Greetings!

We want to keep you updated with information that will help you and your business and hope you find these links useful.
The modifications to the Health Officer Order include the following:
 
  • Amusement/Theme Parks/Fairs can increase capacity to 35%. Fully vaccinated out of state visitors are permitted.
  • Bars that do not provide meals can operate indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer. Masking always required, except when eating or drinking; drinking and eating only while seated. Tables must be at least 6 feet apart and no counter seating/service. Maximum of 6 people from one household per table; if everyone in a group is vaccinated, 6 people can sit together from up to 6 different households. TV viewing is permitted. No live entertainment permitted indoors. Outdoors tables can have a maximum 8 persons per table from up to 3 different households; if everyone in a group is vaccinated, 8 people sit together from up to 8 different households. Live entertainment and TV viewing permitted outdoors. No counter seating/service.
  • Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries that do not serve meals can increase indoors capacity to 50% or 200 people, whichever is fewer. No live entertainment permitted indoors. These establishments will follow the same public health directives as bars for their outdoor areas.
  • Restaurants can increase capacity for indoor dining to 50% capacity with continued safety modifications. There must be 6 feet distancing between tables. Maximum of 6 people from one household per table; if everyone in a group is vaccinated, 6 people can sit together from up to 6 different households
  • Cardrooms/Racetracks/Satellite Wagering Facilities can operate indoors at 50% capacity. There must be 6-feet of distancing between tables and masks are always required. Food and beverages remain banned at the tables.
  • Fitness Centers can operate indoors at 50% capacity. Masks are always required unless swimming.
  • Movie Theatres can operate at 50% capacity. Reserved seating only where each group is seated with at least 6 feet of distance between any other groups (in all directions); capacity is limited to ensure that there is at least 6 feet of distance between groups. Seating sections can be established for fully vaccinated people without 6 feet distancing requirements provided there is 3 feet of distance between these sections and other seats in the theatre. Eating is allowed in only designated areas or in your reserved seat.
  • Family Entertainment Centers can operate at 50% capacity, 75% if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination. Masks are required.
  • Grocery and Retail Stores capacity remains limited to 75% with continued requirement for distancing of at least 6 feet between customers.
  • Hair Salons, Barbershops and Personal Care Services can operate at 75% capacity with masks required, except for services where customers need to remove their masks. For services where customers must remove their face coverings, staff must wear a fitted N95 mask or a face covering with a face shield.
  • Museums, Zoos and Aquariums can be open indoors at 75% capacity with safety modifications.
  • Waterparks can operate at 40% capacity with safety modifications.
  • Youth and Adult Recreational Sports and Community Sporting Events can apply to Public Health for approval for athletic events, tournaments or competitions that involve more than two teams or multiple individuals. Indoor moderate and high contact sports are permitted following Collegiate Sports Protocols, which includes regular testing.
  • Live Event and Performance Indoor venues up to 1,500 guests can operate at a maximum of 25% capacity or 50% if guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination. Venues with 1,501 guests and above can operate at 10% capacity of 2,000 people; whichever is fewer or 50% capacity for tested or fully vaccinated guests.
  • Live Event and Performance Outdoor venues can expand to 67% capacity with safety modifications.


The revised Health Officer Order Blueprint for a Safer Economy – Yellow Tier is effective as of 12:01 am on Thursday, May 06, 2021. The recent changes are highlighted in yellow: Aligns with the Yellow Tier safety modifications of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
The following protocols have been updated and are effective as of Thursday, May 06, 2021:
This Health Officer Order, protocols and other pertinent information and resources can be found on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health COVID-19 webpage. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to protect the health and well-being of Los Angeles County residents.
COVID-19 Relief and Assistance for Small Business
The Controller’s Office has compiled the following resources from various agencies to help you navigate available COVID-related aid. For additional program information, please visit the agency’s website or contact your local government. The Controller’s Office will update these resources as more program information becomes available. Visit the California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response website for information about the state’s response to the pandemic.
As of May 3, 2021

(State)California is offering tax relief and filing extensions to many businesses.Visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to see if any of these apply to your business.https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/services/covid19.htm

 Restaurant Revitalization Fund (Federal)The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)

www.sba.gov/funding-programs/....protection-programMay 31, 2021IRS Employee Retention Tax Credit
Learn more here:

https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/December 31, 2021Small Business License Fee Exemptions
Barbering and cosmetology FAQs are here:
www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/../fee_relief_faq.pdfRestaurants and bars will apply through ABC:

