December 3, 2020
Dear Playhouse Village Businesses & Property Owners,
The Governor of the State of California has issued a new health order that sets strict stay-at-home requirements and limitations on business for multi-county regions facing reduced critical care resources due to the increasing rate of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and ICU admissions. Restrictions as specified by this order will go into effect within 48 hours in regions with less than 15% ICU bed availability. Although no region met that criteria as of Thursday, the Governor has said the Southern California region, which includes Pasadena, could meet it in a matter of days.
The order limits a variety of activities for at least 21 days and restrictions could begin as early as this coming weekend. We are awaiting the written order, but based on an understanding from the Governor’s Press Conference, please note affected communities - including the City of Pasadena - will have:
- Limitations of 20% on all retail establishments
- Required closings of personal services businesses, including hair and nail salons
- Required closing of all bars and wineries
- Restaurants required to return to take out and delivery services only
- Extension of current prohibition of all gatherings of more than one household
- Offices remain closed except for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible
- Places of worship can continue to hold services outdoors only
The Governor’s Order supersedes the City’s authority and is based on the need for regional and statewide control to address this pandemic. The City of Pasadena will be posting links to the state website for specific guidance once the written order and guideline are released. We will provide specific guidance on shut down times and dates as soon as they are established by the state. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe.
Governor Announces Immediate Assistance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
The Governor has also announced financial assistance is available to businesses, including new tax credits and deferrals, and debt relief which is shared below. A full list of existing state support for businesses can be found here.
Main Street Hiring Tax Credit: Authorizes $100 million in hiring tax credit for qualified small businesses. The credit is equal to $1,000 per qualified employee, up to $100,000 for each small business employer. The application is now open and available here.
Tax Relief for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19: Provides an automatic three-month extension for taxpayers filing less than $1 million in sales tax on the return and extends the availability existing interest and penalty free payment agreements to companies (with up to $5 million in taxable sales). Expands interest-free payment options to industries heavily impacted by operations restrictions including bars and restaurants, hair salons, and more.
COVID Relief Grant: $500 million grant program administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID and the health and safety restrictions. Grants of up to $25,000 will be avaiable to small businesses, non-profits, and cultural institutions throughout the state by early 2021. While CalOSBA is establishing the program, sign up for updates on availability here.
California Rebuilding Fund: Increased funding of program to help impacted small businesses rebuild from the economic crisis and keep local economies strong. This program is built to be a resource in the market for the next year as businesses pivot and recover. Goal of providing $125 million of relief with public-private investment to make more low-interest loans to small businesses with less access to loans from traditional banking institutions. Learn more and apply here.
The PVA is committed to supporting our business community in every possible way. Please don’t hesitate to contact the PVA at info@playhousevillage.org with any questions or concerns you may have.
