Important information about entering the Red Tier
(March 16, 2021)
We are thrilled to announce that once it is confirmed that San Diego has moved into the Red Tier, the following changes will be made at the LFJCC’s Qualcomm Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Complex. We anticipate and are hopeful that these changes will occur on Thursday, March 18th.
Aquatics Updates:
- Pool reservations will be expanded to two swimmers per lane.
- Lane selection will take place by sitting on a chair placed at the end of the lane. Swimmers will start at either end of each lane. Chairs will be positioned appropriately.
- Swimmers will swim directly up and down the lane. Circle swim is prohibited.
- Refrain from congregating on the deck, in the pool and on the same side of the wall.
- As always, be respectful of your fellow swimmers’ needs and requests. If a second swimmer enters your lane, sharing is required.
- Your reservation is for a lane, not a specific lane, and holds are not allowed.
- Snorkels are permitted with proof of full vaccination. Please show proof to an Aquatics staff person upon arrival.
- Masks are required at all times unless in the water. Walking to and from showers or exiting the facility requires mask usage.
Indoor Fitness Center Updates:
- Open Monday-Friday from 7:00 am - 4:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
- In order to increase the length of time you work out, indoor and outdoor gym reservations will be allowed to overlap. Be sure to make reservations for both locations.
General Updates:
- Reservations will continue to be made through the My J app.
- A health screening is required upon entry regardless of vaccination status. The entry point will remain outdoors adjacent to the tennis courts via the parking lot on Executive Drive.
- Entry to the facility will be permitted 15 minutes prior to your reservation. This will allow time to continue the disinfecting protocol.
- The locker rooms will continue to be for restroom use only.
- Check out lfjcc.org/reopening for more information
Thank you for your continued partnership in making this the best and safest experience for our JCC community.
Holiday Guidelines for Travel and Gathering
(November 25, 2020)
Dear Members,
There is a famous Jewish proverb that says, "Don't ask for a lighter burden, ask for broader shoulders." Your partnership in following the CDC guidelines to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 has helped us carry the heavy responsibility of keeping our community healthy.
As we head into the holiday season, we wanted to take a pause and be thankful for the LFJCC community we’ve created together. We thank you for trusting us to create a safe space and valuing each other in keeping it that way.
Despite the best efforts in the broader San Diego community, it is sad to note that COVID cases in the County are at an all-time high. We must build on our partnership to get through the next few months safely.
With Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's around the corner, the JCC leadership, and LFJCC COVID-19 Taskforce are asking for adherence to the following guidelines:
-
Based on the orders from the Governor, we ask anyone who travels outside of California to quarantine at home for 14 days following your return. You will be asked about your recent travel during your health check.
-
If you are traveling within California but outside of San Diego County and/or gathering with people outside of your household, we ask that you not return to the JCC during the incubation period (6 days). We recommend that you get a COVID test to ensure a negative result prior to your return.
-
For anyone who has had a possible exposure to COVID-19, please get tested to ensure a negative result prior to returning to the JCC.
-
For more information regarding holiday and travel guidelines, please visit the following links:
-
State of California - Travel Advisory
-
County of San Diego - Guidance for Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays
Thank you for your commitment to our community and our partnership with each other. We hope that you find meaning and joy in the upcoming holidays. For anyone who is ill, we wish you a speedy return to good health.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Betzy Lynch, CEO
UPDATED INFORMATION FROM THE JCC ABOUT OPERATIONS DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS
(July 13, 2020)
Dear JCC Members,
As of today, July 13, 2020, Governor Newsom has regulated that all indoor fitness activity be suspended until further notice. For this reason, the JCC will be closing our indoor fitness center. Please note members WILL be able to continue participating in outdoor group fitness, outdoor personal training and regular use of the outdoor pool.
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we navigate our continued commitment to mitigating the community spread of COVID-19. I want to reiterate that we are pursuing the most cautious course of action. As always, your health is our top concern. Please keep on the lookout for expanded outdoor fitness opportunities over the next few days.
To all who are sick, we wish Refuah Shlema (a full recovery) and to those who are well, please be vigilant in washing your hands, wearing face coverings and creating social distance for your health.
Sincerely,
Betzy Lynch, CEO
(June 21, 2020)
Listen to our CEO, Betzy Lynch discusses The JCC's response to the pandemic, as well as diversity and inclusiveness on Drew Schlosberg's Spotlight on the Community
(June 12, 2020)
We are excited to open our Jacobs Fitness Center, Friedenberg Pool, and group fitness classes on Monday, June 15! When we reopen, the LFJCC experience will be different than you are accustomed to. Safety is always our top priority.
As we discussed in previous communications, every decision made regarding our reopening has been through the lens of the health and safety of our members and staff following CDC, state, and local guidelines. When you are ready to walk through our doors, we want you to be safe and feel comfortable. This email, as well as our reopening video, outlines the changes that have been made to accomplish these goals.
