COVID-19 Resources

Dear Friends,

As you may know, State and Local leaders across California are ramping up their efforts to provide resources to our communities in order to combat the novel COVID-19. COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus. Information on COVID-19 is changing at a rapid pace and I am working around the clock to provide you with the most up to date information. As our community and the State is adapting to these changes, I have provided you with a list of information and resources to help you get some assistance and guidance as you prepare for the upcoming weeks of uncertainty.

The Governor just launched its COVID-19, one-stop website: https://covid19.ca.gov/

However, if you are in need of assistance, please contact my District Office at (818) 504-3911, or my Capitol Office at (916) 319-2039.

You can stay connected with me here:
Website: https://a43.asmdc.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsmLuzRivas/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AsmLuzRivas

STAY AT HOME ORDERS

The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including housing construction. This is in effect throughout the State of California and goes into effect on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The order is in place until further notice.

Read the full Executive Order here.

Essential services will remain open such as:

• Gas stations
• Pharmacies 
• Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants 
• Banks
• Laundromats/laundry services
• Essential state and local government functions will also remain open, including law enforcement and offices that provide government programs and services.

What’s closed?

• Dine-in restaurants
• Bars and nightclubs
• Entertainment venues
• Gyms and fitness studios
• Public events and gatherings
• Convention Centers

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a state emergency. To reduce the pace of the outbreak, California is recommending that those most vulnerable to COVID-19 socially isolate at home. These vulnerable populations include older Californians (65+) and those with underlying health conditions.

The Governor has provided a recommended list of things you and your loved ones can do to stay healthy and safe.

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  Clean your hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Remain at home until further guidance is issued.
• Cancel any non-essential travel, appointments, etc.
• For routine medical care, contact your health care provider to discuss rescheduling.
• Buy the supplies and non-perishable food items you need and have supplies on hand.
• Practice social distancing.
  Maintain distance, at least six feet, between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  Avoid handshaking, hugging or other intimate types of greetings—greet others with a wave, nod or bow instead.
  Stay in touch with your family and friends by phone or email.
• Continue with outdoor activities.
  As long as you practice social distancing, we encourage you to continue your outdoor activities such as walks, runs, and yard work, to the extent your health allows it.
• Have a plan for if you or a loved one gets sick.
  Determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick.
  Ask friends and family to do any essential grocery shopping, picking up medications, etc. if you become sick.
  • Family, friends, and caregivers who come to your home to provide you with support should be asymptomatic, meaning having no fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms.
• Know what medications you or your loved one is taking and see if you can help them and have extra on hand.
• Monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, and wound care) needed and create a back-up plan.
  • Contact your healthcare provider about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand.
  • If you can't get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
  • Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines & medical supplies to treat fever & other symptoms.
  • Consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
• Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs
  Pay attention to potential COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you develop symptoms, call your doctor or local public health department.
  If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs* include:
  Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath    
  Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  New confusion or inability to arouse
  Bluish lips or face
• Please note that this list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning. For all this information and more on how you can protect yourself, visit cdph.ca.gov/covid19

LIST OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES

BENEFITS

There is a growing consensus that people should remain home, so we must address how this will affect workers. If you are unable to work due to the Coronavirus outbreak, you may be eligible for benefits.

• Disability Insurance
• Paid Family Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Unemployment Insurance
• Workers’ Compensation

CALIFORNIA LATINO LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS

The CA Latino Legislative Caucus is committed to providing all residents with up to date information on how to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and how to get government assistance for those who are personally impacted.  
 

CENSUS

The 2020 Census remains a top priority! California is particularly vulnerable to an undercount since three out of four of residents belong to populations that are historically undercounted. As a state, we can lose irreplaceable federal funding for schools, public assistance, transportation, and other programs if we do not fill out the Census form.

You should have already received an invitation via mail to fill out your form online. As the Coronavirus is becoming a worry for Californians, it is important to keep in mind that you do not have to have contact with a Census worker to fill out your Census. There are three easy and quick ways to fill out the Census without you leaving home or having contact with anyone:

• Online: https://my2020census.gov/
• Over the phone: Find your number here
• By mail

If you are a student and are afraid you will not be counted during the Coronavirus pandemic, the United States Census Bureau, released a statement.

The Coronavirus is showing us the importance of having the resources to tackle emergencies. Remember that you and your family count! Don’t forget to fill out your Census and BE COUNTED!

