COVID-19 Response:
Latest
News
For the most recent information about COVID-19 public health information please visit the County Health Services Agency website.
11/19/2021: Santa Cruz County Health Officer Issues Order Requiring Use of Face Coverings Indoors
“Unfortunately, a potential winter surge appears to be a significant threat to the health and safety of our community.” As we move into the holidays and winter months, and with COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increasing in Santa Cruz County, The Santa Cruz Health Officer is issuing a Health Order.
Effective November 21, 2021, at 11:59 p.m., all individuals are required to wear a face-covering when indoors regardless of vaccination status.
The face-covering order will remain in effect until the order is rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Health Officer. The conclusion of the order will take into account hospitalizations, variants of concern, cases, and vaccination rates.
Read Full Press Release
09/29/2021: Santa Cruz County Moves to Moderate (Yellow) Transmission, Indoor Face Covering Mandate Lifted
Effectively Immediately, under the County’s Face Covering Order, County face-covering requirements are rescinded. This does not impact face-covering requirements issued by the State of California including for unvaccinated individuals, school districts, businesses, venues, or organizations requiring face coverings by the policy.
Residents are asked to continue respecting these requirements by carrying a face covering with them at all times while in public.
08/19/2021: Santa Cruz County Issues Order Requiring Use of Face Masks in Indoor Settings
With the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations due to the highly contagious Delta variant, the Santa Cruz County Health Officer is issuing a Health Order, effective August 20, 2021, at 11:59 p.m., requiring all individuals to wear a face-covering when in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status.
- Signage is available in Public Health’s Signs/Media Library: Click Here
- Need a sign requiring masking inside your business? Click Here
- Read the Press Release
06/15/2021: California Officially Reopens the Economy
Effective immediately, Governor Newsom has declared California's economy reopened. What this means is we are transitioning into the "Beyond the Blueprint Strategy."
- As things return to normal, restaurants, shopping malls, movie theaters, and most everyday places will be open as usual with no capacity limits or social distancing required. The County Tier system no longer exists
- Lifting mask requirements for vaccinated Californians. California's Department of Public Health has updated "statewide masking guidance" to match the CDC's guidance, lifting California's mask requirements for vaccinated individuals starting on June 15.
There are some unique situations to consider:
- Mask requirements for uniquely vulnerable settings. Following CDC guidance, masks will still be required for uniquely vulnerable settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, homeless shelters, and public transit.
- Public health recommendations for mega-events. For indoor events of 5,000 people or more, attendees must confirm proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 status to attend outdoor events of 10,000 people or more (like concerts, sporting events, festivals, and conventions). We recommended that attendees confirm proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 status to attend due to increased risk caused by travel and crowds.
05/18/2021: Santa Cruz is Back in the Yellow Tier
The City of Santa Cruz is officially in the YELLOW TIER. Outdoor dining is allowed with a permit and fire and safety inspection. The Yellow Tier guidelines now apply to all businesses conducting business within the city boundaries.
Highlights:
- Bars (where no meal provided) with modifications and max 25% capacity, or 100 people, whichever is fewer
- Restaurants with modifications at a max of 50% capacity
- Gyms and Fitness Centers +indoor pools +Saunas +Steam rooms with modifications and max 50% capacity
- Shopping Centers (Malls, Destination Centers, Swap Meets) open indoors with modifications and closed common areas and reduced capacity food courts
Full Guidelines: https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-e...
03/30/2021: Santa Cruz is Back in the Red Tier
The City of Santa Cruz is officially in the ORANGE TIER. Outdoor dining is allowed with a permit and fire and safety inspection. The Orange Tier guidelines now apply to all businesses conducting business within the city boundaries.
Highlights:
- Gyms and Fitness Centers with max 25% capacity + indoor pools
- Restaurants with max 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer
- Hotels and Lodging with Fitness centers with 25% max capacity + indoor pools
Full Guidelines: https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-e...
03/09/2021: Santa Cruz is Back in the Red Tier
According to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy and hard work and cooperation of business owners, the community, and the city. The City of Santa Cruz is officially in the RED TIER. Outdoor dining is still allowed with a permit, and new appropriate Red Tier guidelines apply.
Highlights:
- All retail can operate at 50% indoor capacity
- Gyms and fitness centers can operate at 10% indoor capacity
- Restaurants can operate indoor dining at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
Full Guidelines: https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-e...
