Monthly Archives: April 2020
Apr 27 2020
Where to Buy Face Masks, Hand Sanitizer, and Gloves to Fight Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic #covid19

Many are asking, where can I buy masks and hand sanitizer. And even gloves. There was a run on face masks and hand sanitizer, and it seems that there will continue to be a high demand.

Some have found hand sanitizer from distilleries, which is a great source.

Masks can be found on local sites like NextDoor from neighbors who have worked together to make masks, many even offering the masks for free on neighborhood Little Libraries.

Masks, hand sanitizer and gloves are also available on sites like Craigslist.

eBay has a great selection of hand sanitizer, look at so many products from all over the world, including many local seller.

eBay also sells masks and gloves nitrile vinyl and latex varieties.

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Apr 24 2020
Open Letter to Charter Spectrum Regarding Handling of COVID19 Pandemic and Customers @Ask_Spectrum @CharterNewsroom @GetSpectrum

Dear Charter Executives,

I am writing this letter after being frustrated beyond words with your
customer facing representatives and the tactics being employed by your
company.

As a business, our revenue has dropped to zero. And most employees
have been laid off.

In my first communication with Spectrum related to our business
enterprise account it was hours on the phone to even speak with
someone. After this I was told that there would be no services
disconnected. Then I was told by another rep that it was only for 60
days.
Then I was told that we could request service suspensions. Which made
the most sense for us as there was nobody at our facility to watch TV
and we really only needed a few of our internet services, fiber and
coax internet. So I requested that the services on tv and some
internet lines be suspended. That was end of March, Now today after
receiving a threatening collections call yesterday about our account
being past due, The rep stated, pay the account or your services will
be disconnected, how would you like to pay.
I asked to speak to a manager, who stated the leadership changed their
mind and not accept suspension of services.
I have case numbers and the fact that this was not communicated and
the way it was communicated is of grave concern. Perhaps it ties to
revenue bottom line and accounts receivable. which is a terrible
practice.

Needless to say there was no clear direction communication offered.
This is in stark contrast with my communication with other companies
Verizon for Wireless and FiOS was a breeze, they offered suspension of
accounts saved us money and flagged our account for COVID19 bill
relief, no late fees, no disconnections.

Having been a Spectrum/Charter customer for many years, and paying
over $250,000 in service fees you would think that your company would
have better ways to handle business enterprise customers.

I trust your company will do the right thing for customers who are
affected. The last thing businesses need is more headaches.

cc:

 

email kathleen.mayo@chartercom.com did not bounce

Thomas M. Rutledge
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
email:

John Bickham
President and Chief Operating Officer

Bill Archer
Executive Vice President, President of Spectrum Enterprise
email: Bill.Archer@chartercom.com bounced

Catherine C. Bohigian
Executive Vice President, Government Affairs

Cameron Blanchard
Senior Vice President, Communications
email: Cameron.Blanchard@chartercom.com bounced

Cliff Hagan
Executive Vice President, Customer Operations
email: Cliff.Hagan@chartercom.com did not bounce

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Apr 24 2020
April 24th Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Efforts
Dear Friend,

I hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy during this difficult time. Our businesses, workers, and families are paying a heavy price to help us contain the coronavirus, and I want to share some updates on how we are working to help everybody weather this public health crisis together.

On April 23, 2020, Congress passed H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, by a vote of 388-5. The President then signed it into law on April 24. I was proud to vote for this $483 billion aid package because it provides additional relief for small businesses, funding for hospitals and healthcare providers, and funding to increase our rate of testing for COVID-19. Below are some of the resources that this law provides, as well as updates on direct cash assistance and unemployment insurance. For more information to help you and your family, please visit my resources page at chu.house.gov/COVIDHelp.

Small Business Loans

We need to keep businesses from going under and ensure workers remain paid. That’s why H.R. 266 provides an additional $310 billion for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses, 501(c)(3) nonprofits with 500 or fewer employees, and self-employed workers weather the economic storm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. $60 billion of this funding will be available for smaller lenders, like community banks and credit unions. This law also provides $10 billion to replenish the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), which provides immediate disaster grants of $10,000 to small business and nonprofits who have seen significant disruption in their business due to COVID-19.

I also understand that the PPP is not working as intended for every business. That is why on April 23, I spoke at a hearing of the Small Businesses Committee, of which I’m a member, and urged the committee to take additional action to ensure that the federal resources we have directed are reaching the businesses and workers who need them most. I sent a letter to the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration asking them to produce guidance that will require all applicants to PPP to be treated equally by the big banks. This is essential so that big banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo don’t just approve the applicants of their largest clients, and all small businesses have a fair shot. As the Chair of the Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations, you can rest assured that I will continue to fight to make sure these programs are working for the small businesses of the San Gabriel Valley.

