April 13, 2020
UPDATE REGARDING THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS ("COVID-19"):
A Message From The Supervisor:
As our City is coping with the effects of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19"), I wanted to let each of you know that my office is working hard to stay up-to-date on all fronts so that you all can be informed of what is happening locally, statewide, and nationally. Lastly, please don't hesitate to email us at SafaiStaff@sfgov.org or call us at 1-415-554-6976 and we will immediately respond.
Thank you all for your time, cooperation, and perseverance -- we will all get through this!
Sincerely,
Supervisor Ahsha Safai
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Halt On All Evictions Throughout All Of California Effective Immediately – Whether Or Not Related To COVID-19 Pandemic -- Approved by California’s Judicial Council (California Court Leaders):
On April 6, 2020, California’s Judicial Council met and adopted eleven (11) emergency court rules and two of those effectively stop all evictions against renters. In ruling that eviction orders “threaten to remove people from the very homes they have been instructed to remain in” the action halts legal procedures used by property owners to initiate and enforce evictions.
So, what does this mean? It means that this rule is applicable to all courts and all evictions cases, whether they are based on a tenant’s missed rent payment or another reason (related to COVID-19 or not). The new court order will apply until 90 days after California Governor lifts the state of emergency related to COVID-19 pandemic OR until it is amended by the Judicial Council (i.e., as of now, it’s July 2020).
The Emergency Rules (1-2) regarding evictions:
- Prohibits a court from issuing a summons after a landlord files an eviction case, unless necessary to protect public health and safety.
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- What does that mean? It means that, even if a landlord files an eviction case, the tenant will not be under the normal five-day deadline to respond. The time for the tenant to respond to a new eviction case will not begin until the rule is lifted, giving them time to seek out legal assistance and assuring that no tenant’s right to tell their side of the story in court is denied due to the emergency.
- Prohibits a court from entering an automatic default judgment against the tenant because the tenant failed to file a response, unless the court finds:
- The eviction is necessary to protect public health and safety; and
- The tenant failed to respond in the time required by law, including any extension that may apply due to the Governor’s Executive Order regarding evictions during the COVID19 emergency.
- For eviction cases where the tenant has responded or appeared, prohibits a court from setting the case for trial earlier than 60 days after a trial is requested, unless necessary to protect public health and safety.
- Requires any trial in an eviction case that was already scheduled as of April to be postponed until at least 60 days after the initial trial date.
In addition, Judicial Council adopted an emergency rule related to foreclosures (Emergency Rules 1-2).
These rules also apply until 90 days after the Governor lifts the COVID-19 state of emergency. The rules:
- Prohibit a court from taking any action or issuing any decisions or judgments unless necessary for public health and safety.
- Postpone any legal deadlines for filing foreclosure cases.
- Extend the period for exercising any rights in a foreclosure case, including any right of redemption from a foreclosure sale, or petitioning the court in relation to such a right.
Link to the 11 Emergency Rules adopted by the California Judicial Council on April 6, 2020:
https://jcc.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=8234474&GUID=79611543-6A40-465C-8B8B-D324F5CAE349
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NEW CITY PROGRAM: San Francisco Hardship Emergency Loan Program (SF Help)
The City’s new San Francisco Hardship Emergency Loan Program (SF HELP) will rapidly deploy loans up to $50,000 at 0% interest. Funds can be used to pay payroll, rent, utilities, inventory and more. The loan will have a flexible repayment schedule, with terms determined on a case-by-case basis, based on each borrower’s ability to repay.
Eligibility (7 requirements):
- Be a for-profit existing business located in SF (SF address) and in good standing
- Have total annual revenues under $2.5M
- Have a valid San Francisco Business License
- Be free of any city/county tax liens or judgments
- Have a business bank account
- Demonstrate a 25% drop in revenues since January 1, 2020
- Have 3 years remaining on lease
Loan Details:
- Up to $50,000
- 0% interest
- Up to 6-year terms
- No Fees
- No Collateral
Eligible Loan Uses Include (But Not Limited To):
- Working Capital (e.g., rent, utilities, payroll, supplies, etc.)
- Equipment
- Inventory
For more information, please click here:
https://mainstreetlaunch.org/contact-us/
To apply, please click here:
https://mainstreetlaunch.org/about-us/loan-inquiry/
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Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL):
Who qualifies?
Any small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons), private non-profit organization or 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by COVID-19.
When can you expect to receive a response?
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance funds will be made available within days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.
Please note, initially the loan advance was advertised as $10,000 up front but it may be reduced to $3,000, our office is working on getting conformation for this.
Link to learn more information:
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loan-emergency-advance#section-header-2
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The City And County Of San Francisco Launches The COVID-19 Data Tracker:
On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Mayor London N. Breed and the San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH) released a COVID-19 Data Tracker to provide the public with more frequently updated information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in San Francisco.
