COVID-19 Update for June 20, 2020. Nail salons, bars, others allowed to reopen under strict health protocols.

Friday was June 19th-Juneteenth! Until I moved to Texas for grad school in 1979, I hadn't heard about Juneteenth or the significance of the holiday that has now grown to national prominence. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.  Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance. Today in America and throughout the world, we are grappling with issues of race and equity as we examine our history, the history of enslaved people and their descendants and the ongoing racism and inequality in our country. 

For a moment today, please take a minute to reflect on that history and consider how we can each, in our own way, do something to alleviate racism, inequality and unequal economic opportunity.



COVID-19 INFORMATION:

Governor Newsom has ordered all persons in California to wear protective masks when in public.

The Pasadena City Council approved funding the Pasadena Small Business relief Fund with $500,000. The Pasadena Chamber and the Pasadena Community Foundation will enlist volunteer business professionals to evaluate applications and determine who receives a grant of up to $10,000. Once the application is online and live, I will send information and links to the application. The fund is intended to help locally-owned, small storefront businesses to survive the COVID-19 epidemic and business closure orders.

The Pasadena Police Department sent the following update: Protesting activity is expected in Pasadena starting Friday, June 19 through Saturday, June 20. Activity has been isolated to Old Pasadena, the Pasadena Police Station and Pasadena's City Hall. Activity is expected to occur in those areas including the Rose Bowl. No new major incidents have occurred at this time, but the Pasadena Police Department asks that you remain vigilant and contact them to report any suspicious activity. CONNECT TO PASADENA POLICE: The Pasadena Police non-emergency phone number is 626-744-4241. For life threatening emergencies, please dial 911. Please remain vigilant and if you have construction occurring at or around your business and/or property, please take the necessary steps to ensure tools and/or equipment are not left unattended or remain easily accessible if not in use.

The Pasadena branch of the NAACP and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) will hold a peaceful protest at 5 PM on Juneteenth, Friday, June 19. The group will caravan from Lot I at the Rose Bowl through the streets of Pasadena while practicing social distancing. The caravan will end at Pasadena City Hall. That same evening, Black Lives Matter Pasadena has planned a peaceful protest beginning at 4 PM at Pasadena Police Department followed by a march through Old Pasadena. On Saturday, June 20 at 5 PM, a "Free the Kids from Cages" demonstration is planned from Villa Park to Pasadena City Hall. Should you need Ambassador Guide services or would like to share or receive information, please reach out to them on 626.786.1186.

The City of Pasadena and Los Angeles County have allowed Nail Salons (and like businesses) massage therapists and bars and nightclubs to re-open. Opening protocols and procedures and updated guidance are posted here.

As of Friday, June 19, 2020, the following business types are eligible to reopen in Pasadena subject to implementation of public health protocols.

The Pasadena Public Health Department has developed guidelines for restaurants, grocery stores, and other permitted facilities that may remain open during the local state of emergency. The guidelines provide recommendations for social distancing, employee health, and disinfection of surfaces to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).


Protocols Have Been Issued - What To Do Next:  Once a Public Health Order has been revised and public health protocols have been issued, businesses generally need to do the following three things:  1. Designate an employee to be in change of planning & implementation and distribute copies of the protocols to every employee. 2. Complete and implement the Public Health Protocol Checklist. 3.Post a copy of the completed protocol and post signage as required under the protocol document.
Businesses are not required to submit the checklist to the city, nor do they need to apply for a permit (unless there has been a change in business operations that would require a permit or approval from the city).

Anytime a business has a staff person or customer who tests positive for COVID-19 (as confirmed by lab test or physician diagnosis), employers are then required to make an immediate report to the Pasadena Public Health Department. Employers must call (626) 744-6089 or email nursing@cityofpasadena.net and provide all information requested by the Health Department. 

 

GREAT PLATES DELIVERED:
LA County's Great Plates Delivered program has been extended through Friday, July 10th. Pasadena extended their program, as well.  This program provides (3) free home-delivered meals a day from local restaurants to qualifying older adults and adults over 60 who are at high-risk of COVID-19. Great Plates Delivered not only helps LA County's most vulnerable residents, but helps get local restaurants, hospitality, and transportation industries back to work. To date, this program has provided 140,000 meals to 2,000 clients across LA County. Restaurants who wish to apply through LA County in English, click here. To apply online in Spanish, click here. To learn more about this critical resource, visit  https://wdacs.lacounty.gov/greatplates/.

Those interested in applying with the City of Pasadena: Call 626-744-7311; E-mail: greatplatesdelivered@cityofpasadena.net.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, posted a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020, signed into law by President Trump on June 5, 2020.  In addition to revising the full forgiveness application, SBA also published a new EZ version of the forgiveness application that applies to borrowers that: Are self-employed and have no employees; OR Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%, and did not reduce the number or hours of their employees; OR Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19, and did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%.

