The 31st District Digest (December 7 to December 11)
The 31st District Digest (December 7 to December 11)
Effective Dec 6, 2020: Southern California Regional Stay-at-Home Order (link)
Effective Sunday, December 6, at 11:59 p.m., the Southern California region entered the regional stay-at-home order due to its shrinking ICU capacity that fell below the statewide 15% threshold. After the Thanksgiving holiday, COVID-19 case rates and related hospitalizations have steadily increased, causing a strain on our region’s healthcare delivery system and the staff who work around the clock to maintain our health. As we approach the year-end holidays, we must continue taking the precautions necessary to protect the health of our loved ones and our community.
- Practicing safe social distancing;
- Wearing masks;
- Maintaining handwashing hygiene; and
- Scheduling regular COVID-19 testing, not just after high-risk interactions.
These are all ways that each of us can help California stop the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 testing is free at county- and state-run testing sites and available to anyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status, or the presence 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 as early as 24 hours by text message or email.
- To make an appointment or to find locations for COVID-19 testing through Curative, visit curative.com
CA Notify: California’s Opt-In Exposure Notification (link)
On Thursday, California officially launched a new statewide digital tool allowing Apple and Google smartphone users to help slow the spread of the coronavirus by opting in to receive COVID-19 exposure alerts letting them know when they have come in contact with someone who has tested positive.
CA Notify is completely voluntary and free, and is designed to protect your privacy. It does not use device location to detect exposures and does not share your identity to other users. Individuals can securely report if they test positive, so that others can be notified of exposure without indicating their identity.
- To learn more or and for step-by-step instructions on how to sign, up please visit CANotify.ca.gov.
Play it Safe: Playgrounds Remain Open to Promote Health and Wellness (link)
To promote the health and wellness of children and families, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that playground and outdoor recreational facilities -including playgrounds located in parks, campgrounds, and other publicly accessible locations- will remain open throughout the state. In addition to this announcement, the CDPH released the following guidance for playground operators and families as we continue to combat the spread of COVID-19.
DMV Updates
Seniors Can Now Renew their Driver’s License Online (link)
On Wednesday, the California Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced that it would be offering Californians age 70 and older the option to renew their noncommercial driver’s licenses online, with a mail-in option becoming available in the coming weeks. Licenses that expire beginning March 1, 2020, and throughout the COVID-19 emergency are eligible, including REAL ID renewals.
- For more information and a full summary of the current driver’s license extensions, click here.
DMV Temporarily Halts Behind-the-Wheel Driving Tests (link)
In an effort to protect the health and safety of customers and DMV employees during the current statewide surge in COVID-19 cases, the DMV is temporarily suspending behind-the-wheel driving tests for at least two weeks beginning Monday, December 14. The temporary suspension includes commercial and noncommercial tests but does not apply to motorcycle drive tests, which can be conducted at a safe distance. Customers with scheduled appointments in the next two weeks will be notified their tests are canceled and will be automatically rescheduled to a later date.
Friendly Reminders
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 30.
- Learn more at www.coveredca.com/get-started.
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/.
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
VETERANS: Inland Empire Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program
If you are a veteran experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless and are seeking employment, the Inland Empire Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP) hosted by Goodwill Southern California may be able to help. HVRP offers access to employment opportunities, employment preparation training, education and technical skills classes/certifications, career counseling and more.
- For information on eligibility requirements and enrollment, please email HVRP@goodwillsocal.org or call (909) 659-4849.
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: Countywide Food Access Sites (link)
Riverside County has compiled an extensive list of food resources including food pantry locations as well as senior and school Grab & Go meal sites. 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. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- To apply, click here.
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
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Business Ambassador Program (link)
If your business has questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 readiness and reopening, Riverside County is here to help. A Riverside County Business Ambassador is available to visit your business, at no cost, to conduct an individualized assessment to help your business run safely and efficiently.
- To request a consultation or learn more, 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.
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.
Have a safe, healthy, and happy Hanukkah weekend!
Very Sincerely,
RICHARD D. ROTH
Senator, 31st District