Local

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—  The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) continues improvements on the southbound off-ramp at Soquel Canyon Parkway on State Route 71 (SR-71) in Chino Hills. Caltrans is widening the Soquel Canyon Parkway off-ramp and adding a right turn lane. 

 Crews will continue asphalt concrete paving operations and landscape work. 

A full closure of the southbound SR-71 Soquel Canyon Parkway exit will be in place from April 13 through April 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. Please follow the posted alternate route. 

Remember to reduce your speed in the work zone. Be advised, weather conditions may affect this operation. 

Know before you go! To stay on top of roadwork in the Inland Empire go to Caltrans District 8 and sign up for commuter alerts. Follow us for the latest information on Facebook and Twitter. To assist in planning your commute, view live traffic conditions using QuickMap and planned lane closures. 

For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (i.e. Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, please contact Kimberly Cherry at 909-383-6290 or TTY 711 by April 15, 2020. 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The County’s efforts to protect the community from the spread of novel coronavirus by temporarily sheltering the homeless population are underway with the arrival of 20 state-funded trailers at Glen Helen Regional Park in Devore and the placement of 26 people in a hotel in San Bernardino.

Agreements are in the works with lodging facilities in other cities within the county to house additional homeless individuals and families. The county is exploring other options as well to ensure homeless people who are elderly and who have underlying health conditions, as well as those who are or are suspected of being COVID-19-postive, are sheltered during the crisis.

“This sheltering effort is critical for not only protecting the health of homeless individuals or families but also for protecting the entire community from the spread of the novel coronavirus,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “That is why we are working closely with city and community leaders throughout our county to get these sites up and running. The county is leading the fight against COVID-19, but protecting our communities from this pandemic has to be a team effort involving all of our cities and residents.”

There are more than 2,000 unsheltered homeless individuals living in San Bernardino County. There are approximately 300 homeless identified as extremely high risk by medical doctors due to their age and serious health conditions.

The County’s goal is to secure at least 300 units throughout the county in multiple communities as quickly as possible to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the unsheltered community and the entire county population. Staff from the County Department of Behavioral Health and organizations that serve the homeless will make phone contact with each homeless individual daily. The county will provide security at each site 24 hours per day, seven days a week. The County, Inland Empire Health Plan, and Molina Healthcare will provide meal packages to all persons in placement.

“The County is maximizing our collective effort to fight this health crisis head-on, which demands the necessary and expedient action of sheltering the homeless in place to reduce the spread of the virus and protect everyone’s safety,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Josie Gonzales.

“We must value the efforts and sacrifices of those who are sheltering at home, by using every means possible to ensure everyone is sheltered in place in order to abate the fast spread of COVID-19,” added Supervisor Gonzales, who is also founder and chair of the San Bernardino County lnteragency Council on Homelessness.

In response to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order to protect public safety and the spread of COVID-19 among the state’s most vulnerable populations, San Bernardino County will receive a portion of $800 million in emergency funding to quickly implement creative temporary housing solutions to address the complex

public health challenge of protecting vulnerable homeless individuals and communities against exposure to COVID-19.

The Executive Order requires counties to protect public safety and reduce the spread of COVID-19 by providing vulnerable homeless people access to temporary housing, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). San Bernardino County partnered with federal, state, and local agencies to create a plan to provide extensive supportive services to homeless individuals during their 14-day stay.

“Although COVID-19 has forced everyone in our community to make difficult decisions, it has also provided us with an unprecedented opportunity to support people experiencing homelessness,” said San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer Gary McBride. “Homeless individuals, who once declined the offer for immediate supportive housing, now, like the rest of us, desire protection against COVID-19 in the safety and comfort of a shelter’s four walls. Our hope is that through this crisis, some homeless individuals will recognize the county and the community’s commitment to end homelessness and seek extended services which lead to permanent housing, employment, wellness, and resiliency.”

Homeless individuals over the age of 65 and persons of any age who have underlying health conditions or are immunocompromised, will receive priority housing, followed by pregnant homeless women, and homeless people meeting this criteria who are exposed to the virus and require isolation, but are non-symptomatic.

Homeless people who meet the criteria are contacted by County staff including the Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach and Proactive Enforcement team and Behavioral Health’s Homeless Outreach Support team. Homeless people requiring extensive healthcare services or hospitalization are directed to medical facilities, while others are offered the temporary housing on a voluntary, but conditional basis. Individuals who decline are reminded of social distancing requirements and provided referrals to other resources and services.

