Apr 09

Here are your daily facts, news, and information on COVID-19

Here are your daily facts, news, and information on COVID-19, compiled by the Senate Democratic Caucus.

Cal OES Update:

  • April 7, 2020 – pdf
  • Key messages – link

Governor Updates:

  • Today at Noon: Governor Gavin Newsom will provide an update on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The update will be streamed at the @CAgovernor Twitter page and California Governor Facebook page.
  • Section 36.00 – Letter to Legislature: California Office of Emergency Services, Increase of Emergency Funding for COVID-19 Response – pdf
  • Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order to Help State Procure Necessary Medical Supplies – link
    • Masks, gloves, eye protection, gowns, and other critical materials that protect public health sold to or purchased by the State are exempt from sales and use taxes.
  • Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Expand Support for Vulnerable Populations – link
  • Resources for emotional support and well-being – link
  • California Surgeon General’s Playbook: Stress Relief during COVID-19 – link

Important Updates:

News Highlights:

  • California to spend nearly $1B for 200 million marks per month
  • California won’t be lifting coronavirus stay-at-home rules anytime soon
  • What California is doing right in responding to the coronavirus pandemic
  • California still way behind in coronavirus testing despite recent advances
  • California lends 500 ventilators to 4 states, 2 territories
  • California still sifting through racial data to determine coronavirus impacts
  • Health professionals warn of ‘explosion’ of coronavirus cases in minority communities
  • Sacramento County extends stay-at-home order through May 1
  • The United States counted its highest coronavirus-related death toll in a single day on Tuesday, with 1,997 fatalities, bringing the total to nearly 13,000
  • Pelosi and Schumer seek huge spending increases for hospitals, local aid and food stamps as coronavirus talks intensify
  • Hospitals say feds are seizing masks and other coronavirus supplies without a word
  • Trump removes independent watchdog tasked with overseeing coronavirus emergency funds
  • Treasury seeks $200 billion more for small business coronavirus aid
  • Some Swedish hospitals have stopped using Chloroquine to treat COVID-19 after reports of severe side effects
  • Paris bans daytime outdoor exercise
  • Wuhan outbound travel ban lifted
  • The Judicial Council yesterday barred courts from enforcing eviction orders against renters for any cause
  • Acting Navy chief Thomas Modly resigned on Tuesday following nearly a week of controversy about his dismissal of USS Theodore Roosevelt Captain Brett Crozier
  • A second potential COVID-19 vaccine, backed by Bill and Melinda Gates, began clinical human testing yesterday
  • British PM Johnson’s condition is stable and he is breathing without assistance following his admission to the intensive care unit

News Articles:

California:

