SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond released a statement Tuesday regarding the 2019-20 school year.
“Due to the current safety concerns and needs for ongoing social distancing, it currently appears that our students will not be able to return to school campuses before the end of the school year. In order to allow schools to plan accordingly, and to ensure that learning still occurs until the end of the school year, we are suggesting that schools plan and prepare to have their curriculum carried out through a distance learning model. This is in no way to suggest that school is over for the year, but rather we should put all efforts into strengthening our delivery of education through distance learning.
“With that said, we are doing everything we can to support our schools and their distance learning opportunities for our students. We have been providing webinars, with one coming up this week to specifically focus on serving our students with disabilities in a distance learning model. We have guidance coming out this week to address the concerns of our seniors, and even our juniors, in regards to grading and graduation requirements. We also put out a survey to all districts in the state to determine their technology gaps and are now working to ensure that all students have access to devices and internet if they need it for their distance learning requirements.
“We are in unprecedented times, and it’s hard to tell what the future holds as we are all doing our best to flatten the curve. From what we know right now, our schools will be closed longer than we originally thought, and it will be best if our schools are prepared for that extension, by having their distance learning models prepared to go until the end of the school year.”
 
Please join State Superintendent Tony Thurmond for a media check-in about his recent recommendation and upcoming guidance from the California Department of Education tomorrow, April 1, at 3:30 p.m.
Due to social distancing guidelines this will not be done in person, but rather virtually. Email communciations@cde.ca.gov by noon to receive login information. 
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Are Coronavirus Worries Keeping You Awake? Stretches In Bed Will Calm You
 
Anxiety about the spread of the coronavirus is leading to sleepless nights for some people – and that can result in even more health problems.
Studies have shown that a lack of sleep weakens the immune system, the last thing anyone needs when a potentially deadly virus is making the rounds.
 
The question many bleary-eyed people face is how they can remedy their insomnia without resorting to medication, anything else that they have to take orally, or a significant lifestyle change. One answer: stretches done on the bed that relax the body and mind, allowing them to drift into slumber and be better prepared for the next day – and keep that immune system humming as well, says Larry Piller (www.larrypiller.com), a Certified Massage Practitioner and author of Stretching Your Way: A Unique & Leisurely Muscle Stretching System.
 
“I consider these the crown jewels of stretches for sleep because everyone who tries them falls asleep,” Piller says. “Just by knowing that these stretches are waiting for you anytime you want them, day or night, it will give you a feeling of tranquility as opposed to a night of anxiousness. Stretching has many benefits, and one of those is that it can help you wind down and ease the tension at the end of the day.”
 
So, for those struggling to rid themselves of their coronavirus worries, Piller offers a few examples of what he calls “superstar stretches for sleeping”:
 
Stretch 1. While lying on your back, extend your shoulder out as is comfortable and lift your hand up as though you are trying to stop traffic. Then turn your arm and your hand backward, letting your little finger be your guide. Let your little finger land where roughly the No. 7 would be on a clock. Just extend your shoulder out as is comfortable and bring your fingers back as is comfortable.
 
Stretch 2. While lying on your back on the bed, put your arm in a position as if showing your muscle to someone. Just extend your elbow out to the side as is comfortable for a tricep stretch. From that position, open your hand up all the way, extend your elbow to the side as is comfortable while bringing your thumb down toward you as is comfortable.
 
Stretch 3. While you lie on your back, just extend your shoulder and arm out as is comfortable, Piller says.
 
Stretch 4. While you lie on your back, bring your toes and the inner side of your foot inward to get a stretch on the side of the foot. These stretches for the side of your feet can be done lying on your side as well, as long as you have room to bring your foot or feet down or inward. You also can use a pillow between your legs to raise your foot so you can bring your foot or feet down, or hang your feet over the edge. “This by itself, or in combination with other stretches, has a high chance to put you to sleep like a little baby,” Piller says. 
 
A recent article in Psychology Today explored how a good night’s sleep is necessary for a person’s immune system to run as efficiently as possible. A good, healthy immune system is one of the major things that may reduce the risk of the coronavirus. That makes it extremely important that people find simple and easy ways to relax at night, rather than lie staring at the ceiling as brooding fears about the coronavirus swirl around in their minds, Piller says.
 
“Life can be a job in itself, especially right now with all the concerns about the coronavirus,” Piller says. “Most people do not want all the difficulties that every insomnia treatment is riddled with. They don’t want to do all kinds of lifestyle changes that don’t offer solutions or guarantees, and that have minimal results at best. These superstar stretches for sleeping are the world’s easiest and safest. For me, muscle stretching is magic. You get total relief just knowing this effortless system is waiting for you at bedtime.”
 