01/26/2021: Santa Cruz is Back in the Purple Tier
As of 01/26/2020, Governor Newsom has lifted the Regional Stay at Home order. The City of Santa Cruz will return to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy tier system. Outdoor dining is allowed with approved permits. We ask residents and business owners to follow state guidelines. And as always, please mask up when participating in permitted activities.
Full Guidelines: https://bit.ly/3adbl9U
Temporary Outdoor Expansion Permit: https://bit.ly/39nWlXJ
12/16/2020: Santa Cruz Activates Regional Stay at Home Order
Due to ICU bed capacity falling under the 15% threshold, the City of Santa Cruz is now under the regional stay home order (SAH), announced December 3, which will go into effect within 48 hours in regions* with less than 15% ICU availability. The state imposes a SAH for a minimum of three weeks.
It prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others.
Link to Order: CDPH Letterhead (ca.gov)
County Details: bit.ly/regional-sho
12/14/2020: Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order for Business Tax Extension During COVID Crisis
Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order addressing a variety of issues in response to the pandemic, including extending the availability of housing for migrant agricultural workers, providing a 90-day extension on tax returns and tax payments for small businesses, and updating Cal/OSHA requirements related to quarantine guidelines.
The order allows the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) to offer a 90-day extension for tax returns and tax payments for all businesses filing a return for less than $1 million in taxes. Small businesses will have until the end of July to file their first-quarter returns.
Link to Executive Order: https://bit.ly/383yn1W
12/06/2020: New Regional Stay Home Order
In place of the rapidly growing COVID-19 cases during the holiday season, for the sake of public health and reducing the immense strain on our healthcare system and frontline workers. Governor Newsom announces new regional stay at home order. The City of Santa Cruz falls under the Bay Area region, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma cities. Additionally, on 12/06/2020, the state released a supplement to the order explaining guidelines to retail operations.
The order goes into effect after a region has been announced to have less than 15% Intensive Care Unit (ICU) availability. The ICU capacity numbers are updated as needed. They will determine if the region falls under the stay at home order. Once a region falls under 15% ICU availability, the order will stay in effect for at least 3 weeks and only be lifted once the 15% minimum is met.
The regional stay at home order asks community members to limit outdoor exposure to essential activities only. Still, in effect as of November 21, 2020, Californians in counties in the Tier 1/Widespread (purple) tier are directed to stop non-essential activities between 10PM and 5AM and will stay into effect until 12/21/2020
Press Release: https://bit.ly/371ig63
Retail Operations Supplement: https://bit.ly/36ZpY0b
Stay at Home Order Website: https://bit.ly/3ozOniY
12/01/2020: $500M Small Business Grant and California Rebuilding Fund Announced
Governor Newsom announced today $500M in grant funding to help small business owners. Legislators drafted the temporary tax relief to aid California small businesses that have been negatively affected by COVID-19. Also, policymakers added $12.5M to the California Rebuilding Fund program (CRF). The CRF is a new program to offer flexible, affordable capital and free advisory services through community-based lenders.
Grant Press Release
11/19/2020: Limited Curfew for Purple Tier Counties
The California Department of Health has declared that all counties that are under the Purple Tier of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, shall be placed under a limited curfew starting from 11/21/2020 - 12/21/2020. This is to stem the rise of COVID cases in the region.
The limited curfew requires that all gatherings with members of other households and all activities conducted outside the residence, lodging, or temporary accommodation with members of other households cease between 10:00 pm PST and 5:00 am PST, except for those activities associated with the operation, maintenance, or usage of critical infrastructure[1] or required by law.
This order does not apply to persons experiencing homelessness. Nothing in this order prevents any number of persons from the same household from leaving their residence, lodging, or temporary accommodation, as long as they do not engage in any interaction with (or otherwise gather with) any number of persons from any other household
Key Points:
- The Curfew is to help stop the rise in positive Covid Cases
- Curfew starts 11/21/2020 and ends 12/21/2020
- You can still leave your home but do no engage with others outside your household
- Activity outside of essential services and operations of critical infrastructure is prohibited between 10 PM - 5 AM while the curfew is in place
Full Details: https://loom.ly/RRUo9CI
County Status: https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-e...
11/16/2020: Santa Cruz Shifts to Purple Tier as Governor Newsom Pulls Emergency Brake to Slow Down The Spread of COVID-19
As COVID-19 cases sharply increase across the country and California, Governor Gavin Newsom and state public health officials announced immediate actions today to slow the spread of the virus. The state is pulling an emergency brake in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, resulting in 94.1 percent of California's population's most restrictive (PURPLE) tier. This change is effective tomorrow. The state will reassess data continuously and move more counties back if necessary and is updated as needed instead of the routine weekly Tuesday updates.
