Dear Friend,

As we continue to face this Coronavirus together and changes are occurring rapidly in a crisis nobody has experienced. I want to make sure you get the facts and stay informed about what the Mayor and Councilmember Cedillo are doing to help keep us safe and minimize the stress and financial burden with the priority to reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.

We know people are scared, frustrated, and upset. We must remain united and helpful to each other especially to our most vulnerable.

Stay Informed:

1) Mayor Garcetti's every night will provide a daily briefing at 5:15pm until further notice. You can watch his announcement on his Facebook page, LA City Ch 35, or on news outlets.

2) Visit frequently the City of LA dedicated website on Coronavirus updates at https://corona-virus.la/

3) Sign up for Councilmember Cedillo's newsletter at http://www.gilcedillo.com/newsletter_sign_up

4) Sign up to receive email, text, and or telephone updates from Notify LA at https://emergency.lacity.org/notifyla

5) LA County Departmentof Public Health will provide updated health info and facts at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/

6) State of CA will provide updated info and facts on response and relief efforts at www.covid19.ca.gov 

• THE MAYOR’S WORKER PROTECTION ORDINANCE IS NOW IN EFFECT:
  • Must allow workers to wash their hands or sanitize every 30 minutes
  • Must provide or reimburse employees for face coverings
  • Clean, fully-stocked restrooms
  • Physical distancing between workers and everyone else
  • Hand Sanitizer at key touch points
  • All customers who enter businesses must wear face coverings

COVID-19 Testing Available from the City of L.A.

Testing is now open to all LA County residents at several locations in Los Angeles. We now can provide same day and next day appointments. We continue working to expand testing as quickly as possible to provide this service to all Angelenos who need it.

​These tests are strictly limited to people who complete the online screening and are assigned an appointment.

To learn more about new COVID-19 testing available and to see if you're eligible go to http://Coronavirus.LACity.org/Testing 

Federal Update:

IRS

This week the IRS launched a new tool to help you get your Economic Impact Payment as soon as possible. The payments, also referred to by some as stimulus payments, are automatic for most taxpayers. This tool is for filers and non filers who want to track the status of payment. 

To use this new tool, visit: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments

U.S. Census Bureau 

The U.S. Census Bureau announced it is extending self response to Oct. 31. It is seeking Congress approval to provide them with authority to deliver data to the President on April 30, 2021 and to States no later than July 31, 2021. Here is the link to the press release  

For more information, visit 2020census.gov.   

State Update:

The Governor announced California is working with Oregon and Washington, the Western States Pact on a plan as to when and how to ease restrictions and reopen local businesses.

A broadly described plan includes steps his administration expects to take in the weeks and months ahead to protect the public and gauge how long California’s stay-at-home order should remain in place. The framework suggest the state must meet a high bar before beginning to undo the order, including:

— Developing the ability to closely monitor and track potential cases;
— Preventing high-risk people from becoming infected;
— Preparing hospitals to handle surges;
— Identifying needed medicines and other therapeutics;
— Ensuring schools, businesses and child-care facilities can support social distancing;
— Developing guidelines for when to ask Californians to stay home again if necessary.

The CA Legislative Analyst Office recently released a report outlining four possible actions the state could take to expand assistance to unemployed workers.

• Increase benefits. The state could give all unemployed workers the maximum weekly benefit of $450. (Current range is $40 to $450.)
• Add state $$ on top of federal $$. Under the federal coronavirus relief bill, unemployed workers get $600 weekly, plus state benefits. California could add $100 more per week.
• Build an unemployment insurance program for ineligible workers. These include recent college graduates, newly self-employed workers and undocumented immigrants.
• Temporarily allow ineligible workers to access state disability insurance. This allows workers to take leave while receiving a portion of their normal wages. The SDI fund has $3 billion in reserves.

County Update:

The Los Angeles County Health Officer has extended the Safer at Home Order Revised Order (04.10.20) through May 15, 2020. The Health Officer Order will be publicly noticed, as required, by posting on Public Health’s website, posted at the Hall of Administration, provided to members of the public upon request, and disseminated via email. 