If you or somebody you know has a small business impacted by COVID-19, please reach out to the Small Business Administration for more information HERE. If you are having problems applying for any of these programs, I encourage you to reach out to the SBA’s local resource partners in the San Gabriel Valley for assistance with your EIDL and PPP applications. You can speak to experts at the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) in Pasadena (pccsbdc.org or 626-585-3105) and La Verne (lavernesbdc.org or 909-448-1567). You can also call my office for assistance at 626-304-0110.

Resources for Healthcare Workers

In order to end this crisis as soon as possible, we must provide hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers with the supplies and funds they desperately need to fight back against COVID-19. I have spoken with healthcare providers from the San Gabriel Valley, and they have all requested more personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep them safe on the front lines of this fight, and additional funding to help offset the shock to the healthcare system as we both absorb COVID-19 patients and delay elective and non-essential procedures. I am proud that H.R. 266 delivers an additional $75 billion for hospitals and healthcare providers who have been stretched to the brink by this pandemic. However, we must continue to invest in our healthcare system so that we can contain this public health crisis.

Testing

Before we can reopen our economy, we must drastically increase our testing capabilities to understand the spread of the virus in our community. Democrats fought to include $25 billion in H.R. 266 for COVID-19 testing, including for active infections and previous exposure. These funds can be used for manufacturing and distributing tests, procuring supplies and PPE needed to administer tests, developing rapid point-of-care tests, and conducting surveillance and contact tracing. $1 billion of the testing funds can be used to cover tests for those without health insurance.

I’m pleased to say that testing has greatly expanded in the San Gabriel Valley. If you have symptoms, or believe you have been exposed to the virus, please call your doctor for further guidance. For additional information on the accessibility of testing in our area, please visit the websites for LA County and San Bernardino County.  Testing is free for everyone and testing appointments can usually be made within a few days.

Direct Cash Assistance

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been distributing direct cash assistance to eligible individuals and families since April 13. The first round of payments were sent to those who filed their 2018 or 2019 tax returns with direct deposit information. This also included Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries who filed federal tax returns that included direct deposit information. If you filed a tax return, but did not include your bank account information, you can check the status of your payment and update your direct deposit information through the “Get My Payment” portal. This will speed up the IRS’s ability to deliver your check.

If you were not required to file for federal income tax return for 2019, you are still eligible to receive direct cash assistance. The IRS has created the “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info” portal for those individuals to provide their necessary information and receive their payment as quickly as possible.

By the end of April, adult Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability insurance beneficiaries who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019 will receive their rebates if they receive their Social Security benefits via direct deposit. Adult SSI recipients will receive their rebate by early May at the latest, in the same way as they receive their normal benefits.

For more information on direct cash assistance, please visit the IRS FAQ webpage. If you are having trouble accessing your direct cash assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at 626-304-0110.

Unemployment Insurance

With an unprecedented number of people unable to work, or experiencing reduced hours, unemployment insurance is more important than ever.  The CARES Act (PL 116-136) expanded unemployment insurance and created the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides benefits to business owners, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, those with limited work history, and others not usually eligible for regular state UI benefits who have been impacted by the pandemic. On top of state unemployment benefits, PUA provides an additional $600 per week in federal unemployment benefits to individuals through July 31, 2020. The California Employment Development Department (EDD) will begin accepting online applications for PUA on Thursday, April 28. For the latest information about this program and to apply when it becomes available, please visit California’s PUA webpage.

Unemployment benefits are still available for those who are not business owners, self-employed, or independent contractors. If you or someone you know has lost their job or had their hours reduced for reasons related to COVID-19, please find more information about unemployment insurance on California’s EDD website.

Resources to Stay Informed

As of Friday, April 24, there have been over 39,684 positive cases of COVID-19 in California, 17,567 in Los Angeles County, and 263 in Pasadena. There have been at least 50,114 deaths across the United States. This situation is evolving rapidly, so to find the most up to date information on the situation from the local to international levels, please visit:

The health and safety of you and your loved ones is of the utmost importance. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call my Pasadena office at (626) 304-0110 or my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-5464.
Sincerely,

 

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Apr 15 2020
Preparing for the Stimulus Payment CARES Act ACH Deposit #covid19

You may be entitled to a one-time Stimulus Payment as part of the CARES Act. According to the Treasury Department, electronic Direct Deposit payments have already started being deposited and will continue over several weeks. For payments made by check, the Treasury Department said it will start mailing checks the week of April 20th and continue over several weeks.
How Can I Prepare?
To learn more, including who’s eligible, how payments will be received, payment amounts, and other information, you should visit the IRS directly. . The IRS is setting up a “Get My Payment”application to help you confirm your payment method (direct deposit or paper check) and check the status of your stimulus payment.

