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            • Coronavirus News Updates and Resources For Businesses & Employees

            • As COVID-19 Coronavirus continues to spread globally, impacting commerce and communities, we  want to provide useful tools and resources to our local community. Below are some resources for businesses and employees to help prepare for and address the impacts of the virus, as well as news and updates which we will continue to provide as the situation changes and develops.

            • COVID-19 Resources for Business

            • COVID-19 Latest News

              4/6/30

              • A list of local lenders in Santa Maria providing SBA loan assistance is available HERE
                 
              • The South County Chambers of Commerce is hosting a webinar this Wednesday with an update on the CARES act from our local Congressman, Salud Carbajal. Learn More & Register
                 
              • The County of Santa Barbara has issues a new health order regarding licensed facility temperature screening and self-evaluation. Read More
                 

              4/3/20

              • Governor Newsom Announces New Help for Small Businesses & Workers Displaced by COVID-19. Read More
                 

              4/2/20

              • The CARES Act Presentation Slides from yesterday's webinar with the US Chamber are available HERE. The full webinar recording can be viewed HERE.
                 

              4/1/20

              • The U.S Treasury has released additional information and resources related to the Paycheck Protection Program, which  prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Learn More
                 

              3/31/20

              • California State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, Assemblymember Monique Limón, and Congressman Salud Carbajal are hosting a teleconference town hall this Wednesday, April 1 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the financial and technical assistance available to businesses affected by COVID-19. Learn More
                 

              3/30/30

              • CalChamber's latest podcast discusses the CARES Act and what it means for the economy and business. Listen Here
                 
              • The US Chamber has release their legislative analysis of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Read More
                 
              • The US Chamber has released a Coronavirus Emergency Loans Guide & Checklist for small businesses. Read More
                 

              3/26/20:

              • Santa Barbara County has launched the "Economic Recovery" page on their website, with resources including a list of businesses hiring now in the County. Read More
                 
              • The U.S Department of Labor issued a new mandatory posting notice regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Get the Notice Here

               

              3/25/20:

              • The California Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors has issued a statement regarding the April 10 deadline for Property Tax Collection. Read More
                 
              • State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, Assemblymember Monique Limón, and Congressman Salud Carbajal are holding a teleconference town hall today at 5:30 pm to discuss state programs available to workers affected by COVID-19 as well as your rights under state law. Learn More
                 

              3/24/20:

              • Gavin Newsom has signed 11 executive orders related to COVID-19 since March 12th. Read More
                 
              • The 2020 Census self-response deadline has been extended to August 14, 2020 due to COVID-19. Read More
                 

              3/23/20:

              • The COVID-19 Joint Response Effort for Santa Barbara County announced March 19 that it will provide more than $1 million in assistance to individuals and families as well as organizations actively assisting members of the community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More
                 
              • The South Counties Chambers of Commerce is holding a webinar this Wednesday, March 25th on maximizing your efficiencies when working remotely. Learn More & Register
                 
              • Franchise Tax Board extends filing and payment deadline for all California taxpayers until July 15, 2020, due to COVID-19. Read More
                 
              • The Santa Maria Public Airport delays launch date for United Airlines due to coronavirus spread. Read More
                 

              3/21/20:

              • The California Chamber of Commerce issued a statement on Governor Newsom's essential business directive. Read More
                 
              • CalChamber has released a podcast discussing what employers should know about the new Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act, and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act. Listen Here
                 

              3/20/20:

              • Today at 2pm - a statewide webinar will discuss how COVID-19 related closures will impact their business and employees long term. Learn More & Register
                 
              • California Governor Gavin Newsom has issues and Executive Order for all residents of the state of California to stay at home except for essential needs. Learn More
                 
              • Governor Gavin Newsom this week signed emergency legislation to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) and issued a series of executive orders on schools, goods deliveries, and safety net services. Learn More
                 
              • The U.S Department of Homeland Security has issued guidance on the identification of essential infrastructure workers during the COVID-19 response. Learn More
                 

              3/19/20:

              • The City yesterday proclaimed the existence of a local emergency.  Pursuant to the Proclamation of Emergency the City is providing for certain additional temporary sign flexibility. Learn More
                 
              • Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson will be holding a Town Hall teleconference today at 5pm. Learn More
                 
              • A local emergency in the City of Santa Maria Wednesday night, March 18th by the City Manager/Director of Emergency Services, related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial duration is for seven days. Read More
                 
              • The Santa Maria Chamber is working with our state insurance commissioner and 30 other Chambers of Commerce across the United States to urge modifications on Business Interruption Insurance to be included as an allowed event. Local businesses input is needed - take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wemeanbusiness


              3/18/20:

              • The U.S. Senate approved the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” which will provide immediate relief to American workers and families during this challenging time. Learn More
                 
              • There will be a free webinar on a Small Business Administration loan program specifically set up for the COVID-19 Crisis today at 4pm. Learn More


              3/17/20:

              • The Small Business Association is holding a webinar this Wednesday, March 18th at 10am to provide funding updates for California small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Learn More & Register
                 
              • Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that all California restaurants should close their doors to dine-in customers and that gyms, health clubs and movie theaters should also shutter operations. Read More


              3/16/20:

              • The Santa Barbara Foundation is offering a number of free webinars for Nonprofits related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Learn More
                 
              • The South County Chambers of Commerce is offering a free webinar this Wednesday, March 18th, on resources available to businesses affected by the Coronavirus. Learn More & Register
                 
              • President Trump held a news conference where he encouraged people to avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people and steer clear of eating and drinking at bars and restaurants (though takeout and delivery are always a good alternative). Read More
                 

              3/15/20:

              • Governor Newsom has ordered bars, nightclubs, wineries and brew pubs to close. In addition, he asked seniors aged 65 or older to self-isolate. Restaurants have not been required to close but are required to cut their occupancy by ½. Read the transcript of the press conference here.
                 
              • The CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States. Read More
                 
              • All Santa Barbara County K-12 public schools have issued closures due to the health threat presented by the coronavirus. Read More