ACTION Apartment Association

Lost your job and health coverage because of coronavirus? Covered California is here to help

04/06/2020 8:06 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

As job loss claims hit record-highs, more and more Californians will be dealing with a loss of in-come and their health insurance coverage. Covered California and MediCal are providing a path to coverage for those affected by this pandemic.

Covered California recently announced a special-enrollment period related to the crisis. Anyone who meets Covered California’s eligibility requirements, which are like those in place during the annual open-enrollment period, can sign up for coverage from now through June 30.

Backers of California tax initiative submit signatures

04/03/2020 9:52 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Supporters of a proposed amendment to the California Constitution that would raise property taxes on some businesses by up to $12 billion a year announced Thursday they have collected more than 1.7 million signatures, all but assuring it will appear on the November ballot.

City services adapting to new reality

04/02/2020 11:00 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

While most city of Santa Monica employees are working from home during the coronavirus pandemic, some services still need people out in the field and are adapting their operations to protect workers and residents.

In interviews with the Daily Press last week, city leaders said first responders are wearing personal protective equipment when necessary, monitoring their health and preparing for the lockdown’s possible consequences on public safety.

City Orders Construction Projects to Follow Coronavirus Protocols

04/02/2020 10:55 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Santa Monica issued an order Wednesday authorizing the City’s Building Officer to shut down construction work on projects that fail to follow social distancing and hygiene requirements.

The order issued by City Manager Rick Cole requires installing handwashing facilities or hand sanitizer at entrances to construction projects and sanitizing shared tools and equipment at the sites.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2020/04/01/local-construction-sites-must-observe-safer-at-home-orders

Our New Normal at Home

04/02/2020 10:52 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

by Rick Cole

It’s been eleven days since Governor Newsom’s “stay at home” order went into effect – and we are all adjusting to the new normal. No one knows how long this will last, but it seems like it will be at least a month under these – or even harsher – restrictions.

I can’t emphasize enough the gratitude I have for everyone who is doing their part by staying home.

Life has changed dramatically for Santa Monica, as it has across Southern California.

What you need to know if you’re a renter

04/01/2020 10:16 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

What you need to know if you’re a renter in California during the coronavirus pandemic .

The pandemic and the economic devastation it has caused have led many renters to wonder how they’re going to pay rent on April 1 — after weeks of being asked to stay home and, in some cases, not work to slow the spread of the virus.

From eviction bans to mortgage relief, here’s a guide to protections for renters and homeowners in California.

Rent strike idea gaining steam during coronavirus crisis

03/31/2020 8:35 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

With millions of people suddenly out of work and rent due at the first of the month, some tenants are vowing to go on a rent strike until the coronavirus pandemic subsides.

New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and St. Louis are among many cities that have temporarily banned evictions, but advocates for the strike are demanding that rent payments be waived, not delayed, for those in need during the crisis. The rent strike idea has taken root in parts of North America and as far away as London.

Medicare and Coronavirus: What You Need to Know

03/31/2020 8:30 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

By Seema Verma

Administrator, U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Since older Americans are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to let you know the steps we’re taking to help our Medicare beneficiaries cope with the pandemic.

Pressure mounts for property tax relief

03/30/2020 8:46 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

From many corners, California politicians and tax officials are under increasing pressure to extend the current April 10 deadline for paying property tax bills.

The request is not unreasonable and there are many ways that government can assist homeowners who are under threat of hefty penalties or tax foreclosures.

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, California’s leading protector of homeowners, has received numerous inquiries in the last three weeks of this crisis.