RESOURCES

Opening Up America Again - This document is an easy reference and take from the White House's Opening Up America Again program introduced 04/17/20. The State of California and/or the Los Angeles County will dictate exactly when each of these steps will take place.

Dear Friends,

Today, the State announced new COVID-19 guidance will take effect on June 15. The update includes eliminating capacity limits and physical distancing requirements for businesses, the biggest difference from current directives. It will also mean aligning with the Centers for Disease Control on the guidance for masking and travel. The State has said fully vaccinated people will not need to wear masks in most indoor settings and plans to provide recommendations for any businesses and organizations who would like guidance deciding whether to require vaccine verification. Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state’s Health and Human Services secretary, said "The big message today is we’re at a place with this pandemic where those requirements of the past are no longer needed for the foreseeable future."

Los Angeles County will fully align with the State on this guidance. I appreciate that today’s announcement will provide ample time for businesses, organizations, and residents to prepare for these changes. L.A. County is well prepared to make this next step. We've fully vaccinated almost half of our population and have significantly decreased case counts. We weathered the storm and I am hopeful that this finally signals our return to normalcy.

Best wishes,

Kathryn Barger
Supervisor, Fifth District

Local vaccination sites: Accessible by Foothill Transit

Wondering where you'll go when it's your turn to get vaccinated?  There are plenty of local locations right by our bus stops! Remember, you need to make an appointment first!

No Mask, No Ride: CDC rules mandate masks on all public transportation

Customers must be wearing a mask in order to board and ride Foothill Transit. 

Foothill Transit has required masks on board since the beginning of the pandemic, and customers have overwhelmingly complied. However, new federal regulations from the CDC require masks on board all public transportation and not wearing your mask on board the bus is a federal offense.

Customers who don’t have a mask will be offered one and will be required to wear it for the entire trip. Face masks must cover their mouth and nose any time customers are in our buses. 

The CDC and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health have many resources and valuable information on their websites. Thank you for sharing this information!

On Friday, January 29, a new law took effect to extend tenant eviction and homeowner protections through June 30th, 2021. It also created a new program to help tenants and landlords deal with unpaid rental debt.

• Eviction Relief. Tenants cannot be evicted for a COVID-19 related hardship from September 1, 2020 ? June 30, 2021, if tenant returns a declaration of hardship form to their landlord and pays at least 25% of the rent due by June 30, 2021.
• To learn more and download a "Declaration of COVID-19 Related Financial Stress" form, please visit https://landlordtenant.dre.ca.gov/partners/resources.html.
• Rental Assistance. Cities and counties can set up their own rental assistance programs using money from the federal government to provide help. Applications should be available in March, so check with your local city or county. For more information, please visit http://housingiskey.com or call the California Housing COVID-19 Assistance Line at (833) 422-4255.
• Property Owner Protections. The new law also extends consumer protections for requests of mortgage forbearance for homeowners impacted by COVID-19 until September 1, 2021.

For full details on the tenant, landlord, and homeowner protections, as well as the upcoming rental assistance program, please visit the following websites:

• Tenant, Landlord, and Homeowner Protections: https://landlordtenant.dre.ca.gov/index.html
• Community Resources: https://landlordtenant.dre.ca.gov/partners/resources.html
• California COVID-19 Information App for Tenants & Landlords: https://ucilaw.neotalogic.com/a/Cal-Covid-Info-App-for-Tenants-and-Landlords
• Rental Assistance Program: https://www.bcsh.ca.gov/ab3088/

If you require further assistance with a housing-related issue, our office may be able to connect you with services that can assist you.
 
Please continue to monitor the State's COVID-19 website for updates on testing, vaccinations, and other COVID-19 measures.
 

Hon. Anthony J. Portantino

Senator, District 25

Duarte Unified School District (DUSD) has been allotted COVID-19 vaccines from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to vaccinate residents of Duarte and nearby communities who are age 65 or older and health care providers. This also includes district employees who are age 65 or older of DUSD and neighboring school districts. DUSD is working with City of Hope who will administer the vaccine at the Duarte Performing Arts Center that is located in Duarte, California.

All individuals who meet the criteria and require a first dose are urged to submit an online appointment request form now. The links to access the forms are below:

Community Members Age 65 and older or health care provider (first dose only):

If you are a community member and meet the criteria of being age 65 or older and would like to be contacted to schedule an appointment, please complete the request form by clicking HERE

.

District Employees Age 65 and older or health care provider (first dose only):

If you are an employee of one of these school districts and meet the criteria of being age 65 or older and would like to be contacted to schedule an appointment, please complete the request form by clicking HERE.