COVERED CALIFORNIA

Covered California just announced that they will be extending their enrollment period through June 30 to allow those who may lose their health insurance during COVID19 emergency to still sign up for coverage. If you haven’t enrolled or renewed your healthcare coverage, now is the time to do so. For more information, please visit: https://www.coveredca.com 

DMV ALLOWS CUSTOMERS TO AVOID VISITS TO OFFICES

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has asked California law enforcement to exercise discretion for 60 days in their enforcement of driver license and vehicle registration expiration dates. The DMV is taking this action so that at-risk populations, including seniors and those with underlying health conditions, can avoid required visits to DMV field offices for driver license or vehicle registration renewals. For more information, please visit:  https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/newsrel/2020/2020_12

In times like this, it is important to stress that your health is the most important thing right now. Although the REAL ID’s deadline is, October 1, 2020 there are still many things you can do from home to start the process without going to the DMV.

• You can start filling out the form online
• You can start gathering all the documents you will need for your appointment
• Once the Coronavirus crisis is averted, you can make an appointment or simply go to the nearest DMV.

• Pacoima Driver License Processing Center (walk-in only)
  11623 Glenoaks Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
• Arleta DMV
  14400 Van Nuys Blvd, Arleta, CA 91331

• You can utilize many services online without leaving your house. Visit their website and find out if what you need to do.

PRICE GOUGING

At a time when Californians should be pulling together (while maintaining social distance), some are attempting to exploit the pandemic at the expense of everyone else. As such, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra issued a consumer alert declaring that price gouging is illegal in all CA communities when a state of emergency is declared. If you think you’ve been the victim of price gouging, or have information regarding potential price gouging, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General Office by calling (800) 952-5225.

To avoid becoming a victim, here are some tips to think about:

• If you must go shopping, plan ahead. Being a mindful shopper can help make sure there are supplies for everyone. Keeping a little extra of your typical supply will go a long way.
• When you go shopping, only shop from places you trust. Many of us shop online or have subscription services that deliver items to our homes, but in times like these online marketplaces can be tricky. Check to see if the product has reviews, or try to compare other prices online.
• The widespread panic about the uncertain future has caused many people to buy in large quantities that they may not end up using. So please, avoid hoarding so that scammers and price gougers have less of an opportunity to engage.
• If you are skeptical about the price of a product, do not buy it.

SENIOR RESOURCES

COVID-19 is projected to hit seniors harder than any other population. The Governor has issued an order that requires seniors to stay at home unless traveling for medical necessity or to pick up food or other needed supplies. The best thing you can do at this time is to stay home, stay informed and review the following:

• California Department of Public Health
• California Department of Public Health
• California Department of Aging

SMALL BUSINESSES

The United State Small Business Association (SBA) is now offering low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits in designated parts of California. For additional information, click here.

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development has compiled helpful information for employers, employees and all Californians as it relates to the COVID-19 outbreak. For additional information, click here.

The IBank has a Small Business Finance Center loan guarantee program designed for Disaster Relief specifically and is currently available to small businesses needing assistance to overcome economic injury caused by COVID-19. For more information, click here.

The California State Treasurer's Office is also providing a resource list for small business owners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, click here.

TAXES

Income Tax
As we continue to fight this COVID-19 outbreak, the state and federal government have pushed back deadlines to file taxes until July 15.

The California Franchise Tax Board provides a table with details on deadlines for filers. For more information, please click here.

The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by COVID-19. For more information, please click here.

You can file Federal taxes for free, please click here.

Property Tax
There is no extension to the April 10 deadline. However, the penalties and costs imposed due to a late payment may be waived under certain circumstances. For more information provided by the County of Los Angeles Tax Collector, please click here.

Sales Tax and other Special Taxes
The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) provide tax relief, which includes granting extensions for filing returns and making payments, and relief from interest and penalties. Taxpayers seeking assistance should contact the Customer Service Center at 800-400-7115, or visit CDTFA's website.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT AND AGENCY UPDATES

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

The United States is currently experiencing a pandemic emergency due to the threat of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). On March 13, 2020, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-26-20 ensuring State funding for Local Educational Agencies (LEA) in the event of physical closure due to the threat of COVID-19. The Executive Order requires the California Department of Education (CDE) to issue guidance on several topics, including ensuring students with disabilities (SWD) receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) consistent with their individualized education program (IEP) and meeting other procedural requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and California law. For more information, please click here.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

The Department of Insurance is responding to COVID-19 with a series of steps to protect public health and maintain a strong insurance market to serve consumers. For information on what the Department of Insurance is doing to protect consumers, please click here.  

