The article below was shared with CSSA by one of our members. It describes a Facebook group that matches owners of RV's with first-line responders, providing temporary housing to help fight the coronavirus.

You may want to offer this idea to some of your RV/trailer tenants.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/01/us/coronavirus-rvs-4-mds-healthcare-isolate-trnd/index.html?ofs=fbia

Wednesday, April 1^st, Governor Gavin Newsom held his daily briefing at noon PDT to provide an update on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.   The press conference concluded at approximately 1:00 PM PDT.

Today, Newsom lead with the latest COVID-19 hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) patient figures.  The number of coronavirus hospitalizations is now 1,855.  Newsom says that figure represents a tripling from a few days ago and is key to his focus on a surge of infections.  The number of coronavirus patients in ICU beds is 774, a 16.4 percent increase from the day before.

Jumping off this data, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services (CHHS) Dr. Mark Ghaly gave a brief presentation using slides to show some of the modeling state officials have relied on when developing COVID-19 policies and guidance.  Ghaly stated that California is indeed flattening the curve but that the state is still on track to outstrip hospital capacity in mid-May.

On education, Newsom confirmed that schools will remain closed for the rest of this academic year.  "It seems self-evident that we should not prepare to bring our children back into the school setting," Newsom says.  Further, the Governor said that the federal government has granted a waiver on distributing food to kids in need.   He also announced that the state is partnering with Google to provide internet access and thousands of Chromebooks computers so that California students can learn remotely.

Newsom was joined by California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond who spoke by phone.  Thurmond offered a few remarks regarding distance learning.  Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, President of the State Board of Education,  was also on the phone and stated that additional guidance related to graduation requirements, grading and more will be released later today.  Further, Newsom plans to sign an Executive Order (EO) "in the next day or so" on child care needs as it relates to schools being closed.

With regards to California Health Corps, Newsom said more than 34,000 people have applied in just two days.

Additionally, an update was provided on masks/facial coverings.  However, Newsom stressed that masks/facial coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing or staying-at-home.  Dr. Sonia Angell, the Director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH),  added that –in short— there may be some benefit from using these, but only when they are used correctly.   Guidance on this issue is also forthcoming.

As of March 30^th, there are a total of 6,932 positive cases and 150 deaths in California.  Also, approximately 86,100+ tests had been conducted in California. At least 28,704 results have been received and another 57,400 are pending.  More information can be found here.

Also, the https://www.covid19.ca.gov/ website is being updated continuously.   A complete list of the state’s ongoing COVID-19 response efforts here and below:

Naomi Padron

Legislative Advocate

McHugh Koepke & Associates

1121 L Street, Suite 103

Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 930-1993

www.mchughgr.com

The Small Business Administration Coronavirus Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources: CLICK HERE 

SBA will be providing a number of Disaster Assistance Loans: 

SBA Disaster Assistance Loans

A number of these disaster relief loans and programs may be available to self storage businesses. Read through these carefully and apply early. There are several banks and financial assistance counselors that can help make application for these programs.

Today, April 1, 2020 a number of provisions in the FFCRA (Families First Coronavirus Response Act) went into place. The following Department of Labor link answers a number of these issues in a Q & A format:

FFCRA Q & A

Information from CEA (CA Employers Association) : New Required Poster to Post Today! Part of the FFCRA mandates employers to post the notice regarding Employee Rights Under the FFCRA – Sick Leave and Expanded FMLA. This new law is effective April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Be sure to post this non-federal Employer Version. Employers may also satisfy the posting requirement by emailing or direct mailing this notice to employees or posting it on your internal or external website. More information about these requirements and other impacts on employers due to COVID-19 are available on our website. We also have free webinars coming up to keep you informed! Make sure you are subscribed to our emails to stay up to date with the latest news! Join our monthly newsletter and follow our weekly blog >> Questions?  Please call 800.399.5331 or email us at CEAinfo@employers.org

UPDATED MARCH 31: List of business closure and shelter-in-place orders 

Daniel Bryant, SSA - posted on 3/24/2020 12:04:00 PM

California:

• Governor issued a statewide order, directing all residents to stay at home except as needed to maintain critical infrastructure sectors. The list is here.  Currently, self storage is considered critical. It appears that the state order supersedes any more restrictive orders, which are discussed below, but we have heard of police enforcing local orders.
• March 11 California Department of Public Health policy limits gatherings to no more than 250 people.
• Check back here for additional updates. 
• Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Contra Costa, Sonoma, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Yolo, and Alameda counties have also issued stay at home mandates.
• Operators must review those orders in the context of whether storage operations in those jurisdictions must cease. There may be a reasonable argument that those storage businesses may remain open. The order from San Mateo for example states “All businesses except Essential Businesses are required to cease all activities at facilities located within the County except Minimum Basic Operations. It does define essential businesses further and the following could potentially be used to make an argument to be considered an essential business: First, Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home or Second, Businesses that supply other essential businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate. Even if an operator believes they are not “essential,” there is another carve out for “minimum basic operations.” The San Mateo order states, “Minimum Basic Operations” include the following: The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions.” As such, an operator could take the position that having one or two employees onsite is necessary to maintain minimum basic operations at the facility.
• However, this language is specific to the San Mateo shelter in place order. All operators in California must carefully review the shelter in place directives and make an independent judgement as to its application to their business.
• See more information in the FAQs here.