Homeless people who desire temporary housing sign an admission agreement, which includes a pledge for no visitors, abstinence from alcohol and substance use, vacating upon the ending of the 14-day stay period or rescinding of the Governor’s Executive Order, and participating in regular meetings with a case manager to develop a plan for immediate and subsequent housing needs. In addition to shelter, food, physical and behavioral health care, laundry facilities, and other resources are provided.

Temporary housing locations approved by the State of California include hotels, motels, trailers, shelters and other areas that allow the ability to practice social distancing and handwashing. Various San Bernardino County agencies, homeless service providers, business owners, cities, and communities are working in collaboration to determine which locations best allow for access to needed services while meeting strict CDC requirements for public safety.

Part of this solution are the 20 trailers that arrived at Glen Helen Regional Park. Each trailer can house one person or a family of two. Occupants will sign agreements requiring them to remain on the park grounds for the duration of the emergency.

For information about the coronavirus crisis, visit the County’s coronavirus website at sbcovidl 9.com. New information and resources are updated daily. The public can also contact the coronavirus public information line from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (909) 387-3911, or email the County at coronavirus@dph.sbcounty.gov.

Customers eligible to renew license online encouraged to do so

Commercial licenses extended through June 30; drivers under 70 extended through May 31

Drivers can request an optional paper extension online

Drivers 70 and older will automatically receive temporary paper extension valid for 120 days

SACRAMENTO, CA— – The California Department of Motor Vehicles is extending driver licenses expiring during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Licenses for drivers younger than 70 that expire between March and May 2020 are now valid through May 31, 2020.

All commercial driver licenses, endorsements and certificates expiring between March and June 2020 are now valid through June 30, 2020, aligning with a recent emergency declaration from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The extension does not include medical certificates for commercial drivers, which requires additional administrative actions scheduled in the near future.

The DMV has alerted California law enforcement of the extensions. Californians with a suspended license are not eligible.

The DMV continues to review and process online renewals, and encourages drivers who are eligible to renew their license online to do so.

The extensions require no individual action on the part of drivers. These drivers will not receive a new card or an extension in the mail. As an option, these drivers can request a free temporary paper extension online through DMV’s Virtual Field Office to document their extension.

The Virtual Field Office, virtual.dmv.ca.gov, builds on the other online services already available to DMV customers at dmv.ca.gov, including driver license renewals.

The temporary extensions are in addition to other steps the DMV announced earlier this month to help Californians with expiring licenses, including:

• A 120-day extension for drivers age 70 and older. Drivers age 70 and older with expiring noncommercial licenses are receiving an extension in the mail automatically. 
• Temporarily waiving required in-person renewals for eligible driver license and identification cardholders with expirations in March, April, and May 2020. Individuals who meet the criteria are able to renew online or by mail.

The DMV continues to provide essential services via mail, online, kiosks, its call center, available business partners and now virtually to process critical transactions, including eligible driver license and vehicle registration renewals, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers can use the Services Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

The measures to help Californians with expiring driver licenses are the latest DMV actions during the coronavirus pandemic, including:

• Temporarily closing field offices. Following deep cleaning, expansion of virtual services and development of new protocols, the DMV soon will offer in-person services in each region. Information on office openings will be announced by DMV in the near future.
• Canceling all behind-the-wheel drive tests to honor social distancing guidelines. 
• Suspending extended office hours and Saturday service.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes along with her colleagues Senator Connie Leyva, Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez and Assemblymember James Ramos have collaborated with leaders in the Inland Empire to donate N-95 Face Masks, thousands of surgical masks and face shields to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.  Thanks to the generosity of the Inland Chinese Association about 1,000 N95 masks and more than 3,000 surgical masks will be delivered.  Additionally, San Bernardino Valley College will deliver 100 medical-grade face shields made with the 3D printers from their MakerSpace lab. These donations are an effort to increase personal protective equipment (PPE) for nurses, physicians and staff working on the frontlines serving the community during the COVID-19 crisis.

As an added gesture of gratitude, the local legislators are providing lunch to the Emergency Department personnel.

The County of San Bernardino recently reported 887 positive cases. This increase is now outpacing any county in the Bay Area, according to the Los Angeles Times. If cases continue to double every four to five days in San Bernardino County, it could also increase exposure of COVID-19 and put more pressure on medical personnel. This is an example of why it is important to continue increasing personal protective equipment for essential workers.

“Our nurses, physicians and medical staff are putting themselves and their families at risk every day, protecting our community. It is our duty to make sure they have the personal protective equipment they need to continue serving,” said Assemblymember Reyes.

“Everything we can do to support those on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 leaves our entire community safer and healthier. Thank you to everyone in our healthcare system who is working hard to protect and serve their patients,” said Assemblymember Rodriguez.