You can also click here to go right to the page to check.

What If I Want To Do Direct Deposit Into my Citi Account?
If the IRS has your Citibank account information from your 2018 or 2019 tax filing then you should receive your payment by direct deposit. Log in to Citi Online or download the Citi Mobile App to check if your stimulus payment has been deposited. The payment will appear in your recent transactions. You can also set up alerts to be notified when your stimulus payment is deposited.
If the IRS doesn’t have your Citibank account information, you can add your direct deposit information if your check hasn’t been mailed:

Find your Routing and Account Numbers on the Account Details page on Citi Online or by clicking on “View Routing Number & More” in the Citi Mobile App

You can also find the information at the bottom of your paper checks

What If I’m Getting A Paper Check?
If you receive a paper check, you must sign the back. Then you can:

Use Mobile Check Deposit in the Citi Mobile App – it’s the easiest and fastest way if you do not have direct deposit

Deposit the check at a local branch or at a Citi ATM that accepts deposits

If you need to withdraw cash, you have fee-free access to cash with your Citibank debit card at over 65,000 ATM locations nationwide, including ATMs at Target, Costco, Walgreens, CVS and Duane Reade.
Additional COVID-19 Updates
Visit citi.com/covid19 for the latest on account assistance as well as information on managing your account digitally, market insights, fraud prevention and more.

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Apr 13 2020
California EDD Federal Funds $600 Per Week Extra for COVID19 CARES Act Info #COVID19

This info was sent to me in an effort to better understand how the $600 Federal funds are factored into the benefits one can receive from being affected by the COVID19 pandemic.

 

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE INFORMATION

 

The following provides the latest available information on the efforts of the Employment

Development Department (EDD) to implement the new unemployment provisions of the

federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  Because developments are

occurring so quickly, we encourage you to check for updates on the EDD Coronavirus 2020

webpage. Here is the link. https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm

 

Another useful link from EDD that provides timely information for people who recently filed for

benefits  because they lost jobs or had their hours reduced due to the impacts of

the Coronavirus. https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/unemployment-claims.htm

 

What changes did the CARES Act make to Unemployment Insurance?

 

The CARES Act made several significant changes to the traditional Unemployment Insurance program.  More specifically, it 1) increased unemployment insurance by increasing benefits by $600 per week; 2) extended unemployment benefits by 13 weeks, and 3) expanded access by allowing part-time, self-employed and gig economy workers to access unemployment insurance benefits. Each of these changes is discussed in detail below.

 

Additional $600 payments for workers

 

The EDD is working on the programming needed to implement the extra $600 per week benefit payment paid by the federal government to workers collecting regular UI benefits. The basic unemployment benefit provided by EDD, plus $600 per week, would replace a large percentage of wages for many California workers.

 

That programming cannot be finalized until California and other states receive the details and final guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). It is EDD’s expectation that the extra benefit payments can begin soon and continue thereafter as bi-weekly payments are issued for unemployed Californians.

 

It always takes about three (3) weeks for most Californians to receive their first benefit payment if found eligible, with the exception primarily of wage and identity issues. However, after that first benefit payment, unemployed workers will have to answer basic certification questions every two weeks to receive bi-weekly payments as long as they remain eligible.

 

13-week extension of Unemployment Insurance benefits for those who exhaust their current benefits

 

The EDD is also awaiting final details to be able to start programming to grant an additional 13 weeks of federally paid unemployment benefits when an unemployed worker runs out of all of the benefits associated with their regular state-administered unemployment claim. In California, regular state benefit payments can be made for up to 26 weeks within a one-year timeframe.

 

 

 

What is the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program?

 

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a brand new program.

 

Who qualifies for PUA?

 

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program is for those who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits, including the self-employed and those who were previously on UI, but exhausted their benefits.

 

What will this program do?

 

This program will make those individuals eligible for UI, including the additional $600 per week and the 13 week extension of benefits when they run out of benefits associated with regular state-administered UI claims.  In California, regular state benefit payments can be made for up to 26 weeks within a one-year timeframe.

 

The EDD is working quickly with the California Department of Technology (CDT)/Office of Digital Innovation to develop the application needed to implement this new program to serve unemployed Californians who don’t usually qualify for regular UI benefits, including the self-employed.

 

Again, Californians should watch for updates on EDD’s website that will include instructions for workers who may have already applied for benefits and were not found eligible for the regular state-administered UI program.

 

What is the status of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program and its implementation?

 

The EDD is working on programing needed to implement the new provisions for the unemployed but, like all other states, they are currently awaiting further guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to complete that programming.

