Biweekly Third District Update

Federal COVID-19 Update

• Congress has passed a $900 trillion stimulus bill, but it’s unclear if it will be signed into law as is. The legislation is awaiting the President’s signature.
• The following are highlights of the bill, should it be signed into law:
  • $600 stimulus checks for individual taxpayers who earn less than $75,000 and their child dependents;
  • Those using unemployment insurance (UI) will qualify for an additional 11 weeks of payments. Unemployed workers would also receive an additional $300 per week for 11 weeks. Both of these programs would end March 14, 2021;
  • $284 billion for Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses and nonprofits;
  • $25 billion in rental relief and an extension of the eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021;
  • $13 billion in increased SNAP funding. There would be a 15 percent across-the-board increase for all SNAP recipients, which would translate into an extra $25 per person per month, approximately. This increase would begin Jan. 1 and end June 30, 2021. The stimulus package also would expand SNAP benefits for college students and exclude unemployment compensation when calculating SNAP eligibility.
• The County of Riverside and other local governments would not receive direct funding through this bill, so our local programs — such as the Small Business Assistance Grant, the Nonprofit Assistance Fund, the Youth Community Corps and Pathways to Employment — are not expected to be renewed if this bill is signed.

California COVID-19 Update

Riverside County is currently under the State’s Regional Stay Home Order. The order took effect Dec. 6 after our region’s ICU availability fell to less than 15 percent. Southern California has 0 percent ICU availability at the moment; Riverside County’s availability is 0 percent. As our ICU availability has not increased, we do not expect to see the Regional Stay Home Order restrictions lifted before the end of the year.

State Launches $500 Million Grant Program for Small Businesses

• The State has launched their website for the $500 million Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant program: CAReliefGrant.com. Grants up to $25,000 will be given to eligible small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19.
• Visit the website early to review eligibility and prepare for the application. The first application window opens Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020 and closes Friday, Jan. 8, 2021.
• Do you have questions about the grant program? Visit the following link to register for an information session hosted by America’s SBDC California: https://bit.ly/3aCwQ5X. Webinars are available daily in English and other languages until at least Jan. 4, 2021.

COVID-19 Testing Available in Hemet

• Walk-up testing is available every Monday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hemet Public Library (300 E. Latham Avenue).
• You can park and walk to the trailer located in the library’s parking lot.
• No appointment necessary. Please wear your mask and follow directions given by staff.
• You must not eat 20 minutes before taking your test!

County Offering Classes for Family Caregivers

• Have you been feeling stressed about your caregiving situation? You are not alone!
• Join other family caregivers and an experienced facilitator for a free 11-week virtual series on Zoom. Hosted by the Riverside County Office on Aging, each session will focus on a topic that affects caregivers, such as stress, memory impairment, legal issues, financial issues and more!
• Each session will last two hours. The workshops are provided in a support group setting. Please commit to attending all 11 sessions. Respite may be available.
• Never used Zoom or don’t have a computer? Don’t worry! Assistance is available to help you participate!
• The next series of classes begins January 2021. For more information, please call 951-867-3800 and ask for a CARE Pathways staff member.

Beware COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

• The COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed throughout the United States and the world. If you are a healthcare worker or a first responder and you would like to receive the vaccine, you can send an email to rivco.vaccines@ruhealth.org. When vaccines are available to the general public, you can send an email to rivco.vaccines@ruhealth.org for information on how to receive the vaccine. For general questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, call 833-502-1245 or send an email to COVIDCallCenter@CDPH.ca.gov.
• Please be aware that some scammers are taking advantage of misinformation surrounding the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• The Federal Trade Commission has issued alerts asking people to be aware of the following scams related to the COVID-19 vaccine:
  • You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine;
  • You can’t pay to get early access to the vaccine;
  • No one will call about the vaccine and ask for your Social Security number, credit card number or bank account information.
• Report these scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For tips on avoiding scams relating to COVID-19, visit ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams.

Do You Know a Champion for Children? Nominate them Today!

• First 5 Riverside’s Champion for Children Award was created to honor and bring awareness to people and organizations whose leadership and advocacy embody the vision of First 5 Riverside, where all children in Riverside County are healthy and thrive in supportive, nurturing and loving environments and enter school ready to learn and embrace lifelong learning.
• Nominees must be a resident of Riverside County and have lived or worked within the county for at least two years. The recipient selected will have achievements that align with First 5 Riverside strategic goals, including quality early learning, comprehensive health and development and resilient families.
• The next Champion for Children will be presented a plaque and certificate by the Riverside County Children and Families Commission in spring 2021 and recognized on the First 5 Riverside website and social media channels.
• You can access the nomination form here.
• Nominations are open through January 11, 2021. For additional information, please contact Public Information Specialist Sean Pravica at 951-203-3079.

Through It All: Riverside County Transportation Pushes on with Road Projects Near You

• Despite the pandemic, several road projects are scheduled for Third District roads.
• The following construction project will begin early 2021:
  • Pala Road between Pechanga Road and the County of San Diego.
• The following stretches of road will be resurfaced starting spring 2021:
  • Ramona Expressway from a half mile west of Warren Road to Warren Road;
  • The second westbound lane of Ramona Expressway from Warren Road to 800 feet west of Sanderson.
• The following sidewalk project will begin construction summer 2021:
  • Mayberry Avenue between Peartree Lane and Casino Road.
• The following stretches of road will be resurfaced starting fall 2021:
  • The roundabout at Rancho California Road and Anza Road;
  • San Jacinto Street between Thornton Avenue and Central Avenue;
  • Stetson Avenue between Santa Fe Street and Hemet Street;
  • Rainbow Canyon Road between north Frontage Road and the City of Temecula.
• Thank you to the staff at the Riverside County Transportation Department for continuing your great work!