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Brandon Pho

Orange County Voter Guide: November 2020 Election

Orange County Election 2020
By Nick Gerda, Spencer Custodio, Brandon Pho, Noah Biesiada and Hosam Elattar | October 8, 2020

A host of competitive local, state and federal seats are up in the November election for voters to decide how government approaches top priorities.

Local Officials Rethink Public Access to Cooling Centers Amid Heatwaves, Climate Change

Health & Wellness
By Brandon Pho | October 8, 2020

As scientists predict climate change will make hot weather increasingly intolerable, Buena Park is trying to improve cooling center access.

Family of Homeless Black Man Shot by OC Sheriff’s Deputy Initiates Lawsuit Against County

Safety, Security & Justice
By Brandon Pho | October 7, 2020

The family’s legal action and calls for more information adds more controversy to the incident that’s being probed by the Sheriff’s Dept. and the District Attorney’s office.

Santa Ana Will Get Its First New Mayor in Decades: Here Are the Candidates

Orange County Election 2020
By Brandon Pho | October 1, 2020

A year during which three other City Council seats plus the mayor’s are up for election will, after November, determine who has the power at City Hall.

OC Police Watchdog Announces Planned Probe into San Clemente Deputy Shooting of Homeless Black Man

Safety, Security & Justice
By Brandon Pho | September 29, 2020

The deputy shooting death of Kurt Reinhold will be investigated by the Office of Independent Review. The Orange County Sheriff’s Dept. and District Attorney’s office will conduct their own probes.

Here Are the Santa Ana Council Candidates Heading into High Stakes Battle This November 

Santa Ana
By Brandon Pho | September 28, 2020

Your guide to Santa Ana’s lengthy slate of City Council contenders hoping to win seats this November – and the stakes.

Will Gov. Newsom Replace Poseidon Desal Project Critic on OC Regional Water Board?

desalination
By Brandon Pho | September 28, 2020

There are mounting questions over whether Gov. Gavin Newsom will replace William von Blasingame, when his current term expires Sept. 30.

Orange County Coastal Enclave Becomes Ground Zero of Police Violence Controversy and Protests

Safety, Security & Justice
By Julie Leopo and Brandon Pho | September 25, 2020

The killing of a homeless Black man by an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy prompted protests throughout the day Thursday in San Clemente.

Deputy Shooting of Homeless Black Man Prompts Curfew, Puts New Scrutiny on Sheriff’s Role, Protesters on Edge

Breonna Taylor
By BRANDON PHO & HALEY SLOVENEC | September 24, 2020

Officials in San Clemente at a Thursday emergency meeting declared a 9 p.m. civil unrest curfew in specific areas of the city.

OC Sheriff Deputy Killing of Homeless Black Man in San Clemente Sparks Protests

Safety, Security & Justice
By BRANDON PHO & HALEY SLOVENEC | September 24, 2020

Protests have already appeared in San Clemente. Plans for another this afternoon outside the Sheriff’s San Clemente station are underway.

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UNEMPLOYMENT

How can I file for unemployment?

The County of Orange offers a website with resources on filing for unemployment. It also lists a virtual phone line for people trying to call and reach the state's unemployment office (call 1-800-300-5616 between 8 a.m. and noon Monday-Friday).

The state unemployment website offers these links to see what program(s) you may qualify for if you are unemployed or have had your business impacted during the pandemic (or, this chart if you are not sure where to start):

  • Types of Claims
  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Benefits Calculator
  • California Training Benefits
  • Benefit Programs Online

The state also offers a few special programs during Coronavirus:

  • California is participating in the Lost Wages Assistance program. This will provide an additional $300 per week for people who receive at least $100 per week in unemployment benefits. If you qualify, payments are for weeks of unemployment dating back to July 26, even if you are paid later.
  • If you are getting a phone call from the EDD, your caller ID may show “St of CA EDD” or the UI call center numbers 1-833-978-2511 or 1-800-300-5616.
  • The federal CARES Act has added these provisions to expand unemployment benefits so we can help more Californians impacted by COVID-19:
    • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance – New program to provide unemployment benefits for people who don’t usually qualify for regular Unemployment Insurance.
    • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation – A 13-week benefit extension for people who have used all benefits available in their regular Unemployment Insurance claim.
    • Pandemic Additional Compensation – An additional $600 federal stimulus payment automatically added to each week of benefits received between March 29 and July 25, 2020. Any unemployment benefits through July 25 will still be eligible for the extra $600, even if you are paid later.
  • If you use all your Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits, you may qualify for a FED-ED extension.
What other help is available?

