The 31st District Digest (June 1 to June 12)

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June 13, 2020

 

The 31st District Digest (June 1 to June 12)

June marks yet another month into our state’s response to COVID-19. Please read the following updates to stay informed as we navigate this challenging and dynamic time.

 

Governor’s Orders

New Executive Orders in Response to COVID-19 (link)

On June 5, Governor Newsom issued a new executive order to address the availability of over-the-counter drugs like hand sanitizers, and medical devices such as respirators, ventilators, and masks that are needed in California’s response to COVID-19. Among other actions, the order:

  • Allows the temporary manufacture of over-the-counter drugs and medical devices by firms not currently licensed by the California Dept. of Public Health; and
  • Defers renewal fees to address COVID-19 related economic hardship for manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, food and cosmetics that currently have California Department of Public Health licenses, registrations, and certificates;

The order also extends a number of waivers and statutory deadlines in light of our state’s response to COVID-19.
For the full order, please click here.
 
 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Update

Updates on Our State’s Acquisition of N95 Masks (link)

On June 8, Governor Newsom provided an update on California’s commitment to create a stable, reliable supply pipeline of life-saving personal protective equipment (PPE), announcing that California-based BYD North America has received certification from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to produce N95 respirators for the state. With the certification now in hand, as outlined in the contract, BYD will produce and ship 150 million N95 masks to the state for distribution to health care workers and those identified by health officials as requiring respirator-style masks. The first shipment of N95 masks produced as part of this contract are expected to arrive in the coming days. The contract will ensure that the state has a sufficient supply of masks going forward should there be need for them in the future.

 
 

DMV Update

Remaining DMV Field Offices Reopen as of June 11 (link)

The Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has announced that it will be reopening the remaining field offices that were temporarily closed as a result of COVID. In-office visits will require an appointment and will be limited to the following transactions:

  • Paying registration for a vehicle impounded because of registration-related issues;
  • Reinstating a suspended or revoked driver license;
  • Applying for a reduced-fee or no-fee identification card;
  • Processing commercial driver license transactions;
  • Applying for disabled person parking placards (this can also be done by mail using the REG 195 form);
  • Adding an ambulance certificate or firefighter endorsement to a driver license;
  • Verifying a transit training document to drive a transit bus;
  • Processing DMV Express customers for REAL ID transactions, if time and space allow; and
  • Vehicle verifications.

Appointments are limited as the DMV works to honor appointments that were cancelled due to COVID-19 related closures. While the DMV plans to resume offering all services to appointment and non-appointment customers in the coming weeks, as space allows, at this point in time, customers are encouraged to use online resources whenever possible. The DMV Virtual Office can be found here.

 

 

Riverside County Updates

Accelerated Phase 2: Additional Businesses Cleared for Reopening (link)

As our state continues its fight against COVID-19, Riverside County followed state guidelines and has been cleared to begin reopening another round of businesses as part of our Accelerated Phase 2 Status. However, Riverside County health officials emphasize that as residents visit more places in the community, it is ever-more important to take steps to protect themselves from the coronavirus. Officials urge residents to continue to wear face coverings when they leave the home and maintain social distancing when out in public. The businesses eligible for reopening beginning Friday, June 12 include:

  • Hotels, motels, inns (for tourism and travel) (link)
  • Day camps (link)
  • Daycares (link)
  • Campgrounds and outdoor recreation (link)
  • Restaurants, bars, and wineries (link)
  • Museums, galleries, zoos, and aquariums (link)
  • Movie theaters and family entertainment centers (link)
  • Gyms and fitness centers (link)

For the state’s industry and sector-specific guidance, click here.

For our county’s guidance on Reopening Plans, click here.
 

While the reopening of these businesses has positive implications for our local economy, it is still critically important that we are mindful of the ongoing response to COVID-19. On Thursday, county public health officials announced that the County had surpassed 10,000 confirmed coronavirus cases (link) signaling the importance of continued precaution as we begin re-entering open spaces. As such, they urge residents to wear protective face coverings and maintain social distancing when in public spaces.
 

Additionally, residents of all ages are encouraged to get tested, with or without showing symptoms in an effort to understand how the virus may be spreading throughout our communities. There are no out-of-pocket costs to individuals and insurance is not required.

To make an appointment, call 800-945-6171 or for a complete list of all testing locations and instructions on how to make an appointment online, visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus/testing.
 