“It is a privilege to be able to deliver these critically needed masks to our frontline medical workers,” said Assemblymember James Ramos (D-Highland). “We rely on these medical professionals for the well-being of our community, our loved ones and ourselves—protecting those on the frontlines is of upmost importance.”

“We are very grateful for this gift,” said Rodney Borger, M.D., ARMC Emergency Department Chairman. “ARMC’s staff is on the frontlines of this COVID-19 response and they appreciate this gesture.”

“During this Coronavirus pandemic, we have heard that many hospitals are short of supplies, and we want to thank Gary Liaou and the IE Chinese Association for donating 1,000 N95 masks and thousands of surgical masks to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. They come at a critical time,” states Senator Connie M. Leyva

“We are grateful for the heroic work of our health care workers,” said San Bernardino Valley College President Diana Z. Rodriguez. “They do so much to take care of us; we must do our part to take care of them.”

What: PPE Donation to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center plus Thank-You Lunch

Who: Senator Connie Leyva, Assemblymember Eloise Reyes, Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, Assemblymember James Ramos

Gary Liaou, Inland Chinese Assn President

Anne Vericel, SBCCD Board of Trustees Chair

Frank Reyes, SBCCD Board of Trustees Member

Frank Navarro, COLTON Mayor

Leno Moreno, Leno’s Rico Taco

Rodney Borger, M.D., ARMC Emergency Department Chairman

William Gilbert, CEO ARMC

Where: Arrowhead Regional Medical Center

400 N. Pepper Ave, Colton, CA 92324

(Outside the Medical Office Building)

When: Wednesday , April 15th  11:30am

County Public Health will conduct a community drive-through sample collection event for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) testing in Montclair on Tuesday, April 14.

LOCATION: Montclair Place

ADDRESS: 5060 E. Montclair Plaza Lane, Montclair

TIME: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This event is open to San Bernardino County residents by appointment only. Residents can request an appointment at http://wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/coronavirus/ at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 13. Residents that cannot access the form online can call the COVID-19 hotline at (909) 387-3911 and staff can assist in completing the request form.

This event is free of charge and does not require health insurance. All persons will be pre-screened upon completing the appointment request form to ensure that all persons meet testing criteria.

Additional community drive-through events are scheduled through this month in Yucaipa, Big Bear Lake, Joshua Tree, and Rancho Cucamonga. Additional events are being planned for Twentynine Palms, San Bernardino, and Victorville. Visit http://wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/coronavirus/ to see the upcoming events under the newly added Community Drive-Through Events drop-down menu.

COVID-19 testing events for San Bernardino County residents have already been held at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville, and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. More than 6,000 people have been tested for COVID-19 in San Bernardino County. As of today, there are 729 positive cases of COVID-19 in the county and 24 deaths have been attributed to the disease.

The County is actively pursuing testing resources for COVID-19 both domestically and internationally in order to increase capacity for community testing. The process has required research and evaluation that has resulted in several pending orders for thousands of serology (antibody) and extraction test kits for use throughout the county.  Meanwhile the County continues to receive testing supplies from commercial laboratories to support drive thru test sites.  New test kit products are evaluated on a daily basis and the County is confident that even more testing solutions will be available in the near future.

For information about the coronavirus crisis, visit the County’s coronavirus website at sbcovid19.com. New information and resources are updated daily. The public can also contact the COVID-19 hotline from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (909) 387-3911, or email the County at coronavirus@dph.sbcounty.gov.

Courts fail to compel Governor Newsom to release elderly and medically vulnerable people from prison as coronavirus cases rapidly increase 

People incarcerated in the California Institution for Women (CIW) report that as of April 7th, the entire prison has been locked down as a response to a new COVID-19 infection. This comes 48 hours after sources within CIW reported that staff from the men’s prison (California Institution for Men)––where 16 positive cases of COVID-19 have already been confirmed––had been moving back and forth between both prisons without taking appropriate safety precautions. 53 California prison officials have now tested positive for the coronavirus.

“Staff are not taking it as seriously here,” said a woman incarcerated at CIW prison, who wished to remain anonymous. “They cough without covering their mouths, most wear no face coverings at all and they cluster on the yard in groups of five or six, high fiving and hugging each other.”  

On April 4th, a federal court panel denied a motion to compel prison officials to release elderly and medically vulnerable people at-risk from the coronavirus, even as confirmed cases reported by CDCR continue to rise. While ruling that releasing prisoners to protect them from COVID-19 was beyond their authority to decide, the judges admonished lawyers for the state. “The current circumstances appear to expose, in stark terms, the potential need to revisit the current population cap,” said U.S. District Judge Kimberly Mueller.