The Department is maintaining operations to assist consumers.If you are experiencing a problem with an insurance matter, please visit the Consumer Complaint Center to file a complaint. If you have general insurance questions and inquiries, you can call 1-800-927-4357

HOW THE STATE IS RESPONDING:

FUNDING

The State has recently taken urgent actions by appropriating over a billion dollars in funding to provide relief across the state. Assembly Bill (AB) 89 and AB 117 authorized $1.1billion in state funding to address the COVID-19 public health crisis. The state funding will be available to expand hospital capacity, fund public health system responses to the virus, acquire vital health equipment, help vulnerable seniors, and disinfect school buildings.

GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM’S EXECUTIVE ORDER TO PROTECT TENANTS AND HOMEOWNERS 

Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order to enable Local Governments in the State to freeze evictions, foreclosures, and utility shut-offs due to loss of work from the COVID-19 outbreak. These protections will be in effect until May 31, 2020 unless expanded. The Order also calls upon banks and financial institutions to halt foreclosures and requests the State Public Utilities Commission to monitor measures taken by public and private utility providers to implement customer service protections for essential utilities such as electric, gas, water, internet, and phone service. To learn more, please click here.

For the latest information and updates from Governor Gavin Newsom:
Website: https://www.gov.ca.gov/
News Room: https://www.gov.ca.gov/newsroom/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAgovernor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CAgovernor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cagovernor/?hl=en

LOCAL RESPONSE

MAYOR ERIC GARCETTI ISSUES SAFER AT HOME EMERGENCY ORDERS

To further combat the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Eric Garcetti has issued a “Safer at Home” emergency order which orders all residents of the City of Los Angeles to stay inside their residences, and immediately limit all movement outside of their homes beyond what is absolutely necessary to take care of essential needs.

If have any questions regarding these Safer at Home Orders, you can click here, or call the Mayor's Help Desk at (213) 978-1028 or dial 311 within the City.

• LA City has provide an online jobs portal for those who have lost their job or had their hours cut due to the COVID-19 crisis.
• LA City is providing $11 million economic relief package for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
• LA City's Community COVID-19 Response Volunteer - if you are interested in volunteering please fill out this Google form. 
•  For information about testing, please click here.

MAYOR ERIC GARCETTI ISSUES MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS

Mayor Eric Garcetti has ordered a moratorium on evictions of residential tenants who demonstrate an inability to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These include loss of income due to a COVID-19 related workplace closure, childcare expenditures due to school closures, health care expenses related to being ill with COVID-19 or caring for a household member who is ill with COVID-19, or reasonable expenditures that stem from government-ordered emergency measures. Tenants will have up to six months to repay any back due rent. Click here to learn more about this emergency order.

LOS ANGELES PARKS CLOSING ALL SENIOR CITIZEN CENTERS

Senior citizen centers are closed at all Los Angeles parks and recreation facilities. Dining centers for older adults will be contacting participants to provide information regarding meal distribution at the dining centers. Home delivered meals will continue to be delivered.

Older adults can contact the centers they participate at directly or reach the LA City Department of Aging at (213) 482-7252.

For the latest information and updates from Mayor Eric Garcetti:
Website: https://www.lamayor.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayorOfLA/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MayorOfLA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayorofla/?hl=en

LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

LAUSD school closures will remain in effect until May 1st. However, LAUSD has opened Grab & Go Food Centers where families and children can pick up meals for the day. These Grab & Go Food Centers will be opened on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and each child can take home two nutritious meals.

Here is a list of LAUSD Grab and Go Meal Centers in AD39.

• Byrd Middle School
  8501 Arleta Ave., Sun Valley 91352
• East Valley Senior High School
  5525 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood 91601
• Fulton College Preparatory School
  7477 Kester Ave., Van Nuys 91405
• Maclay Middle School
  12540 Pierce Ave., Pacoima 91331
• Romer Middle School
  6501 Laurel Canyon Blvd., North Hollywood 91606
• San Fernando Senior High School
  11133 O’Melveny Ave., San Fernando 90140
• Verdugo Hills Senior High School
  10625 Plainview Ave., Tujunga 91042
• Kennedy High School
  11254 Gothic Ave., Granada Hills 91344
• Porter Middle School
  15960 Kingsbury St., Granada Hills 91344
• Sylmar Charter High School
  13050 Borden Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342

For more information or to find a food center closest to you, please click.

