April 1, 2020
UPDATE REGARDING THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS ("COVID-19"):
A Message From The Supervisor:
As our City is coping with the effects of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19"), I wanted to let each of you know that my office is working hard to stay up-to-date on all fronts so that you all can be informed of what is happening locally, statewide, and nationally. Lastly, please don't hesitate to email us at SafaiStaff@sfgov.org and we will immediately respond.
Thank you all for your time, we will get through this collectively.
Sincerely,
Supervisor Ahsha Safai
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CENSUS 2020: DUE TODAY, APRIL 1, 2020:
Today is the last day for you to fill-out the Census, please do so if you have not. Why does the Census matter? First, it is tied to our representation in our U.S. Congress because any increase in any one state’s population means that there has to be adequate representation in the federal government reflective of that growth. Second, the Census is tied to federal funding and the data provided impacts communities for the next decade. You can fill-out/respond to the Census online, by phone, or by mail.
To learn more, please click here:
https://2020census.gov/en.html
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California Launches Statewide Hotline To Ensure Seniors Stay Connected and Healthy During This Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic: 1-833-544-2374:
On March 31, 2020, California Governor Newsom announced the creation of a statewide hotline – 1-833-544-2374 – 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. For example, it can be used to access grocery and medication delivery while staying at home.
The goal is to help our seniors stay connected and healthy while dealing with the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”).
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California Launches A New Campaign To Help The Most Vulnerable: Stay Home. Save Lives. Check In.
On March 31, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the “Stay Home. Save Lives. Check In.” campaign in an effort to help fend off isolation and food insecurity among Californians who are over the age of 65 (a group that is vulnerable to COVID-19). The campaign urges all Californians to check in on their older neighbors with a call, text, or physically-distanced door knock to make sure they are okay. Lastly, the state is urging local non-profits and faith-based organizations to call to check-in on all of the older Californians in their networks.
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San Francisco Launches Citywide Volunteer Match Program to Support Seniors and People With Disabilities: Mon Ami:
Today, Mayor London Breed announced the creation of a new volunteer match opportunity – Mon Ami. Mon Ami normally coordinates in-person visits to isolated seniors using its app. However, with the in-person visits on hold, the app has been repurposed to enable volunteers to call isolated seniors for friendly check-ins and to coordinate errand runs for groceries, prescriptions, and other essentials. In partnership with the City, Mon Ami will provide free access to its smartphone app for the month of April to all impacted community members and volunteers.
To learn more, please click here:
https://app.monami.io/phone-bank/welcome
Lastly, as a friendly reminder and as highlighted in previous posts/updates, San Francisco already does have a centralized volunteer page for people who are interested. The COVID-19 Emergency Response Volunteer (“CERV”) program was created in partnership between the City and the Shanti Project.
To learn more about CERV, please click here:
https://sf.gov/be-emergency-volunteer
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California Volunteers and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Launches Their Neighbor-To-Neighbor Campaign:
The California Volunteers and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) was launched to help older Californians and those who need food assistance, for example, having groceries delivered to your home. CERT most recently launched its newest campaign – Neighbor-to-Neighbor – which calls on neighbors to be the first line of support for California’s most vulnerable
To learn more, please click here:
https://californiavolunteers.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/116/2020/03/CA-COVID19-Neighbor-Check-ins.pdf
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Federal Government Assistance for Small Businesses: The Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP"):
The Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP is managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
Some important facts below.
FULLY FORGIVEN LOANS:
Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.
MUST KEEP EMPLOYEES ON THE PAYROLL -- OR REHIRE QUICKLY:
Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease.
ALL SMALL BUSINESSES ARE ELIGIBLE:
Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors— are eligible. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries.
WHEN TO APPLY:
Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. We encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap.
HOW TO APPLY:
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. All loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower. A list of participating lenders as well as additional information and full terms can be found at www.sba.gov.
Please note that the Paycheck Protection Program is implemented by the Small Business Administration ("SBA") with support from the Department of the Treasury. Lenders should also visit www.sba.gov or www.coronavirus.gov for more information.
If you want to take out a loan, please click here:
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses
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Mayor London Breed Announces Expanded Benefits and Leave Provisions for City Employees During This Emergency:
Today, Mayor London Breed announced (1) the expanded benefits and leave provisions for City employees during this emergency and (2) updated timeline for the City's budget process.
Supervisor Safai was instrumental in working behind the scenes to get these added benefits for all City employees and worked hand-in-hand with the Mayor to get this done, the following was his quote in the Mayor's Press Release for your convenience.