The rate of growth in confirmed COVID-19 cases is faster than in July, which led to a spike in cases. California is also strengthening its face-covering guidance to require individuals to wear a mask whenever outside their home, with limited exceptions.
Highlights of changes:
- Restaurants -outdoor only
- Retail-25% Indoor capacity
- Bars closed (those serving food, follow restaurant guidelines)*
- Hotels open, but no related pools or gyms open, other modifications may apply.*
- Fitness clubs: outside only
- No indoor gatherings
- Hair salons and barbershops open with modifications*
Link: Full List of Tier Changes
Press Release: https://www.santacruzhealth.or...
11/11/2020: City of Santa Cruz & Community Action Board- Emergency Eviction Prevention Program
The Economic Development Department is partnering with the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc. (CAB) to deliver an Emergency Eviction Prevention Program. The program is funded with HUD HOME and CDBG-COVID grants.
Emergency housing assistance will be provided to pay past-due rent incurred on or after April 1st, 2020. A maximum of two months' assistance is available for eligible applicants with a monthly limit not to exceed $2,500 and a maximum limit of $5,000 total per household. Payments will be made directly to the landlord on behalf of the household.
Eligibility:
- Housing unit located in the City of Santa Cruz
- Low Income Household– (A minimum of 90% of grant funds must assist those at 60% Area Median Income (AMI) or below, and up to 10% can help those at 61%-80% AMI)
- Loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19
- Past due rent with no alternative means to pay
- Applications will be accepted on November 12th- November 24th.
- The applications will be processed in November as they are received and until funds are expended.
- Additional documentation will be collected to verify eligibility, such as documentation of reduction of income (recent pay stubs, unemployment records, a letter from employer), proof of residences such as utility bills, phone bill, magazines, etc., proof of past due rent, copies of a lease or rental agreement.
Apply: www.cityofsantacruz.com/financial-assistance
Full Document: https://www.cityofsantacruz.co...
11/10/2020: County of Santa Cruz Returns to RED Tier
Due to the increasing prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, Santa Cruz County is returning to the red tier under the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
Highlights:
- Sectors such as restaurants, places of worship, movie theaters, and museums must decrease indoor operations from 50 percent to 25 percent of capacity.
- Retail establishments may continue operations at a reduced capacity of 50 percent.
- Bars, breweries, and distilleries must close, and wineries must close indoor operations.
- Gyms and fitness centers should reduce capacity to 10 percent of normal operations.
- Amusement parks, family entertainment centers, nonessential offices, and live-audience sports are no longer allowed.
Full Details: State of California Blueprint for a Safer Economy
10/27/2020: County of Santa Cruz now in Orange Tier
Based on improved test positivity and case rates, the California Department of Public Health has moved Santa Cruz County into the Orange Tier in its Blueprint
for a Safer Economy. The new tier designation comes with a new set of guidelines that opens up the economy safely, which can be referenced in the Blueprint linked below.
Highlights:
- Previously opened sectors such as restaurants, places of worship, movie theaters, and museums may increase indoor operations to 50 percent of capacity.
- Retail establishments may now open at full capacity
- Bars, breweries, and distilleries may resume outdoor operations,
- Wineries may resume indoor operations at 25 percent capacity or 100 people (whichever is fewer)
- Gyms and fitness centers may increase indoor capacity from 10 percent to 25 percent
Full Details: State of California Blueprint for a Safer Economy
10/06/2020: Updates Program Guidelines for Restaurants and Retail
On October 6th, 2020, in preparation for the upcoming winter season, our team collaborated with the Fire Department to update the City's Outdoor Dining Guidelines. The update provides additional direction to further expand operations capabilities during the cold months safely during the Pandemic.
Highlights:
- Tents with one side up to 400 SF and canopies up to 700 SF are allowed to be installed in the expansion areas. Any structures larger than that will require review and a permit from the Fire Department
- All tents/canopies and their sidewall shall meet NFPA 701, CPAI-84 standards to ensure all temporary structures are fire-resistive
- Only electric heaters are allowed under properly fire-rated canopies and tents
- Gas heaters cannot be placed under tents and must have at 36" clearance from any combustible materials around them
- Extensions cords are allowed to provide power for electric heaters and lighting but must be of proper outdoor rating and must be clearly marked and protected to avoid tripping hazards and other safety issued
-Fire extinguishers must in place for all tents/canopies and heater usage
Full Guidelines
09/23/2020: Local Governments now Allowed to Extending Commercial Renter Protections
Governor Newsom signed a new executive order authorization for local governments to halt evictions for commercial renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through March 31, 2021.