About Larry Piller
Larry Piller (www.larrypiller.com), a Certified Massage Practitioner, is author of Stretching Your Way: A Unique & Leisurely Muscle Stretching System, which BookAuthority named as one of the best new stretching books to read in 2020, one of the best stretching e-books for 2020, and one of the “Best Stretching Books of All Time.” Piller became interested in stretching more than 25 years ago when he was plagued with lower back spasms from tightening muscles that over time became debilitating. He sought advice from various experts on stretching. When nothing worked, he experimented with stretching on his own and came up with his own system.
 

 

Date: March 30, 2020
For Immediate Release
 
The PSCF Foundation has announced that the Plumas Goes Pops! Concert series will go on, as soon as conditions allow it. “It may be Fall, or even into the Winter,” said Fair Manager John Steffanic, “but the three other concerts will take place.” What was shaping up to be an extremely well received series of events, like so many other community plans, were de-railed by the Covid19 pandemic. Spokespeople for the Reno Pops Orchestra say they stand by the Fair’s non-profit foundation and will work together to schedule the other performances as soon as conditions allow. Additionally, both organizations say that if attendance for these concerts is what it looked like they were going to be, more performances will be scheduled in the near future. PSCF Foundation President Nancy Gambell thanks everyone who bought tickets, season passes and sponsorships for their wonderful support and appreciates their patience as we ride out this situation. Stay tuned for details as they arise.
 

MILWAUKEE, WI – At a time when social distancing is the new reality, it’s easy to feel alone and disconnected. That’s why it’s important now more than ever to practice self-care, finding balance between staying informed while taking time to unplug and reset.

TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds SensiblySM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, offers several tips on how to make these extended periods at home more enjoyable, while creating or sustaining habits that can lead to a healthier you.

• Just because you have to stay home doesn’t mean you can’t keep moving. There are a variety of exercises that can be done from the couch or a chair. Search online for free streaming workouts and classes. No equipment? Use household items: a 16-ounce can of soup or beans is 1 pound, while a 72-ounce bottle of laundry detergent is 5 pounds. Also consider doing sets of stair climbs. No matter what type of movement you choose, start slow if you’re not accustomed to regular physical activity—and listen to your body.
• If you have a scale, weigh yourself weekly to stay accountable to yourself.
• Put on your chef’s hat and make good-for-you recipes you never had time to before. 
• Do some early spring cleaning. Start with a drawer or closet and move on to different areas of the home. Decluttering certain areas of your home can be a great stress reliever.
• Incorporate more immune-boosting foods into your diet. Choosing fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, sardines and salmon will help increase your intake of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons and grapefruit, are naturally high in vitamin C and potassium. And don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water.
• Stress and uncertainty can lead to emotional eating. Combat this by identifying and accepting the emotions that you try to soothe or boost with food. How can you feed your feelings without food? Consider exercise, soaking in the tub, deep breathing, or reading a book. Call a supportive family member or friend. Before grabbing something to eat, ask yourself, “Am I really hungry?”

For more weight loss tips and inspiration, visit www.tops.org.
Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS® meeting free of charge. Membership is affordable at just $32 per year in the U.S. and $36 USD per year in Canada (currently $48 CAD), plus nominal chapter fees. To find a local chapter or become an online member, view www.tops.org. 
About TOPS®
TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds SensiblySM) is the original weight-loss support and wellness education organization. Founded in 1948, TOPS® is the only nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss organization of its kind. TOPS® promotes successful weight management with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy that combines support from others at weekly chapter meetings, healthy eating, regular exercise and wellness information. TOPS® has about 100,000 members – male and female, age seven and older – in its network of thousands of weight-loss support chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

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Filers should sign up for direct deposit for faster payment
 
            Washington--Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the upcoming direct payments to Americans that are part of the coronavirus response legislation signed into law today:
 
            “Getting cash into the hands of Americans families will help them through this difficult time and help stabilize the economy. The legislation passed by Congress includes direct payments – up to $1,200 per adult and $500 per child – to help them get by during this pandemic.
 
            “Anyone who filed a return for tax year 2018 or 2019 doesn’t need to do anything to receive the funds. They will automatically receive the appropriate amount based on the income in their latest tax return. Social Security recipients will also be automatically enrolled if they received benefits either year.
 
            “However, individuals who didn’t file a return for 2018 or 2019 should file a return for the 2019 tax year now. When filing a return, you should also sign up for direct deposit to receive recovery payments as quickly as possible.
 
            “Even if you don’t expect to receive a rebate or owe any taxes, filing a return is the only way to receive recovery funds.”
 
Frequently Asked Questions (compiled by Democratic committee staff):
 
Who qualifies to receive a check and how much will an individual receive?
 
