Locality: California

Disaster Rights of CA Immigrants

 Disaster Rights of CA Immigrants 

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 #1 It’s safe for immigrants to seek help 

President Biden expanded the national Protected Areas Policy which states that immigration enforcement agents should not arrest or intimidate people at or near places where disaster relief is being provided: emergency response shelters, service centers, places along evacuation routes (such as roadside checkpoints) or where family reunification is underway 

*See page 2 for more Protected Areas 

#2 Everyone is eligible for disaster relief. 

Eligibility for help is based on disaster-related needs – not on immigration status or income. Everyone is eligible for immediate, non-cash emergency relief. Eligibility for some longer-term government programs may require at least one citizen or eligible immigrant in the household. But all immigrants should feel safe to ask for the help they need from the responding non-profit or faith-based organizations. 

CA state law (SB 2327) prohibits disaster relief workers from asking for unnecessary documents or from asking questions about an individual’s immigration status. No one should be denied emergency assistance due to a lack of personal documents, which may have been lost or destroyed in a disaster. 

#3 Accepting disaster assistance will not affect your immigration status 

Immigrants may be concerned that accepting disaster assistance could affect their immigration status. This is not true. The Public Charge Rule (Dec, 22) confirms that disaster assistance will not be considered in a public charge test when a person applies for a green card. This Public Charge Safe to Use List (see page 2**) also includes non-disaster-related benefits and services that are never considered, such as food, medical care, insurance, children’s programs, religious activities, education, and more. Disaster relief assistance is free and does not have to be repaid. 

#4 Everyone has rights – Report Concerns 

Everyone has a right to emergency information and assistance in a language they can understand and in a place they can access. Advocates and Service Providers can educate themselves and their communities on immigrant rights before a disaster. They can help identify and mitigate obstacles to access. Afterward, they can make sure people have the accurate information and necessary support to successfully apply for assistance. Disaster Rights of CA Immigrants 

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Links to Resources 

  • • List of free and low-cost legal advice services in the San Francisco Bay Area 
  • • Directory of California Rapid Response Networks to report ICE activities around protected areas – CA Collaborative for Immigrant Justice 
  • • Multi-language Earthquake Safety Information – CADRE website 
  • • Links to local, state and national resources and information – Immigrantinfo.org 
  • • **Public Charge Safe to Use List (May, 21) English Spanish 
  • • FEMA Government Disaster Assistance for Undocumented Immigrants (English) 10/9/20 

*Other Protected Areas: 

In addition to disaster or emergency response and relief activities, “protected areas” include: 

  • • A school, such as a pre-school, primary or secondary school, vocational or trade school, or college or university. 
  • • Places that provide social services “essential to people in need”: food banks, domestic violence shelters, facilities that serve disabled persons. 
  • • Places where children gather, childcare centers, after-school programs, foster care facility, bus stops, and playgrounds. 
  • • Medical treatment facilities: hospitals, doctor’s offices, COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites, mental health providers, community health centers, urgent care centers, places that serve pregnant people. 
  • • A place where there is an ongoing parade, demonstration, or rally. 
  • • Places of worship or religious study including temporary structures dedicated to activities of faith. 
  • • A place where a funeral, graveside ceremony, rosary, wedding, or other religious or civil ceremonies or observances occur. 

2-3-23 Disaster Rights Info for CA Immigrants-Spanish

2-3-23 Disaster Rights Info for CA Immigrants-Vietnamese

2-3-23 Disaster Rights Info for CA Immigrants-English 2-3-23 Disaster Rights Info for CA Immigrants-Spanish 2-3-23 Disaster Rights Info for CA Immigrants-Vietnamese 2-3-12 Disaster Rights Info for CA Immigrants-Simplified Chinese

 

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Abortion Access for Immigrants

This resource addresses immigrant-specific concerns and provides information on how to access abortions.

If you are applying for an immigration benefit or have questions about your status, you should talk with a qualified immigration lawyer.

This resource provides guidance on the following questions:

  • If abortion is legal in my state, can I get one even if I’m undocumented?
  • If I get an abortion, will it affect my immigration status or my ability to get my citizenship?
  • Can I travel to another state for an abortion if I am undocumented?
    What do I do if I can’t afford an abortion?
  • Can I get health care, including abortions, in my language?
  • What happens if I am undocumented and pregnant, and have a medical emergency?
    Is it safe to seek health care if I am undocumented?
  • Do I need to show an identification card to get health care?
  • Can I use medication for an abortion?
  • Can I self-manage my abortion without a health care provider?

Tenant Power Tool Kit

We are in this together. This is how it works:
You answer some questions about your eviction and debt situation. We help you fight your eviction and your rent debt, link you with legal resources and tenants’ rights groups, and our housing justice work including collective action campaigns.