4 STEPS BEFORE RETURNING TO THE J
Complete COVID-19 waiver for all LFJCC members in your household (a signed waiver must be completed to access our new reservation app). Each member will need a unique email to make a reservation in the app.
Download the My J App (instructions will be emailed after successfully submitting your waiver).
Make your reservation. Reservations can be made no more than 72-hours in advance so Monday reservations can be made today (Friday).
Review our entry procedures.
HEALTH MEASURES AT A GLANCE
Required entry procedures including temperature checks & COVID-19 symptom screening.
Required facial coverings over mouth and nose
Procedures implementing six feet of distance between members and guests
Enhanced cleaning protocols including deep cleans, self-cleaning stations, and training for all staff to care for their work areas
Appointment/Reservation systems for applicable departments
Transparent communication and response to groups that may have been exposed to the virus
Please visit lfjcc.org/reopen to learn about all the details and procedures – including new hours of operation for engaging with the LFJCC when we reopen.
THANK YOU AND SEE YOU AT THE J!
While the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a complicated time, the LFJCC team draws on our 75-year history to guide us. We have overcome challenging obstacles before, and it is our community that is our source of strength. There is a strong belief at the Lawrence Family JCC that our members and staff are inextricably linked to each other. We influence one another, make memories together, and impact each other’s lives. While we are not high-fiving, fist-bumping, or hugging as we are more than 6 feet apart, the LFJCC staff continues to feel strongly connected to you. Thank you for standing with us and supporting us. We assure you, we are not returning to normal, we are coming back for something better. We cannot wait to welcome you back.
(May 25, 2020)
Dear valued LFJCC members and guests,
We hope you and your loved ones are staying healthy. During these unprecedented times, our COVID-19 Taskforce, Board of Directors, and staff have relied on the guidance of the CDC, State and local regulatory agencies as well as Jewish values such as Pikuah Nefesh - the safeguarding of human life, to drive our decision making as we have responded to this crisis. This pandemic has provided important reminders about valuing the sanctity of life and the blessings of good health.
We are pleased to announce that we will be reopening our Nierman Preschool on May 26 and have a plan to open up other operations in a phased approach based on State and local health agency guidance. This includes plans to start Camp Jaycee on June 22. This year camp will offer both on-site and virtual programming options. Our fitness and aquatics facility will re-open as soon as State and local guidance permits.
As mentioned above, we have carefully planned a phased approach to reopening our physical space at the Lawrence Family JCC, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS (LFJCC). Each of us will play an integral role in making the LFJCC a safe place for our community. As we prepare to reopen in stages in the coming weeks, we want to share the precautions we are taking to mitigate the transmission of the virus:
Here is a list of standards that we will follow until there is a vaccine for COVID-19:
- Required entry procedures including temperature checks & COVID-19 symptom scan
- Required facial coverings over mouth and nose for guests and members 13 years of age and older
- Procedures implementing six feet of distance between members and guests
- Enhanced cleaning protocols
- Appointment/Reservation systems for applicable departments
- Transparent communication and response to individuals/groups that may have contracted the virus
We will continue to notify you with more details and specific reopening dates as they become available. Visit LFJCC.org/update for the latest information. Thank you for being our partners in making these changes a success. We appreciate your patience as everyone adapts to these new health and safety protocols. We assure you, we are not returning to normal, we are coming back for something better. We look forward to welcoming you.
Sincerely,
Betzy Lynch
CEO
Phil Ginsburg
JCC Board President
Todd Allen
CJC Board Chair / JCC Vice Chair
(March 31)
Due to COVID-19 the normal operations of the Lawrence Family JCC | JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS will be suspended until further notice. Stay connected to us and each other through our virtual programs at lfjcc.org/virtual.
(March 20)
Dear LFJCC Valued Members,
During difficult and uncertain times, I often turn to the stories and values of the Jewish tradition to help me find understanding, inspiration or hope. I don’t believe that there are any coincidences in life. The fact that we are only a few weeks from the beginning of Passover and we are experiencing a modern plague of sorts, is not lost on me. If you recall during the story of the Exodus, G-d sends 10 plagues to Egypt to encourage Pharaoh to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt. Pharaoh’s heart is “hardened” after each of the plagues which causes further damage and devastation.
This reminds me of who we need to be during this most unusual and challenging moment in time. We cannot allow our hearts’ to be hardened by the economic fallout from this crisis. We must stand strong together as a community, helping those you are in obvious need and acting as though everyone we encounter needs our love and support. Let us learn from the mistakes of Pharaoh and still try to connect to each other, as humans. I know we are required to have physical distance from each other yet, our JCC is fully committed to building social interactions for all and human touch points for all.
The LFJCC fully appreciates your continued support during this very complicated and difficult time facing our community. In light of the recent developments concerning COVID-19, the normal operations of the Lawrence Family JCC, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS will be suspended until further notice, meaning the physical building will be closed. We will continue to review and communicate with the appropriate federal, state and local resources to determine next steps and provide you with updates when circumstances change.
