The 31st District Digest (May 31 to June 4)

The 31^st District Digest (May 31 to June 4)

 

California Restaurant Comeback: Continued Regulatory Relief for Restaurants (link)

As California continues to approach its projected reopening day on June 15, Governor Newsom announced updated actions to ensure forms of regulatory relief for our recovering local restaurants and bars. Per the announcement, California will be extending the timeline on its COVID-19 relief measures that permitted restaurants and bars to expand outdoor operations in areas such as sidewalks and parking lots, and permitted the sale of to-go alcoholic beverages with food deliveries. While the initial relief was expected to be rescinded on June 30, the Department of Public Health and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control have indicated that restaurants and bars can expect to enjoy these provisions until at least December 31, 2021.

• For more information on the Notice of Regulatory Relief, click here.

 

DMV Extends Expiring Commercial Driver’s Licenses through August (link)

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has announced a new round of extensions for commercial driver’s licenses expiring through August 31, 2021. This extension will allow commercial drivers to continue to deliver essential products and supplies.

Following updated guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the DMV is extending all commercial driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, and endorsements that expire between March 2020 and August 31, 2021. A previous extension had been set to expire at the end of May. The DMV has alerted California law enforcement of the new extensions. While the extensions are automatic, eligible commercial drivers will not receive a new card or an extension in the mail.

Also in line with federal guidance, commercial drivers whose medical certification expires between March 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021, have an extension to August 31, 2021, to update the certificate. The DMV offers medical certification updates to be submitted online.

 

Summary of California driver’s license extensions

	Expiration month	Status
Commercial (all types, all ages)	March 2020 - August 2021	Extended to August 31, 2021
Commercial medical certificates	March 2021 - August 2021	Extended to August 31, 2021
Noncommercial (all ages)	Beginning March 2020	Expanded eligibility to renew online or by mail for licenses expiring during the emergency
Learner’s permits (noncommercial)	March 2020 - May 2021	Extended six months or to a date 24 months from the date of application

 

 

Vax for the Win: California draws its First 15 Winners of the Statewide Giveaway (link)

On Friday, Governor Newsom randomly selected the first 15 Californians to be awarded $50,000 for doing their part in getting vaccinated against COVID-19. More than 21 million Californians aged 12+ are at least partially vaccinated and automatically entered to win in the cash prize drawings. The second $50,000 drawing will take place next Friday, June 11, when an additional 15 Californians will be selected. On June 15, when California safely reopens, 10 winners will be selected to receive $1.5 million each – adding up to a total of $15 million in cash prizes. On top of that, the 2 million newly-vaccinated Californians who get their dose since Vax for the Win launched will be eligible to receive $50 prepaid and grocery cards.

For more information, please visit covid19.ca.gov/vax-for-the-win.

 

Riverside County offers COVID-19 vaccines to ALL eligible individuals age 12 and up.

To receive a vaccine, youth age 12 to 17 years old must register for an appointment at a vaccine clinic that offers the Pfizer vaccine and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Moderna and J&J vaccines can only be given to individuals age 18 years and older.

In order to stay on the path to recovery, it is critical that we continue encouraging our family members, friends, and neighbors to get vaccinated and help protect our community from new COVID-19 variants.

 

To make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at a county vaccine site, visit the Riverside County COVID-19 Vaccine Page or visit the statewide appointment system at MyTurn.ca.gov.

 

• 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.
• If you are a homebound resident seeking a COVID-19 vaccination, Riverside County’s new at-home vaccination partnership with United Lab Services may be able to help. County health officials will provide a list of homebound residents who wish to be vaccinated and have self-identified as homebound on California’s MyTurn COVID-19 Vaccine appointment scheduling system.
  • To be added to the list of homebound individuals seeking to be vaccinated, please call (833) 422-4255 or visit www.MyTurn.ca.gov.
• Email your questions about Riverside County vaccinations to rivco.vaccines@ruhealth.org.
• For more on California’s Vaccine Plan, click here or call California’s Vaccine Hotline at (833) 422-4255.
  • Email your questions about California’s Vaccine Plan to covidcallcter@cdph.ca.gov.
• If you are a veteran and would like to schedule a COVID-19 Vaccine appointment through your local VA office, please click here or call (909) 825-7084 ext. 5085.

 

REMINDER: CDC Guidelines recommend that your second dose should be from the same manufacturer as the first. For example, if your first dose was a Moderna vaccine, then your second dose should also be a Moderna vaccine.

 

Community Action Partnership: Cool Centers are now open across Riverside County (link)

As our region begins to feel the summer heat, community members are welcomed to retreat to the Community Action Partnership’s 39 free cool centers located throughout Riverside County.

• For a list of cool center locations, click here (Spanish).
• For tips on how to stay cool and protect yourself against heat illness, 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, Curative has partnered with several local cities 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 in public and workplace settings, 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.

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

 

 

Golden State Grants and Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment Recipients (link)

Recent California legislation authorized a one-time supplemental SSP payment in the amount of $600 to SSI/SSP recipients to provide relief from hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Payments in the amount of $600 will be automatically mailed out based on zip code. Based on the newly released schedule, recipients from the 31^st District can expect to receive their payment during the week of June 7^th.

• For general information about these payments, please refer to the SSP Payment FAQs (link). For any additional questions, please call 1 (866) 312-3100.

 

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. FEMA is now 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

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

 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.

 

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 (link)

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.
• COMING SOON: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the RESTART Repayment program will set up a repayment plan to assist customers that have been unable to pay off their monthly utility bill. To sign up to receive an e-notification when additional details on the RESTART Repayment program becomes available, click here.

 
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.

• For information on eligibility and more, email 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.

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 now.

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