The 31st District Digest (November 16 to November 20)
The 31st District Digest (November 16 to November 20)
New State Issued Limited Stay at Home Order (link)
In response to the unprecedented, rapid rise in statewide COVID-19 cases, Governor Newsom and the Dept. of Public Health announced on Thursday a limited Stay at Home Order requiring that “non-essential work, movement, and gatherings stop between 10 PM and 5 AM in counties in the purple tier”. This includes Riverside County. The order will take effect at 10 PM Saturday, November 21, and remain in effect until 5 AM December 21.
Similar to the Stay at Home order issued in March, this order does not pertain to essential activities associated with the operation, maintenance, or usage of critical infrastructure or required by law, nor does it apply to activities such as trips to the grocery store and pharmacy, walking your dog, or getting takeout from a restaurant. Californians are encouraged to avoid activities that put themselves and their loved ones at high risk of transmission.
- For the full text of the limited Stay at Home order, click here.
Smaller, Shorter, Safer: Riverside County’s Recommendations for this year’s Thanksgiving Festivities (link) (Spanish)
On Thursday, Riverside County released its recommendations for this year’s Thanksgiving festivities, urging residents to keep holiday gatherings smaller, shorter, and safer to limit possible exposure to COVID-19.
Smaller – If you are going to meet during the holiday, keep the groups small and separate, even within a household. Avoid large gatherings.
Shorter – Keep get-togethers to an hour or two.
Safer – Don’t forget about basic safety: wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands. Eat and socialize outside. Consider seating one family group on the patio, while another sits in a separate area. Keep plenty of hand sanitizer on hand. Avoid sharing serving utensils.
These recommendations parallel statewide recommendations issued by the Dept. of Public Health and are in conjunction with the existing Travel Advisory issued last week.
- For the Dept. of Public Health’s holiday guidance, click here.
- For the Dept. of Public Health’s Travel Advisory, click here.
As a reminder, COVID-19 testing is free at county- and state-run testing sites and available to anyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status, or the onset of symptoms.
- To make an appointment for COVID-19 testing through Riverside County, visit gettested.ruhealth.org or call (800) 945-6171.
- To make an appointment for COVID-19 testing through the state, visit lhi.care/covidtesting or call (888) 634-1123.
Additionally, the City of Riverside has partnered with Curative to provide no-cost, self-administered, drive-up tests that are open to all, including those who live outside of the city. Test recipients can expect results within 48 hours by text message or email.
- To make an appointment or to find locations for COVID-19 testing through Curative, visit curative.com
The California Rebuilding Fund: Supporting CA’s Small Businesses (link)
On Friday, Governor Newsom announced the opening of the California Rebuilding Fund to help impacted small businesses rebuild from the economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and keep local economies strong. The California Rebuilding Fund will offer flexible, affordable capital and free advisory services through community-based lenders to ensure that economic recovery is equitable.
- For eligibility and full program guidelines, click here. Applications are open now!
Additionally, Governor Newsom released “Recovery for All,” the final report by the Co-Chairs of the Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery. The report outlines the key priorities and challenges in California’s fight against COVID-19 and the ongoing work to rebuild a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient economy in its wake.
- For the full text of the report, click here.
DMV: Expiring Learner’s Permits Extended through May 2021
On Monday, the California Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued a statement extending driver’s license permits (learner’s permits) with expiration dates through May 31, 2021. Eligible permits are extended six months from the date of expiration or to a date 24 months from the date of application, whichever is earlier.
- For more information or to find a full summary of DMV extensions, click here.
For the latest information on Riverside County’s COVID-19 Response, visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus
For the latest information on California’s COVID-19 Response, visit www.covid19.ca.gov/
Friendly Reminders
LIFESTREAM: URGENT NEED! 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/.
AMERICAN RED CROSS: Sign up for Local Blood Drives Today! (link)
The American Red Cross will be hosting a number of Community Blood Drives throughout our region:
- Dec. 1, 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Reid Park-Ruth Lewis Center, 701 N Orange St, Riverside, CA 92501
- Dec. 7, 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM: La Sierra Community Center, 5215 La Sierra Ave, Riverside, CA 92505
To make an appointment or to find other blood drives near you, click here.
COVERED CALIFORNIA: Open Enrollment is Underway! (link)
Open Enrollment for Covered California and other health insurance providers is here! For coverage beginning January 1, 2021, Californians are encouraged to apply before December 15.
- Learn more at www.coveredca.com/get-started.
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.
Local Resources
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY: Community Learning & Internet Connectivity [CLiC], TECH FOR SUCCESS Program (link) (Spanish)
The City of Moreno Valley has launched their new inclusive digital one-stop-shop to support city residents seeking internet connection and a variety of web-based resources including employment assistance, internet and computer literacy support, business development, and more.
As part of the CLiC program, the city will also be hosting WiFi gardens, public computer access, and loanable hot spot devices for residents to access free WiFi connection.
Building on its CLiC program, the City of Moreno Valley has also partnered with Riverside County Community Action Partnership to make 50 refurbished desktop PCs available for free to qualifying residents.
- To apply or learn more, about the Tech for Success program, click here.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Pathways to Employment Program (link)
The County of Riverside has launched 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, or visit www.capriverside.org/
- 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.
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY: Citywide Food Resources (link)
The City of Moreno Valley has compiled an extensive list of food resources including food pantry locations, restaurants offering curbside or delivery options, and local grocery store priority shopper hours. To learn what resources are near you, click here.
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.
- For more information, visit www.RivCoWorkforce.com/youth.aspx or email youthcorps@rivco.org
Renter’s Assistance and Housing Programs
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: 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 partnered to provide rental assistance to households impacted by COVID-19. The program will administer $33 million in rental assistance between the months of June and November. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY: MoVal Rental Rescue Program (link)
The City of Moreno Valley has partnered with Inland SoCal United Way to provide emergency rental and financial assistance to keep Moreno Valley residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic housed. Assistance includes:
- Homelessness Prevention (HP) – Up to $5,000: Rental Assistance / Rental Arrears for current housing Past Due Utility Payments.
- Rapid Re-Housing (RR) Up to $5,000: Rental Assistance to move into permanent housing Advanced Payment of Last Month’s Rent Utility Deposits and Payments Moving Costs, Rental Application Fees, and Security Deposits
- Apply now here.
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.
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.
Small Business Resources and Grants
CITY OF NORCO: Small Enterprise Assistance Loan (SEAL) (link)
The City of Norco has created the Small Enterprise Assistance Loan Program, offering low- to no-interest loans of up to $20,000 to eligible Norco businesses and non-profits. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- For program guidelines, click here or contact the City of Norco at (951) 270-5644 or info@ci.norco.ca.us.
- For the program application, 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.
Have a safe, healthy, and happy weekend and enjoy your Thanksgiving!
Very Sincerely,
RICHARD D. ROTH
Senator, 31st District