September 21, 2020
Community Development Department
Business Update
FAQ Updates, Farmworker Assistance Deadline, Upcoming Webinars, and Other News
The County of Ventura released an update on a series of new FAQs that affect businesses. To read the full text, go to the FAQ page by clicking here.

Art Schools
Can Art Schools be open?
Non accredited art schools that perform after school youth and adult programs can operate under the Day Camps and Cohorts guidance. The business must register to be open at www.VCreopens.com.
 
Golf
Can two people, not from the same household, use the same golf cart?
Yes, if they use a partition in the golf cart. View an example of a partition here.
 
Medical Massage and Skin care
Is massage, including medical massage, allowed at this time?
Medical Massage is massage that is done based on a referral from a doctor or chiropractor. Medical Massage can be done indoors as it is considered essential as healthcare and therefore not under personal services. It is not limited by whether it is in a healthcare setting. Providers of medical massage must keep patient records of the medical referral.
 
Non-medical massage is only allowed outdoors during Tier 1 (Purple) but must be approved by the local jurisdiction that the business is located in. Outdoor operations may be conducted under a tent, canopy, or other sun shelter, but only as long as no more than one side is closed, allowing sufficient outdoor air movement.
 
Can personal services like skin care take place? 
Skin care can take place under the personal services guidance which is only allowed outdoors with modifications at this time. Outdoor operations may be conducted under a tent, canopy, or other sun shelter, but only as long as no more than one side is closed, allowing sufficient outdoor air movement. Masks must be worn at all times.
 
Live Music in Restaurants
Is live music allowed in outdoor restaurants?
Live music is allowed outdoors with the following modifications:
  • Live solo or duet (from same household) singers/musicians can perform outdoors at restaurants, bars, or wineries.
  • The soloist/duet must stay at least 20 feet away from patrons and not amplify the music to the point where people have to lean in to be heard.
  • The live music cannot cause people to gather. It should be for the benefit of the business patrons who are already seated and not to attract people to gather around the performers and/or stage.
  • All other local and state guidance must be followed.
 
Tanning Salons
Tanning salons are now under the Limited Services guidance which means they can take place indoors.
 
Can eyelash extensions be performed?
Eyelash extensions can be performed outdoors under the Personal Services Guidance. Outdoor operations may be conducted under a tent, canopy, or other sun shelter, but only as long as no more than one side is closed, allowing sufficient outdoor air movement.
 
Change in closure time
Breweries, wineries and similar establishments can be open for outdoor services until 11pm instead of the 10pm restriction.
 
Are Door-to-Door Sales, Solicitation, or Campaigning activities allowed?
Persons seeking signatures on voter initiatives or referendum, those campaigning for elected office and their campaign workers and census workers may engage with resident’s door-to-door, but must wear a mask, should maintain a 6-foot distance from residents whenever possible and should disinfect equipment, pens, clipboard, touch pads, shared materials and/or mobile terminals after each interaction. All other solicitors can leave materials such as door hangers or flyers at the doorstep, but cannot ring the doorbell, knock on the door or otherwise attempt to engage with residents.


Ventura County Farmworker Household Assistance Program Applications due September 30
Farmworkers with financial hardship due to COVID-19 can apply for a $1500 grant from the Ventura County Farmworker Household Assistance Program (FHAP), a program that is intended to serve as bridge funding for residential household expenses to help stabilize housing for low-income farmworkers who live in Ventura County and are at greatest risk of homelessness.

Read the eligibility requirements, FAQs, and how to apply here.


Upcoming Webinars:
Tuesday, September 22nd at 10AM

Thursday, September 24th at 12PM


EDD Not Accepting New Applications for Unemployment Insurance for Two Weeks
The Employment Development Department (EDD) of the State of California announced that they will not be accepting new unemployment insurance applications online from September 20 to October 4, 2020, while the EDD makes improvements to reduce processing time.

The new changes are said to ensure that the EDD will pay customers sooner by verifying identities in an easier, faster way. Once UI Online, their online portal, is available for new applications on October 5, 2020, claims will be backdated to cover this time period. Existing unemployment claims will not be impacted.