Multi-language: SPANISH

HANDA California

Audio recordings in Mexican Indigenous languages. There’s a recording for Preparing for Disaster Safety Tips in Mixteco, Zapoteco, Triqui, Chatino, Tlapaneco, Purepecha, and MAM. Key Words: Language Access, Translation, Spanish

Listos SCC Disaster Directory

8/21 Listos has published directories for all 58 CA Counties in multiple languages Each directory provides:
* A brief profile of the county’s disaster risks
* Relevant vulnerabilities of its residents
* State and local alert resources for
* General emergencies
* Earthquakes
* Wildfires
* Public Safety Power Shutoffs
* Resources for people who are medically dependent on electricity
* State and county resources on COVID-19
Key Words: Language Access

Information for WIC Families on Infant Formula Availability

6/22 The infant formula supply chain problems have affected all consumers, including California families using WIC benefits to purchase formula. WIC families unable to find their regular formula can temporarily mix and match over 100 formulas found in the lists on this site. Please contact your local WIC office if you have any questions about your new options. This is the latest information and connect California families to helpful resources. Multi-language: Spanish

Indigenous Language Justice in California

In 2017-18, the Mixteco/IndĂ­gena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), Frente IndĂ­gena de
Organizaciones Binacionales (FIOB), California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA), and the Binational
Center for the Development of Oaxacan Indigenous Communities (CBDIO) worked with a UC Davis
graduate researcher, Alena Uliasz, to conduct a community-based participatory research project.
Here, we share our recommendations to promote language justice for speakers of Latin American Indigenous languages in California. Multi-language: Mixteco, Spanish Key Words: Language Access

California makes history with food benefits for undocumented residents

6/28/22 California will become the first state to provide undocumented residents over age 55 with state-subsidized food assistance benefits. On Sunday night, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced an agreement on the 2022-2023 state budget, which includes $35.2 million in funding to expand the California Food Assistance Program to low-income people 55 years and older, regardless of immigration status; the funding is expected to increase to $113.4 million annually in 2025-26
:

Binational Center for the Development of Oaxacan Indigenous Communities

Centro Binacional para el Desarrollo IndĂ­gena Oaxaqueno – Serving the indigenous migrant communities from the state of Oaxaca, Mexico that reside in CA. (CBDIO) works to increase the participation of indigenous women in the life of the migrant community by providing training and promotion of gender equality, so that they may exercise self-determination in their civic lives.
CBDIO also promotes health education on prevention and treatment of different illnesses.
Located in Fresno, Greenfield, and Madera, but offer translation services for the following indigenous languages: Mixteco, Triqui, Tlapaneco, Zapoteco, Punjabi translations. COVID-19 audio recordings for some Indigenous languages that are not written. Key Words: Language Access, Interpreter

Mixteco Indigenous Language Services

Since launching in 2010, the Indigenous Language Services program has seen an immense increase in the need for indigenous interpreters and we are now serving clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We continue our collaboration at large with school districts, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and social services agencies. We are actively contracting with regional agencies at a statewide and national level. Key Words: Language Access Multi-language: Mixteco

Vibes & Smiles

Our ultimate mission is to bring back the roots of love, kindness, and positivity in all communities by being of service to others. We are dedicated to cultivating & fostering growth of positivity through community actions. From music, families, the homeless, education, sports organizations, underserved neighborhoods, and many more communities, we are always looking to collaborate in ways that create change and make a positive impact. Vibes & Smiles works with businesses, i.e. nonprofits, small businesses, restaurants, schools, etc., and holds events to motivate and inspire others to participate in making a positive impact wherever they can. In this day in age, willingness to help others is often overlooked, but is much needed. Good people bring out the good in people. Join us as we make a difference. Pay it forward!

Understanding the Impact of Extreme Heat Events

3/28/22 The Los Angeles Times recently published an article detailing the impact of heat-related deaths in California and found that extreme heat caused approximately 3,900 deaths in California over the past decade”that is six times more than the state’s official count. Even so, extreme heat receives substantially less awareness than other disasters, despite killing more Americans each year than wildfires, hurricanes, and floods.

Adult Refugee Services Unit (ARSU) newsletter #7,

April 14, 2022 The ARSU NEWSLETTER shares pertinent information relevant to the needs of Refugees and Non-citizen Crime Survivors and includes resources and updates for Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Entrant Cash Assistance (ECA), Refugee Social Services (RSS), Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP), and the California Repatriation Program. Published by the CA Dept of Social Services (CA DSS).

Adult Refugee Services Unit (ARSU) newsletter #7

April 14, 2022 The ARSU NEWSLETTER shares pertinent information relevant to the needs of Refugees and Non-citizen Crime Survivors and includes
resources and updates for Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Entrant Cash Assistance (ECA), Refugee Social Services (RSS), Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance
Program (TCVAP), and the California Repatriation Program. Published by the CA DSS.

Extreme heat is one of the deadliest consequences of climate change.

