April 2020 Newsletter

April 1, 2020

A Note from Toni

COVID-19 update

 

Clarity and calm.

Despite a rapidly evolving public health situation, both clarity and calm have been at the center of California’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

I have seen both at work in San Diego and in the Capitol, from our community swiftly adapting to guidelines regarding public gatherings to Legislators and staff adopting elbow bumps as the preferred greeting.

As the threat of COVID-19 loomed in our state, California public health officials and leaders ramped up efforts to prepare for a potential outbreak. That preparation was key, and set a precedent of steady composure in the weeks that followed.

I applaud Governor Gavin Newsom’s actions, as well as the Senate’s leadership in authoring two bills to ensure our state and communities have proper resources and support.

The Senate voted to pass two bills – a budget bill to fund lifesaving care and protect Californians, including those experiencing homelessness and seniors, and a bill to implement Governor Newsom’s order to increase protective equipment, supplies, and cleaning for schools, and ensure districts will not lose expected revenue over Coronavirus-related closures.

The Senate also passed rules changes to provide flexibility during times of emergency – including allowing for remote participation by Senators and the public – and suspended Senate activity until further notice. That allowed us to return to our home districts and work in and with our communities.

Governor Newsom has issued a series of executive orders over the past few weeks, from providing immediate economic relief for those affected by COVID-19 to loosening requirements for local and state legislative bodies so that they can hold meetings via teleconference and make meetings accessible electronically.

The Governor also called for all Californians to shelter at home apart from essential activities, cease to visit senior facilities apart from end-of-life visits, and directed bars, breweries, and wineries to close. He also dispersed thousands of trailers to critical points to help people experiencing homelessness. These were bold, necessary moves, and I am grateful for his leadership.

At the same time, the Senate worked with the Governor and Assembly to find ways to assist workers, small businesses, and families who found themselves harmed economically by necessary efforts to mitigate the virus.

We did, and are doing, what California so often does best – we examine the possibilities, determine solutions, and take to heart the needs of all Californians. We opened our hearts, our ports, and our resources to those in need.

As we continue to develop a path forward in managing and mitigating the impact of this health crisis, we will continue to assess risks and accommodate and safeguard the people of this state, while also doing the People’s work.

In San Diego, the county is following Centers for Disease Control guidelines and taking aggressive measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Those measures include:

  • Following the Governor’s shelter-in-place order.
  • Enacting strict visitor restrictions at hospitals, long-term and skilled-nursing facilities.
  • Increasing testing capacity at the County Public Health Lab.
  • Placing more than 100 handwashing stations throughout the region.
  • Working with the business community to encourage employees to stay home.
  • Working with jails and prisons.
  • Helping San Diegans experiencing homelessness by sending Homeless Outreach Teams with information and protocols for people who are homeless, sending public health nurses to homeless shelters to monitor those with respiratory illness, and identifying hotel and motel rooms to house people who may need to be quarantined.

Responding to the Coronavirus is one of the biggest challenges to face California in modern times. I am intensely proud of the smart, reasoned response of leaders at the local and state level, and the tireless dedication of our public and private sector workers who continue to keep our state running, our hospitals and businesses open, and our streets safe. Thank you all.

 

San Diego County COVID-19 Information Hub

With an increasing number of coronavirus cases occurring in San Diego County, now more than ever we need to ensure that our community has the most accurate information and resources available. The county has developed an online COVID-19 information hub, which can be found at coronavirus-sd.com. The site is updated regularly with new information on positive cases, resources to help plan and prevent spread of the virus, guidelines for health professionals, a map of hand washing stations, and more.

 

Healthy Volunteers Needed

Senator Atkins donating blood

 

California Volunteers, Office of the Governor is calling on healthy Californians to volunteer in their communities during these difficult times. I know this may sound confusing when we are also telling people to stay home, but the Governor’s order includes exemptions for essentials like health care and food availability. That’s why, if you’re healthy and not in an at-risk group, you can still donate blood, deliver meals, or work in food banks.