“With a projected budget shortfall ballooning for the upcoming City’s two-year budget because of the novel coronavirus, my number one priority is ensuring that San Franciscans weather not just this health crisis but the economic crisis too ... [t]he economic standstill and the resulting negative effects on San Franciscan’s day-to-day life is undeniable, many are hurting, but San Franciscans should know we will not leave them to fend for themselves. I am proud to have helped craft today’s plan, a plan that guarantees all of our frontline workers an additional two weeks or 80 hours of paid sick-leave to use during this public health crisis so that they can access life-saving care and resources is a win for everyone. We will get through this together and come out stronger, I know it.'”
Below, a summary of these added benefits.
(1) Brief Summary of Expanded Benefits and Leave Provisions for City Employees:
The expanded benefits for City employees include all of the following: (i) an additional 80 hours of paid sick leave to use for a variety of circumstances, including the impacts of school closures; (ii) the creation of a new program that establishes a City paid administrative leave program for any essential employee who is required to come to work, in the event they are diagnosed with COVID-19 or have confirmed COVID-19 symptoms; (iii) income security and paid leave for City employees through May 1, 2020; (iv) allowing for essential employees who are required to come to work to earn additional floating holidays; (v) increasing compensatory time off for the extra work employees perform during the emergency and waiving limits on how much vacation and compensatory time off they can accrue.
(2) Updated Timeline for the City's Budget Process
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the City's budget timeline will be delayed for two months. To allow for the necessary City response to COVID-19 and to ensure the City has enough time to incorporate changing economic projections into its budget process, the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors has agreed to an updated schedule for the FY 2020-21 and 2021-22 budget process. Mayor Breed will reissue Budget Instructions to departments in May and Departments are instructed to submit new department proposals to aid the Mayor in developing her balanced budget in June and July. June 1st, the Mayor will introduce a balanced interim budget at the Board of Supervisors. The Mayor will introduce a balanced interim budget at the Board of Supervisors. The Mayor will introduce the full two-year FY 2020-21 and FY 2021-22 balanced budget by August 1st. Following the Budget and Finance Committee Phase and the full Board phase, the budget will go to Mayor Breed for her approval and signature by October 1, 2020.
Currently, the City estimates that the prior deficit of $420 million for the upcoming two-year budget from earlier this year will increase to between $1.1 to $1.7 billion, driven by revenue shortfalls related to the public health crisis. |
Closure of the Tax Collector's In-Person Payment Location During San Francisco's Shelter-In-Place After the Board of Supervisors Votes On An Imperative Item:
On March 31, 2020, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Board President Norman Yee (District 7) and Supervisor Safai clarifying that the new Property Tax Deadline will be moved to May 4, 2020 without anyone incurring any late penalties.
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California Governor Newsom Announces a 90-Day Relief for Homeowners -- California State’s 90-Day Mortgage Payment Relief During the COVID-19 Crisis:
On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that almost 200 state-chartered banks, along with the country’s four major banks (J.P. Morgan Chase, CitiBank, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo), and credit unions have agreed to a 90-day grace period for mortgage payments for Californians.
Below, a summary of what this means for you.
90-Day Grace Period for Mortgage Payments:
Financial institutions will offer, consistent with applicable guidelines, mortgage payment forbearances of up to 90 days to borrowers economically impacted by COVID-19. In addition, those institutions will:
- Provide borrowers a streamlined process to request a forbearance for COVID-19-related reasons, supported with available documentation;
- Confirm approval of and terms of forbearance program; and
- Provide borrowers the opportunity to request additional relief, as practicable, upon continued showing of hardship due to COVID-19.
No Negative Credit Impacts Resulting from Relief:
Financial institutions will not report derogatory tradelines (e.g., late payments) to credit reporting agencies, consistent with applicable guidelines, for borrowers taking advantage of COVID-19-related relief.
Moratorium on Initiating Foreclosure Sales or Evictions:
For at least 60 days, financial institutions will not initiate foreclosure sales or evictions, consistent with applicable guidelines.
Relief from Fees and Charges:
For at least 90 days, financial institutions will waive or refund at least the following for customers who have requested assistance:
- Mortgage-related late fees; and
- Other fees, including early CD withdrawals (subject to applicable federal regulations).
To apply, please click here:
https://covid19.ca.gov/get-financial-help/#top |
San Francisco Moratorium Website For Your Convenience:
On March 23, 2020, Mayor Breed ordered that no landlord may attempt to recover possession of a residential unit unless due to violence, threats of violence, or health and safety issues. This moratorium will last for 60 days after the Mayor’s Order expires. The Order is set to expire on April 22, 2020 , which means the moratorium would last until June 21, 2020, unless the Mayor extends the Expiration Date further.