  • Mental health challenges + Sustainable housing fund + ‘Give for a Gay’ blood donation — California Gov. Gavin Newsom took some time at the beginning of his #NewsomAtNoon press conference Tuesday to acknowledge something that we’re all feeling, some more than others: That staying at home for an extended period of time takes its toll on mental health. Sac Bee — 4/8/20
  • California to spend nearly $1B for 200 million masks per month — “We’ve been competing against other states, against other nations, against our own federal government for PPE — coveralls, masks, shields, N95 masks — and we’re not waiting around any longer,’’ Newsom told MSNBC host Rachel Maddow on Tuesday night. Politico — 4/8/20
  • California won’t be lifting coronavirus stay-at-home rules anytime soon. Here’s why — Even as California sees glimmers of hope amid the coronavirus outbreak, authorities warn that the Golden State won’t be getting back to normal anytime soon.  Officials expect months more of some social distancing policies and warn that lifting the strict rules too early could worsen the health crisis. The public should realize that coronavirus cases are likely to rise when stay-at-home orders are eased, officials said. LA Times — 4/8/20
  • What California is doing right in responding to the coronavirus pandemic — “When we write this history and look at the tens of thousands of lives in California that will have been spared, I think there will be lots of factors that went into it,” said Dr. Robert Wachter, professor and chair of the Department of Medicine at University of California, San Francisco. “The most important was that leaders of all types — whether they were in government or in businesses — took it seriously, believed that this was a real risk and did the right thing early.” CNN — 4/8/20
  • Why New York has 12 times as many coronavirus deaths as California —California, the nation’s most populous state, was among the first to report cases. The first possible case of community transmission in the US was reported in California on February 26; the state reported its first death on March 4. New York lagged by days, reporting its first community transmission case on March 3 and first death on March 14. But just over a month after California’s first coronavirus death, as of April 8, the state has seen more than 17,000 cases and about 450 deaths — while New York state has more than 140,000 cases and about 5,500 deaths. Vox — 4/8/20
  • California still way behind in coronavirus testing despite recent advances — As of Tuesday, California said it had results for 143,172 tests — or 362 per 100,000 people. That’s a sharp increase from two weeks ago when just 39 of every 100,000 residents had been tested. Yet for all its deep sources of innovation, the state is behind the national average of 596 tests per 100,000, according to the COVID Tracking Project. In New York, which has far more people hospitalized with severe symptoms, testing has reached 1,748 of every 100,000. LA Times — 4/8/20
  • Newly eligible California workers in limbo over unemployment benefits — It could be weeks or longer before those newly-eligible workers get help as states await clarification from the Labor Department about precisely who qualifies and what documentation is required, and states then race to modify their existing unemployment insurance systems to include the expanded pool of recipients. LA Times — 4/7/20
  • California lends 500 ventilators to 4 states, 2 territories — The White House said Monday that 500 ventilators on loan from California will be shipped to Nevada, Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam as the nation faces a crush of coronavirus-related hospitalizations. AP — 4/7/20
  • Could a blood test for coronavirus antibodies get California back to normal? Lots of questions remain — Blood tests for antibodies to the novel coronavirus will be “foundational, fundamental,” to sending Californians back to work, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Monday. But medical experts caution that there’s still a lot we don’t know about whether the tests are reliable enough to ensure people’s safety. CalMatters — 4/7/20
  • California still sifting through racial data to determine coronavirus impacts — The California counties that did release data lacked ethnic information for a sizable share of coronavirus cases — including more than half in Los Angeles County — an indication that background data was not collected uniformly as the state scrambled to expand its testing capabilities through different public and private labs. Politico — 4/7/20
  • The virus casts a shroud over American civic life — The public access shutdown comes just as local officials make unprecedented decisions about health care and how to disburse billions of dollars in federal aid. And it could undermine years of hard-won victories on access to information, some transparency advocates say, with now-temporary restrictions enduring even after this crisis has receded. Politico — 4/7/20
  • Shopping in LA? Cover your face or get tossed, Garcetti orders — Starting at midnight Friday morning, customers entering locations like grocery stores, pharmacies, hotels, taxis and ride-hailing vehicles will be required to wear a cloth mask. Businesses can refuse service to any resident who doesn’t comply with the mandate. Politico — 4/8/20
  • Consider pulling residents from nursing homes over coronavirus, says county health director — More than 120 nursing facilities and other communal living institutions in Los Angeles County alone are suspected of having coronavirus infections, including a home in Redondo Beach where four people have died and 38 others have confirmed cases. LA Times — 4/7/20
  • Coronavirus updates: 11 deaths in central San Joaquin Valley; When will we see the peak? — The number of deaths in the central San Joaquin Valley related to the conoranvirus and the respiratory illness COVID-19 has doubled since Friday. Fresno County confirmed a second death Monday afternoon. The same day, health officials in Merced announced the first coronavirus-related death in that county, while to the south Tulare County confirmed its sixth death. Fresno Bee –4/7/20
  • Coronavirus cases climb in Inland Empire as San Bernardino County death toll doubles — Coronavirus cases have steadily risen this week in the Inland Empire, with an overall case count surpassing 1,000. Riverside County continues to see an uptick in the number of people infected with the coronavirus even as it implements unprecedented rules to stop the spread. Officials reported 799 cases and 19 deaths Sunday; that number jumped to 946 confirmed cases and 25 deaths Monday. Sixty people have recovered from the illness. Los Angeles Times –4/7/20
  • Coronavirus treatment could be paid by Medicaid under bill from Rep. Gil Cisneros — Every American diagnosed with coronavirus could be eligible for Medicaid, so that the subsidized healthcare plan would pay for all related testing and treatment, under a bill proposed Tuesday by Rep. Gil Cisneros, D-Yorba Linda. OC Register — 4/7/20
  • MTS to cut service as bus driver tests positive for coronavirus — Officials said transit ridership is down 65 percent, but many San Diegans are still using buses and trolleys. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System plans to cut service on buses and trolleys starting April 13 to help limit the exposure of drivers and other staff to coronavirus. MTS had its first staff member, a minibus driver, test positive for coronavirus over the weekend. All bus and trolley drivers have access to masks, gloves and sanitizer. San Diego Union Tribune –4/7/20
  • Field Medical Station created at Enloe Rehabilitation Center in response to COVID-19 — FEMA has delivered hospital beds to Butte County to create a Field Medical Station (FMS) at the Enloe Rehabilitation Center in Chico. This site is designed to expand medical surge capacity as needed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. As a field medical station, it will extend the county’s capacity to treat patients requiring hospitalization. The Enloe Rehabilitation Center will be converted and outfitted with 125 field hospital beds. Action News Now –4/6/20
  • Sacramento County Extends Stay-At-Home Order Through May 1 — The new order sets new social distancing protocols for essential businesses, restricts access to recreation facilities, clarifies essential activities and travel, and prohibits all non-essential gatherings of any number of people. CBS Sacramento –4/7/20
  • Suspicious package left at Roseville church that received backlash for hosting in-person service — Roseville police and the FBI are investigating a suspicious packaged that was sent to a megachurch that has continued in person services despite the statewide stay at home orders. The package, which police later determined was not an “explosive threat,” was sent to the Abundant Life Church on 700 block of Atlantic Street in Roseville on Tuesday, just days after the church’s most recent service. ABC 10 –4/7/20
  • Virtual open houses, masked notaries: How you can still buy a home in a pandemic — The novel coronavirus has shut down large swaths of the U.S. economy, leading to millions of layoffs and the closure of bars, malls and events. And it has slammed the real estate industry. Applications for loans to purchase a home have plunged, and deals are falling out of escrow. But sales activity hasn’t completely stopped, at least not yet. Those who are determined can still buy a home. They just have to navigate the strangest market ever. Los Angeles Times –4/7/20

National:

