Washington--Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) released the following statement on unemployment benefits in the coronavirus response legislation passed by the Senate last night:
 
            “With unemployment claims spiking to levels not seen since the Great Depression, the bill passed last night by the Senate will help keep money in the pockets of workers laid off or furloughed.
 
            “This bill is particularly beneficial to Californians because it includes self-employed, part-time and gig economy workers who normally wouldn’t be eligible for unemployment benefits.
 
            “With more than 1 million Californians now without a job because of this pandemic, it’s important that we take care of everyone out of work during these difficult times. I hope the House quickly passes this bill and the president signs it so people who need these new benefits will receive them as soon as possible.”
 
New unemployment provisions:
 

• Paycheck replacement: $600 per week increase above normal benefits for four months. That allows coverage for average Americans equal to their paychecks during the pandemic.

 

• Waiving waiting periods: Encourages states to eliminate all waiting periods before individuals can receive benefits.

 

• Extension of benefits: Automatically adds an additional 13 weeks of federally funded unemployment insurance to state coverage.

 

• Includes more workers: Allows part-time, self-employed and gig economy workers to access unemployment insurance.

 
How to apply for unemployment insurance:
 
            Californians can apply for unemployment benefits through the California Employment Development Department.
 
            The best way to begin the process is by going online and clicking HERE. Claims can be filed online Sunday 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 2 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 2 am to 8 p.m.
 

 California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today issued a consumer alert to warn Californians about fraudulent charities during the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. The virus has thus far infected 2,535 Californians and has resulted in a state-wide shelter in place order, issued by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Attorney General Becerra reminds all Californians to do their research before submitting donations to any charity, especially during a time of crisis.
“Californians have a big heart. We come together and give back to our communities when crisis hits,” said Attorney General Becerra. “Sadly, there are also scammers out there attempting to profit off of your generosity. I urge everyone to be vigilant. Do your research before donating. If you or others you know are victims of a charity scam, file a complaint on our website at oag.ca.gov/report.”
Donation Tips

• Check Registration Status: Charities operating in California and telemarketers soliciting donations in California are required to register with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts. They are also required to file annual financial reports. Confirm that the charity is registered and up-to-date with their financial reporting by searching the Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts at www.oag.ca.gov/charities. 

• Give to Organizations You Trust: Do your research before giving. Review the charity’s purpose and its financial records, available on the Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts, and find out how it spends donations. How much is spent directly on the charitable cause? How much goes to overhead and employee compensation? Research charities in your community and support those charities that make a positive impact.

• Don’t Be Pressured By Telemarketers And Ask Questions Before Donating: If you receive a call from a telemarketer, ask for the name of the fundraising organization, whether it is registered with the Attorney General’s Office, the name of the charity benefitting from the solicitation, how much of your donation will go to charity and how much to the telemarketer, and the direct telephone number of the charity. If the telemarketer tells you the donation is for your local animal shelter, hospital, school, police department, firefighter or other public safety agency, check directly with the benefitting organization to confirm that they authorized the solicitation and will actually benefit from your donation. Don’t fall for pressure tactics or threats. Remember you have the right to reject the donation appeal and if you feel pressured or threatened, just hang up. 

• Be Cautious Of "Look-Alike" Websites: These fraudulent websites may have a slightly different web address (URL). Similar looking URLs are sometimes purchased to lure in would-be donors. These sites may ask for personal information or install harmful material onto your device.

• Watch Out For Similar-Sounding Names And Other Deceptive Tactics: Some organizations use names that closely resemble those of well-established charitable organizations to mislead donors. Be skeptical if someone thanks you for a pledge you never made. Check your records. Remember: current registration status with the Attorney General’s Office does not mean the Attorney General endorses or has approved the activities of the organization.

• Be Wary Of Social Network and Crowdfunding Websites: If you are planning to donate through a social network solicitation or through a crowdsourcing website, such as GoFundMe, find out what percentage is going to the charity, whether you will be charged a fee, or if a percentage of your donation will be paid to the platform website.