Though our building will be closed, our staff team has created amazing ways to connect to community through a virtual platform via our Facebook groups and website. We are glad to see so many of you are already enthusiastically participating in this opportunity to stay engaged with your fellow members and LFJCC staff.
Even when we are closed during these times expenses remain, which make the membership dues even more critical. Aside from the building expenses which are continual, we also are committed to living our Jewish values by compensating as many staff as possible during closures so as to not add hardships to them and by adding services to help those in our community in need. Therefore, JCC membership dues in April will move forward with your regular fee. Your membership fee will be considered a donation to the LFJCC. Your generosity will make you our partner in offering support to those in our community who rely on us most. If this contribution has the potential to cause hardship for you or your family, please contact Laura Hurvitz, Director of Community Engagement at laurah@lfjcc.org.
Please continue to check our website, Facebook and your email for updates. Please click on this link to view and use offerings that are currently available, lfjcc.org/virtual. We look forward to serving you in person as soon as we are able. Thank you for your continued support of the LFJCC, and please continue to take care of yourself, your families and each other.
To all who are sick, I wish you Refuah Shlema (a full recovery) and to those who are well, please be vigilant in following the order from our Governor and stay home so you and others can stay well.
I hope that Shabbat will bring you light and peace.
Sincerely,
Betzy Lynch, CEO
See local COVID-19 updates at SanDiegoCounty.gov
(March 13)
Dear JCC members and guests,
We wanted to make you aware that the LFJCC COVID-19 Response Team, on behalf of our Board of Directors, has decided the JCC should suspend operations for a two-week period beginning March 14. Best case scenario, we would resume normal operations on March 30. Knowing that these are uncertain times, the Response Team will stay in constant communication to determine if the shut-down needs to continue beyond March 29.
JCC staff members are creatively brainstorming unique virtual ways to engage our community. Look for more information to come.
To all who are sick, I wish you Refuah Shlema (a full recovery) and to those who are well, please be vigilant in washing your hands and creating social distance for your health.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Betzy Lynch, CEO
See local COVID-19 updates at SanDiegoCounty.gov
(March 12)
Dear JCC members and guests,
Yesterday evening, Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, asked all businesses and organizations that host large gatherings with over 250 people to suspend those activities immediately.
We will comply with this recommendation for the next two weeks and evaluate further at that time.
The events that are canceled include:
Arts & Ideas Koresh: La Danse scheduled for March 25
Arts & Ideas Sarajevo Haggadah scheduled for March 26
The events that are being postponed include:
J Company's Matilda scheduled for March 13-22
San Diego International Jewish Film Festival's Ask Dr. Ruth scheduled for March 20
Good Deeds Day scheduled for March 29
Our Guest Services team will be issuing refunds for purchased tickets. Refunds will be processed via the original form of payment. You will see this transaction within the next 5-7 business days. If events are rescheduled, tickets can be purchased at that time.
Additionally, we continue to be vigilant in our cleaning protocols and encourage our members who are at highest risk to limit their exposure to large groups and communal spaces. We will be limiting class sizes for group exercise classes to allow for safe distance amongst participants, and we are suspending towel service indefinitely. Please prepare appropriately for these changes.
We are so appreciative of your patience and support. If there are other modifications to our service delivery, we will let you know.
To all who are sick, I wish you Refuah Shlema (a full recovery) and to those who are well, please be vigilant in washing your hands and avoiding unnecessary contact with others.
Sincerely,
Betzy Lynch, CEO
See local COVID-19 updates at SanDiegoCounty.gov
(March 11)
Dear LFJCC Members and Guests,
I wanted to thank our community for embracing the changes we have made to address the health and safety issues regarding the COVID-19 epidemic. We are so grateful to our members and guests who are helping us to keep the facility clean and safe.
The LFJCC Board of Directors and staff have appointed a small team to serve as our COVID-19 Response Taskforce and they will guide our decision making as we continue to navigate this uncharted territory.
Based on research conducted by our Response Taskforce, we felt that is was important to share information coming from the World Health Organization regarding our most vulnerable micro-community of members and guests over 70 years and those who have health considerations that lead to a compromised immune system.
The WHO states, "The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention."
Based on CDC recommendations and WHO research, we are asking our members, guests and staff to use their best judgement when choosing to engage in communal spaces, especially those in the highest risk category. We care deeply about your health and well being and we want you to stay engaged in our community even if you decide that coming to the JCC facility is not in your best interest at this time. For this reason, over the next week, we will be communicating remote/virtual ways you can still be a part of our J.
Please do what is best for your health and know we are here to support all local, State and Federal efforts to slow the spread of this disease.
To all who are sick, I wish you Refuah Slema (a full recovery) and to those who are well, please be vigilant in washing your hands and avoiding unnecessary contact with others.
Please look for continued updates for programmatic changes and new ways to engage with the J.
Sincerely,
Betzy Lynch, CEO
See local COVID-19 updates at SanDiegoCounty.gov