - Rocklin Requests CA Provide Local Authority to Reopen Economy and Funding for Cities
Mayor Greg Janda requests that the State of California and Governor Newsom allow Placer County and the City of Rocklin to plan the reopening of non-essential businesses and to support smaller cities through financial means.
May 1 – Placer County Will Increase COVID-19 Testing with Two New Community Testing Sites
Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent announcement to add more than 80 community testing sites across the state, Placer County will soon launch two testing sites, one in Kings Beach and the other in Roseville. The new testing sites will open next week.
April 29 - Rocklin and Placer County Under California Shelter-in-Place Order Starting May 2
Placer County’s local health order expired on May 2 and residents now be guided by the governor’s Executive Order to shelter in place. Governor Newsom’s statewide shelter-in-place order remains in effect until further notice. The governor’s Executive Order permits critical workers in 13 sectors to work, and allows people to leave their homes for necessities such as food, medications and health care.
For more details, read the full article here.
April 27 – COVID-19 Business Impact Survey
The City of Rocklin and the Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce are asking local businesses to take part in a survey recently launched by the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC) to support an regional economic recovery strategy.
April 27 – Assistance Available from Stand Up Placer
The coronavirus has made it more difficult than ever for domestic violence survivors to leave their abusers due to financial instability and the quarantine. Stand Up Placer has modified available services to best serve those who need them.
For more details, read the full article here.
April 24 – Nutrition Services Interactive Map
The COVID-19 crisis has made it more difficult for many to obtain basic resources like nutritious food. Local schools, grocery markets, food banks, and food pantries have stepped up to meet the needs of our most vulnerable communities and neighbors. To help, City of Rocklin employees have created an interactive map to help easily locate available nutrition assistance.
April 23 – Rocklin Thanks Essential Workers
Rocklin thanks all essential workers with a fun printable coloring sheet that families can fill out at home. Read the article and download the page here.
April 22 – Operation Shields Up Ramps Up at Community Center
Face shield production for local healthcare providers and first responders by Alan Puccinelli, Rick Davis and their team of volunteers from Operation Shields Up has expanded to the Rocklin Community Center! With social distancing in effect, the building that usually hosts gatherings, games and other events was sitting idle. When the City learned Shields Up needed a few more square feet, staff quickly worked to provide access.
April 22 – Volunteer-Sewn Masks Help Keep City Employees Safe
Essential City of Rocklin employees are breathing a little easier thanks to the donation of 100 hand-sewn facemasks by Bayside Church.
April 17 – Message from Rocklin Mayor Greg Janda on COVID-19
Mayor Greg Janda thanks the Rocklin community for continuing to follow health protocols outlined by Placer County to slow the spread of COVID-19. Public health and safety depends on everyone, we are the doing right thing, and the numbers show it.
April 16 – Placer County Amends Stay at Home Order
“Outdoor activity is vital for well-being and has always been considered essential. Outdoor activity must be done safely, however. Last week’s local health order has now been amended (read the amended order) to allow some outdoor businesses and activities to resume and outdoor spaces to reopen under specific safety criteria provided by Public Health.
April 15 – Assistance Available from the Salvation Army
The local Salvation Army is providing resources above their usual operations for residents in search of additional help during the coronavirus pandemic. Services provided include free food boxes, two meals served daily to the community, free activity bags for children from 4-17, and rent and deposit assistance. The organization is also accepting certain donations at this time.
For more details, read the full article here.
April 14 – Placer County Update
Placer County Public Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson Answers Common COVID-19 Questions
April 10 – Placer County Update
Placer County Issues New Stay at Home Order Through May 1
April 7 – Placer County Update
Placer County Public Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson Updates Board of Supervisors on COVID-19
April 2 - Placer County Update
Face coverings now recommended for public on top of social distancing
April 1
Message from the City Manager Steve Rudolph on COVID-19
March 31 Update
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses and employees amid the pandemic and economic downturn. The act includes expanded economic disaster assistance loans, and updated business tax provisions.
Learn more about the program and how to apply for loans at the U.S. SBA’s website.
March 27
A quick, non-comprehensive guide to city and local resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 25 Update
Rocklin Chamber Assembling Quick Guide to Open Businesses
The Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce has created a quick guide that allows businesses to share with residents how they continue to operate during this time. All local businesses are welcome to submit their information and the list will be updated every 24-48 hours.
Click here to fill out the Quick Guide form.
Download the latest guide here.