On March 27, 2020 LA City Council passed Ordinance # 186585. which was approved by Mayor Garcetti on March 31, 2020. This ordinance temporarily prohibits evictions of residential and commercial tenants for failure to pay rent. CLICK HERE to view ordinance. 

The LA City Ordinance goes on to specify that tenants have up to three months following the expiration of the local emergency to pay past due rent.

When asked if this applies to self storage, Joe Doherty, SSA Legal Counsel stated, "Generally speaking, absent definitions clearly to the contrary, I read any ordinance prohibiting commercial eviction to apply to self storage."

We encourage all self storage operators to become familiar with their own city and county ordinances. Should you have an eviction order in place it may extend to your business operations. As with all items concerning your business operation during this unique state of emergency, we recommend you consult with your attorney for specific legal advice. 

The California Employers Association (CEA) have published a number of articles and resources to help you manage your business with all the orders and restrictions due to Coronavirus..

EMERGENCY LEAVE UNDER FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT On March 18, the federal government approved the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Read More...   Layoffs, Furloughs, and More When there is a slowdown in your business or you are mandated to cease or Read More...   COVID 19 Required Postings & Resources There are a number of important resources for employers relating to COVID-19, including Read More...     LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR STAY OVER THERE Who thought we would ever say this to our neighbors or our co-workers? Yet, these Read More...   Saving Jobs Through a Work Share Plan The entire world is vigilant as the COVID-19 pandemic enters the workforce leaving Read More...   How to Manage Remote Workers Remote work may be an option or, in times of emergency, a requirement Read More...           View as Webpage Visit Website Log in to Website

Tuesday, March 31^st, Governor Gavin Newsom held a press conference to announce the launch of an initiative aimed at helping  “older Californians stay connected while they stay home during the COVID-19 outbreak.”  He said California has created a statewide hotline -- 833-544-2374 -- in coordination with the non-profit local 2-1-1 systems, so that Californians have a one-stop shop to answer their questions and get assistance during this crisis.   A copy of the news release can be found here.

Additionally, during the press conference, Newsom provided an update on the state’s response to the pandemic.   The press conference concluded at approximately 12:50 PM.

                         

Newsom opened his remarks by stating that in the last 24 hours over 25,000 healthcare professionals have already signed up for the California Health Corps, which was announced yesterday, to aid with the coronavirus surge.  Given this response, Newsom does not expect California will need to bring in healthcare professionals from other states.

Additionally, he said California will likely announce new guidelines soon on whether the general public should wear masks.

Consistent with the last several days, Newsom offered the latest COVID-19 hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) patient figures.  The number of coronavirus hospitalizations is now 1,617.  The number of coronavirus patients in ICU beds is 657.

During the Q&A portion of the press conference, Newsom was asked about unemployment numbers.   Newsom said that more than 150,000 Californians filed for unemployment insurance yesterday, which is a record.   There are now more 1.6 million people who have applied in total during the crisis.

When asked about the legislative calendar going forward, Newsom stressed how “fluid” the situation is but did not provide a concrete update – saying "there is no time certain to come back into session.” He said he spoke to Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon this morning.  Newsom said reconvening is ultimately the call of legislative leadership, not his, but he said the Legislature is listening to health officials.

Newsom also said his office is working on doing more with the eviction moratorium he signed last week, saying small businesses are top of mind for him. That EO temporarily suspended evictions for those who cannot pay rent because of COVID-19, however, the order did not apply to commercial renters.

His office is also working with grocery stores and unions to give workers more protection, including breaks to wash their hands and protective equipment.

As an update to yesterday’s call with school superintendents, Newsom said "we are working together" to come up with "a robust framework" on what will happen next.  He also said he expects an official announcement from the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction within the next couple of days.

As a reminder, beginning this week, Newsom will hold his daily briefings at noon PDT. The updates will be streamed at the @CAgovernor Twitter page and California Governor Facebook page.