The EZ application requires fewer calculations and less documentation for eligible borrowers.  Details regarding the applicability of these provisions are available in the instructions to the new EZ application form. 
Both applications give borrowers the option of using the original 8-week covered period (if their loan was made before June 5, 2020) or an extended 24-week covered period.  These changes will result in a more efficient process and make it easier for businesses to realize full forgiveness of their PPP loan. Click here to view the EZ Forgiveness Application. Click here to view the EZ Forgiveness Application instructions. Click here to view the Full Forgiveness Application. Click here to view the Full Forgiveness Application instructions. 



RESOURCES AND HELPFUL INFORMATION:

IF YOU NEED PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, SANITIZER OR OTHER ITEMS OR INSTALLATIONS TO MEET PUBLIC HEALTH STANDARDS PLEASE PURCHASE THOSE ITEMS LOCALLY. SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES YOU WANT TO SUPPORT YOURS!
 

Please follow the guidelines and maintain social distancing. If at all possible, when you are in public and could interact with anyone at all, please wear a mask. You can make your own. (Click here for a 'how-to') or purchase a mask through one of these links:

Here are some local resources you may need (and can support local businesses as you do):

The Print Spot is offering free Open/Closed/Taking Orders signs for any business that wants it. To pre-order, please email Paul@pasadena-chamber.org.  THESE ARE FREE FOR PASADENA CHAMBER MEMBERS COURTESY OF THE PRINT SPOT.

Download the order form here:PDF icon Print_Spot_Pasadena_Chamber_window_sign_offer_flyer_FINAL.pdf

The Print Spot can also provide 6 feet distance floor indicators, along with signs reminding emloyees to wash hands as well as traffic directional signs for those narrow hallways. These are not free but The Print Spot is always competitive. Call The Print Spot at 323-269-4218; printspot323@gmail.com www.goprintspot.com.

Please follow the guidelines and maintain social distancing. If at all possible, when you are in public and could interact with anyone at all, please wear a mask. You can make your own or purchase a mask through s number of Chamber members.

As the businesses are reopening in Pasadena and taking every effort to ensure safety and comfort of their staff and customers, I wanted to reach out and let them know that Shield48 reusable face shields are now available in Pasadena. 
 
Shield48 is a reusable face shield used as a personal protective equipment (PPE) and manufactured in Europe in cooperation with infectology and ICU specialists in conformity with the official guidelines from CDC and WHO. Each reusable face shield set includes 3 replaceable screens that can endure 100 cycles of sanitizing. Shields48 are comfortable to wear and ensure your protection all day everyday. Download the flyer here: http://www.pasadena-chamber.org/sites/default/files/media/Rose_Walk_Global_Shield48_Flyer_USA_0.pdf


Face protection can be purchased through Pasadena Chamber member Beck and Call. Click here to email for info. They can create branded PPE equipment for you and your business.

Pasadena Chamber member Stark Spirits distillery retooled to manufacture approved sanitizer. You can find all the details here to get your cleaning and sanitizing products locally.

Maintco Corp. is a woman owned Pasadena Chamber member organization located in Burbank that caters to construction, maintenance and sanitation needs of varying industries. Maintco Corp. created its Maintco Certification Program that uses OSHA-approved processes to encourage a #SaferLA as businesses reopen and operate with the recent COVID-19 related restrictions and regulations. The 5-Step Maintco Certification Program Includes: Sanitizing the Facility - Maintco technicians will deep clean and sanitize all hard and porous surfaces using CDC-approved and EPA-registered sanitizers. Installing Air Filtration - Maintco’s certified technicians will install a CDC-recommended HEPA Filtration System into HVAC units to capture 99.97% of airborne allergens and viruses. Physical Protective Barriers - Maintco technicians will install translucent acrylic barriers or sneeze guards in areas requiring close physical contact. Touchless Technology - Maintco’s certified plumbers and electricians will install motion-sensored appliances and technology (toilets, hand dryers, lighting, air conditioning, door openers, etc.) throughout the facility. Visual Reminders - Maintco technicians will distribute informational and directional signs at entrances, restrooms, and other highly frequented areas. 
Contact Lindsay via phone or email for information on how a Maintco Certification can help your business promote a #SaferLA.  Email - lindsay.hornsby@maintco.com Cell - (951) 805-3371

Pasadena Restaurateurs that may be reopening soon to help them accommodate their Social Distancing Seating when guests return.  Many will be using additional sidewalk space, portions of parking lots, patios and areas not currently used.  Dolphin Event Service's website has many useful selections on the header that help explain how a typical set-up is done.  Whether it be Vinyl fencing, lattice or hedge panels, barricades, or even stanchions, we can create areas with comfortable access/egress that will maintain the CDC and County distancing guidelines.  We offer discounted monthly rates designed especially for the Covid-19 crisis that are affordable.