Revised provisions include that Essential Businesses must implement a social distancing protocol by April 15^th, including a requirement to provide employees with a cloth face covering to wear while performing duties that involve contact with others.

WDACS launched the Critical Delivery Service Program, which will deliver food and other vital necessities to older adults, dependent adults, and individuals with disabilities who are unable to leave their homes due to COVID-19.  All items for delivery must be paid in advance through the store’s/market’s website.  This delivery service is free anywhere in Los Angeles County, 7 days a week. Scheduling can be done in advance (from 2 weeks up to 24 hours), on a one-time or reoccurring basis. In some situations, same day deliveries can be scheduled. Individuals can utilize this service up to 4 times per month. To request delivery services, individuals can call (888) 863-7411 (Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm) or email newfreedom@wdacs.lacounty.gov.   See attached flyer.

LA Superior Court Announces Relief Temporary relief includes a 90-day grace period on all traffic and non-traffic infraction tickets as well as a streamlined system for release of driver’s license holds. Attached is the full news release. 

City Update:

The Mayor announced L.A. Emergency Child Care Connection, an initiative coordinated with the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles and the Department of Recreation and Parks, with three main components:

• Stipend: A $100 stipend per shift to help qualifying hospital employees pay for the type of child care that works best for them. Families are encouraged to use the stipend to help children stay at home or in the home of a trusted relative or neighbor. Participating hospitals must commit to making the full stipend available to all non-professional employees and prioritize low-wage workers.
• Child Care Referrals: Free referrals to licenced providers in the community. That means access to three high-quality resources for finding childcare: Carina Care, a web-based matching program aligned with SEIU Local 99; WeeCare, the nation’s largest online private care matching agency; and enhanced referrals through L.A. County led by the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles member agencies.
• City Recreation Centers: Starting April 13th, the City’s Recreation and Parks Department will provide free care for children between the ages of 6 and 14 at City recreation centers located near participating hospitals to accommodate employees who are unable to have their children cared for at home. Each site will be open 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will offer programming and meals and adhere to public health guidelines. 

The Mayor announced Small Business Assistance: Providing small businesses technical support they need to apply for federal loans and assistance; These are competitive loans so we need to do better than other parts of the country; LA Cares Corps will help apply for the loans, which one is best, and how they apply at the City, State, and County level.

For more info, please visit: coronavirus.lacity.org/CARESCORPS

Census Phone Banking Operations -- WE NEED VOLUNTEERS

Due to COVID-19, the City had to cancel our canvassing operation to help encourage Angelenos to complete their form, however we have another way for you to help with Census 2020 outreach from home! You are invited to become a part of Mayor Garcetti’s Census 2020 Volunteer Phone Banking Team. Sign up at bit.ly/censusphonebank!

The phone banking team will ask community leaders like yourself to make calls to other Angelenos across the city to encourage them to respond to the Census, answer their questions about how to respond, and also check to make sure they are aware of the resources available to help during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Signing up is easy and you can make the calls on your own time, any day between 10am-7pm. All volunteers will receive a $5 VISA gift card. 

Follow these steps to sign up:

1. Complete the Census Volunteer Phone Banking Sign-Up Form online at bit.ly/censusphonebank
2. Sign volunteer agreement packet at bit.ly/censusvolunteerpacket and email the completed packet to Mayor.LACensus2020@lacity.org (Note: If you have already signed and submitted a packet at a Census Goodwill Ambassador training, you do not have to sign another form. If you are a City of LA employee, you do not have to sign this form.) 
3. Complete the online phone banking training at bit.ly/censusphonetraining

The Mayor announced a new report issued by Loyola Marymount University, Center for the Study of LA about COVID 19.  The Center conducted a survey of Los Angeles County residents to assess how the pandemic has impacted them. Residents were asked about the government's response, their understanding of the coronavirus and the measures to take to limit its spread, and the emotional and economic impact it has had on them. 

Read the full report here: https://academics.lmu.edu/studyla/projectsandstudies/covid-19publicopinionsurvey/

The Mayor announced a new RAPID MOBILE TESTING TEAM: From now until until this crisis ends, the City will deploy a rapid response testing team to facilities who house the elderly, chronically ill or debilitated; nursing homes; skilled nursing and assisted living facilities; respiratory hospitals; where there is a symptomatic resident or confirmed  COVID-19 employees or residents at the facility, we will send people to test.