Anyone who filed a tax return this year or last year. Individuals receive $1,200, married couples receive $2,400, and child dependents (under 17) receive $500. 
 
What are qualified income levels based off of?
 
There is no qualified income threshold or requirement to receive the rebate. However, the rebate phases out at a 5 percent rate above adjusted gross incomes of $75,000 for single filers, $112,500 for heads of household, and $150,000 for joint filers.
 
Can those collecting Social Security or disability receive a check?
 
Yes, if they filed a tax return this year or last year, or received a form SSA-1099. Otherwise, they need to file a tax return.
 
How does an individual claim their check?
 
They do not need to claim their checks (unless they have not either filed a tax return this year or last year) – IRS will send out rebates automatically to their direct deposit or to the address provided on the last tax return submitted.
 
How long will it take for this check to be delivered?
 
Rebates sent via direct deposit will take a few weeks. Rebates sent via checks may take a few months.
 
Will I be taxed on this check?
 
No, rebates are not taxable. 
 
Will I be eligible if I haven’t finished filing my 2018 taxes?
 
You need to have filed either a 2018 tax return or a 2019 tax return. If you have not filed either, you will not be eligible. You can file a 2019 tax return now to claim the rebate.
 
Will I be eligible if I have a lien against me, but I am in non-collect status?
 
Yes. Rebates will not be subject to garnishment, except if back child support is owed.
 
I withdrew my retirement in 2018- so my income that year was inflated. Is there any waiver for one time sources of income?
 
In this case, the taxpayer should file a 2019 tax return.
 
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TransparentBusiness offers unique solutions to help businesses allow employees to work remotely
 
NEW YORK, New York – (March 30, 2020) – Globally, there has been 1.5 billion people who have been ordered to work from home due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many executives and managers are finding that managing remote workers blindly is is like conducting an orchestra without seeing or hearing the musicians. One company, TransparentBusiness, provides the solution that will allow a business to remain productive and profitable, while protecting their employees from the virus risks.
 
“Our TransparentBusiness platform, designated by Citigroup as the Top People Management Solution, makes remote work easy to monitor and coordinate, allowing many businesses to operate efficiently despite the shelter-at-home orders,” explains Alex Konanykhin, co-founder and chief executive officer of TransparentBusiness. “The goal is for companies to be able to allow their employees to work remotely, but yet still ensure they are being productive. That’s exactly what our collaboration software provides, giving business owners the peace of mind they need to give the green light to work from home.”
 
Employee engagement has been an issue with many companies, and the ability to work remotely is believed by some to be a solution to the problem. Employees who work remotely three or four days per week report that they feel the most engaged with their team.
 
In addition to improving employee engagement and providing a way to reduce the risks of spreading viruses, there are additional benefits to allowing employees to work remotely. These include improving employee retention rates, saving commute time, offering a better work-life balance, increased productivity, lower costs, and having access to a large pool of talent. Working remotely allows more flexibility, as well as prevents people from unnecessary distractions in the workplace.
 
While many companies are aware of some of the benefits of allowing their employees to work remotely, they are hesitant to allow it because they feel there is no accountability. That’s where TransparentBusiness comes in, providing the solution to that problem. TransparentBusiness offers a unique tool that will allow them to bridge the gap between working from home and still being a connected part of the team. The software offers such solutions as:
 

• Being able to see all team members as they are working in real time. Employers don’t have to wonder if the employee is working or being productive, because the software will provide them with the immediate information they need.
• Smart management and collaboration, providing an efficient way to collaborate and offer immediate feedback.
• Increased productivity, ensuring that every billable minute is tracked, which helps to eliminate overbilling problems.
• Performance monitoring that includes billing and cost data for the company or for a specific team or project that is being worked on.
• Efficient communication capabilities, including multilevel chat options.
• The ability to manage remote workers from one central location, while receiving all of the information that is needed to verify billable hours and productivity.

 
“TransparentBusiness is the ideal solution when having your employees work from home, or to make it easier and more cost-effective to work with freelancers,” added Silvina Moschini, co-founder and president of TransparentBusiness. “TransparentBusiness is a win-win solution for employees and employers.”
 
There are various ways that businesses can help employees stay productive when working from home. Some tips to help with that transition include:
 

• Businesses can start the transition by identifying company goals and how they will be achieved. What is it they want their employees to accomplish while working from home?
• Set the timeframes and deadlines that you want to have these items achieved in. Be realistic, especially since you are new to transitioning your workforce to working from home. The timelines can always be adjusted later.
• Make the announcement to your employees that they will be transitioning to working from home. Share with them what the goals are, as well as the timeframe you have you settled upon.
• Ensure you have the right software to help you make it a smooth transition, keep your employees working efficiently, and be able to track accountability. Opting for a software program such as TransparentBusiness will help improve task management, time management, team communication, productivity tracking, and more. TransparentBusiness has been designed to meet the needs of a remote workforce and increase productivity.
• Know the difference in remote working tools, such as Zoom and GoToMeeting, DropBox and Google Docs, Skype and Whatsapp, and more. These remote working tools serve an important purpose and will make working from home easier and help keep people more efficient and productive.
• Share with employees how they can be more productive working from home, by doing things such as setting regular hours, having a plan for the day, having a good location in the home where you can work from, and taking breaks when you need them.

