April 10, 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 or call us at 1-415-554-6976 and we will immediately respond.
Thank you all for your time, cooperation, and perseverance -- we will all get through this!
Sincerely,
Supervisor Ahsha Safai
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Halt On All Evictions Throughout All Of California Effective Immediately – Whether Or Not Related To COVID-19 Pandemic -- Approved by California’s Judicial Council (California Court Leaders):
On April 6, 2020, California’s Judicial Council met and adopted eleven (11) emergency court rules and two of those effectively stop all evictions against renters. In ruling that eviction orders “threaten to remove people from the very homes they have been instructed to remain in” the action halts legal procedures used by property owners to initiate and enforce evictions.
So, what does this mean? It means that this rule is applicable to all courts and all evictions cases, whether they are based on a tenant’s missed rent payment or another reason (related to COVID-19 or not). The new court order will apply until 90 days after California Governor lifts the state of emergency related to COVID-19 pandemic OR until it is amended by the Judicial Council (i.e., as of now, it’s July 2020).
The Emergency Rules (1-2) regarding evictions:
- Prohibits a court from issuing a summons after a landlord files an eviction case, unless necessary to protect public health and safety. This means that, even if a landlord files an eviction case, the tenant will not be under the normal five-day deadline to respond. The time for the tenant to respond to a new eviction case will not begin until the rule is lifted, giving them time to seek out legal assistance and assuring that no tenant’s right to tell their side of the story in court is denied due to the emergency.
- Prohibits a court from entering an automatic default judgment against the tenant because the tenant failed to file a response, unless the court finds:
- The eviction is necessary to protect public health and safety; and
- The tenant failed to respond in the time required by law, including any extension that may apply due to the Governor’s Executive Order regarding evictions during the COVID19 emergency.
- For eviction cases where the tenant has responded or appeared, prohibits a court from setting the case for trial earlier than 60 days after a trial is requested, unless necessary to protect public health and safety.
- Requires any trial in an eviction case that was already scheduled as of April to be postponed until at least 60 days after the initial trial date.
In addition, Judicial Council adopted an emergency rule related to foreclosures (Emergency Rules 1-2).
These rules also applies until 90 days after the Governor lifts the COVID-19 state of emergency. The rules:
- Prohibits a court from taking any action or issuing any decisions or judgments unless necessary for public health and safety.
- Postpones any legal deadlines for filing foreclosure cases.
- Extends the period for exercising any rights in a foreclosure case, including any right of redemption from a foreclosure sale, or petitioning the court in relation to such a right.
Link to the 11 Emergency Rules adopted by the California Judicial Council on April 6, 2020:
https://jcc.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=8234474&GUID=79611543-6A40-465C-8B8B-D324F5CAE349
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NEW CITY PROGRAM: San Francisco Hardship Emergency Loan Program (SF Help)
The City’s new San Francisco Hardship Emergency Loan Program (SF HELP) will rapidly deploy loans up to $50,000 at 0% interest. Funds can be used to pay payroll, rent, utilities, inventory and more. The loan will have a flexible repayment schedule, with terms determined on a case-by-case basis, based on each borrower’s ability to repay.
Eligibility (7 requirements):
- Be a for-profit existing business located in SF (SF address) and in good standing
- Have total annual revenues under $2.5M
- Have a valid San Francisco Business License
- Be free of any city/county tax liens or judgments
- Have a business bank account
- Demonstrate a 25% drop in revenues since January 1, 2020
- Have 3 years remaining on lease
Loan Details:
- Up to $50,000
- 0% interest
- Up to 6-year terms
- No Fees
- No Collateral
Eligible Loan Uses Include (But Not Limited To):
- Working Capital (e.g., rent, utilities, payroll, supplies, etc.)
- Equipment
- Inventory
For more information, please click here:
https://mainstreetlaunch.org/contact-us/
To apply, please click here:
https://mainstreetlaunch.org/about-us/loan-inquiry/
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San Francisco Launches Text 9-1-1 Service:
Mayor London N. Breed and Department of Emergency Management Executive Director Mary Ellen Carroll announced a critical tool to help people who cannot safely call 9-1-1 during the COVID-19 Stay Home Order and beyond. Text to 9-1-1 is now available in San Francisco and provides a life-saving option for people in situations, including domestic violence, where it is too dangerous to dial 9-1-1.
San Francisco’s Text to 9-1-1 service is intended primarily for use in three emergency scenarios:
- When someone is in a situation where it is not safe to place a voice call to 9-1-1;
- When an individual is deaf, hard-of-hearing, or has a speech disability; and
- When a medical emergency arises that renders the person incapable of speaking.