10/7/21 Between 2010 and 2019, the hottest decade on record, California’s official data from death certificates attributed 599 deaths to heat exposure.
But a Times analysis found that the true toll is probably six times higher. An examination of mortality data from this period shows that thousands more people died on extremely hot days than would have been typical during milder weather. All told, the analysis estimates that extreme heat caused about 3,900 deaths.

California Hard-to-Count Index Interactive Map

Many California residents live in areas that, based on demographic, socioeconomic and housing characteristics, may be hard to count in the 2020 Census. This interactive map* shows California census tracts and block groups shaded by their California Hard-to-Count Index, a metric that incorporates 14 variables correlated with an area being difficult to enumerate. Census tracts and block groups with higher CA-HTC indexes likely will pose significant challenges to numerate in 2020, while tracts and block groups with lower indexes should be easier to count.

CA has new benefits for undocumented immigrants. They’re not enough, workers say

4/3/22 Introduced last month by Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia, a Democrat from Coachella, and currently under review in the legislature, AB 2847 would create the Excluded Workers Pilot Program, a two-year program that would provide funds to undocumented workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced during the calendar year 2023. The proposal, estimated at $597 million, plus administrative costs, would allow qualifying, unemployed individuals to receive up to $300 a week for 20 weeks.

With protections ending, what tenants and landlords need to know

4/1/22 After two years, four extensions and untold numbers of public and private aid programs, California’s broad safety net for renters struggling through the pandemic is being dismantled this month. Lawmakers this week extended a statewide eviction moratorium through June but only for families that have applied to the state’s emergency relief assistance program, Housing is Key. The $5.5 billion relief fund closed to new applications March 31.

Immigrants in California

3/21 Report from the Public Policy Institute of CA (PPIC)- California has more immigrants than any other state.
California is home to almost 11 million immigrants”about a quarter of the foreign-born population nationwide. In 2019, the most current year of data, 27% of California’s population was foreign born, more than double the percentage in the rest of the country. Foreign-born residents represented at least one-third of the population in five California counties: Santa Clara (39%), San Mateo (35%), Los Angeles (34%), San Francisco (34%), and Alameda (33%). Half of California children have at least one immigrant parent. Multi-language:
Spanish

California leaders rush to improve student mental health care

3/4/22 As California kids struggle with the emotional toll of the pandemic, natural disasters and community-wide trauma, and schools grapple with an inadequate supply of mental health care services and clinicians to support students, state leaders are sprinting to pass a bill that could allow public schools to hire as many as 10,000 new mental health counselors.

California’s new plan for moving from “pandemic”Âť to “endemic”Âť COVID-19

2/17/22 State’s top health official unveils a strategy for living with the virus. The plan promises more reliable supplies of essential tools, so California is less dependent on unstable global supply chains. It will stockpile thousands of ventilators, 75 million masks and 30 million over-the-counter tests.

Bay Area Vanpool Program

Enterprise and MTC (Metropolitan Transportation Commission) connect employees who live near each other and provide them with a recent-model van or SUV. Riders commute together, saving money, freeing up time to relax or catch up on work. MTC will subsidize eligible* commutes up to $350/month. Vanpools must start or end in one of the 9 eligible Bay Area counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties). Check for other program requirements.

CA Community College Immigration Legal Services & DACA Scholarship Funds

Free immigration legal services are available to students, staff and faculty affiliated with the Community Colleges. Priority for services is given to undocumented students, staff and faculty. The immigration legal service providers offering services at the 65 campuses have developed scheduling, intake, and reporting processes that ensure student information remains confidential and protected. Contact the closest provider in your region. For questions contact Alonso Garcia at algarcia@foundationccc.org or at 916-400-2778.
.Legal Service Providers
DACA Scholarship Fund

$165 million California fund to battle anti-Asian hate could come this year

11/16/21 Community groups will get the bulk of money to battle tide of bigotry and violence.
Community groups fighting against the rise of hate crimes and related actions directed at Asians could start seeing some of a new $165.5 million state fund by the end of this year, state and local leaders said Monday, Nov. 15, during a news conference in Garden Grove.
Most of the California API Equity Fund, roughly $110 million, is expected to be awarded over the next three years to organizations with deep ties in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities that they serve. Such groups were the first to respond to the rise in hate crimes and hate incidents faulting Asian Americans for the coronavirus pandemic.

El Tecolote

12/21 Longest-running bilingual newspaper in California. Serving the SF Bay Latino community since 1970. #eltecolote #eltecolotesf #accionlatinasf Key Words: Media

Multi-Lingual Counseling Center

In recognizing the need for cultural and language specific mental health services in the Bay Area and lack of multi-lingual speaking counselors, we created Multi-lingual Counseling Center to serve the needs of growing multi-lingual community. Our mission is to provide mental health services and treatment to individuals suffering from different mental health symptoms such as depression, PTSD, Bipolar, anxiety, ADHD and all other mental health
Diagnosis. Multi-language: Dari, Farsi.