• Protect Your Identity: Never give your Social Security number or other personal information in response to a charitable solicitation. Never give out credit card information to an organization unfamiliar to you. Some organizations sell or rent their donor lists to other organizations, including organizations that are not charities. Look at the charity’s privacy policy and learn who the charity might share your information with before you provide it.

You can find more information on our donation tips webpage. 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. 

I hope you’re staying safe! The American Kennel Club launched a program last year called AKC PupPals, which provided kids in need of uplifting with a message from a canine friend. In light of the crisis we’re facing right now, we thought it was fitting to expand the program to cater to anyone in need of some cheer – nursing homes, anyone suffering during the lockdown.
 
Anyone can nominate a person to receive a letter or video from a canine companion. You can find more info about the program here, and you can nominate someone to receive a PupPal here.
 
We’d love if you can get this message out to readers/viewers in your area.
 
Best,
 
Giselle Castro
Communications Coordinator

 

SACRAMENTO – The California State Lottery is advising all Californians of upcoming changes affecting the multi-state jackpot game Powerball. Please view the announcement released this evening by the Multi-State Lottery Association below.
 
Attention Players – POWERBALL to make changes to starting jackpot amount and minimum jackpot roll increases:
 
Following next Grand Prize win, Powerball jackpot will reset to $20 million (instead of $40 million) with minimum roll increases of $2 million between drawings (instead of $10 million)
 
URBANDALE, Iowa – The Powerball Product Group today announced changes to ensure the game continues to support good causes in all 48 U.S. lottery jurisdictions. Following the next Grand Prize win, Powerball’s starting jackpot will reset to a guaranteed $20 million (annuity) with minimum roll increases of $2 million between drawings.
 
“Powerball players in many U.S. lottery jurisdictions are under shelter-in-place orders or recommendations from their governors or mayors, which have affected normal consumer behaviors,” said Gregory Mineo, Powerball Product Group Chairman and Maine Lottery Director. “Just like other enterprises around the world that are making adjustments, we are making proactive changes to continue to offer the world’s premier lottery product.”
 
Tonight’s advertised jackpot is a guaranteed $150 million; $114.8 million cash value. If the jackpot is won in tonight’s drawing, the jackpot will reset to a guaranteed $20 million (annuity) for the Saturday, March 28 drawing with minimum jackpot roll increases of $2 million between drawings. If the jackpot is not won tonight, then the jackpot will grow to an estimated $160 million (annuity).


“We would like to offer support to our loyal players during this unprecedented time,” said Mineo. “We are committed to being America’s favorite jackpot game.”
 
Powerball is played in 45 states (plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Draw times are Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7:59 p.m. PT. The draw closes at 7 p.m., so players must buy their tickets by then to qualify for that draw. Tickets cost $2 and can be purchased from any of the more than 23,000 California Lottery retailers or one of the more than 4,000 Lottery Lucky retailers. Please visit the California Lottery website at www.calottery.com for more information on how to play.
 
The California Lottery’s mission is to provide supplemental funding to California public schools, including kindergarten and grades 1-12, community colleges, the California State University, the University of California, and other California public educational entities. The funds the Lottery transfers to public education total approximately $1.8 billion for fiscal year 2018-19, which amounts to a modest percentage of education’s overall budget. However, this funding is largely non-discretionary, meaning schools can use this for important, yet unfunded instructional programs they would otherwise not afford. During the same period the Lottery generated almost $7 billion in sales, more than 95% of which goes back to the community in the form of prize payments, retailer commissions and bonuses, and contributions to education.  The California Lottery urges its customers to play responsibly.  Problem gambling resources are available to anyone at 1-800-GAMBLER.
 
www.calottery.com

For information regarding the new Restriction of Short-Term Rentals in Sierra County please visit:
http://sierracounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4554/200324-PR-Short-Term-Rental-Memo-2020
 