  • U.S. suffers record deaths, and small businesses struggle to secure loans — The United States counted its highest coronavirus-related death toll in a single day on Tuesday, with 1,997 fatalities, bringing the total to nearly 13,000 on Wednesday morning, according to the latest figures in a New York Times database. The U.S. currently has at least 397,754 positive cases across every state, Washington, D.C. and four territories. NY Times — 4/8/20
  • Big banks took “free money’ in 2008. They’re turning their backs now on small businesses, SBA official says — The comments from SBA Nevada district director Joseph Amato offer a rare candid glimpse behind the scenes at the frustrations federal officials face as they work with banks to quickly ramp up one of the most ambitious economic stimulus programs in American history. The webinar features Amato talking candidly about the $349 billion program on a Zoom teleconference that was recorded and provided to The Post.  Washington Post — 4/8/20
  • Pelosi and Schumer seek huge spending increases for hospitals, local aid and food stamps as coronavirus talks intensify — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer called Wednesday for hundreds of billions of dollars for hospitals, state and local governments, and food stamp recipients in response to the Trump administration’s urgent request for $250 billion more for small businesses. Washington Post — 4/8/20
  • U.S. Stocks Rise After Bout of Volatility — The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 180 points, or 0.8%, a day after giving up a 4.1% advance to close 0.1% lower. The S&P 500 rose 0.7%, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.7%. “A vacuum of data is leading to this volatility, rather than a shift in sentiment,” said Edward Park. deputy chief investment officer at Brooks Macdonald. WSJ — 4/8/20
  • The New Cocktail Hour: Your Governor’s Daily Coronavirus Briefing — Live state updates on the pandemic become must-see TV and make unlikely stars of local official. WSJ 4/7/20
  • Trump botched the coronavirus crisis. But will Gavin Newsom’s praise help re-elect him? — Newsom’s in a tough position, and he’s right to avoid unnecessary conflict with Trump. Great diplomacy, however, requires a grasp of subtlety. It’s possible to stroke Trump’s ego without covering up his catastrophic errors. Can Newsom temper his collegiality with reality? Or will his overdone applause come back to bite Democrats in November? Sac Bee — 4/7/20
  • Hospitals say feds are seizing masks and other coronavirus supplies without a word — Although President Trump has directed states and hospitals to secure what supplies they can, the federal government is quietly seizing orders, leaving medical providers across the country in the dark about where the material is going and how they can get what they need to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. — LA Times — 4/7/20
  • Walgreens to offer drive-thru testing at 15 locations in seven states — In a press release, the company said that it would open testing centers in fifteen new locations, including new locations in Illinois and six other states: Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas. The company opened its first drive-thru location on March 21, and will use the tests touted by White House officials including President Trump developed by Abbott Labs, which can return accurate coronavirus test results in minutes. The Hill -4/7/20
  • Trump criticizes WHO, calls it ‘very China centric’ — The WHO has faced growing criticism from conservatives over its response to the novel coronavirus as the United States grapples with the global pandemic. Critics have blamed the organization for leaving other nations unprepared for the virus and some allege the organization helped China conceal the extent of the outbreak. The criticism has come as Trump received scrutiny himself for downplaying the threat from the virus early on. The Hill –4/7/20
  • Shkreli seeks prison release to conduct research for coronavirus cure — Biotech entrepreneur Martin Shkreli called for his temporary release from prison on Tuesday in an 11-page scientific paper posted to a pharmaceutical company’s website. In the paper, Shkreli asks for a three-month furlough from his prison sentence in order to assist in the development of a cure for the coronavirus, a disease that has caused a global pandemic and has infected tens of thousands in the United States. The Hill –4/7/20
  • Trump removes independent watchdog tasked with overseeing coronavirus emergency funds — President Donald Trump has removed the acting Inspector General for the Defense Department, Glenn Fine, as chair of the newly created Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, which is tasked with overseeing $2 trillion in emergency coronavirus funding. Late last month, a group of independent federal watchdogs tapped Fine, a career official, to lead the group tasked with preventing “waste, fraud, and abuse” in the use of coronavirus relief money. CNN –4/7/20
  • New York’s Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine to become a field hospital — The “mother church” of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, and the seat of its bishop, will be able to hold at least 200 patients. nine medical tents will be set up inside the church’s nave —where thousands of chairs normally seat worshipers — by the end of the week. The cathedral’s crypt, which runs below the 600-foot-long nave, will act as a “staging area” for medical personnel. CBS News –4/7/20
  • Treasury seeks $200 billion more for small business coronavirus aid — The Treasury Department will ask Congress for $200 billion more to aid small businesses, according to a person familiar with the matter, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate could act as soon as this week to provide additional money. Businesses have rushed to tap the $350 billion Paycheck Protection Program that was part of the massive $2.2 trillion stimulus passed by Congress in response to the economic crisis spawned by the coronavirus pandemic. Orange County Register –4/7/20
  • Trade Adviser Warned White House in January of Risks of a Pandemic —The warning, written in a memo by Peter Navarro, President Trump’s trade adviser, is the highest-level alert known to have circulated inside the West Wing as the administration was taking its first substantive steps to confront a crisis that had already consumed China’s leaders and would go on to upend life in Europe and the United States. New York Times –4/6/20
  • New York reports highest single-day virus death toll — The 731 deaths reported brought the total to 5,489 deaths and 138,836 infections. BBC News –4/7/20
  • Etsy encourages sellers to make face masks — As the US struggles to fill a coronavirus-driven demand for more personal protective equipment, Etsy, the online seller of homemade goods, is encouraging its network of sellers to make face masks. The move comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an updated set of guidelines on wearing face coverings in public, including homemade face masks. CNET –4/7/20
  • New Research Links Air Pollution to Higher Coronavirus Death Rates — Coronavirus patients in areas that had high levels of air pollution before the pandemic are more likely to die from the infection than patients in cleaner parts of the country, according to a new nationwide study that offers the first clear link between long-term exposure to pollution and Covid-19 death rates. New York Times –4/7/20
  • MLB: 30 teams in Arizona to end coronavirus hiatus just a ‘potential option’ — Multiple sources reported Monday that Major League Baseball and its players’ union had discussed a plan to start the 2020 season as early as May by moving all 30 teams to Arizona where games would be played in the 10 spring training ballparks there as well as the Arizona Diamondbacks’ home stadium, Chase Field, and possibly college facilities. No fans would be allowed and players would live in virtual isolation — going only from the ballpark to their hotel and back — possibly for as long as four months. Orange County Register –4/7/20

Global:

  • Japan Firms to Shut With Emergency Decree, 7-Elevens Stay Open — Japanese companies prepared to close retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and offices, while expanding work-from-home policies, after the government declared a state of emergency in major metropolitan areas. Bloomberg –4/7/20
  • Some Swedish Hospitals Have Stopped Using Chloroquine to Treat COVID-19 After Reports of Severe Side Effects — According to the national paper Expressen, hospitals in the Västra Götaland region are no longer offering the antimalarial medication, with side effects reported to include cramps and the loss of peripheral vision. Newsweek –4/6/20
  • Paris bans daytime outdoor exercise — The new rules are in force between 10:00 and 19:00 local time, and come into effect on Wednesday. Mayor Anne Hidalgo and the chief of police said this would restrict people to exercise “when the streets are generally at their quietest”. In total, 8,911 people have died there, and the number of confirmed cases is almost at 100,000. BBC News –4/7/20
  • Chernobyl’s on Fire. Great. — A fire that now covers about 50 acres has broken out within the uninhabited exclusion zone around Chernobyl. Radiation readings around the area are almost five times what’s considered safe, and more than 16 times normal. Radioactive fires aren’t the only problem that Ukraine’s emergency services are dealing with right now: Nearly 1,500 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the country. Epidemiologists in the country expect 80% of the population to get COVID-19, 20% of whom will require hospitalization. Luckily, the radiation from the fires around Chernobyl haven’t wafted over to the country’s more populated regions. VICE News –4/7/20
  • Wuhan outbound travel ban lifted — The months-long lockdown in the city of Wuhan in China’s Hubei province – where the coronavirus pandemic started – has been lifted. Anyone who has a “green” code on a widely used smartphone health app is now allowed to leave, for the first time since January. Train, road and rail connections have now been re-established. It comes as China reported no deaths on Tuesday, the first time since it began publishing figures. BBC News –4/7/20
  • Mafia plots post-coronavirus pounce — Throughout their 150-year history in the south of Italy, the country’s organized crime syndicates have turned a profit from emergencies such as earthquakes and cholera outbreaks by sourcing agricultural workers, fixing construction contracts or siphoning off funds meant for city sanitation. The coronavirus epidemic sweeping across Europe is providing the mafia with another profitable business opportunity — and not just in Italy. Politico –4/7/20
  • Finland rolls out random nationwide testing for coronavirus antibodies —Finnish health officials will begin offering voluntary tests for coronavirus antibodies this week as the country seeks to determine how many asymptomatic carriers may be in the country. Finland has confirmed more than 2,300 cases of the disease, with just 34 deaths reported from the virus inside the country. The Hill –4/7/20
  • Turkey’s Covid-19 infection rate rising fastest in the world — Turkey’s number of coronavirus infections is increasing by more than 3,000 a day, reaching 30,217 since the first case was confirmed four weeks ago. Reported fatalities remain much lower than other badly hit countries, at 649, but the infection figures suggest Turkey has the fastest rising number of confirmed cases in the world. The Guardian — 4/7/20