Wildfires ignite California insurance”¦

9/12/21 As if California needed another crisis, the state’s seemingly perpetual wildfires are forcing millions of homeowners in fire-prone areas to pay skyrocketing premiums for insurance coverage ” if, indeed, they can buy it at all.
As the number and severity of wildfires increase, insurers are increasingly reluctant to renew policies and even if they do, premiums often double or triple.
Insurance is required for most homeowners since their mortgage lenders demand it. And if they cannot obtain regular coverage, they are forced into the insurer of last resort, FAIR, that has very high premiums and limits on coverage.

California 1st to Set Quota Limits for Retailers Like Amazon

9/22/21 California on Wednesday became the first state to bar mega-retailers from firing warehouse workers for missing quotas that interfere with bathroom and rest breaks under a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that grew from Amazon’s drive to speed goods to consumers more quickly.
The measure also bars Amazon, the online retail giant, and similar companies from disciplining workers for following health and safety laws and allows employees to sue to suspend unsafe quotas or reverse retaliation. The bill applies to all warehouse distribution centers, though proponents were driven by Amazon’s dominance.

Employer Liabilities and Considerations for Requiring Vaccinations – Recording

SVCN Webinar Recording Answering Questions About Vaccine Mandates for CA Non-Profits.
Can our nonprofit require our employees to be vaccinated as a condition of employment?
Do we have to provide alternatives to vaccination?
Are there any conditions where employees will be exempt from being vaccinated?
Hear the answers to questions like these from attorney Sarju A. Naran (Employment Law, Hoge Fenton), who discussed the legal and practical considerations of what nonprofits need to know about requiring vaccinations in the workplace. Key Words: Employers

Free Legal Services for Afghan Refugees in CA

CA DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IMMIGRATION SERVICES FUNDING FOR AFGHAN POPULATIONS – The CDSS funds qualified nonprofits to provide immigration legal services free of charge. The nonprofits on this list provide services to the Afghan population. For more information on service availability and additional service locations, please contact the organization directly. Multi-language: Pashto, Dari, Farsi

Northern California secures federal disaster declaration

8/25/21 The White House has approved California’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, as wildfires continue to ravage landscapes and threaten entire communities in the northern part of the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) office announced.
The declaration will help bolster emergency response to the fires by making additional resources available and helping residents qualify for housing assistance, counseling, medical services and legal services. The approval applies specifically to the regions affected by the Dixie and River fires, although other blazes, like the Caldor Fire, may be included later on, according to the governor’s office.

DCARA ASL Interpreting

DCARA Interpreting is a deaf managed non profit providing interpreting services which allows for on site and video communication between hearing people and deaf people in Bay Area, California. request@dcara.org 510-722-7004 Multi-language: ASL Key Words: SCC Language Access

California Democrats tell Biden to send Afghan refugees to Golden State

8/27/21 A cadre of California members of Congress, including several from the Bay Area, have told President Biden the Golden State is ready and willing to serve as a “safe harbor” for Afghan refugees and special immigrant visa applicants fleeing their home country that’s now under Taliban rule.
In a letter to Biden delivered Friday, East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell, along with Southern California Reps. Ted Lieu and Adam Schiff, wrote the U.S. is “indebted to our Afghan partners, many of whom aided the U.S. military and diplomatic efforts” and risked their lives during a 20-year conflict.

Assurance Wireless Free Phone & Service

Assurance Wireless Unlimited combines our Lifeline service with the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) to give eligible customers Unlimited Data & Texts & Minutes, plus 10GB Hotspot Data.
Lifeline is a government benefit program. Assurance Wireless provides Lifeline service supported by the federal Universal Service Fund and the California LifeLine Program.
Qualifications: Enrollment in this government benefit program is available to consumers who qualify based on federal or state-specific eligibility criteria. See if you qualify today! Key Words: Communication, internet

Proteus, Inc.

Complementing its employment training and placement services, Proteus provides childcare and youth educational programming, safety training, and energy assistance. In addition to service centers, Proteus, Inc operates mobile service units to increase availability and impact on rural areas. Multi-language: Spanish
Counties Served: Fresno, Kings, Kern, Tulare and Los Angeles Member of
La Cooperativa Campesina

California Human Development (CHD)

bilingual programs in 13 counties to 15,000 individuals annually. CHD’s offerings include job training and placement assistance for rural laborers as well as tutoring, mentorship, and career advising for farmworker youth. CHD also provides affordable housing and energy services, criminal justice services, citizenship and immigration aid, and healthcare and disability services.
Multi-language: Spanish
Counties Served: Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Yolo, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Sutter, Yuba, Contra Costa, Butte, and Colusa. Member of
La Cooperativa Campesina

Keep Your Benefits (2/24/22 Public Charge Update)