DPSS Launches Annual CalFresh Awareness Month Campaign in the Fight Against Food Insecurity
The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) has launched its annual CalFresh Awareness Month campaign to publicize the CalFresh Nutrition Program and acknowledge community partners throughout the month of May for helping to raise public awareness year-round.
On May 11 at 9 a.m., Jiménez will host a CalFresh Virtual Town Hall to promote the benefits of CalFresh and answer community questions. The event will be livestreamed via DPSS’ Facebook account at @LACoDPSS

Please click here for more information about CalFresh Program.
Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert Warning Californians About Misleading Claims Made by Healthcare Sharing Ministry Plans
SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert warning Californians about sham health insurance plans offered by some healthcare sharing ministries (HSMs). These HSMs use misinformation to mislead consumers into enrolling under the guise of offering an affordable alternative to health insurance from the Covered California marketplace. However, unlike Covered California plans, healthcare sharing ministries are not obligated to cover preexisting conditions or guarantee coverage for medical costs or services. As a result, consumers have filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Office alleging that their healthcare sharing ministry plans have refused to cover treatments and pay their medical bills.

The Foodservice industry has overcome many operational challenges since the onset of COVID-19. These challenges have altered business methods to withstand the unknown to rebound, recover, and prosper. Join us in this webinar as we hear from restaurateurs that have adapted to overwhelming demands and circumstances to reclaim success.

Webinar Information
May 11, 2021
11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Register by: May 10, 2021

Please note, your registration is not complete until you receive a confirmation email.
REMINDERS
IRS Tax Credit Available to Small Businesses
Eligible employers can get a tax credit for providing paid time off for each employee receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and the time they may need to recover.
Visit the IRS website to learn more.
 
In case you missed it! Last week, the SBA announced key details on application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). 
The SBA also announced a new initiative that will allow restaurants and other related businesses to apply for the RRF through point-of-sale service providers such as Clover ®, NCR Corporation, Square, and Toast. 

Join the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Public Private Strategies Institute for a national briefing on Wednesday, April 28 at 1 p.m. ET about the new $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This briefing is cosponsored by the SBA and PPSI. 

To learn more about the RRF program and application, visit sba.gov/restaurants.
The SBA launched a new round of Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance – called Supplemental Targeted Advances – on April 22, 2021 that will provide $5 billion in additional assistance to 1 million small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have been most severely affected by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Effective April 22, the SBA modified the Targeted EIDL Advance application process to determine if businesses also qualify for the additional $5,000 Supplemental Targeted Advance. SBA will contact eligible business entities to apply and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify for the Supplemental Targeted Advance, an eligible business entity must be in a low-income community, suffered greater than 50 percent economic loss, and have 10 or fewer employees.
CalSavers Deadline Approaching
Eligible employers with more than 50 employees must register by June 30, 2021
State law now requires all businesses with five or more employees to participate in CalSavers if they do not offer a retirement savings plan from the private market. Eligible employers must register for CalSavers by their state required deadline, which vary by employer size. The deadline for employers with more than 50 employees is June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2022 for employers with five or more employees. The registration deadline for employers with more than 100 employees passed on September 30, 2020 (extended from June 30, 2020). Eligible employers who have not yet registered should do so as soon as possible to avoid penalties.
Eligible employers can register any time before their deadline. For more information on how to get started, visit CalSavers.com.
The current round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is reaching smaller borrowers (small businesses), with 94% of all loans going to businesses with 20 or fewer employees. SBA is currently offering PPP loans until May 31, 2021. Apply for a first or second draw PPP loan and loan forgiveness.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit
Are you currently hiring? Consider a candidate who may qualify you for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. The WOTC is a Federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain targeted groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment.
COVID Resources: COBRA Health Insurance & Funeral Expense Assistance Available
As part of the recently passed American Rescue Plan, LA County residents who lost their job over the last 18 months will be eligible to remain on their former employer’s insurance plan (through COBRA) at no cost until Sept. 30.
All family members who were previously covered in your insurance plan will also be covered by this benefit. The expanded COBRA coverage also applies if you were shifted from full time to part time, if your status was changed by reduced business hours, or if you took a temporary leave of absence.
Tax Deadline Extended: Learn How to File for Free!
The IRS announced a new deadline for filing tax returns: Monday, May 17, 2021. 
If you haven't filed yet, take advantage of the free tax preparation services available through our non-profit partners across the County. 
Text "TAXCREDITSLA" to 211-211 for info on filing for free and claiming credits to get the most money back in your pocket! 
Watch our video in English and Spanish to learn more. 
Mortgage Relief Available to Property Owners
The County of Los Angeles in Partnership with the NHS Center for Economic Recovery has launched its Foreclosure Prevention & Mortgage Relief Program.
Applications are now open.
Apply for up to $20,000 in assistance to help offset mortgage delinquencies.
Call 1-888-895-2647 or visit the NHS website to learn more. 
DPSS is committed to keeping the public informed about essential benefits, as well as resources offered by other service organizations in the county. Please help us to share this important information with those in your community who need it most.