For updated information and resources please continue to visit: http://sierracounty.ca.gov/582/Coronavirus-COVID-19
 

Travel app, TripScout, covers the perception and expectations of travelers during COVID-19 pandemic to  assist with ongoing travel and industry changes

CHICAGO, IL. –– MARCH 24, 2020 –– The travel industry is at the center of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact is felt around the world. TripScout, the only travel entertainment platform for the traveler that dreams every day about their next trip, today announces it has surveyed 3,000 app users to gather the perception and expectations of travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the survey is to assist the travel industry make more informed strategic decisions as the virus continues to affect and impact the world. 
A summary of the survey results and statistics can be viewed here: https://tripscout.co/coronavirus/.
TripScout surveyed its app users about COVID-19 and travel including: the expected impact and duration, COVID-19 and personal health, travel cancelations, perception of cruise lines, airlines, travel insurance providers, the national government and major media news. 
TripScout’s COVID-19 Traveler Survey Results include:

• 77 percent of travelers had to cancel or reschedule existing travel plans, but 90 percent of travelers still plan on traveling in 2020.
  
• 70 percent of travelers are currently planning for trips 6 months away and 34 percent are booking refundable travel for dates in the future.
  
• 60 percent of travelers said they plan on traveling just as much as they originally anticipated in 2020, assuming this is “over” relatively soon.
  
• 61 percent of travelers say that COVID-19 made them even more unlikely to take a cruise in the future.
  
• 85 percent of travelers that have cancelled/rescheduled trips have received or expect to receive some form of refund or credit for future travel. Trip insurance, on the other hand, has not been helpful for COVID-19 cases (except for Cancel For Any Reason coverage).
  
• Travelers are placing high trust in public health authorities (WHO, CDC, etc.).
  
• Travelers have very low levels of trust with national governments and major media/news.
  
• There is currently no change in the willingness to travel domestically or internationally in the future. 
  

“COVID-19 has severely impacted tourism worldwide as we quickly shift to change our way of life to mitigate the spread and outbreak of the virus,” said Konrad Waliszewski, founder and CEO of TripScout. “We wanted to quickly survey frequent travelers in order to gauge its impact on current and future travel plans. We hope this survey will shed light on what travelers are actually doing and thinking in order to help our industry better navigate the crisis.”
“We’re continuing to work with our community to ensure we are doing everything in our power to share insights – whether it’s with the media, travel partners or the general public – to alleviate the stress and uncertainty associated with travel cancelations and the overall impact COVID-19 has on industries,” said Andy Acs, co-founder of TripScout. “We are confident that we can come together during this time to do what is right and that we will bounce back stronger than ever.” 
TripScout is the highest ranked trip planner app in the AppStore and its Facebook Group has been named the “best-crowd-sourced resource in travel” by Forbes. Travelers can explore the world at the touch of their fingertips within one sleek, modern app that builds a fully personalized and always up-to-date travel guide and content feed for the places and topics you care about. 
Connect with us and download TripScout, the #1 ranked trip planner app for iPhone today. Join TripScout’s Facebook Group. Sign up for TripScout’s free travel newsletterto get the 5 best travel hacks and tips of the week.
About TripScout: 
TripScout is the only travel entertainment platform for the traveler that dreams every day about their next trip. Whether someone is looking to uncover a destination that inspires them or planning for a specific location, the app provides a portal for visual discovery by featuring the best articles and videos from top publishers and local influencers for each destination. The app also allows travelers to turn their inspiration into action as every restaurant, café, shop, or site featured within the content is mapped to one of TripScout’s 100 million+, constantly updated points of interest. With one tap, travelers can save any POI they discover as easily as ‘liking’ an Instagram post, allowing them to magically stitch together their perfect trip into a full, personalized itinerary.

