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Dear Friend,
This week we rolled out vaccination pop-ups in my district for seniors 65 years of age and over. We had pop-up vaccination sites in Pico-Union and Chinatown all week. We are working hard to provide vaccinations to our vulnerable CD 1 seniors in their neighborhoods.
We will continue our vaccination pop-ups at other locations in CD 1 and expand eligibility from seniors 65 years and older to educators, restaurant workers, and childcare workers not receiving vaccinations via their union. If you meet any of these qualifications and live in CD 1, please contact my office at 213-473-7001 or [email protected]
I also joined my Latino and African-American colleagues on the City Council in signing a letter to Governor Newsom and the LA County Board of Supervisors urging that they make vaccinating all 25,000 school faculty and staff – not just those 65 and over – a top priority. Our children need to go back to school, but only if all faculty and staff are vaccinated.
Please let my staff and me know if we can be of any assistance to you. We are in this together and will keep providing you and your family with resources to keep you safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Gil Cedillo Councilmember, First District
Facebook: @cmgilcedillo
Instagram: @cmgilcedillo
Twitter: @cmgilcedillo
Website: www.GilCedillo.com
CEDILLO WEEKLY
Week of February 22 to 26, 2021
CORONAVIRUS VACCINE
Register Here
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
COVID-19 in Council District 1 This Week
510 New Positive Cases and 49,922 Total
60 Additional COVID-19 deaths and 1,185 Total
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FROM COUNCILMEMBER CEDILLO
Council approved the ordinance pertaining to Family and Medical Leave, to provide Paid Parental Time (PPT) Time for DWP and City employees for the pilot period of 1/1/21 through 6/30/25. Council also took a significant step forward towards approving the final ordinance to provide additional pay to grocery and drug retail workers on the frontlines of Covid-19.
Not receiving as much media coverage is an item passed by Council relative to a review of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, addressing federal assistance gaps and resources for undocumented immigrants. This is a major outreach effort by the City to increase the participation of undocumented immigrants in the City's program and services.
-Councilmember Gil Cedillo
CEDILLO EVENTS AND NEWS
Councilmember Cedillo Votes for ‘Hero' Pay for Grocery Workers
Photo Credit: Center for American Progress
This week in Council, Councilmember Gil Cedillo spoke about the difficulty that already exists opening a grocery store in Chinatown, in CD 1, “Mr. Koretz, you may not have a problem having a supermarket in Westwood, but I can't get one in Chinatown,” stated Councilmember Cedillo. “... while I support this (ordinance) wholeheartedly, I want us to also recognize that reality ... for example, when the Walmart made a business decision to leave Chinatown, they left a void, and so what we have there is an exercise gym, but we don't have a supermarket for residents of Chinatown.''
The ordinance needed to be unanimously approved in order to pass on its first reading. Because Lee voted no, the ordinance will have a final vote on March 3.
LA City Council Votes For Grocers' ‘Hero' Pay; Final Vote Scheduled March 3 | KIIS FM | undefined (iheart.com)
Black and Latino Caucus of the LA City Council Send Letter to Governor Newsom and LA County Board of Supervisors Urging Vaccination of all 25,000 School Faculty and Staff
The Black and Latino Caucus of the LA City Council a letter to Governor Newsom and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors sharing the fact that COVID-19 cases are declining, and local hospitals have expanded their avaialble capacity and Los Angeles County now meets state guidelines for elementary schools to reopen. They urge that to take this step forward successfully, we must make vaccinating all 25,000 school faculty and staff – not just those 65 and over – a top priority.
Letter to the Governor
Letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Asian Community Rallies Against Xenophobic Violence That Councilmember Cedillo Condemns
Councilmember Cedillo decries attacks against the Asian community, fueled by racism and xenophobia perpetuated by failed national leadership over the last four years have not only taken a physical toll on the victims but severe emotional impact on them as well.
See the video of the anti-Asian Violence rally here.
Editor: Kevin King; Cameraman: Frank Aguilera; Audio: Massi Penate
Clarifying Our Policy on Oversized Vehicles
Photo Credit: Jesus Sanchez - The Eastsider
It has been brought to our attention that several social media posts shared inaccurate information. This post is to correct the record. Councilmember Cedillo’s resolution to install oversized vehicle parking restrictions was prompted by residents and businesses in several neighborhoods who contacted our office regarding public safety and health concerns they have with the oversized vehicle parking. This includes hitched and unhitched trailers, large stake bed trucks, RVs, and any other oversized vehicle. We have not banned vehicle dwelling in our district nor is it banned in the City of LA. In fact, we offer vehicle dwellers alternative locations to park at night with meals and services at our two Safe Parking locations that Councilmember Cedillo arranged in Glassell Park and Westlake. Additionally, we created a no cost RV Waste Disposal Program at our Sanitation Yard in Lincoln Heights to deter waste from the public right of way.