09/08/2020 New Bills to Support Small Businesses Grappling with Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic, and Bolster Economic Recovery
On September 09, 2020, the Governor signed into law a series of new bills that support small businesses that have been negatively affected by the COVID pandemic and help accelerate regional economic recovery.
Highlights:
- AB 1577 allows small businesses to exclude PPP loans from gross income for state taxes
- SB 1447 authorizes a $100 million Main Street hiring tax credit program for small businesses
- SB 115 accelerates $230.5 million in state bond funding to help jumpstart construction projects
The legislation builds on previous investments and support for California small businesses
09/01/2020: Small Business Assistance Grant Program Deadline: (09/15/2020)
To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Santa Cruz County small businesses and employees, the Santa Cruz County Cares Recovery Program has committed up to $15,000 per eligible
small business in one-time funds, up to a total of $1 million for the program.
09/01/2020: NEW STATE LAW EVICTION PROTECTION
On August 31, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 3088. The Assembly bill bans evictions in California immediately and protects tenants who claim hardship related to COVID -19. The eviction ban is valid until February 1, 2021.
Key Take-Aways
1. Before August 31, 2020: To qualify for eviction protection, tenants must first sign a document stating a COVID- related hardship between Marth 4th, 2020 - August 31, 2020.
2. After August 31, 2020: Tenants who claim a COVID-19 hardship between September 1, 2020 - January 31, 2020, must also pay 25% of the rent to avoid eviction.
3. Tenants must provide the landlord the signed declaration of hardship document within 15 business days after rent is due.
4. Important: Tenants MUST pay debt eventually. However, landlords can not evict a tenant for this reason. The law allows the landlord to recover accumulated rental debt starting March,01,2021.
08/14/20: COVID-19 EMERGENCY DECLARATION - PROHIBITS SIDEWALK VENDING ACTIVITIES
Starting August 14th, 2020, the City Manager has declared an emergency declaration banning street vending from operating within the listed areas below.
Affected areas
1. Beach Street
2. Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf
3. West Cliff Drive
4. Main Street and Cowell Beach
The City took emergency action due to public health concerns and the need to protect the community. The purpose of the order is to reduce unsafe overcrowding from sidewalk selling activities. The order shall be in effect until October 1st, 2020.
07/14/2020: COMMISSION LIMIT CHARGED BY 3RD PARTY FOOD DELIVERY (EXTENDED)
Effective immediately, to support Santa Cruz restaurant during COVID-19. The City of Santa Cruz extends the executive order to limit a 15% commissions cap charged by 3rd party food delivery companies to businesses. Initially, the City passed the commission limit on April 13th, 2020. Due to this economic crisis's ongoing nature, the City has extended the commission limit to ease the financial burden to local businesses. The commission cap is in place until at a time when the city council shall determine the health emergency is no longer in effect.
Key Take-Away:
1. Max commission is 15%, it is unlawful to do otherwise
2. Commission limit is in place until City Council determines public health crisis is over
3. New extended executive order (2020-13) replaces the previous executive order (2020-06)
6/15/20: SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PLACED ON MONITORING LIST
Based on the increased spread of COVID-19 and in order to protect the health and safety of residents, the California Department of Public Health has added Santa Cruz County to the order of modifying or closing operations in several sectors. The orders go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.
They include modifications for:
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Personal care services
- Places of worship and cultural ceremonies
- Offices for non-critical infrastructure sectors
- Indoor shopping malls
Retail and existing outdoor restaurant operations are unaffected by the orders and may continue operating under state guidelines for their respective sectors.
Additionally, hair salons and personal services (including skincare, cosmetology, nail services, and massage therapy but not electrology, tattooing, and piercing services) may continue operations outdoors under state guidelines.
Non-critical infrastructure sectors are defined by the Department of Homeland Security and are available at www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-during-COVID-19. Offices on this list are not required to close operations but must continue following state guidelines for safe operations. Places of worship may continue outdoor operations in accordance with state guidelines. Indoor dining, bars, wineries and tasting rooms, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos, and museums and cardrooms were closed throughout California on July 13, 2020. Any removal from the list would require further state action.