In general, people with police, fire or medical emergencies should call 9-1-1 if they can and text 9-1-1 if they cannot. San Francisco public safety dispatchers are trained to receive emergency calls and text messages from their workstations. When texting 9-1-1 the initial message should be short and include the location of the emergency. The person texting should also ask for police, fire or medical assistance. The next step is to answer the dispatcher’s questions and follow the instructions of the public safety dispatcher. People are advised to keep responses and short and simple.
As San Franciscans follow the Stay Home Order to disrupt the spread of COVID-19, the City has seen greater percentage of emergency calls related to domestic violence. Since the March 16 stay home order, 9-1-1 calls have decreased by 24% while number of domestic violence calls has remained constant. From March 17 to April 8, 2019, San Francisco had 44,461 emergency calls with 459 related to domestic violence. During the same period in 2020, San Francisco had 33,875 emergency calls with 448 related to domestic violence.
Domestic violence is a crime and people experiencing domestic violence should call 9-1-1 if they can and text 9-1-1 if they cannot. The following resources are also available for people experiencing domestic violence in San Francisco:
Asian Women’s Shelter – 24 Hour Crisis Line
877-751-0880
San Francisco District Attorney Victims Services
415-553-9044
La Case de las Madres – 24 Hour Crisis Line
877-503-1850 (adults)
877-923-0700 (teens)
415-200-3575 (text)
Riley Center at the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco - 24 Hour Crisis Line
415-225-0165
W.O.M.A.N., Inc. 24 Hour Crisis Line
877-384-3578
415-864-4722
Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic
415-255-0165 (Schedule Appointment) |
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The City And County Of San Francisco Launches The COVID-19 Data Tracker:
On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Mayor London N. Breed and the San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH) released a COVID-19 Data Tracker to provide the public with more frequently updated information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in San Francisco.
This information will be updated on a daily basis and will include data about, inter alia, testing, hospitalization, and confirmed cases.
To read Mayor London Breed's announcement regarding the COVID-19 Data Tracker, please click here:
https://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-london-breed-announces-new-covid-19-data-tracker
To access the COVID-19 tracker on a daily basis, please click here:
https://www.sfdph.org/dph/alerts/coronavirus.asp |
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MAYOR LONDON BREED ANNOUNCES DELIVERY FEE CAP TO SUPPORT SAN FRANCISCO RESTAURANTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Third-party delivery providers can charge restaurants no more than 15% commission for food delivery for the duration of the Local Emergency
Mayor London N. Breed, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, and Supervisor Aaron Peskin today announced a temporary limit on the commission that third-party food delivery companies can charge restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cap will be in effect through the remainder of the local emergency, or until businesses are permitted to reopen for dine-in service, whichever comes first. This fee cap is part of a broader effort to support small businesses in San Francisco during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve listened to our restaurants and the struggles they’re facing during this unprecedented time. The high commission fees being charged to our businesses remains unchanged and that cannot continue as every dollar can mean staying open or laying- off more staff,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safaí. “For San Francisco’s rich network of mom and pop restaurants to survive, it’s imperative that we move aggressively. I applaud Mayor Breed for working with us to take swift action.”
Under the City’s Stay Home Public Health Order, restaurants are not permitted to offer dine-in service. In order to stay open, restaurants are offering take-out and delivery, and many restaurants are relying on third-party delivery services to provide that delivery.
While some delivery services have waived fees on the customer-side, delivery services continue to charge restaurants a commission. These fees typically range from 10% to 30% and can represent a significant portion of a restaurant’s revenue, especially at a time when the vast majority of sales are for delivery. This commission fee can wipe out a restaurant’s entire margin.
Mayor Breed’s Order temporarily limits the fee that delivery companies can charge to 15%. This cap on delivery fees is intended to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be in effect for the duration of the Local Emergency, or until restaurants are allowed to resume in-person dining. While delivery companies provide an important service and support local employment, establishing a cap on commission fees is necessary to help keep restaurants in business.
Restaurants are experiencing significant financial hardship during this time and are seeing a decline in business as a result of COVID-19 and the Stay Home Order. Of the approximately 4,000 restaurants in San Francisco, the Golden Gate Restaurant Association estimates 30% to 50% are still operating and offering food delivery. The California Employment Development Department and U.S. Department of Labor indicate that a large number of the statewide 2.3 million initial unemployment claims since March are service industry workers.