On Monday, March 30^th,  Newsom signed an “omnibus” executive order (EO) that will provide tax, regulatory and licensing extensions for businesses.   Among several other things, the executive order allows the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) to offer a 90-day extension for tax returns and tax payments for all businesses filing a return for less than $1 million in taxes.  Another declaration makes it easier for companies to hold remote shareholder meetings prior to June 30, 2020.   The EO also says that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin accepting license renewals through the mail under the order.  Additionally, the EO pushes back the deadline for the transfer of Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to the California Health and Human Services Agency.  Please note that this EO is six pages long and wide-ranging.  A copy of the EO can be found here, and the text of the order can be found here.  A copy of the Governor’s Office press release can be found here.

As of March 29^th, 2 PM Pacific Daylight Time, there are a total of 5,763 positive cases and 135 deaths in California (including one non-California resident).  More information can be found here.

Also, the https://www.covid19.ca.gov/ website is being updated continuously.   A complete list of the state’s ongoing COVID-19 response efforts here and below:

• The Governor issued an executive order banning the enforcement of eviction orders for renters affected by COVID-19 through May 31, 2020. (3/27/2020)
• The Governor issued an executive order enabling the Chief Justice to take emergency actions for the state’s courts to be able to conduct business during the COVID-19 pandemic. (3/27/2020)
• Governor Newsom secured a major financial relief package – financial institutions will provide a 90-day grace period for mortgage payments and will not negatively impact credit reports for Californians accessing payment relief. (3/25/2020)
• The Governor issued an executive order directing the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to temporarily halt intake of inmates and youth into the state’s 35 prisons and four youth correctional facilities. (3/24/2020)
• The state is moving to videoconferencing of all scheduled parole suitability hearings starting next month. (3/24/2020)
• California awarded $100 million to cities, counties and continuums of care to help people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. (3/23/2020)
• California State Parks is working closely with local county and public health officials to modify park operations by closing vehicular traffic at some park units to reduce the density of visitors. (3/23/2020)
• The state secured a presidential Major Disaster Declaration, which makes federal funding available to state, tribal and local governments for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, and makes funding available for crisis counseling for impacted individuals. (3/22/2020)
• California requested and received Personal Protective Equipment from the Strategic National Stockpile. (3/21/2020)
• The state is leasing two hospitals to increase availability of beds for COVID-19 patients. (3/21/2020)
• California is directing more than $42 million in emergency funding to expand California’s health care infrastructure and secure equipment and services to support California’s response to COVID-19. (3/21/2020)
• The Governor issued an executive order giving the state the ability to increase the health care capacity in clinics, mobile health care units and adult day health care facilities. (3/21/2020)
• California launched a partnership Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign with com and California Volunteers to safely deploy volunteers to help the most vulnerable Californians. (3/20/2020)
• The Governor activated close to 500 members of the California National Guard to help distribute food at food banks and protect California’s most vulnerable residents. (3/20/2020)
• The Governor issued an executive order to permit vote-by-mail procedures to be used in three upcoming special elections, protecting public health and safety during the COVID-19 outbreak. (3/20/2020)
• The California Department of Human Resources issued directives to departments on how to manage the state workforce to keep employees safe while continuing to provide Californians critical support and services. (3/19/2020)
• The Department of Food and Agriculture published a resource page for the agricultural sector. (3/19/2020)
• The Governor requested immediate deployment of the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship to the Port of Los Angeles to decompress the state’s health care delivery system in Los Angeles. (3/19/2020)
• The state requested federal assistance to supplement California’s efforts to prepare for a COVID-19 surge. (3/19/2020)
• The Governor issued a stay-at-home order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians and slow the spread of COVID-19. (3/19/2020)
• The Department of Motor Vehicles cancelled behind-the-wheel drive tests, suspended extended office hours and moved to appointment-only service for transactions requiring an in-person visit. (3/18/2020)
• California launched a consumer-friendly website and public service announcements to boost COVID-19 awareness. (3/18/2020)
• The Governor issued an executive order providing flexibility to local governments to spend their emergency homelessness funding on immediate solutions tailored to combatting COVID-19 and its impacts on the homeless population. (3/18/2020)
• The Governor directed the first allocation of the $500 million in emergency funding recently authorized by the Legislature for COVID-19 related activities – $150 million for local emergency homelessness actions. (3/18/2020)
• California is securing1,309 travel trailers and hundreds of hotels rooms to provide immediate housing options for those most at risk. (3/18/2020)
• The Governor issued an executive order to ensure Californians who rely on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKS, Cash Assistance for immigrants and in-home supportive services will not lose access due to COVID-19. (3/18/2020)
