The 31st District Digest (September 21 to September 25)

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September 26, 2020

 

This week brought forth considerable progress as Riverside County earned its clearance to move to the red tier of California’s Blueprint to a Safer Economy (link) (Spanish). Under this new classification, most businesses are permitted to resume indoor operations, with certain capacity limits and exclusions.

As a reminder, Riverside County’s Business Ambassador Program continues to offer free individualized assessments and COVID-19 toolkits to county business owners with questions and concerns about safe reopening. To schedule a virtual, email, or phone meeting with a business ambassador, sign up at www.rivcobcs.org/businessambassadorprogram or call (951) 955-0493.
 

This progress would not have been possible if not for our community’s collective efforts to protect our loved ones and slow the spread of the virus. As we continue on the path of reopening, I encourage each of us to keep up the good fight on behalf of the health of our community. This includes practicing social distancing and proper hygiene, wearing protective face coverings when in public spaces, and seeking regular COVID-19 testing.
 

Testing is available and free for all county residents, regardless of immigration status, insurance, or the presence of symptoms. To make an appointment at any of Riverside County’s 13 testing sites, visit www.gettested.ruhealth.org/.

 

Science has demonstrated that our actions determine our outcomes. Thank you for your patience and resilience!

 
Here are this week’s updates on our response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

 

 California’s Path Forward

New Executive Order Providing Protections against Evictions and other COVID-19 related issues (link)

On Wednesday, Governor Newson issued a new executive order to extend authorization for local governments to halt evictions for commercial renters including businesses large and small impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through March 21, 2021. Additionally, the order allows the Department of Managed Health Care to gather information to assess the impacts of the pandemic on health care providers and health care service plans.
 

For the full text of the order, click here.


New Laws Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Care for all Californians and support for Homeless Californians (link)

On Friday, Governor Newsom signed into law a package of bills that will improve access to quality mental health and substance use disorder services for all Californians, as well as measures that help homeless Californians suffering from behavioral health challenges access the help they need. These measures include:

  • AB 1976 which expands county use of court-ordered outpatient treatment provided by Laura’s Law of 2002;
  • SB 803 which supports statewide standards for behavioral health Peer Support Specialists and adds these services as an option in Medi-Cal; and
  • AB 855 which requires commercial health plans and insurers to provide full coverage for the treatment of all mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our health and wellness in a vast variety of ways. These bills will create new options for Californians to seek support and treatment for their whole health.


For the full list of bills included in this package, click here.


New Laws Establishing the Nation’s Strongest State Consumer Financial Protections Watchdog (link)

On Friday, Governor Newsom signed into law a series of bills aimed at protecting Californian consumers from financial predators and abusive business practices. COVID-19 has exposed those who seek to exploit these difficult times. The fortified protections provided by these new laws will help empower consumers against predatory practices and enable them to seek justice.


For the full list of bills included in this package, click here.

 

Local and State Resources

RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Youth Community Corps Project (link)

Riverside County residents ages 16 to 24 are encouraged to apply to the Youth Community Corps, a paid internship program seeking to provide members with opportunities to support local non-profits, food pantries, school lunch programs, and municipal social service departments. Participants will receive mentorship, training, and a paid stipend during their term.

 
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Pathways to Employment Program (link)

The County of Riverside will soon be launching their Pathways to Employment Program providing adults who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with a living wage stipend of $20 per hour; training and mentoring from non-profit and government partners; supportive services, including transportation, clothing, counseling and technological assistance.

  • For more information, please call the Housing, Homelessness Prevention and Workforce Solutions Department at (951) 955-1161.
  • To fill out an interest form, click here.

 
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Senior Grab & Go Meal Sites (link)

Riverside County maintains an updated list of Grab & Go meal sites throughout its jurisdiction. If you or a loved one is in immediate need of pre-prepared meals, please click here to find the nearest site.

 
 

RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Supportive Services Program for Workers Impacted by the effects of COVID-19

Riverside County residents whose employment has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may receive up to $800 in assistance as part of a state grant received by the Riverside County Workforce Development Division. This assistance can be used to pay for costs associated with returning to work (such as teleworking equipment, child care, or transportation), housing expenses, or utility expenses.

  • To learn more or to apply, contact Stephanie Macias at (951) 955-0513 or stmacias@rivco.org

 
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Housing for the Harvest Program (link)

In partnership with Riverside County and the State of California, TODEC Legal Center has begun coordinating outreach, housing services, wellness checks, and ancillary supportive services for essential farmworkers who have been impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. If you or a loved one work in agriculture or food processing, have tested positive for COVID-19, and are in need of support, you may be eligible for lodging and other resources.