The state offers a few specific pandemic programs for people out of work and struggling businesses:

  • Labor and Workforce Development Agency – Resources for employers and workers including workers’ compensation and paid sick leave.
  • Labor Commissioner’s Office FAQs – Employee leave options, compensation, and salary.
  • Department of Fair Employment and Housing – Job protection and employment discrimination.
  • OnwardCA – One-stop resource for Californians impacted by job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What food programs are available?

Voice of OC regularly writes about food pantries and other similar programs HERE.

The CalFresh Collaborative has a map showing available food programs.

FOOD INSECURITY »

  • Orange County Supervisors Could Bolster OC Food Banks With Millions of Federal Dollars
  • OC Food Pantries Fight Food Insecurity as Government Aid Dwindles, Unemployment Rises
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CORONAVIRUS »

As of Friday afternoon (Oct. 23), the OC Health Care Agency reports 162 new cases, 6 new deaths (1,440 cumulative) and 162 current hospitalizations (58 of those in ICU).

  • Orange County’s Unemployment Rate Remains High as Potential Second Coronavirus Wave Looms
What is COVID-19? Do I have it?

INFORMATION View the CDC website. View OC's website. View the latest OC case counts.

TRANSLATIONS See the county's guides in non-English languages. Learn key Coronavirus facts in Vietnamese and Spanish via VietRise. See VietRISE guides in Spanish and Vietnamese.

PROTECTION To limit exposure, the CDC recommends: wash your hands often, avoid close contact with others, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth mask when around others, cover coughs and sneezes, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

SYMPTOMS The CDC identifies these key symptoms that can occur any time between 2 and 14 days after exposure: Fever or chills, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches,  headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect Coronavirus, CALL your primary medical provider.

EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS If you display any of the following emergency warning signs, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face.

RISK The CDC identifies people most at risk for serious illness: Older adults, and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

What is open?

RESIDENTS The County of Orange offers a list of notices and news on what guidance is given for families and persons.

SCHOOLS The latest information for the county is available from the Orange County Board of Education.

STATE GUIDE TO WHAT IS OPEN A full list of statewide guidelines for what is open and what is closed.

SOCIAL DISTANCING Staying away from other people is called "social distancing." The aim is to SLOW the spread of Coronavirus so as to not overwhelm the nation's health care systems and so that people in need can get help. The Washington Post explains: "The spread (of COVID-19) can be slowed, public health professionals say, if people practice "social distancing" by avoiding public spaces and generally limiting their movement."

What support is available?

STRESS & ANXIETY Stress and anxiety can be triggered by the situation and resources are available to help from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and from the American Psychology Association. Concern over this new virus can make children and families anxious, here are tips on talking with children about COVID-19.

MENTAL HEALTH The County of Orange offers a list of available mental health support services.

FIRST RESPONDERS The County of Orange offers these support services for first responders and health care workers.

BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS The County of Orange offers a list of up-to-date guidelines for business and faith-based/community organizations.

FOOD ASSISTANCE Voice of OC offers a weekly list of available food pantries in Orange County. You can also apply for food benefits over the phone through the CalFresh program at 800-281-9799 or online.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Buses and trains still offer service, but routes have been reduced so make sure to check your route ahead of time.

HOMELESSNESS The County of Orange offers a list of available shelter beds and other resources.

GENERAL FINANCIAL HELP Here are some services:

  •   • Find information on unemployment and disability benefits.
  •   • The Orange County Social Services Agency, despite closing its lobby, is processing online filings for assistance programs. This includes emergency cash assistance for immediate needs like rent or medical bills. The phone line has averaged a 30 minute wait time and offers a callback service, but people are encouraged to apply for benefits online.
  •   • Residents can apply for any of these programs by calling 800-281-9799.

RESTAURANT OWNERS & EMPLOYEES You can find a detailed list of resources available to restaurant owners and employees

How can I help?

VOLUNTEERING A statewide guide offers examples of ways to volunteer safely during Coronavirus. Options include, but are not limited to: donating plasma, making cloth face masks and supporting local food banks. Orange County's Second Harvest Food Bank lists support options online.

DONATIONS An Orange County Community Resilience Fund has been started through the OC Community Foundation to raise money for local nonprofits and volunteer organizations.

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