2/24/22 Update – * NEW PROPOSED PUBLIC CHARGE RULE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS/Immigration) has proposed a new rule.* The rule clarifies that immigrants will not be penalized for receiving most health care, food, and social programs.
Rules about public benefit programs and immigrants are confusing. But benefits can help your family stay healthy and thrive. Get the facts about public charge & immigration.
Fill in the National Public Charge Test Guide to see if public benefits could affect different immigration options.
Spanish |
Chinese |
CA Specific Public Charge Test Guide

Dignity Not Detention

The Dignity Not Detention Act, passed in 2017 in California, is the first law in the country to halt immigration
detention growth and create more transparency and accountability in the U.S. immigration detention system. This is huge because California detains a quarter of all people in U.S. immigration detention each year. What
California does has a dramatic effect on the immigration detention
The bills that were signed into law in California are not perfect, but they are a huge step forward. Essentially, the
bills place a moratorium on immigration detention growth in the state of CA.

San Francisco Respect and Love Toolkits

This toolkit serves as a practical demonstration of San Francisco’s commitment to serve and support all people. These resources are available for those who live in fear
stemming from their immigration status and to educate and inform their allies. The toolkit includes ways to identify and find support for newcomers, ensuring that San
Francisco is a safe and inclusive city for everyone, offering access to important services geared toward integration and inclusion. This is a snapshot of the services available in San Francisco; for a more comprehensive look, please visit www.sfgov.org/oceia/immigrant-affairs or call 311 and press 3 for “other services.” Key Words: Sanctuary Multi-language:
Spanish |
Vietnamese |
Chinese |
Arabic |
Russian

La Cooperativa Campesina de California

A 501 c (3) corporation, is the statewide association of agencies implementing and administering farm worker service programs including employment training, advocacy and disaster relief. Members: California Human Development Corporation (CHDC) | Center for Employment Training (CET) | Central Valley Opportunity Center (CVOC) | Employers’ Training Resource (ETR) | Proteus, Inc. | Multi-language: Spanish

Without masks, even the fully-vaccinated can play a part in spreading the COVID Delta variant

6/30/21 As cases of the Delta variant continue to multiply, L.A. County health officials warn this newly-minted “Pandemic of the Unvaccinated” will start to take a dangerous turn.
The county health department “strongly” recommended people mask indoors in public places regardless of vaccination status. The reason is the increased spread of the far more contagious Delta variant.
“It’s 50 to 60% more contagious than the Alpha variant which is 50 to 60% more contagious than the original,” said Dr. Kenneth Kim with Ark Clinical Research in Long Beach.

More Contagious Delta Variant Now Dominating California

7/7/21 The rapid spread of the more contagious Delta variant is now causing concern among health officials who warn of a possible outbreak of the infection in communities with low vaccination rates.
While people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may have high protection levels against the more transmissible variant, people who have not yet received vaccine shots have fallen ill, according to a data analysis by the Los Angeles Times.
The Delta variant is believed to be at least 60% more transmissible than the Alpha variant… Key Words COVID-19

Tsunami hazard map: The Bay Area neighborhoods you should flee on foot

7/9/21 An interactive map from the California Geological Survey shows which Bay Area neighborhoods should be evacuated on foot when there’s risk of a tsunami. If you’re there when a long earthquake hits, walk to safety in the green zone
An overview of CA Tsunami Preparedness Guide, including tsunami hazard map and data, and how the state presents updates to these.

How to get emergency alerts about California wildfires and other disasters

7/9/21 Wildfire season is here. And because a fire can start and spread in mere moments, the best way to survive is to get out of the fire’s path – quickly.
Every fire season there are countless reports of people who relied on alerts that never arrived because they didn’t know they needed to sign up for them. In other instances, the equipment failed. Or the alert arrived, but residents were confused about how and where to evacuate.
Thanks to the recent advancements, officials can now notify and protect residents with life-saving instructions and information through specialized mass communication tools.

This bill was meant to protect California workers from COVID. These counties are using it to protect employers instead.

6/21/21 In the thick of the pandemic, California adopted a law to tell workers of dangers their employers often kept secret: Which workplaces had suffered outbreaks of COVID-19, and how severe they were. Yet six months after the law took effect, most employees know scarcely more than before, a Bay Area News Group investigation has found.
Only about one-third of the state’s 58 counties released specific information on workplace outbreaks in response to recent public records requests, and those specifics varied wildly.

Fire risk amid a housing crisis – California’s challenging new reality

6/22/21 Even as Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers rush to extend California’s eviction moratorium before it expires next week, another big deadline looms on the horizon. In November, the state’s moratorium on insurance companies dropping coverage for Californians living in wildfire-prone areas is set to end ” meaning at least 2.1 million residents could soon find themselves without homeowners’ insurance.

