COVID Update, Economic Relief, Small Business Help and More

April 10, 2020

Dear Friends,

My best to you and your family over this Easter weekend however you celebrate spring and the renewal it promises, Maybe, like me, you are discovering some silver linings to sheltering-in-place: re-connecting (virtually) with old friends, re-visiting favorite movies, re-minded of the satisfaction (and escape) a good book can bring, and realizing the rewards of a slower pace of life.

That said, there is no denying the fact this is an uneasy time filled with uncertainty, and yet an undefined path forward. For now, we need to focus on the silver linings and another set of facts: Our actions are slowing the spread of COVID-19; our actions have given us time to prepare for increased demand on our health care system; our actions are saving lives. Thank you for hanging in there. We will get through this together.

Note: In adherence with Shelter in Place and social distancing orders, Marin County Board of Supervisors meetings will be held virtually at our regularly calendared day/times. The meetings will be live-streamed as well as broadcast on Comcast channel 27. Board members will be participating via videoconference. The public is able to participate by providing emailed comment on any agenda items in advance of the meeting at bos@marincounty.org or during the meeting as long as your comment is received before the specific item is taken up. See attached for more detailed instructions and you can read the recent press release.

As always, regarding an item on our board agenda, or any other issue or concern, please never hesitate to contact me directly email, phone, etc. Additionally, given our “new normal” of social distancing, wanted to provide a different way of reaching out, touching base, giving you updates, and answering questions. Stay tuned for virtual “Chats with Katie” starting later this month and accessible from the comfort of our own homes.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Quick Covid-19 Update

 

For those of you who are not getting the daily Marin HHS – COVID-19 website update, please subscribe here: As of Thursday, April 9 at 5pm, Marin had 154 total confirmed COVID-19 cases out of 1,956 people tested. There have been 29 hospitalizations, and 10 deaths. Please click through to this recent press release that describes how the County and partners throughout our health care system are preparing for anticipated increases in COVID-19 cases over the next several weeks. I’d also suggest you subscribe for the Marin County news feed for the most timely information on County activity related to the COVID response.

 

Economic Relief for Individuals, Businesses

 

Lots of questions coming our way with regards to financial assistance available for individuals and small business to help backfill on lost wages, business income, etc. caused by the COVID-19 emergency.

 

I’ve shared with you in recent communications the various actions the County has taken to support our most vulnerable residents including rent relief, food assistance, expansion of senior meal programs, and more. Additionally, the County’s Environmental Health Division (responsible for regulation of food services) has postponed the due date for annual license fee renewal for restaurants and other food service business license holders. As reported last week, the county tax collector will be accepting applications for relief from penalty fees for those property owners unable to pay property tax by the April 10 deadline due to COVID-19 impacts.

 

More direct relief and assistance has been made available by the federal government through the recently passed CARES Act. The CARES Act includes a $600/week supplement to state unemployment insurance, one-time direct payments to individuals, families, assistance for small and medium size businesses, and more. Directing you to our Congressman Jared Huffman’s COVID-19 website for clearly presented information and links on how the CARES Act may be of help to you. Go to https://huffman.house.gov/coronavirus and look to menu panel on right side of screen for specific categories of aid.

 

Local Small Business Assistance – SBDC

 

The Marin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a nonprofit organization that provides expert no-cost advising and low-cost workshops to guide small businesses. They work as a partner for the Small Business Administration (SBA) and their mission includes relaying verified SBA information to small business. The Marin SBDC is part of the Northern California SBDC network and is currently hosted by Dominican University of California.

 

SBDC has geared up to help small businesses during COVID-19 providing information and resources for everything from loan funding, to HR assistance, pivoting strategies, marketing and social media, negotiating with landlords. They have an excellent website offering a host of online webinars weekly as well as resources/survival guides to the Cares Act, state level support as well as other loans/support. Visit the COVID-19 webpage for more information and overview of SBDC services and resources related to COVID-19. Click here to apply for help with your small business - once your application is submitted you will be contacted by a client intake person who will email resources and connect you with an advisor who will work with you going forward.

Health Insurance

If you have lost your health care coverage or are otherwise uninsured, please take advantage of the expanded enrollment period for coverage through Covered California. Anyone who is uninsured or has lost their insurance due to COVID-19 and meets eligibility requirements for health care coverage through Covered California can sign up through June 30, 2020.

Get Out and Exercise, but Stay Local, Don’t Drive

The Marin County Sheriff's Office will enforce non-essential motorized travel to parks and open space throughout unincorporated Marin County with new parking restrictions. 

Over a week ago, the Sheriff began issuing warning citations informing motorized travelers they were in violation of the Shelter Order by driving to recreate. Since that time, thousands of warning citations have been issued on vehicles parked in violation of the shelter in place order. Driving to our parks and open space is considered non-essential travel as outlined in both the Shelter and Park Orders.

On April 9, 2020 the Director of Emergency Services established an emergency parking resolution to help curb non-essential travel to parks and open space areas in Marin County. The resolution, which applies to unincorporated areas of Marin County, designates no parking zones around multiple areas within our jurisdiction. Specifically, areas where parks and open space are accessed.

Parking within these areas, which will be clearly identified with signage, will be a violation of Marin County Code 15.36.060. The fine associated with this code is one hundred (100) dollars.

Deputies and Parking Enforcement Officers from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing this Marin County Code. We caution all residents and visitors to recreate near their home, within your own neighborhood and utilize non-motorized means to access our parks and open space. 

Contact Info:

Supervisor Katie Rice

415-473-7825

krice@marincounty.org

www.facebook.com/D2KatieRice

 

District 2 Aides:

Nancy Vernon

415-473-7351

nvernon@marincounty.org

Jen Gauna

415-473-6159

jgauna@marincounty.org

• Flyer.pdf