LAKE COUNTY
Virtual COVID-19 Town Hall for Business Owners April 9
The COVID-19 crisis has affected nearly every facet of our daily lives. Business owners have been among the hardest hit. Categories of businesses being determined non-essential, demands to rapidly change the way services are delivered, and a web of State and Federal programs offering supports have understandably left many with questions.
District 5 Supervisor, Rob Brown, wants to ensure the most critical questions are answered, and business owners can continue to invest in the communities they serve, both now and when we emerge from the pandemic. He invites you to join a special Virtual Town Hall this Thursday.
WHAT: Virtual Town Hall Meeting for Lake County Business Owners
WHEN: Thursday, April 9 6pm
WHERE: Broadcast live on Lake County PEG TV (Mediacom Channel 8), and Online:
http://www.facebook.com/lakecountycagov/ (English and Spanish live streams)
https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx (English language, available once the meeting starts – refresh your browser until you see, “In progress”)
American Sign Language interpretation will be available on the English-language feeds.
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WASHINGTON D.C.
Arizona and California added to innovative SNAP online pilot program
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced approval for Arizona and California’s request to provide online purchasing of food to SNAP Households in the States of Arizona and California. This approval will allow the States to expedite the implementation of online purchasing with currently authorized SNAP online retailers with a target start date later this month. California’s SNAP participation is over 4 million individuals, more than 2.2 million households, and totals more than $6 billion annually in federal funding. Arizona’s SNAP participation is nearly 800,000 individuals, almost 380,000 households, and totals nearly a $1 billion annually in federal funding. This announcement further demonstrates President Trump’s whole of America approach to fighting the coronavirus pandemic by ensuring those affected are fed.
“We are expanding new flexibilities and innovative programs to make sure Americans across this country have safe and nutritious food during this national emergency,” said Secretary Perdue. “Enabling people to purchase foods online will go a long way in helping Americans follow CDC social distancing guidelines and help slow the spread of the coronavirus. USDA is mandated with the noble goal of feeding Americans when they need it most, and we are fulfilling that mission with new innovative programs during this national emergency.”
Background:
The SNAP online pilot is currently operational in other states. Nebraska joined the pilot on April 1, 2020. The authorized retailers working with all pilot states are Amazon and Walmart, while Wrights Market and ShopRite are working with Alabama and New York respectively. Dash’s Market, Fresh Direct, Hy‐Vee, and Safeway are authorized retailers, which are not currently operational.
Though the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is receiving interest to expand the SNAP online pilot program, the responsibility is on state agencies, their third-party processor, and any retailers who wish to participate. To ease the process, FNS put together a simplified template for states who wish to enter the online pilot which is provided as an attachment to this letter.
USDA continues to provide significant technical assistance to interested states to ensure that plans are thorough and appropriate preliminary testing is conducted. If not done properly and judiciously, there is a risk to the State’s entire benefit system. Each State, its EBT processor and retailers present their own mix of challenges so FNS is providing customer service based on each of their specific needs.
For up to date information and to learn more about flexibilities being used in FNS nutrition programs, please visit the FNS website.
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KELSEYVILLE
Lakeport Father Daughter Dance kicks off a new tradition
Saturday, February 22 over 330 adults and children attended the Kelseyville–Lakeport Father Daughter Dance. The event hosted children and adults of all ages and enjoyed celebrating new and old special bonds between generations. The dance raffled off over 60 prizes all donated by local businesses. The event would not have been possible without support from several local businesses like A&H General Store, Small Town Ceramics, Studebakers Coffee and Deli, Angelinas Bakery, Tutti Frutti, Lake Limos, Paradise Skate, Pogos Pizza, Flowers by Traci and Wild Kid Kingdom.
This year the event hosts decided to kick off a new tradition. Every high school senior at the dance had a chance to enter into a surprise raffle. At the the end of the dance one name was drawn and the recipient won a $500 scholarship to any post high school education they attend. This year’s winner was Allison Bryant. “we were thrilled to provide her with this fun scholarship and look forward to continuing this tradition each year.” Said the Father Daughter Dance Team. The dance also provided a donation to Kelseyville Interact Rotary Club for volunteering their time to help with the dance.
The Kelseyville – Lakeport Father Daughter Dance team enjoys bringing this occasion to the community and is a California not-for-profit where 100% of the proceeds are donated back to the dance attendees.
For questions or to make a donation please call Allison at 707.483.2383.
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WASHINGTON D.C.
Thompson announces modified deadline, guidelines for 2020 Congressional Art Competition
Today Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) announced that he has pushed back the deadline and changed the guidelines for high schoolers to submit artwork as part of his 2020 Congressional Art Competition. These changes reflect the Shelter at Home and social distancing guidance issued by local and state authorities.
“Our incredible local artists continue to create despite the uncertain times we are now facing, which is why I’ve updated the deadline and guidelines for high schoolers to participate in my Congressional Art Competition this year,” said Thompson. “This will allow students for extra time to submit amid the many changes they are facing with this year’s school calendar and allow them to comply with important public health guidelines. Students will have until Thursday, May 28 to submit and will submit electronically. I can’t wait to see our great local art again this year!”
Students who wish to participate must submit a high-quality photograph of their art along with scanned or photographed copies of submission paperwork, which can be found online at https://www.house.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/2020-Student-Release-Form-Fillable.pdf. Submissions can be emailed to CA05Art@mail.house.gov. This is in place of the usual physical submission. Artwork must be received by Thursday, May 28, 2020. The winning art piece from our district will be sent to Washington D.C. to hang in the United States Capitol for a year. To be considered for the grand prize, students must follow the official rules, which they can read by clicking here.
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LAKE COUNTY
Eastlake Landfill will be closed Easter Sunday
The Lake County Public Services Department announced today that the Eastlake Landfill will be closed Sunday, April 12, 2020 in observance of Easter. The Eastlake Landfill will re-open on Monday, April 13, 2020.
Regular operating hours at the Landfill are 7:30 am to 3:00 pm daily. If you have any questions regarding this subject or any questions regarding solid waste issues in Lake County, please call (707)-262-1618.
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