The 31st District Digest (May 4 to May 8)

The 31^st District Digest (May 4 to May 8)

 

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday, I hope we all have the opportunity to express just how important our mothers are in our lives. Our mothers have always been asked to fulfill a multitude of roles for our families. Our collective COVID-19 response has asked them to take on even more, some now serving as full-time educators to their children and others continuing to serve as members of the essential workforce. Each of these roles comes with their unique challenges and require strength and sacrifice to begin again each day. Words cannot express how grateful we are to our mothers across our communities and our country for their essential existence, in times of great joy, great uncertainty, and any time in between. 

As always, here are the updates on what happened this week. If there is anything our office can do to support you (mothers and all) please, don’t hesitate to reach out!

 

 

California’s Path Forward

California’s Pandemic Resilience Roadmap: Progress toward Stage 2 Reopening (link)

On Monday, Governor Newsom issued a “report card” on California’s progress in our fight against COVID-19. As per the report card, California will be prepared to move into the early phase of Stage 2 wherein the state can begin gradually reopening low-risk workplaces, based on its progress on the following metrics:

• Stability of Hospitalizations
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Inventory
• Health Care Surge Capacity
• Testing Capacity
• Contact Tracing Capability
• Public Health Guidance in Place

These workplaces include bookstores, clothing stores, florists, and sporting goods stores with appropriate modifications like curbside pickup. Sectors like offices and dine-in restaurants will be part of a later Stage 2 opening and have not yet been approved for reopening.

Because circumstances vary based on region, the Governor also announced that while the state is moving into Stage 2 together, counties can move more quickly through Stage 2. They must attest that they meet the state’s readiness criteria. Counties must create and submit a readiness plan, which the state will make publicly available. In light of this variance, Riverside County has taken the following actions as of Friday night:
 

Riverside County Reverts to State Orders (link)

Last night, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to direct the rescission of most local health orders to align with the governor’s statewide stay-at-home order. As per the County’s Statement:
 

Starting tomorrow, face coverings and six feet of social distancing will be strongly recommended whenever practical and within reason. Limitations on short term rentals and golf course operations will be rescinded and in alignment with state orders.

 
Local orders or primary school closures will still be in place, however, local restrictions will be removed from higher education institutions and vocational schools.

While these decisions mean that masks and six feet of social distancing are no longer required, the Board of Supervisors and the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still strongly recommends maintaining these health and safety practices.

Formal language for new Riverside County Public Health and School Orders reflecting this decision by the Board of Supervisors is expected to be released later today. For the latest information, please visit https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus.
 

Executive Order on Property Taxes (link)

On Wednesday, Governor Newsom issued an executive order waiving the penalty for property taxes paid after April 10 for taxpayers who demonstrate they have experienced financial difficulty as a result of COVID-19. Penalties will be waived until May 6, 2021, and will be applicable to residential properties and small businesses.

The executive order also extended the deadline for certain businesses to file Business Personal Property Statements from May 7 to May 31, 2020, to avoid penalties.

 

New Industry Guidance in California’s Path Forward (link)

On Thursday, Governor Newsom released updated industry guidance to begin reopening with modifications to reduce the risk of infection and to establish a safer environment for workers and customers alike. Industries such as retail, manufacturing, and logistics must proceed with the following priorities in order to reduce risk:

• Plan and prepare for reopening
• Make radical changes within the workplace
• Adjust practices by employees and help educate customers

While some elements of the released guidance are industry-specific, many can be applied across all sectors. Each business seeking to move forward in reopening should:

• Perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan
• Train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them
• Implement individual control measures and screenings
• Implement disinfecting protocols
• Implement physical distancing guidance

More guidance will follow for later Stage 2 sector reopening. For the current full released guidance and roadmap, click here.

 

Mail-In Ballots: Preparing for the November General Election (link)

On Friday, Governor Newsom issued an executive order to ensure that voting rights will not be compromised in light of COVID-19. The order requires that each county’s elections officials send vote-by-mail ballots for the November 3, 2020 General Election to all registered voters. In-person voting opportunities will still be available as the state works with local jurisdictions to determine the safest way to provide voting access to all eligible Californians, including individuals with disabilities, individuals who speak languages other than English, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

For the full executive order, click here.

 
 

Executive Order Extending Various Deadlines Impacted by COVID-19 (link)
On Friday, Governor Newsom issued an executive order extending some critical deadlines and authorizing certain procedures that have been impacted by COVID-19. The changes include the following:

• Extending deadlines for certification requirements for public school project inspectors who previously passed an initial evaluation, as well as Certified Access Specialists who ensure compliance with disability access in properties and businesses
• Allowing retired peace officers to temporarily be reemployed for up to a year if they left the agency in good standing;
• Authorizing remote reporting under the Sex Offender Registration Act consistent with state public health guidance;
• Extending by 60 days certain procedural deadlines of the Department of Industrial Relations
  • the deadline for workers to file wage claims with the Labor Commissioner;
  • the deadline for employers to appeal Cal/OSHA citations; and
  • the deadline for Workers’ Compensation Administrative Law Judges to issue decisions

For the full executive order, click here.

 

State Legislature Resumes

Senate Resumes Legislative Hearings with Extra Precautions (link)

On Wednesday, California State Senate pro Tempore Toni Atkins announced that the Senate would be returning to the State Capitol. In her statement, she expressed the following:

“With the Senate’s Special Committee on Pandemic Emergency Response hearing held today, and with Senators slated to return to the Capitol on Monday, May 11, 2020, the California State Senate is continuing our efforts to conduct the people’s business in a safe, responsible, and transparent way.”