This information will be updated on a daily basis and will include data about, inter alia, testing, hospitalization, and confirmed cases.
To read Mayor London Breed's announcement regarding the COVID-19 Data Tracker, please click here:
https://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-london-breed-announces-new-covid-19-data-tracker
To access the COVID-19 tracker on a daily basis, please click here:
https://www.sfdph.org/dph/alerts/coronavirus.asp |
Federal Government Assistance for Small Businesses: The Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") Loan:
UPDATE: On Monday, April 12, 2020, the first non-bank lender was approved to participate in the PPP loan, PayPal.
Link to PayPal's PPP website (note, they have not yet started accepting applications but will start doing so "soon"):
https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/ppploan
The Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP is managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
Some important facts below.
FULLY FORGIVEN LOANS:
Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.
MUST KEEP EMPLOYEES ON THE PAYROLL -- OR REHIRE QUICKLY:
Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease.
ALL SMALL BUSINESSES ARE ELIGIBLE:
Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors— are eligible. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries.
WHEN TO APPLY:
Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. We encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap.
HOW TO APPLY:
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. All loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower. A list of participating lenders as well as additional information and full terms can be found at www.sba.gov.
Please note that the Paycheck Protection Program is implemented by the Small Business Administration ("SBA") with support from the Department of the Treasury. Lenders should also visit www.sba.gov or www.coronavirus.gov for more information.
Independent Contractors and Self-Employed Individuals NOW Eligible To Apply:
The PPP loan became open/accessible for independent contractors and sole proprietors this past Friday, April 10, 2020 and the application is the same as that for small businesses. PLEASE APPLY.
If you want to take out a loan, please click here:
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses
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HOW TO DONATE AND/OR VOLUNTEER AS WE COMBAT COVID-19 IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
TO DONATE:
All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law, the City and County of San Francisco's Tax ID number is 94-6000417.
Why donate? Donations will directly support:
- Critical facilities and supplies needed to protect the health of all San Franciscans in the face of COVID-19.
- Taking care of our most medically and economically vulnerable neighbors, including individuals who must isolate per public health guidance and those facing economic hardship or a housing crisis related to COVID-19.
- Local businesses and nonprofits that are not only significant contributors to the economy, they are valued parts of our neighborhoods. Support will help businesses weather temporary closures or reduced demand due to the public health crisis.
To learn more about the many ways you can donate, please click here:
https://sf.gov/give-city-respond-covid-19
TO VOLUNTEER: CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO & SHANTI PROJECT'S COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE (CERV) PROGRAM:
The Emergency Response Volunteer Program was created in partnership between the City of San Francisco's Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) and Shanti Project.
Examples of Support:
- Grocery shopping
- Dog Walking
- Delivery of pet food, medication, and other essentials
- Mail pickup
Volunteer Requirements:
- Volunteers must be in good health and under the age of 60
- Volunteers are required to pass a background check
- Volunteers are required to follow San Francisco Coronavirus protocol
If you are interested, please email helpnow@shanti.org or call 415-674-4701 and leave a voicemail expressing your interest.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.shanti.org/volunteer/sf-covid-19-emergency-response-volunteer-program/ |
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SHOP LOCAL
During this challenging time the one thing that is certain is that you, our neighbors, community support agencies and small businesses alike need to prioritize their health and safety. Yet there are still ways to support. We might be "sheltered in places" but please consider how you can spend your dollars and invest in our neighborhood businesses who have given their time, money and dreams to provides the services and amazing goods that define our home!
Please visit website for downloadable PDF here: http://www.eagsf.org/excelsior-open-for-business.html
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San Francisco Property Tax Services – The Deadline To Pay Your Taxes Was EXTENDED From April 10, 2020 to May 4, 2020 And If You Can't Pay You Can Apply For a Penalty Waiver:
On April 10, 2020, San Francisco’s homeowners know that property taxes are normally due, however the Board of Supervisor and the Treasurer & Tax Collector extended the deadline to May 4, 2020.
San Francisco’s Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector urges everyone to please pay on time, but if you can’t pay on time and meet the May 4 deadline for reasons related to the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) you should submit a request for a penalty waiver online.
To apply for a Penalty Waiver, please click here:
https://sftreasurer.org/business/manage-your-business/penalty-waiver-refund-request
Please note, that currently City Hall is closed to the public and, therefore, not accepting in-person payments. To make a property tax payment you must pay by US mail or online, to pay online please click here:
https://sftreasurer.org/property/make-property-tax-payment
If you have any questions, please call 3-1-1 or visit the Treasurer & Tax Collector's website here:
https://sftreasurer.org/property-tax-deadline-frequently-asked-questions
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