6/15/20: Expanded Personal Care Services May Resume Friday
In accordance with State of California guidance and prior County Health Officer orders, the County of Santa Cruz will allow expanded personal care services to resume Friday, June 19th . Expanded personal services include hair and nail salons, estheticians, skin care, cosmetology, electrology, microblading, waxing, body art, tattoo parlors, body piercing shops and massage therapy. Businesses and professionals should follow State guidance in order to minimize risk to clients and providers.
State guidance for expanded personal services can be found here.
With additional openings, the County wishes to emphasize the importance of following local Social Distancing Protocols, which include:
- Wearing a face covering while engaging others at work or in public
- Maintaining six feet of distance from others who are not members of your household
- Frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Covering coughs or sneezes with tissue or fabric, or using your elbow
- Staying home if you are sick with a fever or cough
6/9/20: Revised Health Order Removes Lodging Restrictions
Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel on Tuesday issued a new order removing local restrictions on lodging operators, allowing hotels, motels and vacation rentals to resume business activities in accordance with State guidelines effective Friday, June 12.
The County was previously approved for a State variance and issued orders aligning the County with State guidance, which will allow movies theaters and family entertainment centers; museums, galleries and aquariums; gyms and fitness centers; swimming pools; campgrounds and RV parks; and tasting rooms, brewpubs and bars to reopen on Friday as well. The new order also extends partial beach closures through July 6, 2020, at which time the County will reassess beach access.
Furthermore, the County is aligned with new State guidance on schools, childcare facilities and day camps. The County advises residents that not all operations or businesses will be ready to open on the effective date of sector guidance. Owners or managers of local businesses and other operations are advised to read and follow State guidance in order to protect the health and safety of staff and customers. Santa Cruz County public health officials will closely monitor local case counts, infections rates and hospitalizations and stand ready to modify local health orders if necessary to protect the health and safety of the community.
5/6/20: Supplemental Shelter In Place Order Aligns With Governor's Move to Stage 2 of Recovery
Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel issued an updated Shelter-in-Place Order allowing local businesses to conduct limited reopenings as Gov. Gavin Newsom launches Stage 2 of his Reopening Roadmap.
Beginning Friday, May 8, 2020, local retail businesses may begin providing curbside pick-up services to customers. Examples of such businesses include bookstores, clothing stores, florists, sporting goods stores and other over-the-counter retailers. In addition, manufacturing and supply chain workplaces supporting these businesses may open. Social Distancing Protocols must be followed in all of these settings.
Other types of businesses, including shopping malls, dine-in services, hair and nail salons, movie theaters and more, remain prohibited from operating.
Further State guidance on allowable businesses is expected to be issued Thursday.
Business owners are advised to review State guidance to determine whether their establishments may reopen as well as operational practices, so that they may avoid enforcement actions.
ORDER EASING RESTRICTIONS ON LOW-RISK BUSINESSES (issued May 6, 2020)
English Español
5/5/20: COUNTY SEEKS VENDORS FOR GREAT PLATES PROGRAM
The County is seeking local restaurants, caterers and other food business interested in preparing and delivering meals to older Santa Cruz County residents who face an elevated COVID-19, under the new Great Plates Delivered program. A federal program designed to support adults 65 and older as well as adults 60-64 who are at high-risk from COVID-19 and are sheltering in place without access to food support, the program delivers up to three meals per day delivered from local restaurants and food providers to help them stay home and stay healthy. The program also provides a way for local food providers to maintain operations and staff. Vendors must meet certain nutritional, delivery, and other requirements. If your business is interested in Great Plates Delivered, please email [email protected] no later than May 11, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.
Please ensure to submit the following:
- Brief Description of your Food Service Restaurant or Facility.
- Proposed Example of Menu to be served to meet the requirements.
- Please include your average daily cost per person.
- This should be broken down into meal costs (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks), delivery costs, and admin costs. Reimbursement will be based on a daily cost to provide meal service per person. State if your restaurant would be willing to donate 6.25 percent of the meals delivered to count as the local share of cost.
- Date when service could begin.
Interested business should view the Request for Information.
4/30/20: Shelter In Place Order Extended Indefinitely With Some Restrictions Eased
The County Health Officer issued a revised order that maintains requirements for physical distancing and to shelter in place except for essential travel. Under the Order, limited business activities may resume under certain conditions, including landscaping and construction-related activities; nursery/gardening wholesalers and retailers; childcare, recreational and educational institutions serving children operating under strict safety guidelines; and golf courses that can protect the health of patrons.