• The Governor issued an executive order to suspend standardized testing to focus on the mental and socioemotional well-being of students. (3/18/2020)
• The Governor placed the National Guard on alert to support COVID-19 community readiness. (3/17/2020)
• The state secured SBA disaster assistance for California small businesses economically impacted by COVID-19. (3/17/2020)
• The state removed barriers to make it easier for California to quickly and effectively provide care to about 13 million Medi-Cal beneficiaries and expand telehealth options. (3/17/2020)
• The Governor issued an executive order to ensure vital goods can be delivered to California retailers in a timely manner during the COVID-19 outbreak. (3/17/2020)
• The Governor requested and signed emergency legislation providing up to $1 billion in funding to help California fight COVID-19. (3/17/2020)
• California released guidance and resources for schools to plan and implement distance learning and school meal delivery. (3/17/2020)
• State health and emergency officials directed bars and clubs to close and restaurants to open only for drive-through or pick-up/delivery. (3/17/2020)
• The state issued guidance for vulnerable Californians– older residents (65+) and those with underlying health conditions – to isolate at home. (3/16/2020)
• The Governor issued an executive order to protect the health and safety of Californians most vulnerable to COVID-19 residing at health care, residential and non-residential facilities licensed by the state. (3/16/2020)
• California Volunteers created a resource page on how Californians can safely help their communities during COVID-19. (3/16/2020)
• The Governor issued an executive order that authorizes local governments to halt evictions for renters and homeowners, slows foreclosures, and protects against utility shutoffs for Californians affected by COVID-19. (3/16/2020)
• The Department of Motor Vehicles is allowing customers to avoid coming into the DMV office for 60 days so that at-risk populations can avoid required visits and practice social distancing. (3/16/2020)
• EDD is encouraging employers who are experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the outbreak’s impact on the economy to apply for an Unemployment Insurance work sharing program. (3/13/2020)
• In partnership with federal and local government, California managed the safe disembarkation and treatment of passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship. (3/13/2020)
• Californians unable to work because they are caring for an ill or quarantined family member can file a Paid Family Leave (3/13/2020)
• The California Employment Development Department (EDD) is encouraging individuals who are unable to work due to exposure to COVID-19 to file a Disability Insurance claim. (3/13/2020)
• The Franchise Tax Board is providing a 90-day extension to file California tax returns for taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. (3/13/2020)
• Caltrans launched a statewide educational campaign on more than 700 electronic highway signs, urging all Californians to be more diligent about containing the spread of the virus. (3/13/2020)
• The Governor issued an executive order to ensure schools retain state funding even in the event of a COVID-19 physical closure. (3/13/2020)
• The Governor issued an executive order removing the waiting period for unemployment and disability insurance for Californians who lose work as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and readying the state to commandeer hotels and medical facilities. (3/12/2020)
• The state is allowing local and state legislative bodies to hold meetings via conference calls while still meeting state transparency requirements. (3/12/2020)
• The state directed mass gatherings be postponed or cancelled to slow the spread of the virus. (3/11/2020)
• The California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency released guidance for homeless assistance providers in the state. (3/10/2020)
• California obtained approval to provide meal service during school closures to minimize potential exposure to COVID-19. (3/7/2020)
• California activated the State Operations Center and the Medical and Health Coordination Center to coordinate response efforts across the state. (3/6/2020)
• 24 million more Californians were made eligible for free medically necessary COVID-19 testing. (3/5/2020)
• The Governor declared a State of Emergency to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the state prepare for broader spread of COVID-19. (3/4/2020)
• California made available some of its emergency planning reserves of 21 million N95 filtering facepiece masks for use in certain health care settings to ease shortages of personal protective equipment. (3/3/2020)
• The state secured COVID-19 test kits from the CDC to help get results sooner, identify and treat cases and trace potential exposure. (2/28/2020)
• The California Department of Public Health is coordinating with federal authorities and local health departments that have implemented screening, monitoring and, in some cases, quarantine of returning travelers. (Ongoing)
• The California Department of Public Health’s state laboratory in Richmond and 21 other public health department laboratories are testing for the virus that causes COVID-19. (Ongoing)
• The state’s public health experts are providing information, guidance documents, and technical support to local health departments, health care facilities, providers, schools, universities, colleges, elder care and congregate living facilities, childcare facilities and homeless shelters across California. (Ongoing)
• The state is piloting Community Based Testing Sites for high-risk individuals in partnership with Verily. (Ongoing)

Naomi Padron

Legislative Advocate

McHugh Koepke & Associates

1121 L Street, Suite 103

Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 930-1993

www.mchughgr.com

Self Storage Issues and the Coronavirus

Webinar recording: : https://www.selfstorage.org/Products-Services/Public-Library

Held Thursday, April 2  

Joe Doherty and Daniel Bryant discussed Business Closures, Federal Leave Law, Evictions/Foreclosures and Price Gouging.