 
 Dr. Glenn Mollette
In the old days, Church pastors frowned on their church members staying home to watch television preachers Rex Humbard, Jerry Falwell or Robert Schuller. The sick and the very elderly were typically pardoned but that was as far as grace was extended.  The vast majority of churches across the land did not televise their services or broadcast church on the radio. Traditionally churches have preferred keeping their flock coming to the "house of God." 
 
Essentially most churches haven't changed their philosophy. Congregations have always enjoyed "gathering" to sing, hear sermons, eat meals together and importantly -shake hands. 
 
Media ministry in the old days was usually reserved for the large and affluent churches that could afford to buy television time or at least radio air time. Television broadcasting has always been expensive and so very few churches have been able to televise their services. A few more churches through the years have been able to afford radio time.

I remember one of my old-time preacher friends shaming his congregation one Sunday. He said, "One reason you people should not sit home and watch church on your television is because you can't shake hands with your television." 
 
The church has always placed a lot of emphasis on "togetherness, shaking hands, hugging and embracing others."  Now, no one wants to shake hands and embrace each other. Because of Covid-19 people are trying to stay six feet apart. Furthermore, almost every minister and congregation in the country has the ability to broadcast his or her service via the Internet or Facebook. Media ministry now is available to almost everyone. Ministers now want people to tune in on Facebook or whatever media they are using. Ministers still prefer that people attend church, but if they are the "ones" being watched then it's fine. 
 
It's ironic how things change. What used to be kind of taboo for some churches is widely embraced now. One of the reasons is because it's so available. It's also affordable. People have computers and cell phones. People are on Facebook or have some other Internet accessibility. Radio airtime is more affordable in many areas. Things and times change. Plus, we've never been hit by anything like this pandemic where people are being told to stay home and that church is off limits. Whoever thought that church attendance might be ordered by the governor to be off limits? 
 
Many houses of worship began building their websites years ago so that members could do their giving online. This is a good thing especially if people are already in the habit of donating this way. Churches who do not gather typically never recoup their giving. Some faithful members will catch up on charitable giving but most will not. Churches along with everyone will suffer during this pandemic. 

Houses of faith will survive during this virus crisis but life will change for most congregations. Many will be excited to get back to the church pew and shaking hands when they can. Or, they may conclude they don't need to shake hands anymore.
Click here for -> Books By Glenn Mollette , Read his latest book Uncommon Sense
Music by Glenn Mollette through iTunes and all music dealers
  
Contact him at GMollette@aol.com.   Learn more at www.glennmollette.com   Like his facebook page at www.facebook.com/glennmollette

First Alert Marks Anniversary of Statewide Code Enactment
With Reminder to Replace Expiring Carbon Monoxide Alarms
 
AURORA, Ill. (March 24, 2020) – From Sacramento to San Diego, Californians have been protected for years, thanks to carbon monoxide (CO) protection measures first put in place statewide in 2011, which required CO alarms in new one and two-family dwellings, town homes not more than three stories and all existing single-family homes. By 2013, California upped the requirement to all existing dwellings. Since then, countless lives have been saved from the dangers of this invisible, odorless and potentially fatal gas.
 
However, alarms don’t last forever, and seven years after this CO alarm requirement was expanded to include all types of residences, First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety*, along with health and safety officials, have issued a timely reminder to the public: the need to replace CO alarms as they approach expiration.
 
As part of its ongoing education efforts, First Alert is partnering with fire departments and safety organizations throughout the country to bring awareness to the importance of replacing alarms as they expire.
 
“These CO alarm requirements marked a turning point for protection for California’s residents, but with busy lives and other priorities, it’s easy to take life-saving measures like installing CO alarms for granted once they’ve been implemented,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert, a leader in residential fire and CO detection devices. “The anniversary of its enactment is a timely reminder of the importance of protecting what matters most, and an ideal opportunity for us to celebrate the lives that have been saved over the past seven years by making safety a top priority.”
 
