The 31st District Digest (May 18 to May 22)
May 23, 2020
The 31st District Digest (May 18 to May 22)
With Friday’s announcement from the Riverside County Public Health officials, our County and our district move into an accelerated version of phase two in Governor Newsom’s Resilience Roadmap. Because of your collective efforts, our District and our state have made considerable progress toward a restored sense of normalcy. As we enter this Memorial Day and Eid al-Fitr weekend, I encourage you all to celebrate safely and with the appropriate precautions so as to protect the health of yourselves, your loved ones, and our communities.
As always, here are this week’s updates. As we continue to make progress as a region, I encourage you to check our County’s COVID-19 Resource and Information page for the most up-to-date guidance entering into an accelerated phase 2 reopening.
On Friday, Riverside County announced that they had received the California Dept. of Public Health’s approval to reopen more businesses, as a part of Governor Newsom’s accelerated phase two. As per their statement, the following locations can now reopen in Riverside County: destination retail stores, including shopping malls and swap meets; dine-in restaurants; and schools with modifications. This excludes primary schools for K-12, which will remain closed until June 19, as mandated in the previous local health order.
Businesses seeking to reopen must complete and implement a Safe Reopening Plan that addresses employee and customer health measures. While the plan does not require county approval, businesses are encouraged to make the plan available to the public so that they and the staff are aware of the precautions it addresses.
To see Riverside County’s Variance Attestation for showing how they have met specific criteria as outlined by the California Dept. of Public Health, click here.
Businesses seeking to reopen must complete and implement a Safe Reopening Plan that addresses employee and customer health measures. While the plan does not require county approval, businesses are encouraged to make the plan available to the public so that they and the staff are aware of the precautions it addresses.
To see Riverside County’s Variance Attestation for showing how they have met specific criteria as outlined by the California Dept. of Public Health, click here.
- For Riverside County’s Safe Reopening Guidelines, click here.
- For guidance for Dine-In restaurants, click here.
- For guidance for Shopping Malls, Destination Shopping Centers, Strip and Outlet Malls, and Swap Meets, click here.
California’s Path Forward
The Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery urges Congress to Pass Emergency Relief for State & Local Governments (link)
On Tuesday, Members of Governor Newsom’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery sent a letter to Congressional leaders asking them to pass $1 trillion in direct relief for state and local governments. As per the letter:
On Tuesday, Members of Governor Newsom’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery sent a letter to Congressional leaders asking them to pass $1 trillion in direct relief for state and local governments. As per the letter:
“State, local and tribal governments are critical to our recovery. In the short-term, they must be able to scale-up necessary programs, like contact tracing and testing… Given budget shortfalls, they are also soon facing impossible decisions – like whether to fund additional safety measures related to COVID-19 that will help businesses reopen more quickly or prevent layoffs of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.”
For the full letter, click here.
Executive Order on a Variety of Issues (link)
On Tuesday, Governor Newsom issued an executive order addressing various issues in response to COVID-19. These include:
- Domestic violence: the order helps ease the strain on domestic violence service providers by waiving the 10 percent cash or in-kind matching requirements for state grants awarded to these organizations;
- Cal Grant Requirements: the order waives the deadline to verify grade point average (GPA) and waives certain certification requirements and selective service registration verification for Cal Grant;
- California Energy Commission (CEC): the order suspends programmatic deadlines for entities that receive funding from the CEC for the development and deployment of new technologies that support the state’s clean energy and decarbonization goals; and
- Reimbursement Claims: the order extends the timeframe for local governments to submit claims for reimbursement to the State Controller’s Office.
For the full executive order, click here
California Connected – California’s Contact Tracing Program and Public Awareness Campaign (link)
On Friday, Governor Newsom launched California Connected, the state’s comprehensive contact tracing program, and public awareness campaign. Through this program, public health workers from communities across the state will connect and work with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, as well as those around them to ensure they have access to confidential testing, medical care, and other services to help prevent the spread of the disease.
The accompanying information campaign has received support from multiple private partners, including The California Health Care Foundation, The California Endowment, Twitter, and Facebook. Beginning this week, Californians will hear and see various messages on television, online, and in print to encourage us to answer the call to slow the spread of COVID-19. If you receive communication from someone identified as “CA COVID Team” via phone call, text, or email, please be aware that this is a public health worker contacting you to inform you that you may have unknowingly been exposed to the virus.
For more information on this program, please visit CaliforniaConnected.ca.gov.