 
One look at the data and trends and it is easy to see that working remotely is the future of how business will be conducted. It is estimated that two-thirds of employees around the world work remotely at least one day each week. In some countries, such as Switzerland, it’s estimated that 70% of the professionals work remotely at least one day per week. An estimated 53% of the workers there work remotely for half of the week. This is a trend that is taking place worldwide. It’s predicted that soon, half of the U.S. workforce will work remotely, at least part time.
 
TransparentBusiness has been expertly designed to cover all the bases and provide businesses with a unique solution to holding employees accountable who work remotely. The software is available for purchase through ADP, making it easy to streamline the process of adopting its use. It has also been designed with the same software as a business service model, making it easy to understand, efficient, and thorough, providing meaningful insight to business leaders worldwide.
 
Co-founded by Silvina Moschini and Alex Konanykhin, TransparentBusiness recently received a second round of funding, for a total amount raised of $6 million. Moschini was dubbed “Miss Internet” in 2003 by Fortune, and has made hundreds of appearances on major media outlets. Konanykhin has been referred to as the “Russian Bill Gates” and is also the founder if KMGi, an advertising company started in 1997 and known for innovation.  For more information about TransparentBusiness, visit the site: https://transparentbusiness.com/.
 
About TransparentBusiness
TransparentBusiness is a unique solution for businesses, helping to provide them with the tool they need to allow their employees to work remotely. The software offers full transparency and real-time coordination, boosts productivity, and eliminates overbilling. For more information about the software, visit the site: https://transparentbusiness.com/.
 
 
 
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SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today issued the following statement reminding businesses that California's law prohibiting price gouging during a time of emergency applies to all sellers, including retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. This means that California's price gouging law applies to transactions between manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers as it does between retailers and consumers.  
 
"During this difficult public health emergency, it’s imperative that we stop price gouging anywhere in the supply chain," said Attorney General Becerra. "The Department of Justice has zero tolerance for price gouging against Californians — or our hospitals, medical providers or first responders. To all Californians, our ask is simple: if you see something, say something. Report price gouging – by a retailer, wholesaler, distributor or manufacturer – to my office by filing a complaint at http://oag.ca.gov/report."
 
Under California Penal Code Section 396, price gouging is a misdemeanor in all California communities during a declared state of emergency. California law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10 percent, the price of an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. This law applies to the prices of certain goods or services when a declared state of emergency results in disruptions of the market, including with respect to food, emergency and medical supplies, and other consumer goods. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business. The statute applies equally to all sellers, including retailers, wholesalers, distributors, or manufacturers, and includes sales to businesses and government agencies.
 
Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution. The Attorney General and local district attorneys can enforce the statute.
 
For the latest on coronavirus preparedness, information, and response, please visit the websites of the California Department of Public Health, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, and Office of Emergency Services. If you are a worker or employer who has been affected by COVID-19, you can find guidance and resources on the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency’s website. 

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VALLEJO, California, March 26, 2020 - USDA Forest Service appreciates the public's interest in outdoor recreation, particularly in light of current events. The Pacific Southwest Region of the Forest Service, in response to the recent statewide shelter-in-place order issued by the Governor of California, is joining the cause to aggressively mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by closing developed recreation facilities on our National Forests statewide.

"Developed recreation sites" refers to designated recreational use areas designed to facilitate public use. Information on individual recreation sites and opportunities are available from local National Forests.

 

Closures of developed recreation facilities are being put in place until at least April 30th in an attempt to avoid groups of people and promote social distancing of staying more than six feet apart.

 

While designated recreation sites will be closed, the general Forest area including the extensive trail system will remain open and available to the public. Hiking and walking outdoors are widely considered beneficial to maintaining one's health. It is the intent of USDA Forest Service to maintain trail access to the extent practicable.

 

Please keep health, safety and the environment in mind when visiting National Forests. Your personal responsibility is critical to ensuring public safety and preventing further restrictions. We ask that you consider whether your personal participation in outdoor recreation at this time would pose an unnecessary risk to others as we all work together to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19.

 

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our National Forests safe and healthy for everyone's use.

 

 

 

The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation's clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 850 million forested acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.