The first round of appointments will be scheduled for Saturday, February 20, and Sunday, February 21, 2021. During this first dose appointment, all participants will be scheduled for their second dose of the vaccine that will take place on Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, March 21, 2021. Both vaccination appointments will be conducted as a drive-through event at the parking lot of the Duarte Performing Arts Center that is located at 1401 Highland Avenue, Duarte, 91010. A confirmation email with details will be provided to all appointment recipients.

Please share this information with everyone you may know who is 65 or older or a healthcare provider and still needs the first dose of COVID vaccine.

“I am grateful to our Duarte Unified team members and our collaborators at City of Hope and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for working quickly together to provide this service. Having the vaccine accessible to our educators will be helpful for the safe return of our students and staff to our campuses,” stated Gordon Amerson, Superintendent of Duarte Unified School District.

“But, I am also proud that this partnership will help the entire community of Duarte and our neighboring school districts and cities. We have long lived by the motto better together, and it is times like these that seeing it in action warms my heart.”

For questions, please email communications@duarteusd.org.

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Scheduling

COVID-19 Vaccination at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, by CEO Countywide Communications

Los Angeles County and its partners are operating a COVID-19 vaccination call center for residents who do not have computer access or have a disability that requires phone assistance. The vaccination call center is experiencing a surge of thousands of callers seeking to schedule vaccination appointments, which is affecting our ability to serve residents who do not have access to a computer. Los Angeles County is reminding residents that the main way to schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments is by logging on to VaccinateLACounty.com to check appointment availability. Residents without computer access can call 833-540-0473 between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., 7 days a week for assistance with appointments.

Because of the limited supply of vaccines, only a very limited number of appointments are currently available, for frontline health care workers and county residents aged 65 years and older. Please visit VaccinateLACounty.com to find out if you are currently eligible to receive one.

Get Your Free 30 day of PPE

Are you an LA County business with 100 or less employees struggling to find FREE personal protective equipment (PPE)?

The PPE Unite™ program is here to help!

PPE Unite is a joint effort to give small business owners and their employees access to much-needed personal protective gear. This public and private partnership program creates access to PPE, promotes PPE use, and provides additional resources for businesses. We need to work together to safely reopen our local economy for the health of our businesses and the general public. To find a pick-up location or get PPE delivered to you, visit PPEUnite.org.

Who is Eligible?

• You must operate a small business with less than 100 employees. 
• Your business must be located in Los Angeles County. 
• You must operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, C or S-corp, or micro-business. 
• You must have not received any PPE through this program in the past. 

Get your 30-day supply of free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to keep your business compliant and employees safe by visiting, PPEUnite.org.

If you have any questions about the PPE Unite program or eligibility, you may review the FAQs by clicking here or contact the Los Angeles County Disaster Help Center at (833) 238 - 4450. New Paragraph

Resources to Rebuild CA Small Businesses

California has increased support for small businesses in the state through hiring tax credits, automatic sales tax extensions, access to capital, and more. The new tax relief expands support to small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic. I have created a list of resources you can find on my website dedicated to helping you rebuild from the crisis, and keep local economies strong.

If you missed Senator Anthony Portantino's virtual town hall regarding the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program yesterday, you can watch the recording here!

LOS ANGELES COUNTY LAUNCHES FREE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO HELP BUSINESSES NAVIGATE THEIR WAY THROUGH ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY

The BizHelp Program Prepares Businesses for Future Growth Through a Variety of Online Webinars

Alhambra, CA, January 6, 2021 – The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) has launched a new online resource to help businesses large and small navigate through economic uncertainty and prepare them for a post-COVID-19 economy. The BizHelp Program will offer support and resources via a series of online webinars starting January 12, 2021.

The BizHelp Program is available to all businesses in the County of Los Angeles and is offered free of charge. The LACDA has teamed up with three local technical assistance providers – Acelera Advisory Group, Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment, and Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation – to host webinars that will cover various topics such as tips for successfully securing financial resources, operating post-COVID-19, understanding basics in accounting and bookkeeping, and improving credit for business owners. Registration is required to participate.

“Local small businesses in the County of Los Angeles continue to face obstacles when it comes to securing resources,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis, Supervisor to the First District. “By lifting up this sector, we can spur innovation, bring back jobs, preserve community character, encourage development, and ensure generational prosperity. I urge our small business community to take advantage of the LACDA’s new BizHelp Program which will provide technical assistance and offer support in navigating these uncertain times.”