This Supplemental Declaration is part of Mayor Breed’s ongoing efforts to support small businesses, including restaurants, during the COVID-19 pandemic. These initiatives to support small business include:
- $54 million in business taxes and licensing fees deferrals, impacting 11,000 payees;
- $10 million Workers and Families First Paid Sick Leave Program, proving up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per employee;
- $9 million Emergency Loan Fund providing up to $50,000 in zero interest loans for individual small businesses;
- $2 million Resiliency Grants providing up to $10,000 grants to over 200 small businesses;
- $2.5 million in support for working artists and arts and cultural organizations financially impacted by COVID-19;
- Supporting nonprofits funded by the City so workers don’t lose their incomes;
- Issuing a Moratorium on Commercial Evictions for small and medium sized businesses that can’t afford to pay rent;
- Advocating for additional resources for small business and workers through the federal CARE Act;
- Establishing City Philanthropic www.Give2SF.org Fund, where donations will support housing stabilization, food security, and financial security for workers and small businesses impacted by coronavirus;
- Launching a one stop City website for businesses and workers seeking resources, contacts, and updates during the COVID-19 emergency: www.oewd.org/covid19.
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HOUSING FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
As part of the City’s COVID-19 response, the Human Services Agency worked with property owner Veritas to secure 20 furnished apartment units for survivors of domestic violence in San Francisco
Mayor London N. Breed and District Attorney Chesa Boudin today announced that San Francisco has secured 20 furnished apartment units for survivors of domestic violence. The temporary homes will be donated by Veritas, and are the result of a collaboration with Mayor Breed, District Attorney Boudin, the Human Services Agency, and the City’s community-based domestic violence advocates. The City is also working to secure additional housing for survivors of domestic violence.
Over the past weeks and months, Shelter-in-Place Orders have been issued throughout the world to slow the spread of COVID-19. While staying at home except for essential needs is important for slowing the virus, it has created a difficult and often dangerous situation for people who are experiencing domestic violence. While many organizations have modified service delivery to provide virtual support, it is difficult for a survivor to confidentially access those resources if they reside in the same home as the abusive partner.
During the first week after the shelter-in-place directive, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office saw an initial spike of a 60% increase in clients referred to its Victim Services Division compared to the same week in 2019. In the second week, the office saw a 33% decrease in new client referrals. As we continue to monitor domestic violence cases, it is paramount for survivors to know that there are safe emergency housing options available for them, their children, and their pets during this crisis.
“While staying home except for essential needs is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, it isn’t the safest option for everyone. On top of dealing with the global pandemic, far too many families also have to deal with the threat of violence and abuse at home, all while being more socially isolated from their friends and other support networks,” said Mayor Breed. “We are seeing a concerning increase in cases of domestic violence around the world and in San Francisco, and there’s a growing need to have more safe places for survivors to go. I’m grateful to Veritas for stepping up and donating these 20 homes so that we have some additional resources for people who need help during this uniquely challenging time.”
Veritas, a San Francisco-based real estate management company, is donating 20 furnished apartment units for temporary use by domestic violence survivors as part of their Safe Home Program. The homes are located in several secure buildings throughout the city. Survivors and their families, including their pets, can move in at their convenience and can stay for up to 90 days at no cost. The apartments should be available by the end of this week. During that time, survivors will be supported by one of our community-based domestic violence agencies, who will provide wraparound services and referrals. Domestic violence agencies will refer clients directly as needed, based on availability.
These new housing units supplement the existing domestic violence shelters in San Francisco. Domestic violence shelters and hotlines are deemed essential businesses under the Stay Home Order and continue to operate.
Veritas, a San Francisco-based real estate management company, is donating 20 furnished apartment units for temporary use by domestic violence survivors as part of their Safe Home Program. The homes are located in several secure buildings throughout the city. Survivors and their families, including their pets, can move in at their convenience and can stay for up to 90 days at no cost. The apartments should be available by the end of this week. During that time, survivors will be supported by one of our community-based domestic violence agencies, who will provide wraparound services and referrals. Domestic violence agencies will refer clients directly as needed, based on availability.
These new housing units supplement the existing domestic violence shelters in San Francisco. Domestic violence shelters and hotlines are deemed essential businesses under the Stay Home Order and continue to operate.
Veritas, a San Francisco-based real estate management company, is donating 20 furnished apartment units for temporary use by domestic violence survivors as part of their Safe Home Program. The homes are located in several secure buildings throughout the city. Survivors and their families, including their pets, can move in at their convenience and can stay for up to 90 days at no cost. The apartments should be available by the end of this week. During that time, survivors will be supported by one of our community-based domestic violence agencies, who will provide wraparound services and referrals. Domestic violence agencies will refer clients directly as needed, based on availability.
These new housing units supplement the existing domestic violence shelters in San Francisco. Domestic violence shelters and hotlines are deemed essential businesses under the Stay Home Order and continue to operate.
