Newsletter

A Message from Monique

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the legislative year is progressing for the 2021 - 2022  year. We recently received news that the fiscal outlook for the state is much better than originally anticipated. I hope the trend continues as we get closer to adopting the year budget. In addition, below, you will find legislation I am authoring within the areas of consumer protection, health, environment, education and more. Lastly, I am including COVID-19 updates, resources, wild fire updates, and an introduction to Senate District 19’s Woman of the Year.

I know times are difficult and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to influence our wellbeing. Please know my office continues to be available for assistance when needed. To reach us, please call (805) 965-0862.

Sincerely,

Monique Limón
Senator, 19th District

 

 

Legislation

10

 

 

Santa Barbara County Resources:

Food Banks in Santa Barbara County (https://foodbanksbc.org/get-help/)

  • Food banks and food distribution sites county-wide.

Santa Barbara County /United Way Rental and Utility Grants (https://www.unitedwaysb.org/rent)

  • Three-month rental assistance of up to $6,000 per household.

Santa Barbara County COVID-19 Testing (https://publichealthsbc.org/testing/)

  • County-wide COVID-19 testing sites.

Santa Barbara County Vaccine Information (https://publichealthsbc.org/vaccine/)

  •  Vaccine information for the county.

Santa Barbara Unified School District Food Assistance (https://www.sbunified.org/support/foodservices)

  • Free meals for Santa Barbara School District students.
  • Other school districts and schools may also be offering Food Assistance to families and current students. Please contact your districts/schools directly for specific questions.  

Santa Barbara County Small Business Grants - Goleta (https://www.sbbettertogether.org/apply-for-grant)

  • Assistance for small businesses in Goleta.

 

Ventura County Resources:

Community Action of Ventura County (Oxnard - https://www.ca-vc.org/food-assistance) 

  • Weekly Food Assistance / Drive-Thru Food Bank.

Food Assistance through school districts (https://www.vcoe.org/meals) 

  • Food assistance available through individual school districts.

Food Share of Ventura County (https://foodshare.com/covid19/) 

  • Pop-up food pantries for low-income families.

Oxnard Utilities Assistance (https://www.oxnard.org/need-help-paying-your-utility-bill-2/) 

  •  Utilities assistance for the City of Oxnard.

Diaper Bank Ojai (https://securebeginnings.org/services/free-diaper-bank) 

COVID Testing and Vaccine Sites (https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/)

  • County-wide COVID-19 testing sites and vaccine information.

 

Housing is Key Program

Applications are now being accepted for the California COVID-19 Rent Relief program. Landlords can verify eligibility immediately by visiting Housing.ca.gov or by calling 833-430-2122. More information on how renters in Santa Barbara can apply will be coming soon, in the meantime residents seeking assistance may apply to the United Way Rental and Utility Grants listed above.

How does it work?

Unpaid rent: Landlords who participate in the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program can get reimbursed for 80% of an eligible renter’s unpaid rent between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, if they agree to waive the remaining 20% of unpaid rent during that specific period.

 

Other Resources and Updates:

California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program: [RSJE1] LCA provides affordable liability insurance to low-to-moderate-income California drivers regardless of immigration status. As more and more families struggle to pay their bills during this difficult time, the CLCA program offers them the opportunity to purchase insurance at an affordable price.

Individual State Tax Deadline Update: The state tax filing and payment deadline for individual taxpayers is now May 17, 2021.

California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) Information: A refundable state credit designed to benefit California families. For the first time, Californians who file their tax returns with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) -- including undocumented immigrants, are eligible for the CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC).

Federal Stimulus vs. State Stimulus: Find out if you qualify for the American Rescue Plan stimulus and/or the Golden State stimulus.

California Relief Grant: The California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program provides micro-grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to eligible small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19 and the related health and safety restrictions. Applications are due Tuesday, May 4.

Wildfire Early Action: The Legislature and the Governor approved adding $536 million to the budget for wildfire prevention. The money will go toward efforts including forest and vegetation management and the retrofitting and fireproofing of homes.

 

Meet our SD 19 Woman of the Year!

 

Regina K. Hatcher-Crawford is Ventura County Branch NAACP, President, and California – Hawaii State Conference Central Coast Area director. She is a life member of the NAACP.  Hatcher-Crawford's destine for service was elected Ventura County Youth & College NAACP President. While serving in the capacity of Ventura County Youth & College President, she was then elected as Southern Area Youth & College NAACP President representing NAACP Youth & College units across Southern California, Hawaii, Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Utah.  Serving two terms, Hatcher- Crawford was the first female to serve in this position.

Hatcher-Crawford, following under the leadership of her mentor, her father, and Ventura County President Emeritus Mr. John R. Hatcher III (deceased), credits her activism ideology to her parents, John and Jo Anne E. Hatcher (mother).  Her parents active in the civil rights movement instilled a strong sense of justice and the importance of standing up for your beliefs and being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.  Hatcher-Crawford learned the key to advocacy are the foundation and core values of unity, solidarity, and commitment.  Within the core structure of advocacy are the people and communities she serves; this belief reinforces her belief that "nothing is impossible". Hatcher-Crawford graduated from California Lutheran University (CLU), with an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) and a dual bachelor's degree in Business Organizational Leadership (BS) and Psychology (BA).

Hatcher-Crawford is married to Kerry Crawford Sr. and has three adult children Kerry Jr., Ka’sha M., and Kristian Crawford.