 
 

M3 Office has solutions for social distancing and workplace safety. Download the info here: 

PDF icon M3 problem_solving_product_suggestions.pdf

PDF icon M3_return to office items.pdf

Hello Pasadena businesses.  I would like to create and gift a free “Branding” photo session for your business.  I am looking for upto 5 Pasadena small businesses that have been affected by the Covid-19 shutdown.  I would like to highlight your business with a complete photo session which captures your business space, and yourself as a portrait.  Photographer Jerry Camarillo (multiple Images of Pasadena Photo Contest winner) wants to help promote you and your business.  Via social media and the like.  You are free to use the images as you’d like as well of course.  This is for you to show off what makes you, you and it fits into my tag line, ‘Reveal Your Awesome”. If it is a restaurant, I will shoot your space with 4 to 5 images, 3 to 5 dishes if possible, and yourself in the space.  I will also interview you about how you are moving forward post Covid.  A simple sentence or two can be enough, more is welcomed. This all serves as a small way in how I can be of service to you, and you are also helping me build a portfolia of “Personal Branding Photography”.  Its a win, win !  Thank you for your consideration, and let’s get back to business. Always grateful Jerry Camarillo Voted Best Photographer in Pasadena www.jerrycamarillophotography.com 626-375-6684

EVENT SPECIALISTS HAS A NEW PROTOCOL FOR CLEANLINESS AND ERSONAL SANITATION AT FESTIVALS AND LARGE GATHERINGS. You can find information here:  Purely_Sanitizing_for_Fesitval_Presentation_from_Event_Specialists.pdf

Face covering ad


Disaster recovery loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are now available to all LA County small business owners and nonprofits who suffered physical damage or economic injury due to the recent civil unrest that began on May 26, 2020.
What It Is Disaster assistance is being provided in the form of low-interest loans for: 1) property damage and/or 2) economic injury. Loan amounts & terms are set by the SBA and are based on an applicant’s financial condition. Interest rates can be as low as: 3 % for businesses and 2.75 % for private nonprofit organizationsWho Is Eligible
Property Damage Assistance

  • Businesses of All Sizes & Private Nonprofit Organizations: may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
  • SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

Economic Injury Assistance

  • Small Businesses, Small Agricultural Cooperatives, Small Businesses Engaged in Aquaculture & Most Private Nonprofit Organizations of Any Size: may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.
  • Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

When and How to Apply Applications for Property Damage are due by August 17, 2020. Applications for Economic Injury are due by March 17, 2021. Online: applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information & download applications at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. By Phone: interested applicants who do not have access to the internet, have limited computer proficiency or speak languages other than English may instead contact the County’s Disaster Help Center at (833) 238-4450. Multilingual counselors are standing by to assist applicants in completing the survey Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. By Mail: Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.For More Information
Please visit the LA County Disaster Help Center at lacountyhelpcenter.org for additional information, and to learn more about disaster recovery resources available to LA County business owners.Applicants may also contact the SBA via: SBA's Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center: (916) 735-1500 (Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.); E-mail: FOCAWAssistance@sba.gov; staff will answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process & help each individual complete their electronic loan application. SBA’s Customer Service Center: (800) 659-2955; individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. E-mail:  disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. PLEASE NOTE: The Virtual Disaster Loan Center listed above is for Civil Unrest related assistance. The SBA will be establishing a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center, in the future, for assistance with the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

Join the SBA Office of Disaster Assistance on Tuesday - June 23, 2020 at 11:00am (PST) to Learn about the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Loan Forgiveness. The Paycheck Protection Program continues to accept applications and provide assistance to small businesses. With various SBA emergency business resources available, we understand you have a lot of questions and uncertainty on PPP and EIDL Loan Programs and request for loan forgiveness.  If you joined previous SBA Webinars, we will be covering the latest information, providing updates, and holding a Q&A session for attendees.   Registration is not required.  Click on the Participation link below on Tuesday - June 23, 2020 at 11:00am (PST) to join the conference.

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce - BIZCON Socal is happening Wednesday, June 24th and Thursday, June 25th. BIZCON will be an event full of resources, tools, and inspiration to help navigate recovery and our new economy. You will receive strategies for operating in a pandemic environment, learn tips on taking care of your most valued assets: your employees, and discover how small business drives L.A.’s robust global economy


Join the Defense Acquisition University for an upcoming webinar in their Defense Small Business Series. Click here for more info and to RSVP. Join the webinar here.


NEEDS IN OUR COMMUNITY:

Why donate blood to Huntington Hospital?
As the only trauma center for the entire San Gabriel Valley, much of today’s medical care depends on a steady supply of blood from our generous community.  The chronically low blood supplies can affect the trauma center and the hospital’s ability to help those in need.  A donation to Huntington Hospital means blood is available for your family, friends, neighbors and community when it is needed. 
 
Unfortunately, due to the health crisis, we are unable to come to you with our bloodmobile, as it does not allow for social distancing, but you can come to us.  We are taking our community donors, half a block south of the medical campus at 800 S. Fairmount Ave.  Please call to schedule your appointment, at 626-397-5422, we welcome walk-ins, and validate parking.  However, as more donors are returning to their place of employment, we would like to make blood donation(s) more convenient for our donors.  Without the use of our bloodmobile the only way we can come to you is by holding blood drives at venues that have enough indoor space where we can set-up 3-5 beds, along with our registration, and post-donation refreshment area.   
 
We would like to enlist the support of the Pasadena Chamber’s members that have adequate indoor space and are willing to sponsor a blood drive for Huntington Hospital.  If you don’t have the adequate space, perhaps you know someone that does.  Please contact Huntington Hospital Blood Donor Center at (626) 397-5422 and ask for recruitment, we need your help!