For more resources and information on COVID-19:

  • CA COVID-19 Response Website: link
  • California Department of Public Health: link
  • Centers for Disease Control: link
  • California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services: link
  • Employment Development Department (EDD) link
  • Labor Workforce and Development Agency: link
  • Tips for prevention: English | Spanish

 

  

Also try using the Johns Hopkins Covid-19 Dashboard,

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6

From the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce:

–          State of California’s COVID-19 page: covid19.ca.gov

o   California Department of Public Health

o   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

–          EDD:

o   Employer Resources: The Work Sharing Program explained

o   Employee Resources:

–          The Workforce Development Board of Solano County announces a new Layoff Aversion Fund for small businesses in Solano County

–          SBA: The SBA has an array of tools and options available for businesses to consider. Start with Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources, then check out Coronavirus Relief Options. These include:

o   The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): This program is receiving a huge amount of interest and applications. Keep in mind you need to use an SBA-approved lender to facilitate this loan. Small banks like PLUS Cornerstone member First Bank can be a great option if you are interested.

o   Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the EIDL Emergency Advance: A business that is interested in tapping into the $10,000 Emergency Advance does so by completing the EIDL application. Toward the end of the application the document asks if you would like to receive the advance. According to the website, “The Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance funds will be made available within days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.“ Applicants are being contacted about one week after submitting an application. Keep this in mind when trying to anticipate when the funds might be received.

–          From the United Way Bay Area:

o   2-1-1 is a free information and referral service that connects people to health and human services in their community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This plays a critical role in providing information and support in times of disaster, such as shelter, food, medical and recovery information, and provides public officials with feedback from callers about changing conditions.

  • Texting 211211: United Ways of California hosts the statewide211211 texting platform populated in real-time with federal, state and zipcode level resources and information for those with non-urgent needs. Messages are in English and Spanish.
  • Calling 2-1-1: This FCC authorized phone number can be used by constituents with urgent, non-emergency needs to speak to a trained operator to navigate local services and supports. 211 call centers offer translation for 150+ languages

 

Apr 08

The Solano First 5 Children and Families Commission under the direction of the Solano County Emergency Operations Center is partnering with the Solano County Office of Education and several other community partners to provide Emergency Pop-Up Childcare! 

The Solano County Emergency Pop-Up Childcare Program is currently open and supporting healthcare workers and first responders working in Vallejo. Other disaster services workers and essential workers in need of emergency childcare may also be approved dependent on availability. This program is not open to the general public. Drop-in childcare is not being offered.

At this time, children ages 0-2 will be provided care through family childcare homes, and preschool through school age children will be provided care at Cooper Elementary School. However, this may change depending on availability and need. Staff will discuss and consider the needs of each family individually to ensure the best fit. This is a rapidly evolving situation so your patience and understanding are appreciated.

Overview and Important Information for Parents, Guardians, and Staff

If you need care, fill out the Intake Form

Thank you in advance for your help in distributing this information to your healthcare workers and first responders in Vallejo.

Megan Richards, MPA

Deputy Director, First 5 Solano

Apr 03

Update from our Executive Director, Jon Riley, about the COVID-19 virus!

Siblings, every Affiliate and Community Group in Napa and Solano Counties have different issues and needs that are important to our constituents. Trying to maneuver through Essential and Non-Essential employees and what that means to each individual worker and what roles that they can play is a daunting task for Labor and Management alike.

Our public sector workers are working to ensure that worker safety and workplace alternatives are in place. Our Building Trades are facing State mandated moratoriums on certain construction projects. Our private sector workers, like the grocery clerks and service employees also face issues surrounding safety distancing protocols. Our small business owners who employ our members are struggling to keep their doors open, and of course, our front-line public safety professionals, Police, Firefighters, Nurses and Hospital workers are working under extraordinary conditions trying to keep up with this global pandemic and will need everyone’s support moving forward.

Our Labor Council is working closely with affiliate Leaders, Elected officials and Staff to attempt to ensure that safety guidelines are followed, remote work opportunities explored but most critical, that a trusted stream of communication is maintained as we attempt to ensure the health and safety of every organization, both physical and economical. We are also working with community organizations that work with those with special needs to set up a process to identify these needs and ensure that whatever resources are available are identified without duplication of efforts.

We urge everyone to be patient, this is just the beginning and we have to allow our State, County and Local Governments to establish a new normal and urge those leaders to include Labor Representatives at every level of the process to help maintain consistency and make sure that the information that is put out is trusted by everyone. This will be critical as unprecedented actions are taken that will impact members who look to their Union Representatives for clarification.

We all wonder about the importance of the Shelter in Place guidelines and whether they are needed. The three graphs attached illustrate the importance of maintaining the social distancing protocols to attempt to flatten the curve.

Stay Safe and Go Wash Your Hands!

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From: EDD Legislative Office
Sent: Friday, April 3, 2020 10:25 AM
Subject: EDD: Important Information for Your Constituents

Good Morning,

On behalf of the Employment Development Department’s (EDD) Legislative Office, thank you for your continued partnership as we provide information and essential benefits to workers during these unprecedented times.

Yesterday we published an important press release that discusses EDD’s response to COVID-19, answers your constituents’ most frequently asked questions, and provides additional information regarding the CARES Act (attached). I encourage you to read the release and share its details with your constituents.