LAUSD is also offering free content with at-home learning opportunities is available here: 

For the latest information and updates from LAUSD:
Website: https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesSchools/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lausdOGR
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laschools/?hl=en

CHARTER SCHOOLS GRAB AND GO MEAL CENTERS

AD 39 offers a variety of educational opportunities for the families and students in our community. As our Charter Schools are making decisions to best protect the health and safety of our students, they are also offering grab and go meal centers that are located throughout our community. I have provided a list of AD 39 Charter Schools, locations, hours, and special instructions.

• ISANA Palmati Academy (School closure in effect until May 5th)
  6501 Laurel Canyon Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91606
  Hours: 9am – 11am
  *Only offering at Roy Romer site, Grab n Go - located on Kittridge
• Pacoima Charter School (School closure in effect until May 1st)
  11016 Norris Ave., Pacoima, CA, 91331
  Hours: 11am to 1pm
  *Daily Meal Service
• Vaughn Next Century Learning Center (G3) (School closure in effect until May 5th)
  11200 Herrick Ave., Pacoima, CA 91331
  Hours: 11 am to 1pm
  *Grab and Go Program
• Fenton Charter Public Schools (School closure in effect until May 5th)
  11351 Dronfield Ave., Pacoima, CA 91331
  Hours: 11am to 1:30pm
• PUC Inspire Charter Academy (School closure in effect until May 1st)
  12550 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
  Please note: On March 25, students will receive 6 meals - 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches.
  Beginning Monday, March 30, meals will only be served once per week, students will receive 10 meals - 5 breakfast meals and 5 lunch
• Vaughn Next Century Learning Center (Pandaland) (School closure in effect until May 5th)
  13421 Vaughn St., San Fernando, CA 91340
  Hours: 11am to 1pm
• PUC Nueva Esperanza Charter Academy (School closure in effect until May 1st)
  1218 N. 4th St., San Fernando, CA 91340
  Hours: 7:30 am to 10:30 am
  Please note: Monday, March 23 - Wednesday, March 25 - meals will still be served.
  Wednesday, March 25 - Students will receive 6 meals & 3 breakfasts & 3 lunches.
  Beginning Monday, March 30th, students meals will only be served once per week every Monday, 10 meals - 5 breakfasts & 5 lunches will be served per student.
• Alliance Marine High School
  11933 Allegheny St., Sun Valley, CA 91352
  Hours: 8am to 12pm
  * Grab n Go, Drive-thru
• ISANA Cardinal Academy (School closure in effect until May 5th)
  7330 Bakman Ave., Sun Valley, CA 91352
  Hours: 9am to 11am
  *Grab n Go - located on Fair St.
• PUC Lakeview Highschool, Triumph and CCES (School closure in effect until May 1st)
  13361 Glenoaks Blvd., Sylmar, CA 91342
  Hours: 8:30 am - 11:30 am
  Please note: Monday, March 23 - Wednesday, March 25 - meals will still be served.
  Wednesday, March 25 - Students will receive 6 meals - 3 breakfasts & 3 lunches.
  Beginning Monday, March 30th, students meals will only be served once per week every Monday, 10 meals - 5 breakfasts & 5 lunches will be served per student
• PUC CCMS, CCECHA (School closure in effect until May 1st)
  11500 Eldridge Ave., Lakeview Terrance, CA 91342
  Hours: 7:30 am to 10:30 am
  Please note: Monday, March 23 - Wednesday, March 25 - meals will still be served
  Wednesday, March 25 - Students will receive 6 meals - 3 breakfasts & 3 lunches.
  Beginning Monday, March 30th. students meals will only be served once per week every Monday, 10 meals - 5 breakfasts & 5 lunches will be served per student

PERSONAL NOTE

Not all heroes wear capes. California would not be here without our first our first responders, police officers, firefighters, health care professionals, doctors, nurses, in-home supportive service providers, grocery workers, postal workers, delivery drivers, truck drivers, sanitation workers, essential employees, and volunteers. As they risk their safety by service our community during the Coronavirus outbreak, we need to take the time to acknowledge and thank their hard work and daily sacrifice to ensure that the needs of our communities are met. 

It is always my pleasure to serve you.

Respectfully,

 

Assemblywoman Luz Rivas, 39th AD