Gov. Newsom, lawmakers agree to extend eviction ban, cover back rent

6/25/21 The proposal ” funded by $7.2 billion in federal and state money ” would fully reimburse landlords for debt accrued by tenants during the pandemic and cover missed utility bills, making it among the most generous packages in the country. It also directs money toward city and county relief programs overwhelmed with demand, and it allows renters to directly receive relief payments even if their landlords refuse to apply.
The bill extends an eviction ban to September 30, the third extension of renter protections since Newsom’s executive order in March 2020. The emergency bill needs approval of the legislature by Wednesday. KEY WORDS: covid-19, Pandemic

READY, SET, GO! Wildfire Action Plan

You can dramatically increase your safety and the survivability of your property by preparing well in advance of a wildfire. This brochure provides comprehensive information on how to improve your home’s resistance to
wildfires and prepare your family to be ready to leave early in a safe manner. The guide illustrates the importance of having defensible space around your home and it will help educate you about the preparations you need to make so you can leave early and evacuate well ahead of a wildfire. Multi-language:
Spanish

Outsmart Disaster

5/21 The Outsmart Disaster campaign aims to equip California businesses with the tools they need to get back to business faster in the face of any disaster. Key Words: Employer, preparation
The Resilient Business Challenge is a virtual, self-guided process composed of five steps. Each step covers a different topic and includes assessments, materials, training, and processes to help your business become more resilient. Also available: Resiliency Tool Kit

Employer Vaccination Toolkit

5/21/21 The Employer Vaccination Toolkit provides employers with vaccine education materials, information on COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave and other guidance for employees, and an online form to request vaccination support.
Employers interested in requesting group appointments at nearby providers, or setting up a mobile or pop-up vaccination clinic at their workplace, must complete an online form. A representative will follow up within three business days, and requests will be filled as resources allow. There is no financial cost to the employer. Multi-language:
Spanish

California says changes ahead for rental relief program Landlords, tenants say relief has been slow

6/10/21 After widespread criticism from tenants and landlords, state officials said Thursday they plan to streamline applications and step-up outreach efforts to more quickly deliver $2.6 billion in emergency rental assistance.
Despite nearly 200,000 applications requesting $543 million to cover unpaid rent, just $40 million has been distributed across California, according to state data. Advocacy groups continued to sound alarms, saying the state needs to accelerate the distribution of relief checks or risk a wave of evictions when a state moratorium expires June 30.
Housing is Key COVID-19 Rent Relief App

Guide to Promoting Immigrant Health

Undocumented Californians have the legal right to use public services.
A collection of multi-language public messages on resource eligibility for undocumented immigrants, powerpoints and downloadable materials for service providers to educate immigrants on their rights.
Info on Public Charge, COVID-19 vaccine and treatment, MediCare, EITC, language interpretation rights, and more.

Overwhelming majority of California’s Asian Americans fear physical violence, poll says

5/7/21 In the wake of a rash of alarming hate crimes nationwide, more Californians are acknowledging that Asian Americans experience discrimination, and an overwhelming majority of Asian Americans report that they fear becoming victims of hate-based violence, a new survey says.
The California Community Poll, which surveys Californians about politics, race and current events in conjunction with the Los Angeles Times, found that 70% of Californians agree that Asians are “frequently or sometimes” discriminated against.

PG&E Library of Wildfire safety webinars and events

PG&E hosts online webinars throughout each year for anyone who is interested in learning more about our Community Wildfire Safety Program. These virtual gatherings allow community members to learn more about wildfire safety and emergency preparedness, meet with PG&E representatives, ask questions and share feedback.
See past recording and schedule of upcoming events.
Multi-language: Spanish |
Vietnamese |
Chinese |
Tagalog |
Korean |
Russian |
Hmong |
Portuguese |
Japanese |

Jewish Community Relations Council

For decades, JCRC has led the Bay Area Jewish community to create and strengthen coalitions, and to build bridges with other ethnic, civic and faith groups to advance a civil and just society. In recent years, we have worked in coalition on immigration, economic and racial justice, human trafficking, poverty and other policy matters. Offices in San Mateo and San Francisco

CRISP (Collaborative Resources for Immigrant Services on the Peninsula)

a collaborative project involving seven member organizations whose shared mission is to provide free or low-cost immigration legal services to children, families, and the elderly living in Peninsula communities. CRISP partners rely on collaborative engagement and referral processes, high quality legal representation and support, and coordinated outreach efforts that enable more efficient delivery of immigration services and support in the Peninsula region. Serving San Mateo County. The partner agencies include:
Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach (API Legal Outreach) |
Catholic Charities Center for Immigration Legal and Support Services |
Coastside Hope (CH) |
Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) |
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) |
Immigration Institute of the Bay Area – Redwood City Office (IIBA-RWC) |
La Raza Centro Legal (LRCL) |
Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (LASSMC) |

COVID-19 CA Emergency Rent Relief Program

The Eviction Moratorium expired on 3/31/22 and applications are no longer being accepted for the CA Rent Relief program. If you submitted a complete application prior to March 31, 2022, and are pending a final decision from the program, state law provides eviction protections against unlawful detainer actions as a result of nonpayment of rent for the months of eligible assistance you requested. These state level protections are in place until June 30, 2022.
Check the status of your submitted application HERE
. To request additional support with your application, call the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief call Center at 833-430-2122.
For additional questions regarding legal protections that may be available to you, please visit www.lawhelpca.org/ for more information.
Multi-language: English, Spanish |
Chinese |
Korean |
Vietnamese |
Tagalog
Key Words: Pandemic