We also want to clarify that individuals who are waiting for the availability of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance should monitor EDD’s website for updates on this federal program.  At this time, it is incorrect to assume that individuals will be required to file for regular unemployment insurance and be denied these benefits in order to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.  Specific instructions on how to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will be made available at a later date.

For many of your constituents, this is the first time they have applied for EDD benefits, including Unemployment Insurance. To assist these customers, the EDD has launched a COVID-19: Unemployment Insurance Claims web page that includes clear, easy to follow instructions for workers who have already filed for benefits. This website provides crucial, timely information for constituents who filed for benefits in recent weeks.

Thank you for your patience, commitment, and hard work on behalf of all Californians.

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PG&E Residential Customers Will Receive State-Mandated Climate Credit Reducing April Bills

Helps Residential Customers Under Stay-at-Home Orders Who May Be Using more Energy to Receive Lower Bills

PG&E residential customers will receive the California Climate Credit on their bills during the April billing cycle. The credit totals $62.91 for PG&E residential customers receiving both natural gas and electric service. For natural gas-only residential customers the credit will be $27.18, and for electric-only residential customers the credit will be $35.73.

This credit is especially timely given that many residential customers under stay-at-home orders may be using more energy than usual, which could increase their energy bills.

“During the COVID-19 public health crisis, we know that many of our customers may face uncertainty and financial instability due to school and childcare closures, job loss and other economic impacts. We want customers to be aware that the semi-annual California Climate Credit will help reduce their energy costs this month,” said PG&E’s Laurie Giammona, senior vice president and chief customer officer.

“We also have numerous tips, tools and programs for customers to help lower their energy usage and bills. We encourage customers to evaluate those options and take advantage of them,” said Giammona.

California requires power plants, natural gas providers and other large industries that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution permits from auctions managed by the California Air Resources Board. The California Climate Credit is customers’ share of the payments from the state’s program. The California Public Utilities Commission oversees the program. The state’s investor-owned utilities and Community Choice Aggregators administer the credits to customers.

Help managing energy usage

In addition to the Climate Credit, PG&E wants its customers to know it offers multiple rate plan options, assistance programs and tools to help manage their energy usage and costs, as many residential customers are spending more time at home during the statewide stay-at-home order and may be using more energy than usual.

Customers can view a personalized rate plan comparison at www.pge.com or by calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to help determine which rate plan is best for their household. Customers can also view their daily energy usage patterns online. This information may help them determine which rate plan is best for them, or help make other behavioral changes in their energy usage to reduce their costs.

If a customer is experiencing financial hardships and has trouble paying their bill due to the economic impact of COVID-19, PG&E can help. The company continues to offer flexible payment plans to support customers during these difficult times. Customers can learn more at www.pge.com/helpmepay.

Moratorium on service disconnections

In addition, PG&E has implemented a moratorium on service disconnections for non-payment. This suspension applies to both residential and small business customers and will remain in effect until further notice. PG&E will also suspend Medical Baseline removals. Customers on the Medical Baseline program will not be asked to re-certify through a doctor or other eligible medical professionals for up to one year.

Customers can also take advantage of the following financial-assistance programs.

Save on monthly bills

PG&E’s California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program gives almost 1.4 million income-qualified households discounts on their energy bills.

Customers can apply for CARE online at www.pge.com/CARE. Applying is easy and only takes about five minutes. Qualifying customers will begin receiving the CARE program discount within their next billing cycle.

Separate from CARE, income-qualified households with three or more persons can apply for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program for an 18 percent discount on their electric bill.

One-time assistance

The federally-funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to help offset eligible household energy costs, including heating, cooling and home weatherization expenses. To learn more, dial 211 for LIHEAP income guidelines and a list of participating agencies.

Receive energy support for medical conditions

Residential customers requiring electricity-powered medical equipment may qualify for Medical Baseline, which is not based on income. Per month, eligible customers can receive an extra baseline allotment of 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity and/or 25 therms of gas. Certification by a doctor is required.

No disruption in gas or electric service is anticipated due to the public health crisis. For more information, please visit www.pge.com/covid19 to read more about PG&E’s response to the virus.

Email Currents at Currents@pge.com.

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DMV Helps Californians with Expiring Driver Licenses

Seniors and other drivers can avoid required office visit for renewal during COVID-19 pandemic

Sacramento – The California Department of Motor Vehicles today is announcing that seniors with an expiring driver license will receive a 120-day extension in the mail during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, those with safe driving records whose last DMV visit was 15 years ago will not be required to renew in person for the next 60 days and will be able to renew online or by mail.

“Today’s actions ensure hundreds of thousands of Californians can keep their driver license current while following the state’s stay at home request,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said. “The health and safety of our employees and customers is the DMV’s top priority. We encourage customers to take advantage of our online services whenever possible, including for eligible driver license or vehicle registration renewals.”

120-Day Extension for Drivers 70 and Over

The DMV is providing a 120-day extension to Californians age 70 and older with a driver license that expires from March 1 to May 31, 2020. This action ensures this vulnerable group can avoid a DMV office visit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

California law requires drivers age 70 and older to visit a DMV field office to renew their license but gives the DMV authority to issue extensions – no individual action required. Eligible drivers will receive a paper license extension in the mail beginning in the next two weeks. The expiration dates will reflect a minimum of 120 days before renewal is required. Around 860,000 seniors visit DMV offices every year for the required in-person license renewal.

Waiving In-Person Renewals for Eligible Drivers and Identification Cardholders

Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order on March 30 temporarily waiving for 60 days the requirement for Californians with safe driving records to renew their driver license in-person at a DMV field office. The Executive Order also temporarily waives required in-person renewals for identification cards.

The DMV is also completing the programming necessary so that individuals who meet the criteria will be able to complete their renewal online or by mail beginning Wednesday, April 8.

Duplicate Driver License

The DMV now offers Californians the option to use its online services to request a duplicate driver license if theirs was lost or stolen and does not expire within 30 days. A duplicate license costs $30. Approximately 1 million Californians request duplicate licenses each year.

Essential DMV Services Continue

The DMV continues to provide essential services via mail, online, kiosks, its call center at (800) 777-0133, available business partners and, soon, virtually to process critical transactions, including eligible driver license and vehicle registration renewals, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DMV encourages customers to use another service channel if their transaction does not require an office visit. These services are listed on the DMV Online Services and DMV Anytime webpages and include change of address, replacement sticker or registration card, notice of transfer and release of liability, and vehicle license fee refund requests, among others.

