The 31st District Digest (March 15 to March 19)

The 31^st District Digest (March 15 to March 19)

 

Riverside County enters the Red Tier (link) (Spanish)

This week, the California Dept. of Public Health moved Riverside County into the Red Tier of the State’s reopening framework, allowing for more businesses and activities to resume indoor operations. This move reflects the County’s continued progress in improving our local coronavirus case and positive test rates, as well as the progress that has been made across the state in the equitable distribution of vaccine doses.

As of Wednesday, March 17, the following changes have taken effect:

• Restaurants and movie theaters may return to indoor operations up to 25 percent capacity or 100 people (whichever is fewer).
• Museums, zoos, and aquariums may return indoors up to 25 percent capacity.
• Gyms and fitness centers may return indoors up to 10 percent capacity.
• Retail stores and shopping malls may increase capacity to 50 percent.

It is critical that we stay mindful of the steps that have brought us this far. Washing hands, wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and scheduling regular testing—by maintaining these measures, we can move even further through the statewide reopening framework.

• For the full list of industry guidance, click here.

 

Tax Day is now May 17 (link)

On Wednesday, the Federal Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced that the federal income tax due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. California has also postponed its income tax filing due date for individuals (those who file forms 540, 540 2EZ, and 540NR, including PIT composite returns) for the 2020 tax year from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021.

This also means that eligible Californian families now have until May 17 to file their taxes to qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (Cal EITC) and Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC), which in turn may qualify them for the Golden State Stimulus.

• For more information on Cal EITC and YCTC, click here.
• For more information on the Golden State Stimulus, click here.

 

 

Vaccine Eligibility expands to those with Underlying Health Conditions (link) (Spanish)

This week, Riverside County health officials expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to now include those age 16 to 64 with certain underlying health conditions, including cancer, chronic pulmonary disease, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, or those who have an immunocompromised state from a solid organ transplant. The County also expanded the list of occupations eligible for vaccination to include professions like public transit workers, janitorial/custodial service workers, and congregate residential setting workers and residents.

• For a full list of preexisting conditions that now qualify, click here.
• For more information on eligible professions, click here.
• For Operation RivCo Shield’s Eligibility chart, click here.

Once you are eligible, please visit the Riverside County Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Page to make an appointment. If you have received your first dose, you will be notified by the County’s public health team and will be able to schedule your second dose appointment at any of the RUHS-Public Health Clinics or Curative Clinics. For more information on second doses, click here.

 

REMINDER:  CDC guidelines allow up to 42 days for a second dose with either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and due in part to the limited vaccine supply, it may not be possible to get a second dose at the 21- or 28-day mark originally recommended. Guidelines also recommend that your second dose should be from the same manufacturer as the first. For example, if your first dose was a Pfizer vaccine, then your second dose should also be a Pfizer vaccine.

• To visit Riverside County’s COVID-19 Vaccine Page, click here.
  • Email your questions about Riverside County vaccinations to rivco.vaccines@ruhealth.org
• If you are a senior and need assistance to schedule an appointment, please call the Riverside County Office of Aging at 1 (800) 510-2020 or call 2-1-1.
• For more on California’s Vaccine Plan, click here or call California’s Vaccine Hotline at (833) 422-4255.
  • Email your questions to covidcallcter@cdph.ca.gov

 

VETERANS: VA Loma Linda is Administering Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 Vaccines

VA Loma Linda is administrating Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccine to Veterans enrolled in VA health care at VA Loma Linda that are:

• Veterans ages 50 years and older
• Veteran essential workers per CDC guidelines
• Caregivers currently enrolled in VA’s official caregiver program

For more information visit https://www.lomalinda.va.gov/.

If you are eligible, please call (909) 825-7084 ext. 6212 or 5085 to make an appointment.

 

 

Small businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic-- federal, state, and local resources are here to help.

I invite you to join Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes and me for a Virtual Small Business Workshop in partnership with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center. The virtual Small Business Workshop will focus on federal, state, and local resources available to support our small business community:

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

To RSVP today, click here.

 

New Resources

 

Housing is Key: the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program (link)

If you have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID‐19, have past due rent or utilities, and have a household income that is not more than 80% of the area median income, you may be eligible to receive help to pay past due or future rent and utilities from the state of California. Landlords and renters can verify eligibility immediately by visiting HousingIsKey.com, or by calling (833) 430‐2122, and if eligible, apply.

 

CalWORKs Housing Support Program (link)

If you are a Riverside County property owner who rents your units to families participating in the CalWORKs Housing Support Program, you may qualify for a $1,000 incentive. Interested property owners and/or CalWORKs customers are encouraged to learn more by calling (833) 391-0506 or emailing hsp@rivco.org.

 

Coming Soon: New Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Application (link)

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established through the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act to provide over $16 billion in economic relief to target industries. Eligible live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, motion picture theatre operators, and talent representatives can submit their applications beginning April 8, 2021.

• To sign up to be notified when SVOG applications open, click here
• For answers to FAQs, click here.

 

Friendly Reminders

 

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, Moreno Valley, and Jurupa 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.

EDD: 1099G Tax Information (link)

The CA Employment Development Dept. (EDD) has launched a Form 1099G Information Center to help Californians prepare their tax returns for the 2020 filing year. 

• To visit the Form 1099G Information Center, click here.
• For answers to frequently asked questions about the Form 1099G, click here.

 

 

United Lift: Riverside County Rental Assistance Partnership Reopens Applications (link)

United Lift– Riverside County’s partnership with Lift to Rise and Inland SoCal United Way– is now accepting applications for the next round of rental assistance. This year, the program will provide one-time rental assistance support to cover up to 12 months of unpaid rent during the period between March 13, 2020, until the time of application, plus an additional three months of future rent.

• For information on eligibility requirements, please visit www.unitedlift.org (Spanish).

 

 

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!

 
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 and information for renters, homeowners, and small landlords, click here or visit HousingIsKey.com.

For local rental and housing assistance programs, please see below:

 

RIVERSIDE COUNTY CONTINUUM OF CARE: HomeConnect (link)

If you or a loved one are experiencing homelessness, Riverside County’s HomeConnect program may be able to help. HomeConnect is a coordinated entry system established by Riverside County’s Continuum of Care that can help connect you to federally-funded, state-funded, and locally-funded homeless services in Riverside County. 

• To learn what resources may be available to you, call (800) 498-8847 or email homeconnect@ruhealth.org.

 

 CITY OF RIVERSIDE: Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program

The City of Riverside is offering emergency rental and utilities assistance to eligible city residents who may have accrued rental debt due to COVID-19 related loss of income.

• For information on eligibility and to find the application, click here or reach out to the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County – (951) 682-6581.

 
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.
• To apply, click 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)

Moreno Valley Utility (MVU) now offers discounts for qualifying electricity customers through its COVID-19 Utility Assistance program.

• 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.

 
 
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, mortgage, and utility assistance to eligible Corona renters.

• To view the program guidelines and application for renters, click here.
• To view the program guidelines and application for mortgages, 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.

 

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: Small Business Deposit Credit Program (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) 826-5311 or send an email to RPUSBA@RiversideCA.gov for more information.

 

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 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