Months into rollout, barriers hinder vaccine access for Latino and Black Californians

4/15/21 Halfway into April, the vaccination rollout continues to lag for many Latino and Black Californians. Bay Area community leaders, residents and experts say that multiple factors, including the technological savvy required to make appointments, a lack of centralized information about how to get the shots, and inconsistent services from community clinics have combined to make every step of the process a challenge for people who are most at risk for getting sick.

Alternative Housing Is a Wildfire Recovery Solution in Northern California

4/19/21 Housing has been the most discussed topic within the communities affected by the Camp Fire that occurred in Northern California in November 2018. The disaster destroyed nearly 19,000 physical structures in the town of Paradise and nearby unincorporated communities in Butte County. Sadly, former residents of now burn-scarred communities still face many challenges on their path to having a place they can confidently call home, even months or years later.
Agencies and individuals are aggressively seeking different housing solutions, hoping to rebuild the town and communities despite all the obstacles that arise on the way. While focusing on disaster case management, Tzu Chi volunteers are also proactively involving themselves and collaborating with partner agencies to pursue feasible housing solutions. Key Words: Tiny Homes, 3D Printing

California’s reopening plan includes no equity benchmarks for hard-hit communities

4/11/21 California began a 10-week countdown to a full reopening last week, with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s bold proposal to lift nearly all coronavirus restrictions by June 15. But the ambitious plan contains no specific protections for vulnerable populations, sparking fears the state is about to repeat mistakes that devastated the Latino community last year.
The omission was surprising, considering that Newsom’s announcement was triggered by the delivery of 4 million vaccine doses to disadvantaged neighborhoods, a key goal that the state had set to address inequalities in the state’s inoculation efforts. In recent weeks, Newsom and other state officials have referred to equity as the “north star” of the pandemic response.

What Santa Clara County renters, landlords should know about evictions

3/16/21 Renters affected by the pandemic likely took a sigh of relief when, early this year, California lawmakers extended the statewide ban on evictions for those facing financial hardships until the end of June. The law also created a rental assistance program to help lift lower-income renters out of rental debt. The program started taking applications this week.
The application does not ask for or require proof of citizenship. Multi-language: Spanish ***
List of Organizations Helping Renters with Applications
Key Words: Undocumented

PG&E power shutoffs could become more frequent

3/23/21 SAN RAMON, Calif. (AP) ” A federal judge overseeing Pacific Gas & Electric’s criminal probation said Tuesday that he is considering requiring the utility to be more aggressive about turning off its electricity lines near tall trees, a plan that could double the number of power outages for some Northern California counties over the next decade.
The proposal outlined during a two-hour court hearing is the latest effort to prevent the utility’s equipment from sparking more deadly wildfires by reducing the likelihood that trees could fall into the utility’s long-neglected electrical equipment.

United Peace Collaborative

We focus on making the maximum positive effort for our community. Our members and volunteers provide the momentum that helps us affect change. Using data driven models, we provide solutions that make a long-lasting difference. Build a stronger Chinese/Asian Community in SF & elsewhere. Assist seniors, women, children, and the disabled. Tasks: Educate Asians about basic rights as Americans, inform people what are reportable crimes, give info and resources to people who have needs.

Oakland clinic offers Mayan interpreter for COVID-19 vaccinations

3/19/21 This month, La Clinica de La Raza began offering the community-targeted vaccination service at 32 locations across the Bay Area, including ASCEND Elementary School on East 12th Street, where Latinos who speak Mam, K’iche ‘and Q’eqchi’ can get translation help from appointment to inoculation on Thursdays.
There are over 22 different Mam dialects spoken primarily by people of Guatemalan and Mexican descent. According to a recent UC San Francisco study, Mayan people with Guatemalan roots are the fastest-growing ethnic group in Oakland.

After months of pressure from advocates, detained immigrants in California now eligible for vaccine

3/16/21 California public health officials say that people in federal immigration detention in facilities located in the state will now be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, KQED reports. State health officials said in an announcement that individuals “who reside or work in a high risk congregate residential setting, such as an incarceration/detention facility” which would include people in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, would now be prioritized for the vaccine.

Expedited Licensure Process for Refugees, Asylees, and Holders of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)

Beginning January 1, 2021, individuals in with refugee, asylee, or special immigrant visa status, who apply for licensure by the Board of Registered Nursing may seek an expedited licensure process. In order to receive the expedited licensure process, individuals must provide evidence of their refugee, asylee, or special immigrant visa status when submitting their application package.