Starting April 2, the Virtual Field Office at virtual.dmv.ca.gov can process title transfers and complex vehicle registrations that would otherwise have to be accomplished in an office. More services will be offered through the Virtual Field Office in the coming weeks.

The measures to help Californians with expiring driver licenses are the latest DMV actions during the coronavirus pandemic, including:

·  Temporarily closing field offices. Following deep cleaning, expansion of virtual services and development of new protocols, the DMV soon will offer in-person services in each region. Information on office openings will be announced by DMV in the near future.

·  Requesting California law enforcement to exercise discretion, for 60 days beginning March 16, before issuing citations for driving with a recently expired license or vehicle registration.

·  Canceling all behind-the-wheel drive tests to honor social distancing guidelines.

·  Suspending extended office hours and Saturday service

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The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The Paycheck Protection program in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress is intended to assist business owners and employees. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and gig workers. The links and guide below provide information about the major programs and initiatives that are available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs. Payroll Masters will provide you with all the reports you will need.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

FACT SHEET

Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)

The CARES Act, expands eligibility for access to Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to include Tribal businesses, cooperatives, and Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOP) with fewer than 500 employees or any individual operating as a sole proprietor or an independent contractor during the covered period (January 31, 2020 to December 31, 2020). Private non-profits are also eligible for both grants and EIDLs. Payroll Masters will provide you with all the reports you will need.

LEARN MORE

Apr 03

Please sign this petition about Sinclair Broadcasting Group

In a time of a global health crisis the multi-billion-dollar company Sinclair Broadcasting Group is giving its freelance technicians the cold shoulder.

Rather than offering a relief package of substance to sports broadcast techs who have lost 100% of their income, Sinclair has decided to offer $2,500 interest free loans with payback terms that would see workers having to hand over up to half of their paycheck per event once work resumed.

Other networks, like FOX, CBS, Disney, ESPN, are offering payments for canceled and postponed events including healthcare benefits. By only offering their employees an insufficient loan and ignoring their need for essential benefit contributions in addition to income, Sinclair Broadcasting is jeopardizing the wellbeing of workers and their families.

Sports broadcast technicians need your help standing up to Sinclair. Join our collective voice and tell Sinclair Broadcasting that it’s not ok to take advantage of a global health crisis to gain wealth for your shareholders.

Click here to sign the petition ⟶

Mar 27

Governor Newsom Takes Executive Action to Establish a Statewide Moratorium on Evictions

The order is effective immediately and will apply through May 31, 2020

Builds on the Governor’s previous executive action authorizing local governments to halt evictions

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order banning the enforcement of eviction orders for renters affected by COVID-19 through May 31, 2020. The order prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent and prohibits enforcement of evictions by law enforcement or courts. It also requires tenants to declare in writing, no more than seven days after the rent comes due, that the tenant cannot pay all or part of their rent due to COVID-19.

 

The tenant would be required to retain documentation but not required to submit it to the landlord in advance. And the tenant would remain obligated to repay full rent in “a timely manner” and could still face eviction after the enforcement moratorium is lifted. The order takes effect immediately, and provides immediate relief to tenants for whom rent is due on April 1st.

 

Today’s action builds on Governor Newsom’s previous executive order authorizing local governments to halt evictions for renters impacted by the pandemic.

 

A copy of the Governor’s executive order can be found here and the text of the order can also be found here.

Mar 27

Many Companies Are Offering Free Services And/Or Waiving Fees Due to the quarantine – here’s a list – please share widely!

Phone and Internet:

  • Free Access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi Internet Free For 60 Days for households with students

  • Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

  • T-Mobile & Metro Active Customers: All current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers who have plans with data will have unlimited smartphone data for the next 60 days (excluding roaming). here is more details

  • T-Mobile is offering all current customers unlimited data and waiving late fees for next 30-60 days

  • Mint Mobile: New and existing customers can get Unlimited 4G LTE Data for free. Click here for more details

  • AT&T: AT&T is suspending broadband data caps for home internet customers. You can read more here. They’re also waiving late fees for next 30-60 days. They’ll also provide free access to its public WiFi hot spots.

  • Sprint is offering unlimited data for all users and waiving late fees for next 30-60 days

  • Verizon: Verizon will waive late fees and keep residential and small business customers connected if negatively impacted by global crisis. More here

  • Comcast/Xfinity: Comcast opens Xfinity WiFi Network Nationally for Free and Offers Unlimited Data for Free. Click here for more details

  • Enterprise will waive underage fees for college students age 18-24. here is more details

Major Domestic Airlines:

  • Southwest: They always offer free flight changes so nothing changes for them. Any difference in fare will apply.

  • JetBlue: JetBlue has suspended change and cancel fees for all new flight bookings made between March 6, 2020 and March 31, 2020 for travel through September 8, 2020. The change/cancel fees suspension still applies for bookings made between February 27, 2020 and March 5, 2020 for travel through June 1, 2020.

  • Delta: No Change Fees For All Tickets Purchased Between March 1 to 31, 2020. Ticket Can Be Changed One-Time To An Alternate Itinerary. Must Be Re-issued On/Before: February 28, 2021. Any difference in fare will apply.

  • American Airlines: American Airlines will waive the change fee only on published Non-Refundable Fare tickets. Tickets must be purchased between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2020, with original travel between March 1, 2020 and January 30, 2021. Changes must be made prior to the departure of your original flight. Any difference in fare will apply.

  • United: When you book a flight between March 3 and March 31, 2020, you can change it for free over the next 12 months. Any difference in fare will apply.

Fitness:

  • Planet Fitness is offering Free in-home workouts for everyone. Workouts will be led by trainers and surprise celebrity guests. If you miss the live class, you can come back and watch it later.

  • Peleton is offering an extended 90-day free trial to its at-home workouts application during the quarantine. The in-app workouts don’t require you own any Peloton equipment, and include yoga, HIIT, stretching, and other categories. Download the Peleton app for free in the App Store or Play Store.