Our blood banks are in particular need as there is a severe blood shortage due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The American Red Cross needs healthy individuals to donate blood in order to help countless patients. If you’re able to donate, I encourage you to. You can schedule an appointment today on the American Red Cross’ website.

Additionally, California Volunteers is working to connect volunteers with local nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable communities – like seniors and low-income families. If you know of a local nonprofit located in San Diego in need of volunteers, please contact Josh Lord at Josh.Lord@californiavolunteers.ca.gov.

 

 

Help for Seniors

Information and Assistance

 

San Diego County Aging and Independence Services, which provides help and assistance to seniors in our community, has a toll-free hotline available to answer questions, including information about COVID-19 and high-risk groups. Trained and authorized specialists are available to answer the phone Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Se habla español. Seniors and their families or caregivers can call (800) 339-4661 or visit aging.sandiegocounty.gov

 

Find Free School Meals Near You

Sandwich and Brown Bag

 

San Diego Unified School District is providing free breakfast and lunch Monday – Friday from 11 am to 1 pm at several schools around the city. The meals are packaged and ready to be taken home to eat. Thanks to a partnership with Feeding San Diego and San Diego Food Bank, families can also pick up fresh produce at these drive-thru and walk-up sites. To find meal locations and learn more, visit San Diego Unified’s COVID-19 webpage

 

What is “Social Distancing”?

Social Distancing

 

By now, you’ve probably heard the term “social distancing” quite a bit. But, just in case you need a refresher, it simply means keeping six feet of physical space between you and other people. The CDC and California Department of Public Health recommend that we all practice social distancing in order to slow the spread of COVID-19, and ultimately flatten the curve. This also means avoiding social gatherings. It may seem excessive, but it’s vital to protecting your health, and the health of our community.

 

What If I think I have COVID-19?

Get tested for COVID-19?

 

If you think you may have COVID-19, because you’re experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), have recently been in contact with someone who has it, or you recently traveled somewhere with apparent community spread, stay home and contact a medical provider or a local public health department for advice on what to do next. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

 

Small Business COVID-19 Assistance

Small Business Resources

Help is available for small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. The City of San Diego is working with local financial institutions to establish a relief fund to support zero-interest micro-loans for affected businesses. The California State Treasurer’s office has compiled a resource list for small business owners, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-BIZ) also has a landing page for small businesses. From information about federal economic injury disaster loans to the state’s rapid response services for businesses, it is critical that California’s small businesses have the resources they need to get through this uncertain time.

 

Tax Deadlines Postponed

Tax Deadlines

 

California is extending tax deadlines until July 15, 2020. The Franchise Tax Board is postponing filing and payment deadlines for all individuals and businesses for 2019 tax returns, 2019 tax return payment, 2020 1st and 2nd quarter estimate payments, 2020 LLC taxes and fees, and 2020 non-wage withholding payments. The federal government also has extended deadlines for income taxes, giving filers an additional 90 days to pay 2019 income taxes due on July 15, 2020.

For more information, go to the IRS’ Coronavirus information page, and the Franchise Tax Board’s Coronavirus information page.  

 

We’re Here For You

Our District team is available

 

We know this may be a confusing and concerning time. My team and I are still working and available to help you and your family. Please stay home and reach out to us via phone, message, or on social media.

To send us a message, go to: http://sd39.senate.ca.gov/contact

 

Census Day

Census 2020

 

April 1 marks Census Day and it’s no joke! Information collected through the Census determines how much money goes to our health care clinics, schools, roads, and much more. The Census helps our community today, and for future generations.

Filling out the Census is quick and simple, and can be done right now online or by phone. By now, you should have received a letter from the U.S. Census Bureau with instructions and a unique code needed to submit the survey online. Grab your letter and head to https://my2020census.gov to complete your survey in just nine questions. Make sure to include everyone in your household, including roommates, babies, and all family members – everyone counts!

We’ve all been asked to stay at home for the better of our community. Why not make the most of this time and also help our community by filling out the Census. Plus, if you submit it now, no one will have to knock on your door later.