“We’re ready for this,” says Shawver

The City of Stanton has gone a bit high-tech in its outreach to the public regarding the coronavirus.

With the cooperation of the Public Cable Television Authority, the city has created a video – also available through Twitter, You Tube and the city’s website – outlining the steps being taken to cope with the local effects of the pandemic, also known as COVID-19.

In the video, Mayor David Shawver hosts a panel with City Manager Jarad Hildenbrand and Lt. Nate Wilson of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Wilson serves as the city’s police chief, since the OCSD provides law enforcement services to Stanton.

The three sat six feet away from each other, upholding the “social distancing” guidelines widely publicized.

“We are ready for this,” said Shawver. ‘We are prepared for this.”

Hildenbrand and Wilson noted the various impacts and points of the city’s response.

• All City of Stanton offices are closed to the public.
• The Stanton Sheriff’s Substation is closed to the public, but a phone outside the building is available to contact those inside.
• All volunteer programs of the city are suspended.
• The Senior Meals on Wheels programs will continue.
• Much of the contact between members of the public and city employees or contract staff (the OCSD and the Orange County Fire Authority, which provides fire and paramedic services to Stanton) will be by phone, e-mail or – in some instances – by appointment.
• Water, natural gas and electricity services won’t be interrupted and service won’t be cut off for people temporarily unable to pay their bills.
• ATM’s around the city are being sanitized by banks and are stocked with cash as usual.
• Police staffing levels should remain the same, with some possible increases. Officers will not respond to non-injury traffic accidents unless vehicles are blocking a roadway and need to be cleared.

Important contact numbers include:

• Stanton’s main number: (714) 379-9222.
• Emergency police or fire: 911
• Sheriff Department dispatch: (714) 647-7000.
• Orange County Health Care Agency: 1-800-564-8448 (for medical questions about coronavirus).