Credit Cards/Finance:

  • Apple Card holders will be allowed to skip their March payment without incurring interest by signing up for a Customer Assistance Program, Apple is informing its customers. To join the Customer Assistance Program, Apple Card customers can call an Apple support rep directly through the Apple Wallet app and ask to be added. Click here for more details

  • · American Express will waive 2 months of payments without charging penalties or interest. However, if you use this benefit, you won’t be able to use that credit card or points until you opt out. Click here for more info or to sign up for their hardship program

  • · Chase, and other banks will offer 60 days of no late fees or interest for those impacted by the quarantine, call your bank to find out if you are eligible and what terms will apply.

  • · Some leasing companies are offering to push off payments for 1 to 3 months. In return, they’ll extend your lease by that amount of time and have you pay regular payments then, essentially giving you an extra 1 to 3 months for free. Your max miles for the lease though will remain the same. Contact your auto see what they’re offering.

  • · Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac owners get free On-Star and free in vehicle internet

  • · Many states (New York included) and mortgage companies are offering 1 to 6 months of no mortgage payment requirements. Contact your mortgage provider to see what they’re offering and if you qualify.

Food / Misc:

  • Uber Eats will waive delivery fees on all orders amid the quarantine. Service charges will still apply though. More info here

  • Starbucks will give a free tall hot or iced brewed coffee to anyone that identifies themselves as a front line responder from today through May 3rd

  • Crocs will be giving out 10,000 pairs of their shoes for FREE starting 3/26 12pm EST to healthcare workers. here is more info

  • · Airbnb is offering free cancellations on most reservations

  • · CVS and Walgreens: Both CVS and Walgreens will waive charges for home delivery of prescription medicines

  • · Zoom Video is offering free video conferences for schools.

News Publications that are removing their paywalls:

Master List of Educational and Fun Resources

Mar 25

Labor Secretary Issues Directive to Streamline the Processing of Unemployment Insurance (UI) Payments

Sacramento, CA—California Labor Secretary Julie A. Su sent a memorandum to Employment Development Department Director Sharon Hilliard authorizing the department to take additional steps to streamline the approval process for an unprecedented surge in unemployment insurance (UI) benefit claims and issue payments as quickly as possible. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of workers across California,” wrote Su. “UI provides a critical source of security to workers in times like this and an important boost to the economy.”

Su’s directive will allow the EDD to streamline the benefit claims process and exercise flexibility when assessing the unique and unprecedented situation that workers are facing. Under Su’s directive, the EDD may award benefits to a claimant before making a final determination regarding whether the claimant is able and available to work. As federal law requires, a worker’s ability and availability to work will remain a factor in the EDD’s eligibility determination. However, the flexibility Su’s directive provides will enable the EDD to put money in the hands of unemployed workers more quickly.

The EDD is also employing several other strategies to help keep up with the demand including staff working overtime seven days a week, redirecting hundreds of staff with unemployment processing experience (including recent retirees), and hiring as much additional staff as possible.

This directive meets the intent of legislation (H.R. 6201) recently passed by the federal government encouraging states to take steps to exercise flexibility, ease eligibility requirements and ensure access to UI benefits for workers impacted by this national crisis. Impacted workers should visit the labor.ca.gov/coronavirus2019 for more information about benefits and how to apply.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

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This release is available online at: https://www.labor.ca.gov/2020/03/24/labor-secretary-issues-directive-to-streamline-the-processing-of-unemployment-insurance/

Mar 24

Update from our Executive Director, Jon Riley, about the COVID-19 virus!

Siblings, as we all adjust to these extraordinary times it is important to ensure that factual information is available to everyone impacted, which is every one of us. We receive numerous calls every day with questions surrounding the ever changing protocols to stave off the COVID -19 virus, and what they actually mean. With every State, County and City issuing different orders it is frustrating to hear that people living across the Street from each other, but in different cities or Counties have different protocols and information given to them.

I received a call yesterday from Assembly Member Tim Graysons field representative Jana Modena asking what the Napa Solano CLC needs from the Assembly Member and we talked about the need to have a single source to gather trusted, factual information to turn to. She sent me and other Community Leaders this email from the State which consolidates the various directives and protocols for the public to go to for consistent information. The sections covering myths and facts and rumor control is particularly helpful as well as the timeline format that illustrates how the crisis has grown and the need for social distancing made a lot clearer. 
We don’t know how long this will last or what the impacts will be but adhering to the  protocols is critical to a positive outcome. Take a look at the information provided by Assemblymember Graysons staff and look for further updates as we move forward.

Be Safe. And Wash Your Hands – Jon Riley

Be sure to check these COVID-19 guidelines from the California Department of Public Health

COVID-19 key messages from the California Department of Public Health

Why is social distancing so important to curb the spread and keep our loved ones from being infected? This graphic  from Firefighters #1186 says it all!

Mar 20

Letter from our Executive Director, Jon Riley

Sibs, we had our first Napa Solano CLC  Zoom Delegates meeting Wednesday Evening and had a decent turnout considering it was our first attempt at what will soon become the “new normal” as we deal with the extraordinary impacts of the COVID -19. The Governor issued stay at home orders Statewide to attempt to isolate the virus and we will attempt to keep you all up to date on the ever changing news by forwarding information from the Labor Federation, AFL-CIO and other credible sources to allow you to gather as much information as you can as it comes in. 
We will also be keeping you all up to date on the critical work being done around the census 2020. This is very important to ensure we protect our voice in governance.
At our Delegates meeting it was decided that we will postpone our 10th Annual Spring Salute Awards Reception until late May or early June. The awards have been ordered and we appreciate the Sponsorship’s and ticket sales so far. We will hold this event to honor those Siblings that have gone above and beyond for working families! If our new dates presents a conflict with those that have already bought tickets we will gladly return you donation.
Our Siblings across the bridge forwarded this helpful information on where to go to get questions answered and I have added the articles from Solano and Napa Counties addressing their shelter in place mandates.  