California State Parks Releases Guidance on Enjoying their Parks Responsibly (link)
On Wednesday, the California State Parks released guidance on how to responsibly and safely enjoy state parks this Memorial Day weekend and into the summer. While Californians are encouraged to enjoy the outdoors, the state parks ask that visitors adhere to the following guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
California Connected – California’s Contact Tracing Program and Public Awareness Campaign (link)
On Friday, Governor Newsom launched California Connected, the state’s comprehensive contact tracing program, and public awareness campaign. Through this program, public health workers from communities across the state will connect and work with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, as well as those around them to ensure they have access to confidential testing, medical care, and other services to help prevent the spread of the disease.
The accompanying information campaign has received support from multiple private partners, including The California Health Care Foundation, The California Endowment, Twitter, and Facebook. Beginning this week, Californians will hear and see various messages on television, online, and in print to encourage us to answer the call to slow the spread of COVID-19. If you receive communication from someone identified as “CA COVID Team” via phone call, text, or email, please be aware that this is a public health worker contacting you to inform you that you may have unknowingly been exposed to the virus.
For more information on this program, please visit CaliforniaConnected.ca.gov.
California State Parks Releases Guidance on Enjoying their Parks Responsibly (link)
On Wednesday, the California State Parks released guidance on how to responsibly and safely enjoy state parks this Memorial Day weekend and into the summer. While Californians are encouraged to enjoy the outdoors, the state parks ask that visitors adhere to the following guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Plan Ahead – With 280 park units in the state park system, visitors are advised to visit the webpage of their local outdoor destination before leaving home to find out if it is open, what new visitor guidelines are in effect, and if parking is available.
- Stay Local – Stay close to home. Parking is temporarily very limited or non-existent at park units across the state. Walk or bike to parks in your local neighborhood. Do not take road trips to parks and beaches or to neighboring states.
- Leave it at Home – The use of coolers, umbrellas, shade tents, BBQs, or chairs is not allowed in many park units. Plan ahead.
- Keep it Moving – Passive recreation (lounging, picnics, sunbathing, etc.) is being restricted where physical distance is a challenge. In those areas, only active recreation (walking, running, biking, boating, kayaking, off-highway riding, etc.) will be allowed. Also, observe one-way trails where they are in place.
- Stay Safer at 6ft -- No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Visitors are being asked to leave if there are too many people to allow for the required physical distance.
- Keep Clean – Be prepared. Not all restrooms are open to the public. Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash.
For the full released guidance, click here.
In our District, the California Citrus State Historic Park will also be opening in adherence to these guidelines. To learn more about their procedures, click here.
DMV Further Extends Expiring Driver’s Licenses for those 70 years of age or older (link)
On Friday, the Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced it will offer additional extensions to noncommercial driver’s licenses and permits. As per their release:
In our District, the California Citrus State Historic Park will also be opening in adherence to these guidelines. To learn more about their procedures, click here.
DMV Further Extends Expiring Driver’s Licenses for those 70 years of age or older (link)
On Friday, the Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced it will offer additional extensions to noncommercial driver’s licenses and permits. As per their release:
- Drivers age 70 and older with a noncommercial license expires in June or July will receive a 120-day temporary extension, making these licenses valid through July 31, 2020.
- Drivers age 69 and younger with a noncommercial license that expires between March and July will receive a temporary extension through July 31, 2020. In most cases, these drivers are eligible for online renewal and should try to renew their licenses online. While the extension is automatic, drivers 69 and younger will not receive a new card or an extension in the mail. As an option, these drivers can request a free temporary paper extension online through DMV’s Virtual Field Office to document their extension, though one is not needed to drive.
P-EBT: Food Assistance for Families with Children Eligible for Free or Reduced-Price Meals (link) (Spanish)
Families with children eligible for free or reduced-price meals may qualify for extra food benefits of up to $365 per eligible child in the form of Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer or P-EBT, while their school is closed due to COVID-19. Most families with children who receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care benefits will automatically receive their P-EBT card from May 11 to May 22. Families who applied for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care benefits after their school closed will receive their P-EBT card in the mail before June 30.
Families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals and who do NOT get CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care benefits must apply online before June 30, 2020. Applications are now open and can be found here.
Census 2020
The 2020 Census Continues: Be sure to do your part today!
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 sure to do your part before the Oct 31st Deadline!
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 sure to do your part before the Oct 31st Deadline!
Riverside County Updates
Riverside County gets Two New Walk-up Coronavirus Testing Sites (link)
On Monday, Riverside County Health officials announced the addition of two new county-operated walk-in COVID-19 testing sites in Moreno Valley and Cathedral City. Per the announcement:
On Monday, Riverside County Health officials announced the addition of two new county-operated walk-in COVID-19 testing sites in Moreno Valley and Cathedral City. Per the announcement:
“Testing at Crossword Christian Church in Moreno Valley and the Cathedral City Public Library started Monday and will continue Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The church is located at 21401 Box Springs Road, while the library is located at 33520 Date Palm Drive.”
