The 31st District Digest (December 14 to December 23)
The 31st District Digest (December 14 to December 23)
COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin for Frontline Health Care Heroes (link)
California’s first doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine have arrived and a safe and effective distribution plan is already underway. Frontline health care workers will be prioritized to receive the first available doses.
The California Governor’s Office and California Department of Public Health have resources for you to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan and what to expect in the coming months.
My office will keep you informed as much as possible on any new developments as soon as we receive them. We want to encourage you to rely on sources like the California Governor’s Office and California Department of Public Health for reliable, accurate, and timely information throughout this process.
Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine and find common questions and answers at these links:
- Governor’s Office COVID-19 Vaccine Overview (link)
- California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Overview (link)
- California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A (link)
- Riverside County’s Vaccine Information Page (link)
- To learn more about how you can protect yourself against Vaccine Scams, click here.
- To learn more about California’s Phased Distribution plan, click here.
As the vaccine becomes more readily available to all Californians in 2021, we must continue our work to keep our communities healthy and to reduce the burden of the surge on our health care delivery system. As always, washing your hands, wearing face coverings, maintaining safe social distance of 6 feet, staying home, and scheduling regular testing are all things that we each can do to move our region, state, and nation forward.
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 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
The coming holidays will be yet another proving ground for our dedication to the future health, prosperity, and strength of our community. I encourage each of us to review the California Dept. of Public Health’s guidance on holidays (found here) and keep the health of our loved ones as a top priority.
Executive Order: Support for Small Businesses and Migrant Farm Laborers (link)
Last week, Governor Newsom issued a new executive order addressing a series of issues in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including providing a 90-day extension on tax returns and tax payments for small businesses, and extending the availability of housing for migrant agricultural workers, and updating Cal/OSHA requirements related to quarantine guidelines.
- For the full text of the order, click here.
California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program (link)
Today, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development through the Office of the Small Business Advocate officially launched www.CAReliefGrant.com, a portal for small businesses and nonprofits to apply for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. Successful applicants can receive grants of up to $25,000 to help cover expenses during the pandemic.
The first round of applications will open on Wednesday, December 30th, 2020, and will close on Friday, January 8th, 2021. Notifications on Round 1 awards will begin as soon as January 13, 2021. Round 2 will be announced at a later date. However, one complete application will qualify the small business or nonprofit for both rounds so applicants should only apply once.
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
CITY OF RIVERSIDE: Free Baby Formula Distribution Program (link)
The City of Riverside has partnered with His Daughters’ House to offer baby formula for families in need through weekly distributions. To learn about eligibility requirements and to submit a request form, please click here.
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
As we approach the end of the year, for many families, it is crucial that we know what services, resources, and protections are available to support those who may be at risk of housing insecurity.
To find help for renters, homeowners, and small landlords, click here or visit HousingIsKey.com.
For local rental assistance programs, please see below:
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 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
To learn about California’s small business resources, click here.
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.
I wish you all a very safe, healthy, and Merry Christmas and Kwanza!
Very Sincerely,
RICHARD D. ROTH
Senator, 31st District