Jon,At last night delegates meeting, our legal counsel Bill Sokol presented on all the resources available to workers when their jobs/pay have been affected during during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Labor Council has placed these resources on our website at https://www.cclabor.net/covid19. This resource identifies the many sources of relief available to workers during this time, as well as, explaining the qualifications, timelines, and how to file for assistance. EXPLORE THE SOURCES OF WORKER RELIEF BY CLICKING HERE.  Here is a list of resources that will be beneficial to workers affected by COVID-19:
California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Resources  AFL-CIO’s COVID-19 ResourcesCalifornia Labor Federation’s COVID-19 ResourcesContra Costa Labor Council COVID-19 ResourcesPlease keep an eye on these sources. Each resource will be updated as the situation changes.
Central Labor Council of Contra Costa County, AFL-CIO 1333 Pine Street, Suite E Martinez, CAwww.cclabor.net

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                 Links to the resources Peggy referenced are as follows:·  Landscape: State & Local Policy Actions in Response to COVID-19·  Summary: Changes to State Legislative Sessions & Capitol Rules·  Dedicated resource folder on COVID-19 materials in the State & Local Leg book (googledrive for SF/CLCs)·  State & Local Policy Recommendations



Outline of Workers’ Bill of Rights During COVID-19 Crisis

1)      Putting Safety First – Protecting Union Members and All Workers on the Front Lines of this CrisisFrom first responders to grocery clerks to health care workers to gig drivers to public servants, working people are risking their health to provide the basic necessities we all need to get through this crisis. Workers need proper safety equipment, free COVID-19 testing, affordable, accessible health care and treatment. 

2)      Government relief directly to workersAny economic stimulus must provide relief directly to working people. While government checks to workers help, we need much more. Wage replacement, unemployment insurance, expanded safety net programs, job protections and health care, among other remedies, must be directly extended to workers, and workers who are unbanked must be able to access government aid without being charged steep interest rates by unscrupulous companies. 

3)      Holding corporations accountableNo-strings-attached bailouts to big corporations are unacceptable. No bailouts should be given to big corporations – many of which used massive tax breaks to enrich shareholders instead of increasing worker wages – that exploit or cheat workers and/or don’t pay their fair share of taxes.

4)      Standing up for Gig Workers and Other Vulnerable Workers Hundreds of thousands of gig workers are living on the edge, working through the crisis, because they’ve been deemed “essential.” Yet these workers have virtually no protections. No paid sick days. No job protection. No minimum wage. No health care. Gig companies must immediately follow the law by making these workers employees so that they are eligible for all the basic protections they deserve under the law. These companies must also immediately stop shirking their responsibility to all workers and begin paying into the social safety net, including unemployment insurance, Social Security and Medicare. All companies must immediately comply with the law under AB 5 to provide basic protections to misclassified workers on the job without a safety net. 

5)      Expand Paid Sick Leave for All WorkersWhile California is one of just 11 states with a paid sick leave law, many workers are still being left behind. In addition to following temporary federal guidelines for emergency paid leave of 14 days for some employees, California should expand paid sick leave to include ALL workers at least a guaranteed seven days for all employees – permanently — and provide paid leave to all misclassified workers, including gig workers, under AB 5. 

6)      Protect Immigrant Workers – Stop ICE RaidsWe demand an immediate moratorium on ICE raids, deportations and other attacks against our immigrant communities. Immigrants who are sheltering-in-place or going to work to provide the services we all need shouldn’t be living in fear of ICE. 

7)      Moratorium and Evictions, Foreclosures and Rent GougingState and Federal leaders must immediately place a moratorium on evictions and price gouging of renters, and bank foreclosures of homes. In a time of public health and economic crises, it’s immoral to take away the most basic of necessities – shelter – from families. Further, we demand more support for the already unsheltered including safe, secure temporary housing. 

8)      Protect and Expand the Right to Form and Join UnionNow more than ever, working people need the ability to stand together and speak in a collective voice to ensure they are treated fairly as this crisis evolves. A union on the job gives workers the ability to negotiate with bosses to make sure that they get a fair shake as companies react to the crisis. It’s absolutely critical that more workers have the right to join unions to provide a counterbalance to an economy that was already rigged to the benefit of the wealthy and powerful, well before this crisis.  

Mar 15

Update from our Executive Director, Jon Riley!

Siblings, we want to thank everyone who took the time to respond to our poll on whether to hold our Delegates meeting this Wednesday evening. We received overwhelming responses from our delegates with a vast majority who were willing to hold the meeting as planned. However, everyone agreed that we need to err on the side of caution moving forward. 

We have been on several calls this week with State and Federal Leaders including the Governor’s office, who are working hard to address the widespread impacts to all segments of our society, including our members health and safety, working conditions and mechanisms to address interruption of employment and maintaining benefits through these extraordinary times. 

So, with the situation escalating exponentially and everyone falling in line with the recommended County, State and Federal protocols to attempt to isolate the virus such as cancellation of sporting events and school closures, we want to lead by example and will be cancelling all of our meetings until the end of March. This means that in addition to our Delegates meeting, our JumpStart Vallejo and Community Benefits Coalition meetings will also be cancelled.

The only way we can hope to contain this pandemic is by coordinated community action and voluntary participation and we will continue to see local governments declaring emergencies as the impacts continue to grow and benefits become available by State and Federal agencies. We will keep you as up to date as possible and urge you to become familiar with your affiliate’s protocols.

As for the Spring Salute Awards Reception, we will continue to proceed with the planning for the event but will make a final decision on whether to postpone it the first week in April, when State and County officials will revisit large meeting protocols and we will take measures to ensure we do not incur any charges for postponing. But there will be an event so we will continue to accept sponsorships, ads and ticket sales.

We are meeting Monday to set up ZOOM, a teleconferencing service, which we will use for this Wednesday’s meeting. We are also looking into options with the AFL-CIO to allow for virtual meeting exemptions that will allow us to continue to do the official business of the council online. We will be letting our delegates know the procedures for accessing the virtual meeting and how to sign in ASAP.

I have included some links to information that you and your members may find helpful as the impacts from this unprecedented public health crisis continue to grow.

Be Safe. And Wash Your Hands!

Hello All –

Thank you for participating in the Labor Stakeholder Call today. The feedback you provided via email and on the line was very helpful as we work quickly to respond to the needs of workers and employers in this moment.

Here are the resources mentioned on the call:

As we more information is available we update you.

Additionally, I want to provide my deepest apologies for the persistent beeping and my failure to mute participants. It was a bad decision on my part. We have already corrected this issue for future calls.

In the meantime if other questions arise, please send them to communications@labor.ca.gov and will respond as soon as we can.

Thank you,

Crystal Page

Crystal Page

Labor Workforce & Development Agency

Deputy Secretary, Communications

Crystal.Page@labor.ca.gov

LWDA Direct Line: 916-653-9928