In addition, on Friday, the County announced two more new walk-up testing locations, this time located in Corona and San Jacinto, as well as the relocation of the Mead Valley state testing site to Temecula. For the Friday statement, click here.
“Testing at Corona Senior Citizens Center 921 S. Belle Ave. in Corona and at 790 S. State St. in San Jacinto starts Tuesday, May 26 and continues Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m… The Mead Valley Community Center will move to the Grace Mellman Library at 41000 County Center Dr. in Temecula. Testing here starts Tuesday, May 26 and continues Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.”
Testing is at no out-of-pocket cost and is available to all, regardless of age, symptoms, insurance, or immigration status. However, participants must have an appointment to be tested. To make an appointment at a county-operated site, call 800-945-6171. To make an online appointment at the state-run testing site, visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting or those without internet access can call 888-634-1123.
For a complete list of all testing locations and instructions on how to make an appointment, visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus/testing.
Riverside Superior Court Restores Services in Juvenile Law Matters (link)
On Tuesday, the Riverside Superior Court announced they would be reopening an additional courtroom in each region of the County, effective Monday, May 18. Per their release:
For a complete list of all testing locations and instructions on how to make an appointment, visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus/testing.
Riverside Superior Court Restores Services in Juvenile Law Matters (link)
On Tuesday, the Riverside Superior Court announced they would be reopening an additional courtroom in each region of the County, effective Monday, May 18. Per their release:
"The Riverside Juvenile Court, Southwest Juvenile Court, and the Larson Justice Center will operate a dependency courtroom and a delinquency courtroom. The Court will resume hearing modified contested matters where only stipulated testimony, document, and arguments are considered. The court will also begin to hear uncontested Welfare and Institutions Code section 366.26 hearings. All hearings will be conducted telephonically or via video."
Throughout the closures, emergency matters have been and will continue to be heard on a limited basis, depending on case type. For more information on these emergency matters, click here.
For all other non-emergency proceedings and matters, the court maintains their temporary closures through Friday, May 29 (link).
Riverside Public Utilities Customers: Emergency Recovery Assistance Program (link) (Spanish)
Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) residential electrical customers may be eligible for a one-time bill credit of $250. As per their release:
For all other non-emergency proceedings and matters, the court maintains their temporary closures through Friday, May 29 (link).
Riverside Public Utilities Customers: Emergency Recovery Assistance Program (link) (Spanish)
Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) residential electrical customers may be eligible for a one-time bill credit of $250. As per their release:
The COVID-19 Emergency Recovery Assistance Program (ERAP) is designed to help RPU electric customers who have lost their jobs, been furloughed or are facing a reduction of their income due to reduced work hours due to the Stay at Home orders put in place to fight the pandemic. Electric customers that already were participating in the SHARE assistance program and lost their jobs or have had income reduced due to the emergency also qualify and are eligible to receive the ERAP bill credit.
To apply, click here.
Small Business Resources: the City of Riverside Approves New Grant Program for Small Businesses (link)
The City of Riverside has created the Small Business Emergency Microgrant Stabilization Program. This new program will provide grants of up to $7500 to small businesses. The program utilizes $1.87 million in new federal Community Development Block Grant funds to provide grants to nearly 250 businesses with less than 5 employees located in the City of Riverside. If you or your business is interested, click here to provide your email address so that you may receive more information about the program as it becomes available.
The Riverside County Economic Development has also created a dedicated website for small business resources in light of COVID-19. Visit https://rivcoccsd.org/ to learn what assistance and resources are available countywide.
Our District and our county are moving closer and closer to fully reopening. We must continue to work together with patience and compassion to ensure we weather this storm together.
I wish you all a healthy, safe, and happy Memorial Day and Eid al-Fitr weekend!
Very Sincerely,
Small Business Resources: the City of Riverside Approves New Grant Program for Small Businesses (link)
The City of Riverside has created the Small Business Emergency Microgrant Stabilization Program. This new program will provide grants of up to $7500 to small businesses. The program utilizes $1.87 million in new federal Community Development Block Grant funds to provide grants to nearly 250 businesses with less than 5 employees located in the City of Riverside. If you or your business is interested, click here to provide your email address so that you may receive more information about the program as it becomes available.
The Riverside County Economic Development has also created a dedicated website for small business resources in light of COVID-19. Visit https://rivcoccsd.org/ to learn what assistance and resources are available countywide.
Our District and our county are moving closer and closer to fully reopening. We must continue to work together with patience and compassion to ensure we weather this storm together.
I wish you all a healthy, safe, and happy Memorial Day and Eid al-Fitr weekend!
Very Sincerely,
Richard D. Roth
Senator, 31st District