The 31st District Digest (March 29 to April 2)

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April 03, 2021

The 31st District Digest (March 29 to April 2)

 

Vaccine Eligibility: Riverside County Now Vaccinating Californians Age 50+ (link) (Spanish)

This week, California took a major step forward in its statewide vaccination plan by expanding vaccine eligibility to individuals age 50 and older. Riverside County residents and those who work throughout the county included in this expanded group of eligibility can make an appointment now on the Riverside County COVID-19 Vaccine Page, or by reaching out to their health care providers directly.

Riverside County’s current Vaccine Eligible groups are as follows:

Group

Status

Healthcare workers and long-term care residents

Now Vaccinating

People with a high chance of exposure and those 50 or older

Sector populations:

·        Agriculture and food

·        Education and childcare

·        Emergency services

Now Vaccinating

Other State Approved Categories:

·        Public transit workers

·        Janitorial/Custodial service workers

·        Congregate residential setting workers and residents

·        Individuals 16-64 with underlying medical conditions or disabilities

                 Please click here for a list of conditions

Now Vaccinating

Individuals 50 or older who live or work in Riverside County

Now Vaccinating
 

 

NOTE: California intends to further extend vaccine eligibility to Individuals 16 and older beginning April 15. I encourage community members to check the Riverside County COVID-19 Vaccine Page regularly to stay informed on when appointments will be available in preparation for the expansion.

 

This welcome expansion comes as Riverside County crosses the important milestone of administering over one million vaccine doses to county residents and workers. With more community members getting vaccinated, I encourage all of us to continue doing what we can to help our vulnerable friends and loved ones sign up for an appointment so that we may move even closer to the safer healthier tomorrow.

  • To visit Riverside County’s COVID-19 Vaccine Page, click here.
  • 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.

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.

 

VETERANS: VA Loma Linda is Administering COVID-19 Vaccines (link)

Congress has passed a new law that allows us to offer COVID-19 vaccines to more Veterans and some spouses and caregivers of Veterans. At this time, VA Loma Linda still has a limited amount of vaccines and is working to determine how quickly it can begin to offer vaccines to these other groups. For the time being, VA Loma Linda is administrating COVID-19 vaccines to:

  • Veterans of all ages (currently enrolled in VA health care)
  • 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.

 

FEMA: Funeral Expense Assistance (link)

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken so much from our community and brought incredible grief to families across our nation. As families take the time they need to recover from the loss of loved ones, FEMA has established a new resource to help alleviate some of the financial stress and hardship that often comes with loss. Starting Monday, April 12, FEMA will be accepting applications for its Funeral Expense Assistance Program, offering support for eligible funeral-related expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

  • To learn more about the FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program and eligibility, click here.
  • To apply, please call FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line at (844) 684-6333, TTY: (800) 462-7585

 

Community Action Partnership: Free Tax Preparation through the VITA Tax Program (link)

Community Action Partnership is hosting limited, appointment-based on-site Free Tax Preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. VITA is a free tax preparation program that helps eligible low to moderate income filers connect with IRS Certified Volunteers.

  • Upcoming VITA Events: April 3, 9, and 10. (Appointments can be made between 10 AM to 4 PM).
  • To learn more or to make an appointment, click here or call (951) 955-6427.

REMINDER: The federal income tax due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year has been 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.

EDD: 1099G Tax Information: 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.

 

 
Friendly Reminders

FREE COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 vaccinations and regular testing work hand in hand to accelerate our region’s path to recovery. It is important that we maintain our testing schedule to ensure that our public health leaders can accurately assess the spread of the virus throughout our community and track the progress that we have made together.

 

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

 

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

United Lift– Riverside County’s partnership with Lift to Rise and Inland SoCal United Way– is now accepting applications for 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.


 
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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.


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 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. 

 

 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.


 
CITY OF PERRIS: COVID-19 Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program, Utilities Assistance Program (link)

The City of Perris is offering its residents financial assistance to cover up to 100% of monthly rent or mortgage (up to the maximum of $1,200/month) for 6 consecutive months, as well as utilities assistance to cover up to 100% of monthly electric, water, and gas utility costs (up to the maximum of $300/month) for 6 consecutive months.

  • For more information on the Rental & Mortgage Assistance Program, click here.
  • For more information on the CDBG-CV Utility Assistance Program, click here.
  • To access the online application for both programs, 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.

 

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.


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