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Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/law-enforcement/)

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Law enforcement

OC Music & Dance Seeks to Help Veterans and Law Enforcement Through Music

ARTS & CULTURE
By Peter Lefevre | October 23, 2020

OC Music & Dance has launched two music programs designed specifically to serve veterans and law enforcement personnel: Operation Gig and Project Beat.

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.

Garden Grove to Offer City Staff and Leaders Social “Bias” Training Amid Recent Criticism

Garden Grove
By Brandon Pho | August 12, 2020

The council-approved training course is meant to check social, unconscious biases among those overseeing public services and taxpayer dollars.

Orange County Supervisors Approve Law Enforcement Appreciation Events

Safety, Security & Justice
By Nick Gerda | July 30, 2020

The move was proposed by supervisors’ Chairwoman Michelle Steel and approved unanimously by the other four supervisors.

Santa Ana Officials Move Forward with Police Spending Increases, Police Oversight Commission in Meeting Marred By Public Outrage

Santa Ana
By Brandon Pho | June 19, 2020

Santa Ana City Council members late Thursday night approved a $9 million police spending increase for the next fiscal year along with the rest of the city budget in an initial vote.

Young Black Organizers and Leaders Look to a New Orange County in Light of Protests

George Floyd Protests
By Brandon Pho | June 18, 2020

Local Black activists and leaders participating in recent protests warn that the energy needs to carry over to local city council and public agency meetings in order to accomplish any real systemic change.

Santa Ana Pushes Police Oversight and Budget Discussion to Thursday, Pressure Mounts to Redirect Police Funds

Safety, Security & Justice
By Brandon Pho | June 17, 2020

Hundreds of public comments on spending pushed the Tuesday meeting into Wednesday.

Orange County Protests Against Police Violence To Continue Over Week of Juneteenth

George Floyd Protests
By Brandon Pho | June 16, 2020

Protests in OC over police violence toward black people and the role of law enforcement in public safety are showing no sign of stopping this week — the week of Juneteenth.

Santa Ana Will Again Consider Police Oversight Along with Budget, Police Salary Concessions

Santa Ana
By Brandon Pho | June 15, 2020

The discussion comes in the wake of protests over the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. The idea has been struck down twice before by the Council.

Orange County Police Violence Protests Go Into Seventh Day

George Floyd Protests
By Brandon Pho and Spencer Custodio | June 5, 2020

Orange County saw its seventh day of protests across the county, which started about a week ago over the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, a Black man, and police violence toward Black people and people of color in the United States.

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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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