Give an Hour®

GAH exists for those who don’t have access to compassionate mental health care. Licensed mental health providers have joined Give an Hour® to change the direction of mental health and volunteer to provide direct services.
Nationally we support: Those currently serving in the military, veterans (regardless of discharge status, deployment status, or era of service), and their families *** Those affected by natural disasters or man-made traumas
Provides free mental health services to those in need by reaching out to partner organizations to identify groups in need as well as partnering with California based mental health associations to offer the opportunity to providers across the state to join us in this effort. Multi-language: Spanish

Asian, Inc.

We empower diversity by creating opportunities in business development, housing and financial education, targeting low- to moderate-income communities of all races.

What AB 60 License Holders Need to Know About Real ID

10/2/20 Report from CA Immigration Policy Center (CIPC) – REAL ID is one type of identification that can also function as a driver’s license. The REAL ID Act was a law passed by Congress in 2005. It created a new standard for state-issued driver’s licenses and identity cards to meet federal requirements. REAL ID driver’s licenses and identity cards can be used as ID to board domestic flights within the United States or to enter some federal facilities like federal courthouses and military bases. If you, or someone you know, is an AB60 license holder, this is what you need to know.

How California’s Law Enforcement Agencies Continue Working with ICE

10-8-20 TWO YEARS AFTER THE SIGNING OF
THE CALIFORNIA VALUES ACT – Following the 2016 presidential election, California passed SB 54 (2017), the California Values Act, (“the Values Act”)”the strongest anti-deportation law in the country. The previous year, California passed AB 2792 (2016), the Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds Act (“the TRUTH Act”), ensuring that immigrants in local law enforcement custody know their rights and provide consent before being subject to an interview with an ICE officer. Key Words: RRN, KYR

BUILDING IMMIGRANT POWER FROM CALIFORNIA TO NEW YORK

2/21 CIPC Blueprint for the Nation includes a vision along with concrete policy priorities for five issue areas in New York and California that are critical to immigrant communities: Creating Healthy Communities; Building Political Power and Guaranteed Civil Rights; Ending State Support for Detention, Deportation and Mass Incarceration; Ensuring Economic Justice and Good Jobs; and Quality Education. Key Words: Demographics, legal,

ACEs Aware in CA Training

The Becoming ACEs Aware in California Training is a free, two-hour training to learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), toxic stress, screening, risk assessment, and evidence-based care to effectively intervene on toxic stress.
The training is available to any provider, but it is particularly geared towards primary care clinicians who serve Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) beneficiaries.
ACEs Aware Stress Management Resource List

CA COVID-19 Health Equity Playbook for Communities

12/1/20 Strategies and Practices for an Equitable Reopening and Recovery – The COVID-19
pandemic has underscored stark disparities, particularly among Latino communities. This booklet is a part of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy includes a Health Equity Metric to help ensure that California’s public health interventions and guidance reach individuals in all communities statewide, especially disproportionately impacted communities.
Blueprintforasafereconomy-sp

Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (LSPC )

LSPC organizes communities impacted by the criminal justice system and advocates to release incarcerated people, to restore human and civil rights, and to reunify families and communities. We build public awareness of structural racism in policing, the courts, and the prison system, and we advance racial and gender justice in all our work. We do not provide direct services or take on individual legal cases. However, we are able to provide informational manuals and referrals to other legal services.
Love Without Borders: An International & Interstate Family Law Manual (2018) (also in Spanish)

Season of Sharing forms and guidelines – Revised

11/21 Assistance from the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund is available to low-to-moderate income families with dependent children, senior citizens (55+), disabled individuals, veterans, victims of domestic violence, pregnant women in their 2nd or 3rd trimester, and transitioning emancipated foster youth who have a critical need and who reside in the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma.
Housing Assistance and Critical Family Needs assistance is provided in the form of grants that are paid directly to the supplier of services, such as a landlord. Applicants do not receive direct grants. Multi-language:
Spanish

Human Trafficking: Coordinating a California Response

6/20 In this report, we examine what is known about the extent of the problem in California and find that little
authoritative data exists to explain where and how frequently this crime occurs across our state. We also explain how labor trafficking is a form of human trafficking that often is hidden, sometimes in plain sight. But that the
consequences of this crime are severe for the men and women forced to endure exploitative work, whether in
a home, a restaurant, a building site, or a factory. The Commission recommends California create an entity to
coordinate anti-trafficking activities statewide, as other states have done, and suggests remedies to enhance our
understanding of this crime and our ability to fight it.

CA Notify Contact Tracing

You have the power to help your friends, family and community Add your phone to California’s exposure notification system to get COVID-19 exposure alerts and to protect those around you. Once you activate CA Notify, it does all the work. All you do is keep your Bluetooth on. You will only receive alerts if you were in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Your privacy is protected as your identity is not known and your location is not tracked. Frequently asked questions Key Words: Pandemic, Multi-Language: Spanish Vietnamese Tagalog Chinese Russian Korean