“The County is doing all it can to provide a variety of tools to businesses impacted by recent events. The BizHelp Program provides professional advice and guidance to prepare business owners to move their business forward and reach their future goals,” said Emilio Salas, Executive Director, LACDA.

Registration is now open. Webinars begin on January 12, 2021. Businesses interested in participating or requiring further information can visit bizhelp.lacda.org.

All media may contact Elisa Vasquez, LACDA Public Information Officer, at (626) 586-1762.

COVID-19 WEBINARS / CONFERENCE CALLS

Below are webinars to provide you additional information regarding COVID-19 related resources or aids. These will help answer most questions and give you timely information. Please click on the associated link (black font) to find out more information.

​Webinars contained are not an exhaustive list and is updated as promptly as practical. 

Tuesday, September 15 - 9:00am: 
The Board of Supervisors will be receiving an update on the health officer order by Dr. Ferrer. This item presents an opportunity for businesses and community organizations to call in and advocate for the reopening of schools, indoor retail in malls, breweries/wineries/bars with food service, cardrooms and family entertainment centers (all closed by the county, but allowed by the state). Immediately after public comment will be the Set Item, and will be a good opportunity to set the tone for the conversation.
 
Individuals may address the Board during the live virtual meeting by calling (877) 226-8163 and entering the participant code 1336503 starting at 9:00 a.m.

We are proud to endorse and support the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce in a special Los Angeles Small Business Emergency Assistance Virtual Forum Series co-convened by Dr. Lucy Jones, the Los Angeles Chamber and Wells Fargo (a chamber member). 

Please see the above section of COVID-19 page for upcoming seminars and registration information. Below are the past webinars.

Chinese Community Small Business Virtual Town Hall

Disaster Relief Resources from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

CARES Act - Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act

Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness

7 Resources for PPP Loan Forgiveness Help

Earlier this year, as part of the CARES Act, the federal government created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide a financial lifeline—that could be forgiven later if the right circumstances were met—to businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

From timelines and step-by-step calculations to paperwork walk-throughs and FAQ's, check out these 7 resources from the U.S. Chamber's CO— to help business owners navigate how to get full PPP loan forgiveness.

Small Business Administration (SBA)'s PPP Forgiveness FAQ
Click here to view the SBA's substantial document of questions and answers regarding forgiveness.

General Forgiveness Tutorial for Most PPP Loans
Click here to view a video outlining forgivable and non-forgivable expenses, how to fill out forgiveness application, forgiveness calculation examples and more from Hector Garcia— a CPA with more than 100,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Guide to Tax Implications of PPP Loans
Click here to view the CO— guide to tax implications of PPP loans.

Sample Signage for Essential Businesses Operating Under the Safer at Home Order.

Free Meals for Seniors / Restaurants providing

Government Entities Links

Duarte

County of Los Angeles

State --- PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME REOPENING GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES MAY BE STRICTER BY L.A. COUNTY REGULATIONS. Make sure and check to ensure you are following the correct procedures and regulations.

Department of Insurance - July 1, 2020 workers' comp premium savings due to COVID-19 
Department of Insurance - Summary of Town Hall on Insurance & Small Business Resources (Dept of Ins and Senator Portantino)
Restaurant Guidance and Checklist - Specific documents pertaining to restaurants. This does not supersede any L.A. County regulations.
Great Plates Delivered - Restaurant Provider Program
California Insurance Commissioner - Small Business Insurance Tele Town Hall (replay) 
  Access Number: 866-207-1041 / Access Code: 4385156
Employment Development Department COVID-19 - Information for both employers and employees including employment and health resources
Small Business Administration - Paycheck Protection Program
Small Business Administration - EIDL Fact Sheet - English
Small Business Administration - EIDL Fact Sheet - Spanish
South Coast AQMD - Expediting permits to aid COVID-19 efforts​
State of California - Senator Anthony Portantino
State of California - California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
State of California - Report Price Gouging
State of California - Assemblymember Blanca Rubio
State of California - California Insurance Commissioner 60-Day Grace Period for Insurance Premium Payments
State of California - California Insurance Commissioner Extension of Policyholder Deadlines that Impact Claims or Coverage
State of California - IBank Loan Guarantee Program

Federal

Business Resources Links

Utility Links

Employee Resources Links

COVID-19 Extensions to File and Pay & California Interstate User Diesel Fuel Tax (DI) License Filing Due Dates

State Order providing 90-day extension in state and local taxes, including sales tax. Also extends licensing deadlines and requirements for a number of industries.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program Small for-profit company with 2-50 employees. See link for full qualifications.