For more information and to stay up-to-date on this subject, please click here:
https://sf.gov/news/about-citys-temporary-moratoriums-residential-evictions
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San Francisco Property Tax Services – April 10, 2020 Deadline OR Apply For a Penalty Waiver:
On April 10, 2020, San Francisco’s homeowners know that property taxes are due locally and that that is still the deadline, the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector cannot change state law (which sets this deadline). However, San Francisco’s Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector still urges everyone to please pay on time but if you can’t pay on time for reasons related to the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) you should submit a request for a penalty waiver online.
To apply for a Penalty Waiver, please click here:
https://sftreasurer.org/business/manage-your-business/penalty-waiver-refund-request
Please note, that currently City Hall is closed to the public and, therefore, not accepting in-person payments. To make a property tax payment you must pay by US mail or online, to pay online please click here:
https://sftreasurer.org/property/make-property-tax-payment
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San Francisco's Shelter-In-Place (Stay-at-Home) Health Order:
New Shelter-In-Place Order Implemented On March 31, 2020:
On March 31, 2020, a new Shelter-In-Place was ordered by the Health Officer. This new Order replaces the earlier March 17, 2020 shelter-in-place order. Below, a summary of the five (i-v) significant changes made and a link to the Order itself.
(i) When people leave their residence as allowed by this Order, they are ordered in most situations to strictly comply with designated Social Distancing Requirements when interacting with anyone outside their household.
(ii) Outdoor recreation activities are further limited and additional recreation facilities must be closed. People cannot participate in outdoor activities that involve shared equipment, such as frisbee, soccer, or basketball, with any person outside of their own household or living unit, and areas with shared equipment and facilities like playgrounds, picnic areas, dog parks, golf courses, tennis courts, and pools must close. To prevent crowding, San Francisco may adopt further restrictions on use of parks and access to beaches, including possible closure.
(iii) What businesses constitute Essential Businesses is further clarified and limited. Essential businesses must maximize the number of employees who work from home and must generally scale down operations that are not considered essential. Businesses that sell food, groceries, or cleaning products combined with nonessential products may continue to operate only if the portion of essential products they sell is a significant part of their business. There is also a new requirement that each Essential Business, such as a bank, grocery store, pharmacy, or restaurant open for takeout or delivery, must prepare, post, and implement a written protocol, in a form attached to the Order, tailored for that business, to protect customers and employees through designated social distance requirements. And Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home are no longer Essential Businesses under the Order and must close stores open to the public in San Francisco.
(iv) In addition to continuing to urge government agencies to provide shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness, the Order urges government agencies and other service providers to take steps to protect that population, including requiring social distancing in shelters and other facilities, providing hand sanitation for individuals who remain unhoused and ensuring 12 feet x 12 feet distancing for tents in encampments.
(v) The Order provides that only certain limited types of construction are permitted to continue, including healthcare projects directly related to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, housing and mixed use projects that includes at least 10% affordable housing, projects that provide services to vulnerable populations, projects required to maintain safety, sanitation, and habitability of residences and commercial buildings; and construction necessary to secure an existing construction site that must shut down. The Health Officer may issue guidance requiring construction site-specific health and safety plans. The Order also provides for San Francisco to limit public works construction to essential public works projects as determined by the City Administrator in consultation with the Health Officer. All other construction is prohibited.
Link to the March 31, 2020 Health Order:
https://www.sfdph.org/dph/alerts/files/HealthOfficerOrder-C19-07b-ShelterInPlace-03312020.pdf
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On March 16, 2020, the City issued a Public Health Order requiring people to stay at home ("shelter-in-place") except for essential needs, the order is in effect until April 7, 2020 and may be extended if necessary.
To read the Health Order, please click here:
https://www.sfdph.org/dph/alerts/files/HealthOrderC19-07-%20Shelter-in-Place.pdf
To stay up-to-date regarding the City's guidelines, orders, or regulations, please click here:
https://sf.gov/stay-home-except-essential-needs
California Statewide Order To Stay-At-Home Is Still In Effect:
On March 19, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statewide stay-at-home order, effective at midnight, in an attempt to slow down the spread of the COVID-19.
To read the Executive Order, please click here:
https://covid19.ca.gov/img/N-33-20.pdf
For more general information and to stay up-to-date as to how long this order will be in place, please click here:
https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/
The Order is still in effect, we thank each of you for complying with the order and saving lives. Thank you!
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