The Mayor announced new OVERFLOW TRASH PICK UP FOR FREE: Temporarily offer free extra collection in those black or blue bins on your regularly scheduled collection days: HERE'S HOW: Meet the drivers at the curb, after they empty the bin, you can add more to it and they will empty that as well; Effective til Safer at Home order is lifted; Bulky items can be reported at 1-800-773-2489 or call 311.The City of Los Angeles needs your help to receive housing and community development federal grant funds to address social and economic concerns facing lower income residents, and assistance to respond to the impact of COVID-19. Please help us spread the word about the community surveys and complete the survey online. See attached flyer.  

LAUSD Update

LAUSD and the Red Cross continue to operate Grab and Go Food Centers in the communities they serve. These centers will be open on weekdays from 7 am to 10 am. Each child can take home two nutritious meals. Locations of the centers can be found here. This is meant to support students who are on lunch programs and would otherwise not have a meal.

• WE URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP TO RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS. Those interested in volunteering can visit: https://mailchi.mp/redcross.org/red-cross-partners-with-lausd-to-serve-students-1412897?e=b27f40f496

LAUSD launched a phone hotline for students and families to call and speak with mental health counselors. The hotline number is (213) 241-3840, and it is open 6am-6pm on weekdays  

Food Resources:

Meals for Seniors

• Dept of Aging contractors will be delivering packaged and frozen meals for older adults at home
• Los Angeles Department of Aging at 213-482-7252 or age.webinfo@lacity.org

Meals for Seniors in 90031, 90065, and 90042 zip codes

- MAOF will be delivering packaged and frozen meals to older adults at home

- See flyers for information

Lincoln Heights Area Food Banks

All assistance is by appointment only. Quantity and days of services vary. Contact the organization for more information.

- Healing Urban Barrios 

See attached flyer for details

- LA Boys and Girls Club 

See attached flyer for details

MAOF Countywide Food Bank 

All assistance is by appointment only(323) 278-3628 Quantity and days of services vary. Contact the organization for more information. 

• .

See flyer for details 

Countywide Food Bank Locator:

lafoodbank.org 

Financial Assistance

Faith & Community Empowerment (FACE) SBA Webinar

COVID-19 Federal Assistance & Loan Forgiveness Programs for Churches and Nonprofits information in  two seminars - one in English and the other for Korean language speakers. A Microsoft Teams webinar link will be sent to you after you register.

Friday, April 17 at 8:30 AM (Seminar will be in Korean Language)

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/102635028132

Friday, April 17 at 11 AM (English)

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/102634241780

LA Chamber of Commerce

The LA Chamber of Commerce has launched a series of weekly webinars where they will walk you through the challenging landscape of resources, tools and solutions to help your business during this challenging crisis. These are free webinars but you do need to register.

For more information and to RSVP:

https://lasbdcnet.ecenterdirect.com/events?reset=1  

Jewish Free Loan Association This amazing non profit offers interest-free loans on a non-sectarian basis to individuals and families whose needs are urgent and who may not qualify through normal financial channels. Interest-free loans, instead of charity, fill an important gap in our social system by promoting self-sufficiency with dignity.  

Visit: www.jfla.org

United States Bartenders Guild

This organization is offering loans to bartenders and their families who may be out of work.  Visit: https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap  

Restaurants Care

This California based organization is offering grants for the following:

(1) Diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19), or a caregiver for an immediate family member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or quarantined with a doctor’s note

(2) Restaurant closed and out of work 3 weeks or more and no unemployment benefits

Visit: https://restaurantscare.org/

Children of Restaurant Employees

CORE is is offering funds to restaurant workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have children at home.
Visit: https://coregives.typeform.com/to/SnZmOQ  

National Domestic Workers Alliance 
This organization has set up a fund for in-home care workers, nannies and house cleaners.  Visit: https://domesticworkers.org/coronavirus-care-fund  

Financial Relief for Los Angeles Artists  
Community Partners aim to provide relief to the spectrum of LA-based performing artists who were financially affected by the disruption of COVID-10.  Round-one of this emergency grant relief opportunity is open to performing artists and small ensembles in dance, music, and theater who cancelled performances, shows or concerts due to the virus, that were within the City of Los Angeles and open to the general public.