To learn more, click here.


 

Renter’s Assistance and Housing Programs

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: Rental Assistance Program (link)

The City of Riverside is partnering with the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County to help households at risk of eviction due to the COVID-19 crisis. Eligible applicants can receive payment for up to three full months of past-due rent. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • To find more information or to apply, click here.

 
CITY OF CORONA: Emergency Housing Needs Assistance Program (link)

Funds are still available for the City of Corona’s Emergency Housing Needs Assistance Program (EHNAP) that provides rental and utility assistance to eligible Corona renters.

  • To view the program application, click here.
  • To view Program Guidelines, click here.
  • For frequently asked questions, click here.

 
 

Non-Profit Resources

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: Non-Profit Assistance Program and Food Pantry Support (link)

The Riverside City Council has approved a portion of federal CARES Act funding to assist non-profit organizations and food banks with eligible COVID-19 related expenditures. The Food Pantry Support Program will provide grants of up to $8,000 to eligible applicants and the Non-Profit Assistance Program will award amounts ranging from $1,500 to $24,000. The deadline to apply is September 28, 2020.

  • To apply, click here.

 

Small Business Resources and Grants

CA DEPT. OF INSURANCE: Virtual Town Halls

In an effort to support small businesses and homeowners in their recovery from the financial impacts of COVID-19, the California Department of Insurance will be hosting a series of town halls on important insurance issues and available resources.

  • Wed, Oct. 7, from 1:30 PM: Statewide Chinese Community Small Business Virtual Town Hall – register here
  • Mon, Oct. 19, from 1-5 PM: Virtual Investigatory Hearing on Homeowner Insurance Availability and Affordability (link)

 
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program (link)

Applications for Round 3 of the County of Riverside COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program are now being accepted. Eligibility has been further expanded to include Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) recipients of $75,000 or less. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Apply here before October 30, 2020, at 5 PM.

 
CITY OF RIVERSIDE: Riverside CARES Small Business Grant (link) 

The Riverside Small Business Assistance Program is a new grant intended to cover fixed expenses specifically associated with losses and hardships endured during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Applications will be accepted on a first-received, first-reviewed basis through October 1, subject to availability of funds.

  • 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 apply, click here.

CITY OF PERRIS: Small Business Assistance Program (link)

The City of Perris has a local Small Business Assistance Program, offering up to $10,000 loans to qualifying businesses. Loans will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • To apply or to find more information, click here.

 
 

Friendly Reminders

Community Connect – Dial 2-1-1 (link)

Community Connect is an excellent tool for community members seeking information on a variety of resources. When you dial 2-1-1, you will be connected to a local specialist to learn about housing and utility assistance, transportation, veteran services, community service, professional development, and more.
 

Further, if you are a nonprofit or agency that seeks to provide such resources to the community, Community Connect also serves as an effective way to share resources with the community. To learn more, visit www.connectriverside.org/ or dial 2-1-1.

 
LIFESTREAM: Donate Blood Today! (link)

Giving blood is an important way you can become an everyday hero, particularly as LifeStream Blood Bank’s local supply continues towards depletion. With each donation, you can save a life and be tested for COVID-19 antibodies to support our community’s recovery.

  • To schedule an appointment at a donation center near you, please visit www.lstream.org/.

 
2020 Census: If you haven’t completed the Census, now is the perfect time

Our region’s fight for fair funding and representation continues! With less than 29% of our district left to submit, a complete count is on the horizon. If you haven’t had a chance to fill out the survey, visit www.my2020census.gov/ or complete your census over the phone:

  • English: 844-330-2020
  • Spanish: 844-468-2020
  • TDD (Telephone Display Device): 844-467-2020

In addition to English and Spanish, you can also complete your Census in 12 non-English languages (found here), with language support in 59 languages (found here).
 

We are in the final stretch –  help our community cross the finish line strong and secure the funding we need for the next 10 years!

 
Are you registered to vote? Check your status today
The last day to register is Monday, October 19, 2020! 

 

I’d like to thank each community member whose actions made it possible for our county to move forward in reopening. Let us continue our progress with the health and safety of our loved ones and our neighbors in mind!
 

Have a safe, healthy, and happy weekend.
 
Very Sincerely,

RICHARD D. ROTH
Senator, 31st District