The 31st District Digest (December 28 to January 1)

January 02, 2021

The 31st District Digest (December 28 to January 1)

 
 

Vaccinations: COVID-19 Pharmacy Partnership with CVS and Walgreens (link)

On Monday, Governor Newsom announced that California would be opting into the federal COVID-19 Pharmacy Partnership with CVS and Walgreens to administer the Pfizer vaccine to residents and staff in long-term care facilities. The program will enable counties to leverage CVS and Walgreens pharmacy staff to administer the vaccine more broadly with pharmacy staff going directly to care facilities.
 

On Tuesday, Riverside County released its updated COVID-19 Vaccination Plan outlining how the County has determined which segments of our health care delivery system fall within each phase and corresponding tier.

  • To review the County’s updated COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, click here.
  • To see where the County has allocated its Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, click here (Spanish).
  • To see the County’s COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule, click here.
  • For the latest information on Riverside County’s COVID-19 Response, visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus

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

 
 

Safe Schools for All Plan:

California’s Framework for Safe School Reopening (link)

On Wednesday, Governor Newsom released the Safe Schools for All Plan, California’s framework to support schools to continue operating safely in-person and to expand the number of schools safely resuming in-person instruction. The plan is built on four main pillars:

  • Funding to Support Safe Reopening – $2 billion allocation in the proposed 2021 State Budget;
  • Safety and Mitigation Measures for Classrooms – Testing, PPE, Contact Tracing, and Vaccinations;
  • Hands-on Oversight and Assistance for Schools –  Cross-agency Safe Schools for All Team made up of dedicated staff from CDPH, Cal/OSHA, and educational agencies to provide webinars, training materials, ongoing technical assistance; and
  • Transparency and Accountability for Families and Staff – A statewide dashboard allowing families to see their school’s reopening status, funding, and in-school transmission data.

With early action by the Legislature, components of this plan will be launched in the coming weeks. For information on the components of the Safe Schools for All Plan, click here.

 
 

EDD Update:

Expedited Payment to More than a Million Californians (link)

The California Employment Development Dept. (EDD) has begun expediting an expansion of federal unemployment benefits after receiving initial guidance from the U.S. Dept. of Labor.

  • For CARES Act benefits that expired after Dec. 26, the EDD will automatically recalculate Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) claims and notify claimants through their Unemployment Insurance (UI) Online account, mail, or text message when they are able to certify for their next benefit payment.

From Dec. 27 to Mar. 13, claimants can anticipate benefits including:

  • A supplemental $300 a week in Pandemic Additional Compensation;
  • 11 weeks added to PUA, supporting business owners, the self-employed, independent contractors, and others who don’t qualify for regular UI; and
  • 11 weeks added to PEUC for those who have exhausted their 26 weeks of regular UI benefits.

For the full text of the EDD’s announcement as well as information on the EDD’s status on clearing the backlog of claims identified earlier this year, click here.
 
 

Friendly Reminders

The CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is NOW Accepting Applications (link)
The first round of applications for California’s $500 million Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is now open. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can receive grant awards between $5,000 to $25,000 to cover expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early as the first round of funding closes Friday, January 8.

  • For program guidelines, eligibility, and to apply click here.
  • Note: Due to high demand, as of this morning, the file upload step has been temporarily delayed to allow every business the opportunity to submit the application form. Applicants will be notified once uploads are enabled in order to complete the application. This will not have any impact on grant selection.

 
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

RIVERSIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY: Outdoor WI-FI Access
Outdoor WiFi Access has been extended to library parking lots, Monday – Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm at the following libraries: Arlington, Arlanza, SSGT. Salvador J. Lara Casa Blanca Library, La Sierra, Marcy, and Orange Terrace.
How to connect:

  1. Connect to "Riv-Guest" (no password needed)
  2. Open a browser, accept terms and conditions.
  3. Start browsing!

 
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.

  • For WiFi Garden locations, click here.
  • To check hotspot availability, click here.

Building on its CLiC program, the City of Moreno Valley has also partnered with Riverside County Community Action Partnership to make 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.

  • Note –Senior Meal Pick up offered by the Moreno Valley Senior Center are now available on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 11 am


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.

 

Renter’s Assistance and Housing Programs

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.

 
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY: Extra Time and Discounts for Moreno Valley Utility Customers (link)
The Mayor and City Council have unanimously approved a new COVID-19 Utility Assistance program for Moreno Valley Utility (MVU) electricity customers that includes a Covid-19 discount for qualifying customers.

  • Small Businesses on the General Service Rate (20kW or less) that are having trouble paying their bill can set up flexible payment arrangements for up to 24 months.
  • Residents can apply for an extended payment plan with up to 12 months to pay the outstanding balance accrued since March 2020. Income-qualified residents may qualify for the new discount savings program.

For more information, click here.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Housing for the Harvest Program (link)
In partnership with Riverside County and the State of California, TODEC Legal Center is 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 works in agriculture or food processing, have tested positive for COVID-19, and require 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 JURUPA VALLEY: Local Economic Assistance Program (LEAP) (link)
The City of Jurupa Valley is currently accepting applications for LEAP funding. Eligible small businesses (6 - 50 employees) and micro-enterprises (5 employees or less) can qualify for up to $10,000 and $7,000 grants, respectively.

  • 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

 
 
Happy New Year!
 
Very Sincerely,
 
RICHARD D. ROTH
Senator, 31st District