Apply by Friday, May 1 at 11:59 p.m at https://culturela.org/grants-and-calls/aer-fund/

Art Resources
The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs developed a list of resources for arts education, arts experiences, and creative activities to engage in during this period of physical distancing.
Visit: https://culturela.org/programs-and-initiatives/arts-resources-during-covid-19/

LA Theater Works Setting the Stage for Learning 

LATW brings free audio recordings of important stage plays to middle and high schools around the world, harnessing the power of professional theatre to deepen students’ understanding of complex literature and subject content.

AT-HOME LEARNING RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS AFFECTED BY COVID-19:

For educators experiencing distance and online learning, LATW is offering an expanded collection of 25 education titles listed below.  Enroll today! We will send a link to enable you and your students free streaming access, along with an introductory educator guide for how to use our recordings in remote learning settings and in your classrooms.
Visit: https://latw.org/  

A Message from LA County Department of Mental Health

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) supports the well being of everyone in LA County. When you hear, read, or watch the news about an outbreak of an infectious disease, you may feel anxious and show signs of stress—even when the outbreak affects people far from where you live and you are at low or no risk of getting sick. These signs of stress are normal and may be more likely in people with loved ones in parts of the world affected by the outbreak. During an infectious disease outbreak, care for your own physical and mental health and reach out in kindness to others.
For more information: https://dmh.lacounty.gov/covid-19-information/

LACDMH’s 24/7 Access Line at (800) 854-7771 is also available to provide mental health support, resources and referrals.

Hygiene Services and Shelter to Homeless Community
​
Together with the Mayor and the LA Homeless Services Authority we deployed across the City a total of 120 portable toilets and 306 hand washing stations to help people experiencing homelessness wash their hands regularly.  We are aggressively trying to secure more stations and bathrooms but the demand across the world is making this a challenge.In addition, we increased our mobile shower program from 5 to 7 days and our mobile laundry program from 2 to 5 locations to help increase hygiene services across Council District 1.Under the emergency disaster declaration the city opened 20 recreation centers providing 851 beds (avg 95% occupancy) to move homeless people indoors. Under guidance from the LA County Department of Public Health all sites will have admission and operation requirements to uphold the goal of minimizing the spread of the virus. Our goal with the LA County Department of Public Health is to open more recreation centers next week as shelters.We have been advised it is safer for homeless people to live indoors in a place where they have bathrooms and showers, and where shelter operators watch to see if they exhibit symptoms of the virus and need medical attention, than it is to have them wandering outside, unable to wash their hands.The LA Homeless Services Authority will create a by-name-list of unsheltered individuals who are over the age of 55, have an acute underlying health condition, or are otherwise highly vulnerable. These individuals will be prioritized for placement into new shelter beds. Our outreach teams know who falls into these priority categories and will also receive recommendations from non profit homeless agencies, LAPD, LAFD, and other agencies who on a regular basis interact with the homeless community. Project Room ( LA County, LAHSA and City of LA allocated $39.3 million in state emergency homeless funding)

• As of this morning we have 8 Hotel/Motel sites online totaling more than 600 rooms
• More rooms are coming online to be operated by non profits with onsite nursing

Discussions continued this week between Federal Court Judge Carter and LA County and LA City on the need for additional recreation centers, motel/hotel rooms, hand washing stations, and portable toilets. The City and County continue Federal court appearances and discussing with Judge Carter on our efforts to move homeless indoors and provide hygiene services.   Now more than ever, we need everyone's support and understanding on our actions to move people at risk who voluntarily agree to come indoors.  Share this information with others. Please let me know if you have questions or have a resource to share. 

The Office of Councilmember Cedillo is here to help.
Stay safe and be well!
Take care,
Jose Rodriguez
Deputy District Director Office of
Los Angeles City Councilmember Gilbert Cedillo

Council District 1District Office 

5577 N. Figueroa St.Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 550-1538

Sign up for our newsletter here:    http://www.gilcedillo.com/newsletter_sign_up