Applicants can fill out a form here to be notified when the UI Online system is back online.

Governor Signs Bills to Support Small Businesses
On September 9th, Governor Gavin Newsom signed three bills into law to support small businesses affected by COVID-19.

1) AB 1577 allows small businesses to exclude Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans that were forgiven from gross income for state taxes

2) SB 1447 authorizes a $100 million Main Street hiring tax credit program for qualified small businesses. The hiring credit will be equal to $1,000 for each net increase in qualified employees, up to $100,000 for each qualified small business employer.

3) SB 115 accelerates $230.5 million to help jumpstart construction projects.

For more information, read the Governor's press release here.
Need Help Growing Your Digital Business Presence?
Grow with Google image

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) announced a new workshop series designed to help California small businesses grow their digital footprints. Through a partnership with Google, they are hosting four free digital skills workshops intended to help small business owners understand how online tools can help them serve their customers and grow their business.

The dates and topics for the “Grow with Google” workshop series can be found below. To register, click here.

  • 09/22/2020: Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps: Learn about Google My Business – 10:00 AM PT A free tool for local businesses who want to connect with customers on Google Search and Maps. Get hands-on help creating or updating your business profile or a simple website.
  • 09/24/2020: Ponga su negocio local en Google Search y Maps – 10:00 AM PT Explore Google My Business, una herramienta gratuita para empresas que desean conectarse con clientes en Google Search y Maps.
  • 09/30/2020: Make Your Website Work for You – 10:00 AM PT In this presentation, learners will discover how to create a search-friendly website that drives user action and supports their goals. Whether launching a new website or sprucing up an old one, this workshop will help.
  • 10/07/2020: Use YouTube to Grow Your Business – 10:00 AM PT Get best practices for creating a YouTube Channel and compelling video content that promotes your products and services and drives engagement with your brand.
City Can Help Businesses Comply with Sustainable Practices

Californian’s have always been leaders when it comes to sustainable business practices.  The City of Oxnard’s Environmental Resources Division is available to assist businesses with reducing their waste by looking at ways to reduce, reuse and recycle much of what is commonly tossed into the trash bin.  But what are businesses exactly required to do?  

There are several state laws that relate to solid waste for which the City of Oxnard is responsible to administer.  These laws, as well as the associated rules/likely upcoming legislation, continue to emphasize the importance of source reduction, recycling and diversion of materials from landfill disposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.   

Here is an overview of laws pertaining to commercial solid waste disposal:
  • AB 939/SB 1322 - Integrated Waste Management Act requires each jurisdiction to establish programs to reduce, recycle or otherwise annually divert 50 percent of material from landfill disposal by 2000.  
  • AB 341 - Mandatory Commercial Recycling set a statewide diversion goal of 75 percent by 2020 and requires that any organization generating four (4) or more cubic yards of waste a week, or multi-family residences of five (5) or more units, must engage in recycling services. 
  • AB 1826 - Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling requires that any organization generating four (4) or more cubic yards of waste on a weekly basis, or multi-family residences of five (5) or more units, must engage in organic recycling services. 
  • SB 1383 - Short Lived Climate Pollutants establishes targets to achieve a 50 percent reduction in the statewide level of organic waste disposed of from the 2014 level by 2020 and a 75 percent reduction by 2025.  It establishes an additional target that not less than 20 percent of currently disposed edible food is recovered for human consumption by 2025.

While these ambitious goals may seem cumbersome for businesses to meet, especially in light of COVID-19 impacts, the state is not planning on dialing back any of these laws.  In fact, as California witnesses historic and devastating wildfires, severe drought conditions and property damage from sea level rise and storm surges, the importance of reducing our global greenhouse gas emissions is more urgent than ever.    

Oxnard’s Environmental Resources Division will help your business determine what level of recycling services is right for you.  For FREE assistance for your business, please contact [email protected] / (805) 200-2212 for more information.  You can also visit our website at https://www.oxnard.org/environmentalresources/.  

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Questions regarding business compliance? Contact Ventura County COVID-19 Business Compliance by email at [email protected] or call 805-202-1805.