Contra Costa County Farm Bureau
serving farmers and ranchers for over 100 years!
Dear CCCFB Members,
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, our office hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Masks are required to enter and we request that you use the hand sanitizer provide just inside the door. Our Board meetings will be held via teleconferencing until further notice. If you wish to attend please email the office at cccfb@cccfb.org for the phone in number and pin to join the call.
We want to assure you that we take the health and well-being of our community, our members, and associates very seriously. Like you, we're closely monitoring the quickly developing effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Contra Costa County Farm Bureau remains committed to supporting our members and serving as a resource for important information.
Assistance, Services for People Experiencing Hardship
List of resources offering help now
We know the COVID-19 pandemic is causing severe financial hardship to many people right now and I am concerned that this situation will get worse.
While the Federal Stimulus Package will eventually provide some relief to individuals and businesses, many people need help now. We're analyzing the new Federal law, and will provide updates.
Meanwhile, here are resources you can tap now. Click the links for more information. This list will be updated over time.
Feel free to share this list with others.
Taxes and Utilities
Property Tax Late Payment Penalty Cancellation - taxes are due April 10. A program to cancel late payment penalties for people impacted by COVID-19 was announced this week. Application forms for this program will be on the County Treasurer's website on April 11.
IRS - has extended both the tax-filing and payment deadline to July 15.
The Franchise Tax Board - has extended both the tax-filing and payment deadline to July 15.
PG&E - has a moratorium on service shut-offs due to nonpayment, and offers flexible pay plans for customers in need.
MCE - is temporarily suspending collections on non-paying customers.
EBMUD - will not disconnect water service due to payment issue and offers an assistance program for those in need.
Housing Security
Mortgage Payment Relief - some banks and mortgage companies are providing mortgage relief. Check with your mortgage company for details. Governor Newsom's announcement on mortgage relief plan.
No Evictions - Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston has announced that consistent with the timeline in the Governor's Executive Order, no commercial or residential eviction orders will be served until May 31, 2020. This "stay" applies to all 19 cities and the unincorporated areas of the County.
Social Services and Healthcare Assistance
CalWin - a one-stop sign-up for:
* CalFresh (food stamps).
* CalWORKS - cash assistance for low income families with children.
* Health coverage through Covered California.
MediCal - low-income health coverage.
In-Home Supportive Services - home caregiver program for elderly, blind, and people with disabilities.
CAPI - cash assistance for elderly, blind, and disabled non-citizens.
Premium Extensions - under a notice by the State Insurance Commissioner, insurance companies (auto, property, casualty, life, health) must give policyholders a 60-day grace period to pay premiums.
Fraud
Price Gouging is Illegal - there are reports of gouging on hand sanitizer, wipes, masks and other important virus supplies. Report price gouging to the
Contra Costa County District Attorney's Consumer Protection Unit.
Fraudulent Charities - beware of bad actor charities taking advantage of people wanting to help during this crisis. Before giving, make sure charitable organizations are registered with the state Attorney General's office. Also check their rating on Charitynavigator.org.
Ongoing Resources
Contra Costa County Health Services COVID-19 page
State of California's One-Stop COVID-19 info page
Contra Costa County Crisis Line 211, email or phone
If you need assistance please feel free to call CCCFB at (925) 672-5115 or email cccfb@cccfb.org