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.

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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.

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.

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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 1^st and 2^nd 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 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

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.

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