The 31st District Digest (January 25 to January 29)

January 30, 2021

The 31^st District Digest (January 25 to January 29)

Regional Stay-At-Home Orders have been lifted,

Riverside County Returns to Purple Tier (link) (Spanish)

On Monday, the California Dept. of Public Health announced that regional stay at home orders have been lifted, placing Riverside County back into the Purple Tier of the Statewide Blueprint for a safer economy. While this allows many businesses to resume either indoor or outdoor operations, it is important to know that COVID-19 is still present throughout our communities. As such, it is still crucial that we take the necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of our loved ones. By wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining a safe social distance, and scheduling regular testing, we can help slow the spread of COVID-19 and move our region forward in our recovery from the virus.

For information from the state on which businesses may resume operation, click here.
For Riverside County guidance and business resources, click here.

Eviction Moratorium Extension and the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act (link)

On Friday, Governor Newsom signed legislation to extend the statewide eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021, and to support small property owners in need of assistance to pay for mortgages. SB 89 and SB 91 pause evictions for tenants who declare under penalty of perjury an inability to pay all or part of the rent due to a COVID-related circumstance. Tenants are still responsible for paying unpaid amounts to property owners, but those unpaid amounts cannot be the basis for an eviction, even after the moratorium ends.

SB 91 also establishes the State Rental Assistance Program to allocate the $2.6 billion in federal rental assistance that California will receive. The program will target aid to income-qualified tenants most at-risk with unpaid back rent. Assistance will also be extended to property owners who agree to waive 20 percent of unpaid rent. By agreeing to this waiver, property owners will become eligible for 80 percent in rent reimbursements for amounts owed between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021.

To learn more about the State Rental Assistance Program, the eviction moratorium, and other housing resources, visit the Housing is Key campaign site at www.landlordtenant.dre.ca.gov.

CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program – Round 2 Opens Feb 2 (link)

The second round of applications for California’s $500 million Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will open on Tuesday, February 2, and close the following Monday, February 8. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can receive grant awards between $5,000 to $25,000 to cover expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applicants who submitted their application and submitted all documentation in the first round do not need to reapply; qualified applications will be automatically rolled over into the next funding round for consideration.

For program guidelines, eligibility, and to apply, click here.

Friendly Reminders

Cash for College: Join your Local School Districts and Elected Representatives for a Cash for College Workshop w/ RCC

Join the Alvord, Jurupa, and Riverside Unified School Districts and your local elected representatives for a free Cash for College Workshop with the Riverside City College Financial Aid Office! The presenter will go step by step through the FAFSA and CA Dream Act applications. Students and families across the district are encouraged to attend and get their application questions answered.

To register for the English presentation on February 3, 5PM - 6:30PM, click here.
To register for the Spanish presentation on February 4, 5PM - 6:30PM, click here.

Únete a un taller con tus representantes elegidos y a los distritos escolares de Alvord, Jurupa y Riverside a una junta gratuita y virtual para aprender sobre dinero para la universidad. El taller incluirá un representante de Riverside City College Financial Aid Office! El presentador repasará paso por paso las aplicaciones de FAFSA y CA Dream Act. Le aconsejamos a los estudiantes y familiares que nos acompañen para contestar preguntas.

Para la registrarte a la presentación en inglés: 3 de febrero - 5PM - 6:30PM, haga clic aquí.
Para la registrarte a la presentación en español: 4 de febrero - 5PM - 6:30PM, haga clic aquí.

FREE COVID-19 Testing

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 Cities of Riverside, Corona, and Moreno Valley have 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

NOTE: It is important to remember that a negative test result does not absolve us of the need to wear a mask, practice safe social distancing, and stay home, especially if we exhibit symptoms similar to COVID-19. Consulting your doctor can help ensure that your symptoms can be managed or if another test may be recommended. If you are uninsured or have Medi-Cal but do not have a primary care doctor, California has launched an advice line that can connect you with a nurse, day or night, to talk about COVID-19 symptoms and can help you connect with local resources in our community.

Call the Medi-Nurse Line at (877) 409-9052 or click here for more information

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.

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:

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

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: Little Free Pantry

The City of Riverside is establishing 26 free community pantries across Riverside to help address food insecurity brought about by COVID-19 and the broader concern of hunger in our region. There, community members can place unexpired food, hygiene, or paper items for community members to take what they need. To learn more or to get an application to host a Little Free Pantry, please email neighbor@riversideca.gov.

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.

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.

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 JURUPA VALLEY: Rental, Utility, and Short Term Emergency Assistance (link)

In partnership with Path of Life Ministries, the City of Jurupa Valley is helping to facilitate short-term emergency financial assistance to struggling City residents. Eligible uses include rent and utility payments, vehicle repairs, and employment- related licensing and training fees.

For information on eligibility and more, contact Path of Life’s at rapidresolution@thepathoflife.com or call Path of Life Ministries’ hotline at (951)786-9048 ext. 31.

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 RIVERSIDE: Emergency Recovery Assistance Program (ERAP) (link)

Riverside Public Utilities offers a one-time $400 utility bill credit to eligible residential customers who have experienced reduced income due to loss of employment or reduced hours as a result of COVID-19.

To apply or learn more, click 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.

SBA: Paycheck Protection Program Re-Opens (link)

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the Payment Protection Program (PPP) for First Draw Loan applications and has opened Second Draw PPP Loans applications until March 31, 2021. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits, and may also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, certain uninsured property damage costs, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations.

For more information on the application process and new guidance, 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: Small Business Utility Relief (link)

The Riverside City Council has approved a measure to temporarily small businesses with 50 or fewer workers to apply utility deposits toward unpaid Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) bills or their next payment for service between now and March 31. Small business owners are encouraged to call RPU’s Call Center at (951) 782-0330 or send an email to callcenter@riversideca.gov for more information.

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.

Have a safe, healthy, and happy weekend!

Very Sincerely,

RICHARD D. ROTH
Senator, 31st District