 

Court Update

Riverside Superior Court Restores Services in Civil Matters (link)
Effective Monday June 1, the Riverside Superior Court has rescinded the court holiday provision for all non-emergency general civil and limited civil filings, except for unlawful detainer (evictions) and small claims filings.

While a number of court facilities have opened for emergency matters as well as specific non-emergency matters, please note that the following locations will be extending their closures through June 26: Corona, Moreno Valley, Temecula, and Hemet Courts as well as the Riverside Self-Help Center and the Riverside Records Center. For more information, visit the Court’s COVID-19 Court Operations Page.
 

Community-based Resources
 

Renter’s Assistance Programs

UNITED WAY: Expansion of Rental Assistance Program for People impacted by COVID-19 (link)
United Way of the Inland Valleys has announced that it is expanding its rental assistance program for those financially impacted by COVID-19 within Western Riverside County, including the cities of the 31st District. Program applications will be accepted beginning June 15.

To learn more or to be notified once the program is open, click here.
 
CORONA: Emergency Housing Needs Assistance Program (link)
On June 3, the Corona City Council approved the federally funded Emergency Housing Needs Assistance Program (EHNAP), designed to provide financial assistance to low to moderate income households with rent and utility payment difficulties related to COVID-19. Corona renters that meet income qualifications and financial impacts as a result of COVID-19 may be eligible to receive a grant of up to $6,000.

For more information and to learn how to apply, click here
 
 

Small Business Resources and Grants

RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Small Business Assistance Grant (link)
On June 3, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved $45 Million in grant funding to aid small businesses enduring hardships due to COVID-19. Eligible businesses may receive up to $10,000 in assistance towards specified uses including inventory and working capital like PPE, facility cleaning and restoration, rent or business mortgage payments.

Eligibility requirements for the program include the following:

  • Be an existing For-Profit business since March 1, 2019 and located within the County of Riverside
  • Be able to demonstrate adverse business impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Have a current business license from the City in which your business is located if you are within a city limit.
  • Have a business bank account

For a full list of requirements for eligibility, applicable uses for grant funding, or to apply, click here.
 
CITY OF RIVERSIDE: Microenterprise Business Grant Program (link)
Businesses in the City of Riverside are encouraged to apply for the Microenterprise Business Grant Program designed to provide relief during COVID-19. These grants of up to $7,500 are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To be eligible, businesses must have fewer than five employees, a valid business license, and be of low or moderate income. When filling out the application, be sure to have your business license, insurance, and proof of income ready. To learn more or to see the full application, click here.
 

Other Important News to be aware of…
 

2020 Election

Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Accessible General Elections in November (link)
On June 3, Governor Newsom took a number of steps in order to ensure that Californians may exercise their right to vote with the peace of mind that their health and safety remains an utmost priority. Last month, in light of our current COVID-19 related public health concerns, the Governor issued an executive order requiring county election officials to send vote-by-mail ballots to Californians registered to vote in the General Election, while ensuring that those who may need to access in-person voting opportunities are able to do so. The executive order and proclamation issued on June 3 reinforce these efforts by officially declaring our Statewide General Election on Tuesday, November 3, and taking action to ensure in-person voting opportunities are available in sufficient numbers to maintain physical distancing.

For the full text of the executive order, click here.

For the full text of the Proclamation, click here.
 

 
 

Census 2020

Over 64% of our District has completed the 2020 Census – and there is still time!
Thank you to all of our community members who have done their part to ensure that our state and our community is able to secure crucial federal funding. With our over 64% self-response rate, we are ahead of the statewide average by 2% and are above the national average by 3%! If you have not had a chance to respond, you still have time! Simply fill out the nine-question survey online at my2020census.gov using a code provided to you through the mail. (Alternately, you can be counted over the phone in your preferred language.) Paper forms for the Census are also being mailed to those who have not yet responded so be on the lookout so you can do your part today!
 

Thank you all for the outpouring of engagement over the past few weeks.  As we continue our response to COVID-19 and push forward our collective conversations for a future that is free for all Americans, let us proceed with compassion and empathy. Congratulations to all of June’s graduates!

Until we meet again, please have a safe, happy, and healthy weekend.
 
Very sincerely,

Richard D. Roth
Senator, 31st District