Prior to this return, Senators like myself had returned to our respective communities in order to help serve community members interfacing with state, local, and federal agencies, while participating in oversight hearings remotely. 

I am eager to return to our state’s Capitol to continue to advocate on behalf of all who call the 31^st District, especially during these truly unprecedented times where many in our community have been particularly vulnerable. We will continue to be a conduit of information for you during these times.

 
 

Census 2020

Have You Completed the 2020 Census?

If not, it’s not too late! The 2020 Census is your opportunity to help secure crucial federal funding for our community. COVID-19 has shown us the importance of adequately funded public health and education systems, among others, so make sure you do your part to ensure that California is properly supported.

While you still have the option of filling out the nine-question survey online at my2020census.gov using a code provided to you through the mail, or to be counted over the phone in your preferred language, paper forms for the Census are also being mailed to those who have not yet participated. Be on the lookout so you can do your part today!

 
 

Local Resources and Updates

State COVID-19 Testing Stations in Riverside County (link) (Spanish)

On Tuesday, the Riverside University Health System – Public Health announced expanded testing capacity through the eight new testing locations that were offered by state health officials starting Wednesday. These new locations throughout the County are in addition to the existing four drive-up testing sides that are operated by county health officials.

Testing is available for everyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status, and is no cost to you. To make an appointment, visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call (888) 634-1123. For hours of operation, click here.
 
 

Riverside County Guidance on Shared Pools (link) (Spanish)

On Wednesday, Riverside County health officials issued guidance for the use and operation of shared, community pools and spas in light of COVID-19. Community pool operators are encouraged to, among other actions:

• Create a written disinfection plan that identifies frequently touched surfaces, a schedule, and designated person to complete disinfection tasks;
• Use an EPA-approved disinfectant on commonly touched surfaces;
• Post signage reminding residents to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes, and to avoid the pool area if they are experiencing symptoms of illness; and
• Use scheduled time slots on the busiest days.

Guidance also includes best practices for pool-goers such as

• Six feet separation with swimmers limiting themselves to lanes; and
• Wearing a cloth face covering when traveling through common areas of the property where it may not be possible to maintain physical distancing, including to and from the pool, barbeque area, and shared restrooms.

For the full guidance, click here and for more information regarding health and safety requirements for community pools and spas visit http://www.rivcoeh.org/OurServices/PoolsSpasWaterFeatures.

 

Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month, County Buildings are Illuminated Lime Green (link)

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Riverside County buildings will be lit lime green from May 6 until May 31. Riverside County Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health Director Dr. Matthew Chang shared,

“Lighting these buildings in lime green shows the bold commitment of Riverside County to promoting understanding and extending compassion to people living with mental health challenges. I hope that everyone who sees these buildings this month will take the opportunity to open a discussion about mental health and learn about resources that are available in this community.”

To learn what mental health resources the County has to offer, please visit rcdmh.org. If you or a loved or a loved one is in urgent need of mental health care, please call 2-1-1 or call (951) 686 - HELP (4357).
 
 

Certain Riverside County Curb-side Retail Businesses begin Operations on Friday (link)

Beginning Friday, certain retail businesses in Riverside County will be allowed by the State to have curbside pickup. Retailers include florists, bookstores, jewelry stores, clothing stores, shoe stores, home and furnishing stores, sporting goods stores, antique stores, and music stores. Additionally, supply chains supporting the manufacturing and logistics of these sectors may also operate with proper health and safety protocols. This announcement is in accordance with the County’s previous decision to align itself with California’s Pandemic Resilience Roadmap outlined here.

 
March Air Reserve Base honors Frontline Workers with Flyovers (link)

On Thursday, March 14, the 452nd Air Mobility Wing (Air Force Reserve Command) and host unit at March Field in Moreno Valley will participate in the #AirForceSalutes portion of #AmericaStrong, honoring local healthcare workers, essential employees, and other first responders who are at the front line of the battle against COVID-19 with two flyovers. Residents in the areas should be able to see the KC-135 Stratotanker (a refueling aircraft) and the C-17 Globemaster III (a cargo aircraft) from the safety of their home-quarantine or via pre-coordinated media broadcasting.

For more information on times and flyover locations, check March Air Reserve Base’s Facebook page.
 

 

Resources for Workers

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Workers who Contract COVID-19 while on the Job (link)

On Wednesday, Governor Newsom issued an executive order creating a “time-limited rebuttable presumption for accessing workers’ compensation benefits” for eligible Californians who must work outside of their homes during the statewide stay-at-home order. As California continued through its phased reopening, this presumptive workers’ compensation benefit eligibility will help Californians get back to work with the support they need in the event that they get sick.

To be eligible, workers must test positive for COVID-19 or be diagnosed with COVID-19 and confirmed positive within 14 days of performing labor or service at a place of work after the stay at home order was issued on March 19, 2020.

For the full text of the order, click here.

 

 

As we gradually enter Stage 2 of California’s Pandemic Resilience Roadmap, I applaud the efforts of our community to keep public health and safety our number one priority. Together, we can weather the coming week and create a future that we can comfortably call normal.
 
Until next week, please have a happy, safe, and healthy Mother’s Day Weekend!
 

Very Sincerely,
 
Richard D. Roth
Senator, 31^st District