Furthermore, while homelessness increased in the City of LA by 16.1% in 2020 compared to 2019, it decreased by 3.8% in CD 1 because of the work of Councilmember Cedillo. Council District 1 has been at the forefront of building more affordable and permanent supportive housing units. We have more than quadrupled the United Way Pledge of building 222 permanent supportive housing units and lead all other Council Districts with 917 units built in addition to the 817 units we created before the pledge. Councilmember Cedillo has demonstrated a record of developing housing and delivering services to the homeless in CD1.
HOUSING UPDATE
The Housing Committee passed Councilmember Gil Cedillo’s motion instructing the Housing and Community Investment Department, with the assistance of the City Attorney, to report with recommendations on implementing an immediate rent freeze on residential units with expired or soon to expire affordability covenants that is based on health and safety findings regarding undue tenant displacement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to continue said rent freeze until comparable affordable housing units are provided to impacted tenants.
“With the City at risk of losing thousands of affordable housing units through the impending expiration of regulatory rent covenants, I am taking the first step of preventing homelessness by keeping people in their homes. Regulatory covenants are recorded on a property to ensure the long-term affordability of units, often in return for a public subsidy or housing density bonus,” stated Councilmember Gil Cedillo. “Many covenants are now reaching an expiration date, which would effectively remove the affordability requirements, and allow an owner to raise rents. We can’t let this happen especially during the time of a health pandemic because we can't create any opportunity for any resident to be unable to afford to stay in their own home.”
The motion also instructs the Housing and Community Investment Department to develop recommendations and options for impacted tenants to relocate to comparable low-income affordable housing units, as well as potential funding options to extend affordability covenants citywide in order to prevent widespread displacement.
KFI
MyNewsLA
UPCOMING CEDILLO EVENTS
FIELD UPDATE
Pico-Union
Photo Credit: Steve Weingarten
Hundreds of seniors were provided free COVID-19 vaccines at a special pop-up site that Councilman Cedillo brought directly into the Council District 1 communities of color that have been adversely impacted by the pandemic.
Chinatown
Photo Credit: Steve Weingarten
Councilmember Cedillo and Mayor Garcetti provided COVID-19 vaccines in Chinatown for hundreds vulnerable seniors in the Chinese and Southeast Asian communities. Councilmember Cedillo brought vaccines directly into the Council District 1 communities of color that have been adversely impacted by the pandemic.
Photo Credit: Team Cedillo
Team Cedillo partnered with Richman Property Services to provide meals, PPE, and gift bags to our vulnerable senior residents at Grand Plaza Apartments.
See the Channel 35 story: Team Cedillo Delivers PPE to Senior Residents.
Editor: Joseph Belden; Cameraman: Frank Aguilera; Audio: Massi Penate
Highland Park
Photo Credit: Team Cedillo
Team Cedillo delivers a much needed 5,000 dollars to the Franklin Panthers football program. Principal Regina Marquez-Martinez was all smiles behind the mask.
Photo Credit: Christopher Nyerges
Team Cedillo supports the Highland Park Farmers Market occurs every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the entrance at Marmion Way and Avenue 58. Masks are required.
Lessons from a backyard farmer (boulevardsentinel.com), By Christopher Nyerges
Sycamore Grove
Photo Credit: Martha Benedict
Team Cedillo’s thanks to all who helped, donated and coordinated our “Sharing the Love” event at the Sycamore Grove Foursquare Church! We gave away food, PPE, goodie bags, toys, diapers and formula to many happy residents. More giveaway events are planned for the spring, so stay tuned! Supporters include Avenue 50 Studio, Baby2Baby, Grocery Outlet, Park Place Medical Spa, The Crafty Pedal, Congressman Jimmy Gomez, Councilmember Kevin De León, State Senator Maria Elena Durazo and Mayor Eric Garcetti.
Cypress Park
Photo Credit: Team Cedillo
Team Cedillo in partnership with CCNP and Unidos Por NELA, hosted a pop-up food distribution giveaway on Jeffries Avenue.
Westlake
Photo Credit: Team Cedillo
Team Cedillo’s Strike Team was in full force this week cleaning the corners of Parkview St. and Ocean View St.
OTHER UPDATES AND NEWS
California is Offering Stimulus Checks to Undocumented Uouseholds
Here's how to qualify
In order to provide relief to immigrant communities financially affected by the coronavirus pandemic, California is making available stimulus checks to those who file taxes with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, also known as ITINs.
The Internal Revenue Service issues ITINs to undocumented immigrants who don't qualify to receive Social Security Numbers, but they must first provide completed tax forms and documentation to receive one.
Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020 approved a budget deal that allows Californians with ITINs who earn less than $30,000 a year to access the California Earned Income Tax Credit and the Young Child Tax Credit.
Those eligible to receive the state's earned income tax credit can receive a one-time payment of $1,200 under Newsom's Golden State Stimulus plan.
Separately, ITIN filers who earn under $75,000 a year are expected to receive a one-time $600 stimulus payment.
I live in California. How do I know if I'm eligible to get a $600 stimulus payment?
