By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

Responding to the recent announcement from Gov. Newsom’s office regarding LA County moving from the purple tier to the red tier, the YMCA of the Foothills – the La Cañada site – will be reopening indoor operations on March 29 at 10% capacity.

But according to Vince Iuculano, chief executive officer of the YMCA of the Foothills, there’s much more to do than just opening the doors.

“The good thing is we have been preparing for this day for a very long time,” Iuculano said. “We’ve completed several facility projects, undertaken deep cleaning, and spaced out exercise equipment. Our HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning] systems were examined and maintained – everything is being taken care of before we open.”

There is no firm date for the reopening of the Verdugo Hills and Crescenta Valley facilities.

Understanding that there will be some members hesitant to return to the indoor routines, Iuculano said that existing outdoor classes and equipment – which have been very popular among Y members ­– will remain while a couple of classes will open indoors.

“We are slowly rolling out yoga and spin classes,” he said. “Currently we are doing yoga virtually, but we understand it’s not the same thing as live. So we are going to launch indoor yoga classes at a very small ratio – one instructor for 10 participants. These will be fully masked and socially distanced. Yoga will be held in our largest studio. Currently [yoga and spin] are the only two planned indoor classes. Our body pump and step classes will remain outdoors pending further CDC and public health guidance.”

Also, inside exercise equipment will be available to members – by reservation. Reservations can be made in person when a member arrives at the facility – they can check to see what equipment is available. Reservations can also be made by phone or via an app that the Y is launching.

Among its many abilities, the app MotionVibe provides members with the capability to follow live streaming classes as well as the ability to reserve a specific piece of exercise equipment at the site, confident that when they arrive it has been thoroughly cleaned and prepared for them. With only 91 people in total allowed inside the facility at any one time, Iuculano said that it’s important that the Y be flexible in accommodating its members while adhering to CDC and public health guidelines.

Perhaps the biggest challenge facing Y administrators is exactly who will be standing by the facility doors, welcoming members. Staffing – whether rehiring previous employees or finding new workers – has been challenging.

“It’s been extremely difficult finding people who are either comfortable or available to come back,” said Iuculano. “Current staff and vendors will have the facility ready to go and we’ve taken every consideration from CDC and county health so we’re safe. Fortunately we will have enough staff but it’s been tough.”

Despite the challenges, he said that the Y is eager to welcome back members inside the facilities.

“We’re cautiously optimistic,” he said. “We’re happy but 10% is difficult to manage in the building.”

He added that in addition to the MotionVibe app, the Y is excited about its new Your Y, Your Way attitude and looks ahead to its annual campaign that is being launched on April 1.

“This is the largest fundraising mechanism for the year,” Iuculano said. “It is an opportunity for the community to support the Y financially, which gives us the chance to offer financial aid and scholarships to families, teens and kids who might not be able to be a part of the Y.”

He said that the mission of the Y is to serve others and “we cannot do that without the support of the community.”

“Our goal for the month of April is to raise $30,000,” he said. “With God’s grace we can hit that.”