C.V. Starr

county is in the purple tier, which is where Mendocino County was until October 27,” said a press release from the city.

The county has now moved to the Red Tier, but even there, indoor pools are not allowed to open and indoor fitness facilities’ capacity is limited to 10 percent of normal.

In the next tier, the Orange Tier, indoor pools can open but only so long as physical distancing for non-household groups can be maintained and the fitness facilities’ capacity is limited to 25 percent.

In tier 4, the Yellow Tier, indoor pools must still maintain physical distancing for non-household groups, but the fitness facility capacity is increased to 50 percent of normal.

“In addition to complying with the limits on capacity, the C.V. Starr Center must follow the 16-page industry guidance for fitness facilities, including increased sanitation and safety precautions that will require additional staffing and expense,” the city stated. “Rehiring and training staff to open the facility and recertifying lifeguards will likely take four weeks.”

Therefore, city officials and the Mendocino Coast

Recreation and Parks District have announced that the investment needed to reopen the facility safely only makes financial and operating sense when Mendocino County is in the Yellow Tier, and the facility can operate at 50 percent of normal capacity.

“It is only fair to the community and the C.V. Starr staff that we are relatively assured that once the Center opens, it will remain open and will accommodate the needs of the community, and rehired staff will have a certain level of job security,” stated Fort Bragg Vice Mayor Bernie Norvell in the press release.

Questions regarding this information can be directed to Fort Bragg’s city manager, Tabatha Miller, at tmiller@fortbragg.com, or by calling (707) 961-2829.