The 31st District Digest (June 15 to June 19)
The 31st District Digest (June 15 to June 19)
This weekend, we celebrate Father’s Day and honor the important role that our fathers and father figures play in our lives. As COVID-19 continues to impact our communities and families, our fathers have given us the strength and the resolve to weather this storm. While this Father’s Day is not like any other before, our love, respect, and appreciation for our fathers remain unchanged. Thank you to all of the fathers across our community and our country for all that they do to support us, in times of happiness, difficulty, and all that lies in between!
As we head into this weekend, here are the major updates that occurred throughout the week.
Statewide Mask Requirement
All Californians Must Now Wear Protective Face Coverings (link)
On Thursday, Governor Newsom announced a new requirement for all Californians to wear masks or protective face coverings in public settings outside of the home. This includes:
- Anyone going outside their home;
- Workers in customer-facing industries;
- Workers in offices, factories, or any group setting;
- Other workers, as dictated by industry guidance.
The requirement is in response to the surge of new cases of COVID-19 throughout the state. As we continue to reopen, it is important that we maintain awareness of the virus and take appropriate precautions to keep everyone safe.
Riverside County officials also issued a statement urging community members to follow the state’s face covering requirement to curb the recent increase of coronavirus cases in our community as well as to support our local reopening efforts. In the statement, Fourth District Supervisor and Chair of the Board, Chair V. Manuel Perez, shared the following:
“This pandemic has hit hard all of our communities. But in particular, people of color and vulnerable communities such as seniors, farm workers and those with compromised immune systems. We see a rise in positive cases and hospital bed usage in the county but more so in the Coachella Valley. Social distancing, washing our hands and wearing facial coverings are all simple measures that we can all abide by to protect ourselves and our fellow neighbors. I am happy that our Governor has made this decision.”
For the County’s full statement, click here (Spanish).
For the California Dept. of Public Health’s full guidance, click here.
For California’s COVID-19 Resource page on best practices for face coverings and masks, click here.
Other Executive Orders
Executive Order on Actions in Response to COVID-19 (link)
On Monday, Governor Newsom issued an executive order to address a variety of issues in response to COVID-19. Specifically, the order provided a number of waivers and deadline extensions related to:
- CalWORKS eligibility;
- Food truck permissions;
- Foster care; and
- Real estate licensure and renewal requirements.
For the full text of the order, click here.
County Updates
Additional Personal Care Businesses Reopen as of Friday, June 19 (link) (Spanish)
On Wednesday, following guidance set forth by the state, Riverside County announced that additional personal care businesses would be allowed to reopen beginning Friday, June 19, with added measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. These businesses include:
- Nail services;
- Facial and esthetician services;
- Shaving, waxing, and threading services;
- Massage therapy services; and
- Body art, tattoo, and piercing services.
For the full guidance issued by the state, click here.
For a comprehensive list of guidance adopted by Riverside County, click here.
NEW: Riverside County Mobile Testing Team (link) (Spanish)
On Wednesday, Riverside County Public Health officials announced the formation of a “mobile testing team” to serve targeted populations and communities that have been hard to reach in our County’s testing efforts. This team of nurses and emergency medical technicians will set up testing locations for one or two days as needed, then move on to other locations throughout our County.
Testing at state and county run sites is open to everyone, whether they have symptoms or not, and there is no out-of-pocket cost to individuals. To make an appointment, visit https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus/testing or call 800-945-6171.
Community-based Resources
Renter’s Assistance Programs
UNITED LIFT: Rental Assistance Program for People impacted by COVID-19 (link) (Spanish)
United Way of the Inland Valleys, Lift to Rise, and the County of Riverside have come together to provide rental assistance to households impacted by COVID-19. The program will administer $33 million in rental assistance between June and November, with the first round of payments expected to be dispersed in early July. To apply for the first round, please submit an application before June 25.
For more information and FAQs, click here (Spanish)
To apply, 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. Renters living in the City of Corona 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
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-serve basis. To be eligible, businesses must have fewer than five employees, a valid business license, and be low or moderate income. When filling out the application, be sure to have your business license, insurance, and proof of income ready.
To apply, 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 64% self-response rate, we are ahead of the statewide and national averages! But we still have more work to do. If you or someone you know has not had a chance to respond, there is still 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. If you do not have your 12-digit code, you can still take the survey by clicking the link that says, “If you do not have a Census ID, click here." It is located below the Census ID login field.
Additionally, paper forms for the Census are being mailed to those who have not yet responded so be on the lookout so you can do your part today!
With the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, we must remain vigilant of the impact COVID-19 has on our community as we cautiously reopen. It is important that we do not forget what is at stake in our journey to recovery. By heeding statewide requirements and practicing precaution, we can continue reopening our communities in a way that protects our loved ones and our neighbors. Thank you all for your cooperation thus far! We are all in this together.
Until next time, have a safe, healthy, and happy Father’s Day Weekend!
Very Sincerely,
RICHARD D. ROTH
Senator, 31st District