 

That includes all of the parameters needed to start paying an additional $600 to those receiving unemployment benefits in light of the impacts of the coronavirus, as well as to establish a new 13-week extension of benefits paid for by the federal government when someone exhausts their regular UI claim during an established timeline.

 

Individuals who are waiting for the availability of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance should monitor EDD’s website for updates on this federal program.  At this time, EDD believes that it is incorrect to assume that this group of individuals will be required to file for regular unemployment insurance and be denied those benefits in order to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.  Specific instructions on how to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will be available later on the EDD website.

 

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Apr 11 2020
COVID-19 Antibody Testing Labs Arcpoint labs @ARCpointFG #covid19
Company Logo
Due to high volume of inquiries please google “ARCpoint Labs near me” or click here to find a location near you. Our locations that are offering the COVID-19 Antibody testing have specific appointments available based off test availability. Stay safe!
In the meantime, check out our latest blog!
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Apr 10 2020
D’Addario From Drumheads to Face Shields Project Excelsior 100,000 Shields Per Week #covid19 #WeWillPlayOn @DaddarioandCo @EvansDrumheads

D’Addario’s engineering team has found a way to transform Evans G2 drumheads into protective face shields for medical workers battling the coronavirus pandemic. The goal is to be in production by April 27th and to quickly ramp up to a capacity of 100,000 face shields per week.

We plan to manufacture these shields as long as they’re needed in NY or anywhere around the globe. We’ve watched the incredible efforts of our healthcare and essential services workers all across the world with great admiration. While we cannot match the immeasurable efforts of these selfless heroes, we feel an immense responsibility to do our part in overcoming this crisis.

https://www.daddario.com/globalassets/article-pages/face-shields/faceshield_catcarousel_1177x540.png

We called this Project Excelsior after the New York State Motto, which means “Ever Upward” because it captured the extraordinary determination and can-do spirit of our small team of engineers and product designers. It also typifies our music company’s current credo during the crisis: #WeWillPlayOn.

 

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Apr 9 2020
Letter from Richard Ashworth President, Walgreens #covid19 @walgreens

Buy online pickup in store, .

free

 

 

Walgreens

April 9, 2020

Dear valued customer,

Over the last several weeks, our nation has faced one of the most challenging times in our history. There is one thing that has not changed: our company’s continued commitment to you and your families. Our pharmacists, store and distribution center teams are working hard to support the health and well-being of the communities we serve throughout the course of the pandemic. I want to share additional steps we are taking to respond to the crisis and keep you and our team members safe and healthy.

This week, we are providing face covers to our store and distribution center employees and continuing the installation of plexiglass shields in our stores to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. These measures are in addition to a number of other actions, such as an increased store cleaning regimen, adjusted store hours, and social distancing signage to protect you, your loved ones and our team members. We are hiring 10,000 temporary workers to ease the strain on our current employees and help those that are in need of work.

We’ve also taken a number of steps to help you receive the medications, digital health services and essentials you need while practicing social distancing including:

    • Expanded on-demand delivery with Postmates for customers nationwide*;
    • Drive thru options for select front-end products and prescriptions;
    • No delivery fees for all eligible prescriptions on next-day delivery;
    • Special shopping hours for seniors on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.; and
  • Additional telehealth services on our Walgreens Find Care platform.

You can find more information on all the steps we are taking to address the COVID-19 crisis on our website. We are in this together, and with the safety measures we are implementing for our team members and customers, we can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 while providing customers and patients with the products, services and support they need.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all our team members for the critical work they are doing every day to care for our customers and communities. And, I’d like to personally thank you for your patience and cooperation, and for choosing Walgreens to care for you and your families during these difficult times.

Stay safe,


Richard Ashworth
President, Walgreens


Walgreens Home Medical Deals

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Apr 9 2020
Garden-In-Place Web Workshops
Dear Garden Community Member,
Join UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners live online for a FREE Garden-in-Place workshop every Tuesday for the month of April @ 10:00 via Zoom! See the flyer and details below for meeting log-in details.

Workshops will include tips & tricks to make the most of your space (or lack thereof) for growing food to stretch your budget, supplement your diet, reduce excursions to the store, and get safely outside to enjoy the day! Your questions answered live. Bring your friends: perfect for experienced gardeners, no-experience gardeners and Brown Thumbs alike.

Zoom Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/575775359

Meeting Password: GrowFood

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Apr 5 2020
Eat More Citrus – Health Benefits
  1. A good source of fiber
  2. Good for your heart
  3. Low glycemic index
  4. shorten colds, citrus fruits are excellent disease fighters
  5. packed with potassium
  6. help you better absorb other nutrients
  7. hydrating
  8. might keep skin looking young
  9. weight loss staple
  10. they help prevent scurvy
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