The law will send out a total of 5.7 million payments to low-income Californians, according to the release. The following California residents will be eligible for a $600 payment:
- Those who qualify for the state Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2020 tax returns. Typically, this includes those with annual incomes below $30,000, and some undocumented and mixed-status families. Last year, 3.9 million people applied for the credit.
- Those with Individual Tax Identification Numbers, or ITINs, as opposed to Social Security numbers, who were excluded from receiving a first federal stimulus check of up to $1,200, or a second federal stimulus check of up to $600. The agreement provides the $600 payments to households with ITINs and income below $75,000.
- Households enrolled in the CalWorks public assistance program.
- Recipients of SSI/SSP.
- Recipients of Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, or CAPI.
Another detail: ITIN taxpayers who also qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit would receive a total of $1,200. The payments will be provided to these households shortly after they file their 2020 tax returns. (Here's everything new you need to know about this year's taxes.)
When might my $600 stimulus check arrive? Will it be a check, direct deposit or something else?
According to the State of California Franchise Tax Board, payments will be issued after eligible 2020 tax returns are processed. Those who are qualified and set up direct deposit when they file their return can expect a payment within 45 days, and those who do not have direct deposit will receive a paper check within 60 days.
Here is a more specific timeline for when you might receive your payment, according to data from the California Department of Finance collected by CalWorks:
- Low-income workers eligible for the state Earned Income Tax Credit: Four to five weeks after filing 2020 tax return if you have direct deposit. Six to seven weeks after filing, if you need the check mailed.
- Undocumented workers with ITINs: Four to five weeks after filing 2020 tax return if you have direct deposit. Six to seven weeks after filing, if you need the check mailed.
- CalWorks recipients: By mid-April.
- Recipients of SSI/SSP and CAPI: Unclear; timing depends on coordination with the Social Security Administration, according to the state.
The money should arrive to those eligible automatically after filing your tax return. The payment expires on Nov. 15, according to the Tax Board -- to make sure you get yours, file your 2020 tax return by the extension deadline of Oct. 15 (the regular deadline without an extension is April 15).
Sources
Kim Bojórquez, The Sacramento Bee, Kim Bojórquez, 2/26/2021
California is offering stimulus checks to undocumented households. Here's how to qualify (msn.com)
CNET, Alison DeNisco Rayome, 2/26/2021
California stimulus check: Eligibility, how fast your $600 payment could arrive and more (msn.com)
Free Tax Help
The City of Los Angeles offers its residents the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), a federal program which offers free tax help to people who generally make $55,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. For information and Free Tax Prep LA – Community Locations go to: Free Tax Prep – HCIDLA (lacity.org)
StreetsLa to Modify Its Street Sweeping Operations On March 1st
Starting on Monday, March 1, StreetsLA will modify its street sweeping operations, while launching a new notification system where residents can register for notification of when their street will be swept.
StreetsLA has created the “Street Sweeping Near Me” notification system. At the StreetsLA website, anyone can explore the map of sweeping routes across the City and sign up for email notification about when their street will be swept. Notifications will be sent 24 and 48 hours before StreetsLA will be sweeping that route. This will give residents the opportunity to move their vehicle prior to the posted sweeping time and avoid being ticketed. Additionally, it is important that residents move their vehicles during street sweeping to allow our sweepers access to the curb where debris collects. Where our sweepers have to drive around parked vehicles, we cannot clean as effectively.
The “Street Sweeping Near Me” system allows users to input one or more addresses or to use an interactive map to identify multiple routes of interest, so they can receive notifications about all of their regular parking locations.
We encourage all residents to be mindful of street signage to avoid being ticketed. Vehicles will be cited if they are parked in restricted areas on days when street cleaning is scheduled. The Street Sweeping Near Me webpage and notification system will let you know when sweeping is planned for your street so you can plan accordingly. For more information about parking and parking enforcement, please visit the LA Department of Transportation's parking information pages.
If you have any questions, please contact the City’s 3-1-1 Call Center by dialing 311 on your phone, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. or by using the myla311 app. For information about parking and parking enforcement, please visit the LA Department of Transportation's parking information pages.
Celebrating Black Queer History
Poet, legal scholar, women’s and civil rights activist, the multi-talented Dr. Pauli Murray is best remembered for impacting the civil rights movement with a strong feminist perspective, co-founding the National Organization for Women, and being the first black woman ordained as an Episcopalian priest. Dr. Murray highlighted the importance of black women’s’ contributions to the civil rights movement and society at large through her writing and legal scholarship that continues to inspire Queer activists today.
Leader in both the labor and civil rights movements, Bayard Rustin’s personal philosophy which combined Quaker non-violence and socialism heavily influenced both the civil rights movement and Dr. Martin L. King directly. Rustin’s legacy includes his numerous organizing efforts including the March on Washington and the NYC School Boycott in addition to co-founding the A. Philip Randolph Institute for black trade unionists.
FOOD, EVENTS, AND OTHER RESOURCES
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