School closure extension, courthouse closure announced

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Announcements pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic that have an impact on Menifee seemed to come on an hourly basis Tuesday, as residents struggled to absorb the complex and unsettling news of how their lives would continue to change.

A major announcement came from Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County public health officer, who ordered that the closure of all schools in the county be extended through April 30. Officials of the Menifee Union School District, Romoland School District and Perris Union High School District all had posted such announcements on their websites by the afternoon. Free meal programs to students will be continued through April 30 and each district continued planning for potential online learning opportunities.

The school closure extension fell under the County mandate in a news release that included all gatherings of people. It read, in part:

"Kaiser has also ordered the closure of all Riverside County schools from elementary to college until April 30. He also has recommended that senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions in the Coachella Valley avoid any non-essential travel. The orders have impacted religious services, weddings, sporting events and classrooms countywide."

That news release also reports that three people in Riverside County have died from coronavirus -- all in Coachella Valley -- and that the first two cases in western Riverside County have been reported. Details on those individuals have not been released.

In other local developments related to the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday:

-- The Riverside County District Attorney's Office announced that county courthouse operations would be reduced to cases essential to the criminal justice system. In addition, jury duty is delayed, but those who have been called must request a postponement to make it official.


-- The City of Menifee announced that City Hall would be closed to patrons from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday while city officials continue safety precautions. The 6 p.m. City Council meeting will be held as scheduled, but without residents in attendance. Residents are invited to watch the meeting live video by connecting via the city website, www.cityofmenifee.us.

-- The Small Business Administration announced it is offering disaster loans to small businesses suffering losses because of the coronavirus pandemic. The official news release can be found at this link for business owners who wish to apply. Information can be found here.

-- Two more popular events, Menifee’s Got Talent and a Menifee Valley Historical Association event, were postponed.

Applications for Menifee's Got Talent are still available on www.artscouncilmenifee.org. Auditions will be accepted online, and the deadline is extended until further notice. Individuals will be contacted as soon as a new date is set for the event or an online alternative is created.

In addition, the Menifee Valley Historical Association program scheduled for March 21 will be rescheduled to a later date. The Menifee History Museum, normally open to the public each Sunday, is closed until further notice.