Additionally, the San Francisco Police Department’s Special Victims Unit has an on-call team 24/7 and is reachable at 415-553-9225.
Resources for survivors of domestic violence can be found at https://sfgov.org/dosw/violence-against-women-prevention-and-intervention-grants-program-0. |
Mayor Breed also announced the launch of ‘Heal San Francisco,’ a comprehensive effort to provide immediate and coordinated mental health services for public, private, and non-profit health care workers. The mental health effort will be implemented by the Heal San Francisco Rapid Response Team, which is led by Our Children Our Families (OCOF) Council in partnership with the Department of Public Health and UCSF. OCOF is an initiative under the Department of Children, Youth, and their Families.
The Heal San Francisco Rapid Response Team has partnered with the Bay Area Chapter of the COVID-19 Pro Bono Counseling Project to expand access to counseling and mental health support for public, private, and non-profit health care providers in need of immediate, short-term support. Heal San Francisco will leverage the support of 375 licensed clinicians, representing diverse backgrounds and multilingual expertise, who will volunteer their time throughout the duration of this crisis to provide the mental health care to support frontline health care staff. Health care workers who need assistance should speak with their supervisor or human resources department to be connected with a pro bono clinician.
Additionally, Heal San Francisco will convene a panel of trauma and stress experts to advise on how to better deliver trauma-informed mental health care through San Francisco’s existing health care and community-based service systems. This clinical advisory group will help promote and align strategies to buffer and potentially mitigate the impacts of prolonged stress on our residents.
Currently, there is a global experience of mass trauma related to COVID-19 and this experience will impact our health and wellbeing beyond the length of this pandemic. Heal San Francisco will work to promote mental wellbeing citywide, and will coordinate between different health plans and service agencies, ensure access to mental health resources, and promote collaboration across public, nonprofit and volunteer efforts. A future expansion of the Heal San Francisco initiative will look to provide mental health care services to a broader citywide population.
For more information about Heal San Francisco, go to https://healsanfrancisco.org/.
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HOW TO DONATE AND/OR VOLUNTEER AS WE COMBAT COVID-19 IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
TO DONATE:
All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law, the City and County of San Francisco's Tax ID number is 94-6000417.
Why donate? Donations will directly support:
- Critical facilities and supplies needed to protect the health of all San Franciscans in the face of COVID-19.
- Taking care of our most medically and economically vulnerable neighbors, including individuals who must isolate per public health guidance and those facing economic hardship or a housing crisis related to COVID-19.
- Local businesses and nonprofits that are not only significant contributors to the economy, they are valued parts of our neighborhoods. Support will help businesses weather temporary closures or reduced demand due to the public health crisis.
To learn more about the many ways you can donate, please click here:
https://sf.gov/give-city-respond-covid-19
TO VOLUNTEER: CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO & SHANTI PROJECT'S COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE (CERV) PROGRAM:
The Emergency Response Volunteer Program was created in partnership between the City of San Francisco's Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) and Shanti Project.
Examples of Support:
- Grocery shopping
- Dog Walking
- Delivery of pet food, medication, and other essentials
- Mail pickup
Volunteer Requirements:
- Volunteers must be in good health and under the age of 60
- Volunteers are required to pass a background check
- Volunteers are required to follow San Francisco Coronavirus protocol
If you are interested, please email helpnow@shanti.org or call 415-674-4701 and leave a voicemail expressing your interest.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.shanti.org/volunteer/sf-covid-19-emergency-response-volunteer-program/ |
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SHOP LOCAL
During this challenging time the one thing that is certain is that you, our neighbors, community support agencies and small businesses alike need to prioritize their health and safety. Yet there are still ways to support. We might be "sheltered in places" but please consider how you can spend your dollars and invest in our neighborhood businesses who have given their time, money and dreams to provides the services and amazing goods that define our home!
Please visit website for downloadable PDF here: http://www.eagsf.org/excelsior-open-for-business.html
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San Francisco Property Tax Services – The Deadline To Pay Your Taxes Was EXTENDED From April 10, 2020 to May 4, 2020 And If You Can't Pay You Can Apply For a Penalty Waiver:
On April 10, 2020, San Francisco’s homeowners know that property taxes are normally due, however the Board of Supervisor and the Treasurer & Tax Collector extended the deadline to May 4, 2020.
San Francisco’s Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector urges everyone to please pay on time, but if you can’t pay on time and meet the May 4 deadline 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
If you have any questions, please call 3-1-1 or visit the Treasurer & Tax Collector's website here:
https://sftreasurer.org/property-tax-deadline-frequently-asked-questions
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