March 24 Update
For the safety of the public, all playgrounds are closed as staff will be unable to keep them properly sanitized during this time.
Proclamation of Local Emergency Ratified
On Tuesday March 24, the Rocklin City Council ratified a local state of emergency proclamation first made by City Manager Steve Rudolph on March 18 due to the novel coronavirus. The proclamation will be in effect until ended by the City Council.
The proclamation of a local emergency does not signify an increased risk to the residents of Rocklin. The proclamation of a local emergency allows the City to utilize and provide mutual aid, secure additional resources, and potentially obtain reimbursement for activities related to the emergency from state and federal sources.
March 23 Update
Rocklin PD Now Offers Online Non-Emergency Crime Reporting
Due to the rapidly evolving circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and as an additional convenience to the public, the Rocklin Police Department now offers an online reporting option for certain non-emergency incidents where a suspect is not known.
March 20 Update
BUILDING SERVICES DURING COVID-19 CLOSURE
Permitting and plan checks will be by appointment only. An inspection self-certification process has been put in place. Click the link above for more information or visit rocklin.ca.us/buildingservices.
March 19 Update
WPWMA Temporarily Suspending Facility Services
The Western Placer Waste Management Authority (WPWMA) will be limiting access to its solid waste facility located at the corner of Athens Avenue and Fiddyment Road beginning Monday, March 23 to help combat the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. Visit the link above for more information.
March 18
City of Rocklin Proclaims Local Emergency
The City Manager of the City of Rocklin proclaimed a local state of emergency on March 18, 2020, in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health crisis. The local emergency is in effect now, through March 24, when it can be confirmed and ratified by the Rocklin City Council.
The proclamation of a local emergency does not signify an increased risk to the residents of Rocklin. The proclamation of local emergency allows the City to utilize and provide mutual aid, secure additional resources, and potentially obtain reimbursement for activities related to the emergency from state and federal sources.
March 17 Update
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance Loans to CA Small Businesses
The U.S. Small Business Association is now offering disaster relief low-interest rate loans for both for-profit (3.75 percent) and non-profit (2.75 percent) California businesses impacted by coronavirus. This amount can be up to 2 million, and the payback period may be up to 30 years.
For more information or to apply, visit the SBA’s webpage.
March 16 Update
Rocklin Parks and Recreation Programs Canceled Through April 30
The City of Rocklin’s highest priority is to ensure the safety and health of our community. To help contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the City is cancelling parks and recreation programs through April 30.
This includes:
- Group classes for seniors
- Youth sports programs
- Community activity courses
- Field rentals
- Venue rentals with expected attendance of 50 or greater (Cancellation of rentals with expected attendance under 50 can be done on a voluntary basis, with full refunds provided)
Staff is contacting individuals and organizations with reservations and will refund rental fees for cancelled events.
General City of Rocklin services are operating at full capacity and leadership will continue to monitor public health recommendations, evaluate procedures and make changes accordingly.
March 13 Update
Rocklin Postpones or Cancels Events as Recommended by CDPH
The City of Rocklin’s highest priority is to ensure the safety and health of our community. To help contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the City is following recommendations released by the California Dept. of Public Health on March 12 and postponing or cancelling all events at City-managed facilities expected to gather 250 or more people through March 31.
This includes reservations at the Rocklin Event Center and parks and recreation facilities. Staff is contacting individuals and organizations with reservations to make arrangements and will refund rental fees in full if an event is cancelled.
Public meetings, including City Council and Planning Commission meetings, will continue to be held on their regularly scheduled dates with increased precautions recommended by public health agencies.
March 12 Update
Rocklin Fire Department Employees Cleared for Duty
Three Rocklin Fire Department employees are clear to return to protecting the community after being under voluntary quarantine due to potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Fire Dept. employees have not shown symptoms after responding to a call 15 days ago on Feb. 27, where the person assisted later tested positive for COVID-19 and died.
The Fire Dept. employees and the City of Rocklin followed recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the California Department of Public Health, and Placer County Public Health to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Importantly, the Fire Dept. employees extend their condolences, along with those of the entire City, to the family of the deceased.
March 11 Update
Placer County Public Health recommends COVID-19 mitigation
On March 10, Placer County Public Health (PCPH) and Yolo County announced they are changing strategy for COVID-19 response from containment to mitigation to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The City of Rocklin will follow guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and PCPH on mass gatherings and community events. The recommendations may lead to City events being modified, cancelled or postponed and updates will be released as the situation develops.
