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Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/amy-potter/)

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Amy Potter

Toll Road Officials Keep Battling Efforts to Drop South OC Toll Road Extension, Defend Financial Health

Transportation
By Brandon Pho | June 29, 2020

TCA directors in March dropped a slew of controversial proposals to extend the 241 toll road. Now they’re using paid lobbyists to oppose a state bill affirming their own move.

As Countywide Toll Road Traffic Drops, Transportation Officials Cap Rate Increases and Account Fees for 91 Express Lane Drivers

Orange County Coronavirus
By Brandon Pho | April 15, 2020

Toll revenues have fallen with the traffic by about 60%, according to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), which operates the 91 lanes and will operate the I-405 Freeway toll expansions when they open up.

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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