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. 

​

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.

 

 
            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