Another federal judge asked that lawyers for the state provide information on the 3,500 people Governor Newsom said he plans to release who are within 60 days of their parole date, and to show if that number could be potentially tripled to include incarcerated people who are within 6 months of their release date. “I don’t see any difference between 180 days and 60 days, in terms of public safety,” said U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar, as reported by the L.A. Times. “I see proximate release dates as low-hanging fruit.” 

Community advocates balked at the expanded numbers, maintaining they are insufficient to meaningfully address the COVID-19 crisis. “Releasing 10,000 people is not enough,” said Amber-Rose Howard, Executive Director of Californians United for a Responsible Budget (CURB). “37% of the total prison population have at least one health factor that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says put them at risk for COVID-19. That’s at least 46,000 people. Governor Newsom calls himself a progressive, yet he’s using fear-based, ‘tough on crime’ rhetoric right out of the Republican playbook. People in prison are someone’s father, mother, sister or brother. Keeping them there without inadequate protection from the coronavirus is potentially a death sentence. Governor Newsom placed a moratorium on the death penalty in California because he recognized that it’s fundamentally unjust. We need him to show that kind of leadership now.”

COLTON, CA—- Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) will conduct Drive-Through testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) beginning April 9. The COVID-19 testing will be available for the public by appointment only. For appointments, call 1-855-422-8029. Instructions are available at this link: https://www.arrowheadregional.org/covid-19-updates/

The following dates are available for scheduling an appointment, as space allows:

• Thursday, April 9, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Friday, April 10, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 14,8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 15, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Thursday, April 16, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Drive-Through testing will be conducted at the outpatient building entrance on the ARMC campus. The entrance will be on Meridian Avenue at the back of the ARMC campus. Once entering the campus from Meridian, signage will be displayed for the COVID-19 Drive-Through testing. Additional testing dates will be announced at a later date.

“We have been treating COVID-19 patients with all of the latest best practices in our fight against this disease,” said Dr. Sharon Wang, infection disease specialist at ARMC. “We would like to provide our expertise to help test members of the community.”

The San Bernardino County Health Officer declared a local health emergency to help ensure county government and the public are prepared. ARMC is working with other county departments and in partnership with cities, schools, and the business and nonprofit communities to ensure an effective response.

For social distancing guidelines and other tips to protect yourself please go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

These are unprecedented and challenging times for the nation and the state of California as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic alters the course of our lives for the foreseeable future.

As job-loss claims hit record highs, more and more Californians will be dealing with a loss of income and their health insurance coverage. Covered California and Medi-Cal are providing a path to coverage for those affected by this pandemic.

Covered California announced a special-enrollment period related to the crisis. Anyone who meets Covered California’s eligibility requirements, which are similar to those in place during the annual open-enrollment period, can sign up for coverage from now through June 30.

“The goal is to have as many people covered as possible to ensure they have access to vitally needed health care,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “This is the right thing to do and we to make sure no one is left behind in California during this pandemic.”

Those signing up through Covered California will have access to private health insurance plans with monthly premiums that may be lowered due to federal subsidies and new state financial help that became effective in 2020. Once a plan is chosen, coverage begins on the first day of the following month — meaning individuals losing job-based coverage will not face a gap in coverage.

That was the case for Jose Gonzalez Fernandez. The 60-year-old Bay Area resident lost his construction job and health insurance at the end of February, but in March he heard on the local news that Covered California’s special-enrollment period would apply to his circumstances.

“I have always had health insurance through my union,” Gonzalez Fernandez said. “It was scary to think that I would not be able to go to the doctor if I got sick or if I catch the coronavirus. I can’t imagine getting sick, not having health insurance and not having money to pay for the medicine and medical services. That truly is scary.”

Gonzalez Fernandez is thrilled to be enrolled in Covered California plan for just $2 a month for him and his wife, Luz. “The best thing ever is that I get to keep my same coverage. I get to keep my doctors.”

Consumers who sign up through CoveredCA.com may find out that they are eligible for no-cost or low-cost coverage through Medi-Cal, for which they can enroll in online. Those eligible for Medi-Cal can have coverage that is immediately effective because California has put a 90-day hold on Medi-Cal renewal reviews, ensuring those already enrolled can continue their coverage. The move also frees up resources to quickly process the expected new enrollments. 

All medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19 is free of charge. This includes doctor’s office visits as well as network emergency room or urgent care visits when necessary for the purpose of screening and testing for COVID-19. In addition, all health plans offered through Covered California and Medi-Cal will provide telehealth options for enrollees, giving individuals the ability to connect with a health care professional by phone or video without having to personally visit a doctor’s office or hospital.

Medi-Cal covers costs associated with COVID-19 in both its managed care plans and with fee-for-service providers. Covered California health plans will help cover costs that arise from any required treatment or hospitalization.

“A core part of our mission is improving access to high-quality health care, and that has never been more important than it is right now in California,” Lee said. “Covered California will help you find a path to the coverage you need for you and your family.”

Consumers can easily find out if they are eligible Medi-Cal or other forms of financial help and see which plans are available in their area by using the CoveredCA.Com Shop and Compare Tool and entering their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage.

Those interested in learning more about their coverage options can also:

• Visit www.CoveredCA.com.
• Get free and confidential assistance over the phone, in a variety of languages, from a certified enroller.
• Have a certified enroller call them and help them for free.
• Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506.

POMONA, CA—- Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced today more than 6.4 million dollars in relief funding for communities across the Inland Empire.

The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants are for two housing and homelessness prevention programs: The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and the Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG).

Congresswoman Torres was joined by Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, Ontario Mayor Paul Leon, and Pomona City Council Member Robert Torres in releasing the following statements:

“Families across the Inland Empire who are struggling to make ends meet in the economic downturn are finally receiving some much-needed relief,” Rep. Torres said. “The CDBG and ESG grants I’m announcing today will help residents stay in their homes, and provide shelter for those who need it. This is only the beginning of the relief the Inland Empire will receive in the weeks to come, and I will keep the pressure up in Washington to ensure our community receives as many of these vital dollars as we can.”

“Thank you so much, Congresswoman Torres, for assisting in our efforts to maintain essential services to all the residents who call Fontana home,” Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren said. “Your passion for keeping our community safe and healthy during this crisis is immensely appreciated by me and my fellow councilmembers.” 

“During these unprecedented and trying financial times, these funds will provide some much-needed relief for the residents of Ontario,”Ontario Mayor Paul Leon said. “On behalf of the City Council and the City of Ontario, I would like to thank Representative Torres for her leadership in obtaining these funds for the region.”

“It has been a priority of mine to correct years of mismanagement at City Hall and make sure Pomona’s federal grant money goes to revitalizing our neighborhoods and repaving streets,” Pomona City Council Member Robert Torres said. “We are extremely grateful for Congresswoman Norma Torres’ leadership in making this funding possible.”

Below is a breakdown of funds distributed across California’s 35^thCongressional District:

NAME	CDBG	ESG
Chino	$330,471.00	$0.00
Fontana	$1,235,104.00	$619,569.00
Ontario	$1,096,879.00	$552,724.00
Pomona	$1,221,892.00	$629,131.00
Rialto	$714,324.00	$0.00

“The Movies May Be Closed, but the Grill Is Still Open”

Studio Movie Grill (“SMG”) has served up American Grill fare in all its theaters to millions of hungry movie-goers for over 20 years and, like so many friends in the hospitality industry, after temporary closings, they are trying to help their team in every way they can during this crisis.  So, SMG is trying new ways to serve its community starting this week. 

Customers can now order curbside pickup from select SMG locations between the hours of 11am–8 pm, Monday- Saturday.  SMG will be offering a special menu of comfort foods and fan favorites including Coconut Chicken Tenders, BBQ Glazed Chicken Pizza, Pretzel Bites, and Chocolate Beignets.  Bottled beer and wine will also be available to go.  Credit card payments only.  All the details can be found HERE.   Best of all, when a customer orders their favorite menu items, SMG gets to keep its lights on and their beloved team members working and that saves hundreds of jobs during this crisis. 10% of proceeds from all food orders support SMG team members at locations nationwide affected by theater closures.

SMG will be participating in part 2 of The Great American Takeout (#GreatAmericanTakeOut) today, a national initiative asking customers to support restaurants in their area, and will soon be offering delivery in partnership with GRUBHUB™.

“As a conscious company that cares deeply about its team members, SMG is exploring every conceivable way to keep them working while staying safe and healthy as well as offering our local communities additional food options. We will continue to plan ahead for the day we can once more open our doors and welcome everyone back to relax and enjoy dinner and a movie together,” said Brian Schultz, Founder/CEO.

SMG is also offering movie fans a slate of alternate programming virtual screenings, including a selection of titles from Film Movement and Magnolia, at the link HERE which they can rent to enjoy with their meal and proceeds will additionally support SMG team members at locations nationwide. SMG dinner and a movie at home.