OC Feet to the Fire

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Election 2020
March 2020 primary election

Feet to the Fire Podcast: OC Republican Party Chair Fred Whitaker

OC Feet to the Fire

By Norberto Santana Jr. | February 28, 2020

Voice of OC Publisher Norberto Santana, Jr. recently interviewed Orange County Republican Party Chair Fred Whitaker just ahead of the March 2020 primary. Voice of OC previously interviewed Orange County Democratic Party Chair Ada Briceño.

Feet to the Fire Podcast: Live from a Voice of OC Ambassadors Event

OC Feet to the Fire

By Norberto Santana Jr. | February 21, 2020

Voice of OC invited its exclusive Ambassadors donor group this week to watch a live recording of a politics podcast discussion.

Feet to the Fire Podcast: OC Democratic Party Chair Ada Briceño

OC Feet to the Fire

By Norberto Santana Jr. | February 19, 2020

Voice of OC Publisher Norberto Santana, Jr. recently interviewed Orange County Democratic Party Chair Ada Briceño just ahead of the March 2020 primary. Voice of OC will interview Orange County Republican Party Chair Fred Whitaker.

Feet to the Fire Podcast: Examining the March 2020 Primary Outlook

Countywide

By Voice of OC | February 12, 2020

Voice of OC Publisher Norberto Santana, Jr., talks with Orange County election experts Fred Smoller and Mike Moodian from the national seats down to the local level.

Inaugural Voice of OC Feet to the Fire Podcast for March 2020 Primary

Election 2020

By Norberto Santana Jr. | February 6, 2020

The podcast takes its name and emphasis stems from the groundbreaking news and analysis forums held across Orange County for more than a decade — holding elected officials and candidates feet to the fire.

INSIDE THE NEWSROOM »

Newport Beach Community Philanthropist & Activist Tim Stoaks Joins Voice of OC Board of Directors

As of Wednesday afternoon: Orange County has 1,016 confirmed cases of Coronavirus. Of those, 17 people have died and presently 99 people are hospitalized, with 59 of the people in intensive care units.

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.

EXPOSURE The CDC recommends: wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after being in public or blowing your nose or coughing (or, hand sanitizer with 60%+ alcohol), avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid sick people, stay 6 feet away from other people and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If you are sick: stay home, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, throw away used tissues and wear a face mask around others.

SYMPTOMS The CDC identifies key symptoms as: Fever, cough and shortness of breath that develop 2-14 days after exposure. If you suspect Coronavirus, CALL your primary medical provider. If you display any 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.

STRESS 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.

Do I need to stay home? Why?

STAYING HOME As of late Thursday March 19, Gov. Gavin Newsom told all Californians to stay home, restricting movement to basics such as gas, groceries and exercise to stem Coronavirus spread and to protect the state’s medical infrastructure. The order supersedes the county's emergency health order which barred gatherings and recommended people stay home. Voice of OC is maintaining a list of arts closures.

SOCIAL DISTANCING Staying home and away from 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 about food, housing & transit?

BUYING FOOD You can find a few updates on local grocery stores. Grocers say there aren't any serious supply shortages and empty shelves are a result of massive overbuying. They say those shelves will be replenished in time.

FOOD ASSISTANCE If you need help, can find a nearby food pantry . You can apply for food benefits over the phone through the CalFresh program at 800-281-9799 or online.

STUDENT MEALS OC public schools are offering free or reduced priced meals to students 18 years old and under, available for pickup at these locations.

EVICTIONS Cities across OC are considering temporary bans on evictions related to Coronavirus. Under the bans, tenants are allowed to fight evictions if they or a family member are infected, or if they’ve been laid off or are forced to leave work due to the virus.

PROPERTY TAXES Property taxes are due April 10. At this time, Orange County's congressional delegation on March 20 called on the county government to delay the taxes for 90 days.

BUSES Starting March 23, all public buses will switch to weekend service hours (from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., compared to weekdays when service is 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.). Some routes begin and end earlier. OC ACCESS continues to operate as usual. While ridership has sharply declined, the agency is disinfecting and sanitizing buses and other public vehicles.

Can I get financial aid?

GENERAL FINANCIAL HELP Voice of OC article explains available financial relief resources. Here are some of those:

• The March 14 executive order removed the mandatory one-week waiting period for unemployment and disability benefits.
• The Orange County Social Services Agency, despite closing its lobby to the public, is still processing online filings for assistance programs. One program includes emergency cash assistance of up to $200 for immediate needs like rent or medical bills. The Social Service Agency's relief program hotline recently has had an estimated 25 to 30 minute wait time and offers a callback service so residents don’t have to stay on hold. The agency's website encourages people to apply for benefits online.
• OC residents can also apply over the phone 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. The food service industry struggles to maintain business following the most recent announcement to stop all on-site dining, with service only available by delivery, pick-up or drive-thru.

How can I help?

VOLUNTEERING Non-profits and food banks are asking for volunteers to help at-risk communities in the coming weeks. OC Food Bank Coordinator Andre Gaithe told Voice of OC that despite the pandemic they still need volunteers to pack food containers for the 25,000 low income senior citizens they serve on a monthly basis. Second Harvest Food Bank has launched weekly drive through service at the Honda Center, and have suspended their volunteer packing operations at the distribution center.

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

COMMUNITY OPINION »

Meisenhelder: Learning from the Coronavirus

One important lesson from our experience with the pandemic COVID-19 is that we need a healthy public sector to be healthy ourselves.
Keefe: Flourless in the time of Quarantine

I looked at photos of my past homemade bread and tried to console myself that eventually stores would restock flour. It's only a loaf, I thought. I'm happy others are learning to nourish themselves, and why shouldn't everyone else be able to bake?
Barfield: Local Public Servants Meeting the COVID-19 Crisis Head-on

In this current crisis, leadership is coming from local government. In Orange County our local public servants are facing this crisis with courage and professionalism that fills our community with pride. Local government workers serve so we can be safe. They deserve safety and support.

Property Taxes Due Friday – Three Payment Options
Property Tax Deadline is Friday, April 10, Penalty Cancellation Requests can be Filed after April 10
COVID-19 Hotline Hours to Change April 11
Orange County Health Officer Issues Face Covering Recommendation for Essential Businesses
Orange County Surpasses 1,000 Reported COVID-19 Cases
COVID-19 Hotline Hours to Change April 4

CORONAVIRUS ORANGE COUNTY »

Voice of OC is bringing you the latest on Coronavirus. We offer email and text alerts.

YOUTH MEDIA »

Newport Beach Re-Thinks Proposed Short-Term Rental Restrictions

We are bringing you the best and most comprehensive Orange County Coronavirus coverage. Please, join us and sustain our work today.

Voice of OC - Orange County's Nonprofit Newsroom

OC Feet to the Fire

Feet to the Fire Podcast: OC Republican Party Chair Fred Whitaker

OC Feet to the Fire

By Norberto Santana Jr. | February 28, 2020

Feet to the Fire Podcast: Live from a Voice of OC Ambassadors Event

OC Feet to the Fire

By Norberto Santana Jr. | February 21, 2020

Feet to the Fire Podcast: OC Democratic Party Chair Ada Briceño

OC Feet to the Fire

By Norberto Santana Jr. | February 19, 2020

Feet to the Fire Podcast: Examining the March 2020 Primary Outlook

Countywide

By Voice of OC | February 12, 2020

Inaugural Voice of OC Feet to the Fire Podcast for March 2020 Primary

Election 2020

By Norberto Santana Jr. | February 6, 2020