Known as the “silent killer,” CO is a colorless and odorless gas that is impossible to detect without a sensing device. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50,000 emergency room visits and over 430 deaths are attributed to CO poisoning in the U.S. each year, making it the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the country. Any fuel-burning appliance, including heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, appliances and cooking sources using coal, wood, or petroleum products, are all potential sources of CO. It’s critical to have appliances inspected by certified licensed technicians, educate loved ones on the dangers of carbon monoxide, and develop a family escape plan in the event of a CO emergency.
 
CO poisoning can cause symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, chest pain and vomiting that mimic those of many other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose. In severe poisoning cases, victims can experience disorientation, unconsciousness, long-term neurological disabilities, cardiorespiratory failure or death.
 
While alarm lifespans may vary by model and manufacturer, back in 2013, a properly maintained CO alarm had a lifespan of approximately five to seven years. Therefore, CO alarms installed when California expanded these requirements are likely now due for replacement. As an extra safety measure, most First Alert CO alarms feature end-of-life warning to alert residents to the need for replacement. The end-of-life signal differs significantly from the 85-decibel horn heard in an emergency or during regular testing of the alarm. It also differs from the low-battery chirp, and usually consists of 3-5 short sounds. Check the back of the alarm, as well as the alarm’s user manual, for specific information on these different signals.
 
“If you can’t think of the last time you installed a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm, chances are, it’s time to replace your old ones,” Wey said. “Installing new alarms, testing them regularly and having and practicing an escape plan are important measures you can take to help protect your family and home. First Alert offers the most advanced CO sensing technologies and latest safety features available, in hardwired, wall mount, plug-in and tabletop versions.”
 
The last few years have seen significant advancements in technology, extending the lifespans of some to CO alarms to 10 years. First Alert offers 10-year sealed battery CO alarms that eliminate the need for battery replacements. First Alert’s extensive safety portfolio also includes other CO alarm models to meet the needs of any household. For example, battery-powered tabletop models like the CO710 feature a 10-year battery and digital temperature display, with an easy-to-read, backlit LED screen. Other options offer both smoke and CO protection, such as the PRC710V, which offers voice alerts to inform consumers of the location of the specific danger. Another option is the plug-in CO605 model, which plugs into any standard electrical outlet and offers a battery back-up in case of power outages.
 
In addition to replacing CO alarms as they reach expiration, Wey recommends the following tips and tools for keeping yourself and loved ones safer from the dangers of carbon monoxide:
 
Important Safety Steps
 
·       Install alarms. CO alarms are the only way to detect this poisonous gas. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends installing alarms on every level of the home and near each sleeping area for maximum protection. Also, make sure the alarms are installed at least 15 feet away from sources of CO to reduce the possibility of nuisance alarms. It is also important to test alarms monthly and change batteries every six months, unless the alarm is powered by a sealed, 10-year battery.
 
·       Test alarms regularly. All First Alert alarms are equipped with a test/silence button for easy testing.
 

• Never use generators indoors. In the case of a power outage, portable electric generators must be used outside only (at least 15 feet from your home). Never use them inside the home, in a garage or in any confined area that can allow CO to collect. And, be careful to follow operating instructions closely. Also, refrain from using charcoal grills, camp stoves and other similar devices indoors.
• Be mindful of the garage. Never leave a vehicle running inside an attached garage. Even if the door is open, it is hazardous, as CO can leak into the home.
• Have fuel-burning appliances inspected regularly. Arrange for a professional inspection of all fuel-burning appliances (such as furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, clothes dryers and water heaters) annually.

 

• Plan Your Escape. To develop an effective escape plan, walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Identify two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Practice your home emergency escape plan at least twice a year and make sure to plan a meeting spot. That way, if there is an emergency, everyone knows where to meet.

 

• Call 911. If an alarm sounds, leave the home immediately and move to fresh air. Then call 911 and do not go back into the home until the home is inspected and cleared.

For more information on fire and carbon monoxide safety, visit www.firstalert.com/carbonmonoxide. 
 
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