The County has also prepared additional appendices with guidelines for operations of businesses now able to operate with social distancing:
- Appendix A – Social Distancing Protocols for Essential Businesses English Español
- Appendix B – Construction Site Requirements English Español
- Appendix C – Golf Course Requirements English Español
SUPPLEMENTAL ORDER TO SHELTER IN PLACE (issued April 30, 2020)
English Español
4/23/20: ORDER TO WEAR FACE COVERINGS IN PUBLIC
Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel issued a new order requiring patrons and staff at essential businesses to wear face coverings to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The order follows new requirements in place throughout much of the Bay Area, and is intended to further slow the spread of novel coronavirus. The order impacts public, commercial and governmental spaces where face-to-face interactions may pose a risk of transmission, including grocery stores, health care offices, restaurant pickup counters, public transit, essential government offices and more.
Businesses must take reasonable measures, such as posting signs, to remind visitors about face coverings, and may not serve customers who do not observe the order. Workers do not need to face coverings if they are alone in a personal office but must put them on when others enter.
Residents are encouraged to continue to practice safe physical distancing when they go out to exercise or for recreation. Individuals engaged on outdoor recreation and who are able to practice distancing (joggers, cyclists, hikers, etc.) are not required to wear face coverings, but should move to avoid close proximity with passers-by.
ORDER TO WEAR FACE COVERINGS IN PUBLIC
English Spanish
- CDC Guidelines on Face Coverings, including a how-to guide
- Face Covering FAQs
English Spanish
4/15/20: City Council Establishes Santa Cruz Resilience Microloan Program to Support Businesses
At their April 14, 2020 meeting, the Santa Cruz City Council acknowledged the many businesses in the community that are suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, required closures, and the limited access and long wait times for federal funding promised through the CARES Act.To provide emergency financing for small businesses that are not well served by other state and federal loan programs or are in need of bridge funding to meet immediate working capital needs the City Council approved the establishment of the Santa Cruz Resilience Microloan Program.
The Resilience Microloan Program will provide loans ranging from $5,000-$10,000 to be allocated to eligible, qualified small businesses based on availability of funds, program guidelines and the submission of the online application with required documentation. Loan funds can be used for operating expenses such as rent, payroll, utilities, inventory and supplies. Interest rates vary from 0% for bridge loans up to 3% for terms up to 3 years. No application fee or collateral needed to apply. Applications will be processed and funds awarded in the order received as long as funds are available. This program is funded by the City of Santa Cruz and designed in partnership with the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union.
Details about the program application requirements and process are available here.
4/13/20: Supporting Santa Cruz Restaurants, City Places Limit of 15% on Commissions Charged by Third-Party Food Delivery Companies
In support of local businesses in Santa Cruz, City Manager Martin Bernal signed an executive order this morning establishing a temporary limit of 15% on commissions charged by third-party food delivery companies. This order will take effect on April 16, 2020.
With the current shelter in place order, many consumers are using third-party applications and websites to place orders with restaurants for delivery and takeout, and these third-party platforms charge restaurants fees. Capping the per-order fee at 15% will ease the financial burden on struggling restaurants during this emergency while continuing to allow third-party platforms to earn profits.
Review the Executive Order for more details.
3/24/20: SANTA CRUZ APPROVES EMERGENCY ORDINANCE TO PROTECT RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL TENANTS
At their March 24, 2020 Council meeting, the Santa Cruz City Council acknowledged the many individuals in the community that may be at risk of being unable to pay commercial or residential rents due to businesses being closed and employees losing income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To avoid further homelessness and loss of jobs and employment opportunities within the community, the Santa Cruz City Council approved Ordinance No. 2020-07, an emergency ordinance would prevent residential or commercial evictions for non-payment of rent as a result of economic losses related to the coronavirus pandemic. For additional details about the ordinance, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions in English & Spanish.
General Information about the COVID-19 Outbreak and Local Orders:
For information about changes to City Operations please visit cityofsantacruz.com/coronavirus
For updates and information relevant to the County's response to the Coronavirus and the Shelter in Place order please visit santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus
To help assist the community in answering questions about the COVID-19 outbreak, the County of Santa Cruz has established a call center to help direct questions to the proper channels. If you have questions, please call (831) 454- 4242 between the hours of 8 a.m.6 p.m., Monday-Friday.
For Statewide information visit the State's COVID-19 Response page.