GOLDEN STATE GRANT PROGRAM
Attention CalWORKs families with an approved case status as of March 27 will receive a one-time Golden State Grant payment of $600. The payment is to help families who may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This payment is not a CalWORKs grant payment and not subject to hearing rights. Click here to learn more about the Golden State Grant Program.
FEMA COVID-19 FUNERAL ASSISTANCE
If you’ve have lost someone to COVID-19, FEMA may be able to help with funeral expenses starting in April 2021. For more information about FEMA’s funeral assistance program, visit https://bit.ly/39wyt43.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
IHSS Customers! Did you know you can get help to pay for the cost of operating your electrically-powered medical equipment? Click here to learn more.

TUTORING PROGRAM
Attention CalWORKs customers! Are your kids ready to head back to school? If they need extra support, the CalWORKs Tutoring Program can help! Visit https://bit.ly/DPSSGAIN for more information.

HELP FOR STUDENTS
College students who are eligible for “work study” or have a $0 expected family contribution may now be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits! Learn more at www.getcalfresh.org/students or call 1-866-613-3777.
Work Sharing Program
Work Sharing Program can be a temporary alternative to layoffs if your business’ production or services have been reduced. The program helps employers minimize or eliminate the need for layoffs, keep trained employees and quickly recover when business conditions improve, and avoid the cost of recruiting, hiring, and training new employees. Employees will be paid based on the standard EDD benefit rate, multiplied by the percent of hours worked (i.e. a full time employee whose hours have been reduced to 32 hours/week would receive 20% of the standard unemployment insurance benefit). Click here for more.
Updates from the State can be found here.
Los Angeles County’s Small Business Stabilization Loan Program
The Los Angeles County’s Small Business Stabilization Loan Program is available through April 16 or until $20 million in funding requests have been received. Mid-month, more than $18 million in funding requests were received by the Los Angeles County Development Authority. Loans range from $50,000 to $3 million. Eligible businesses must have been in operation for the last two years and need money for working capital, equipment purchases, real estate acquisition or refinancing of existing loans. Businesses can visit BizStabilization.lacda.org for more information.

Guidance for Ventilation at Workplace Settings
An important approach to lowering the concentrations of indoor air pollutants or contaminants including any viruses that may be in the air is to increase ventilation. This document provides information on how to improve ventilation through improving air circulation and air filtration. It’s important to take steps in increasing air circulation and improving air filtration to protect staff and customers.
Los Angeles COVID-19 Resources
The City of Los Angeles has compiled an extensive list of resources and financial aid programs available to local small businesses. Click here to access the site.
Free Webinars: Starting & Growing Your Business
Do you want to turn your dream into a reality this year? Join the LA Law Library for their free workshops to get all the tips you need! Grow your current business or transform your passion into your purpose. 
Does your business need help optimizing or creating a website? Do you need help optimizing or creating business listings and a digital presence? Mayor Eric Garcetti launched LA Optimized to help small businesses adapt to the rapid shifts in consumer behavior and technological advances by empowering them to boost their digital marketing, maximize their online business listings, create or optimize their websites, and increase their knowledge and presence in the e-commerce space - all at no cost to businesses. 

In addition, this program will provide grants to select creatives (photographers, graphic designers, videographers, writers, etc) for providing creative and digital content
services including branding, videography, photography, website copy, and
graphic design to small businesses. 

If you are a business owner interested in the program, please learn more here.
If you are a creative professional interested in supporting businesses, please apply here.

Applications will be
accepted on a rolling basis until September 1, 2021.
LA County is helping train businesses on the implementation of COVID-19 safety protocols through a no-cost online training course called the COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certification Program (CSCCP). Once completed, business owners receive a certificate, and window seal to display on their storefront, which can reassure employees and customers alike that the business is following COVID-19 infection control and physical distancing requirements.
If you have not yet completed the CSCCP course or want to learn more about it, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/covid19cert.htm. Help support your employees, customers, and community while on the Road to Recovery.
Virtual Meetings and Webinars
Reminders for programs you may be aware of.
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About Encino Chamber of Commerce 
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at our next event. Please log on to our web site at
 
 
Encino Chamber of Commerce
4933 Balboa Blvd.
Encino, California 91316
  
(818) 789-4711
 
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