March 4 Update
Rocklin Fire Department Employees Quarantined after Exposure to Coronavirus
Three employees of the Rocklin Fire Department are in quarantine after exposure to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Rocklin employees were exposed after responding to a call unrelated to respiratory illness on Feb. 27. The person assisted later tested positive for the virus and died.
Placer County Public Health is actively monitoring the Rocklin employees, who are not exhibiting symptoms.
City of Rocklin fire stations remain fully staffed and prepared to respond to emergencies.
“The Rocklin Fire Department has been preparing for local coronavirus cases and has taken necessary steps to limit exposure to staff,” Rocklin Fire Chief William Hack said. “The City and Fire Department are following federal, state and local health policies and remain ready to protect the citizens of Rocklin in an emergency.”
March 4 Update
Placer County Public Health Press Conference
Placer County Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson reports that a resident has died of COVID-19. The person, an elderly adult with underlying health conditions, was the second confirmed case of COVID-19 in the county and is now the first to die from the illness in California.
Event and Meeting Cancellations
- All Rocklin Parks and Recreation events are canceled through May 17. This includes group classes for seniors, youth sports programs, community activity courses, field rentals and venue rentals.
- Rocklin Cleanup Day is in the process of rescheduling from its April 25 date.
- Run Rocklin has rescheduled from April 19 to October 25.
- The State of the City event scheduled for May 1 has been postponed with a new date to be determined after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
- Art Task Force Committee Meetings; Planning Commission Meetings; Parks, Recreation & Arts Commission Meetings have been canceled through April 30.
Roadmap for Reopening Stage Two Businesses and Small Business Resources
Reopen Rocklin and Placer County
Ways to Stay Healthy
The City encourages everyone to continue to follow basic steps to prevent illness, including:
- Stay in Place
- Stay home except for essential activities like grocery shopping, picking up medication or prepared food, caring for another family member, or outdoor exercise.
- Regularly wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and objects.
- Maintain Your Space
- Avoid people outside of your household and maintain a safe social distance of six-feet whenever outside the house.
- Vulnerable groups should take extra precautions and stay home when possible, in addition to turning away sick visitors.
- Cover Your Face
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- When going out to perform essential tasks, Placer County Public Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson recommends covering your nose and mouth with a face covering like a bandana or scarf. Special masks called N95 respirators are not recommended for the general public as they are in short supply and should be reserved for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
City Department Services and Contacts During Closure
Police Department non-emergency line: (916) 625-5400
Rocklin PD Now Offers Online Non-Emergency Crime Reporting
The Rocklin Police Department and Fire Department will continue full operations, but PD and Fire building lobbies will only be accessible by appointment or in an emergency.
Plan Check Services: (916) 625-5120
The City’s plan check and permitting services will be available by appointment only. A self certification process has been implemented for inspections. Email building@rocklin.ca.us for more information.
Human Resources: (916) 625-5050
Finance: (916) 625-5020
Public Services: (916) 625-5500
Parks & trails will remain open, with only basic safety inspections taking place. With staff unable to maintain park restrooms, they will be closed. Please adhere to CDC social distancing procedures when utilizing public space.
Rocklin City Council meetings will be held as scheduled until further notice, following social distancing procedures and with only essential business items on the agenda. The public is encouraged to submit public comment in advance to City Clerk Hope Ithurburn at hope.ithurburn@rocklin.ca.us and to view meetings live on the city’s website.
Commission meetings have been cancelled until April 30.
County, State and Federal General COVID-19 Links
Placer County Public Health COVID-19 webpage
New CA State ‘One Stop Shop’ COVID-19 Resources webpage
California Dept of Public Health COVID-19 webpage
Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 webpage
Local Resources
Placer County Resources Page
The Placer County resources page includes links to various resources in the region including food sources, unemployment, housing, utilities, mental health, childcare, and coronavirus posters and print materials. View the page here.
Nutrition Services Interactive Map
If you need food assistance, please view this interactive map that links you to various local food services, including schools, grocery markets, food banks, and food pantries stepping up to serve the needs of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local Resource Guide
The Rocklin quick resource page lists the response and availability of various local resources including police, fire, schools, building and permitting services, and utilities, as well as linking out to business resources, shelter assistance, and food assistance. View the guide here.
Taking Care of Our Elderly Residents
View tips and advice on how to take care of our most vulnerable citizens. View the post here.