District 5 Updates – September 17, 2020

It’s hard to believe it is already September. There is a lot going on in District 5; here are some highlights:

Merced County has been awarded a Planning Grant for long-awaited O’Banion Park Improvements. The County is seeking additional grant funding for these improvements and we need your help. There are three ways to participate in this process:

• Via Online Survey
• Facebook Virtual Event on Wednesday, September 30th from 5:30-6:30
• In-person Meeting on Saturday September 26th at O’Banion Park in front of Del Halle Hall (see details below). I will host coffee and donuts the same day and place beginning at 9:30am. For everyone’s health and safety, social distancing and masks are required.

On Thursday, October 1st at 7:00 p.m. I will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall. Registration is required. To register, please visit www.scottysilveira.com/town-hall.

Merced County remains in the Purple Tier based on the Governor’s new COVID-19 reopening structure. The way we can all help open Merced County is to get tested. There is a mobile testing facility available Mondays and Tuesdays at the Los Banos Fairgrounds. Please see information below for links and other COVID-19 resources.

Finally, District 5 needs Poll Workers. Individuals as well as service organizations can volunteer.

Business Assistance Program Application Deadline is September 20th

To support local small businesses, $3.1 million has been set aside for the COVID-19 Business Assistance Program. This program will be administered by the Merced County Workforce Development Board (WDB), and will provide Merced County small businesses with up to $50,000 in grant funding for the reimbursement of eligible COVID-19-related operating expenses as well as cover expenses related to implementing COVID-19 health and safety measures from March 19, 2020 through the date of the grant. The deadline to apply is September 20th.

Eligible uses of grant funds would include certain payroll costs, rent/lease payments, and inventory or supply costs required to safely reopen the business. The maximum grant award will be calculated based on the business’ number of full-time employees. The program will distribute $3 million as direct grants to small businesses and $100,000 will be set aside for administrative costs to the WDB. This is a chance for the Westside to get our fair share: apply today.

For the guidance and more information, visit https://scottysilveira.com/covid-19-resources/.

O’Banion Park Improvements

O’Banion Park Improvements have been part of the Merced County Master Plan for a number of years. As part of the process, the County received a planning grant. Community input is required to fulfill the conditions of that grant and to ensure we are eligible for additional funding opportunities. There are there ways to participate:

• Please complete the Online Survey by September 20th.
• Facebook Virtual Event on Wednesday, September 30th from 5:30-6:30
  • The County will host Facebook Live event.
  • Here is the LINK to participate
• In-person Meeting on Saturday September 26th at O’Banion Park in front of Del Halle Hall at 10:00am.
  • The Meeting will take place in front of Del Halle Hall in Dos Palos
  • The meeting will begin at 10:00am
  • I will host coffee and donuts beginning at 9:30am.
  • For everyone’s health and safety, social distancing and masks are required.

Over the last six months, there has been significant activity throughout the County and in District 5. Although we are currently unable to host a Town Hall in-person, keeping you informed and providing you an opportunity to ask questions and share your concerns is a top priority.

Please join me on Thursday, October 1st at 7:00 p.m. for a District 5 Virtual Town Hall. Registration is required. To register, please visit www.scottysilveira.com/town-hall.

Poll Workers Needed

District 5, specifically Los Banos and Dos Palos, need Poll Workers for the Voting Assistance Centers. Individuals as well as service groups are encouraged to volunteer.

Information and applications are available by calling (209) 385-7541 or visit the website at https://www.co.merced.ca.us/3133/Poll-Worker-Portal.

COVID-19 Testing Continues at the Los Banos Fairgrounds

A key component of Merced County moving to the next stage of opening depends on the numbers of residents being tested. A mobile testing facility will be at the Los Banos Fairgrounds from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Monday and Tuesday. To make an appointment, visit www.lhi.care/covidtesting.

As a reminder, it is a statewide mandate to wear a cloth face covering inside of, or in line to enter any indoor public space, or when unable to maintain six feet of social distance outside. Merced County Health Officials strongly recommends all residents (including business sectors) to practice the following safety measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wear a cloth face covering or face shield;
  
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and elevator buttons;
  
• Practice social distancing;
  
• Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds;
  
• When handwashing is not possible, use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol base;
  
• If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms (check symptoms here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html) stay home and self-monitor.
  

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the Department’s resource website at www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirus.

If I can be of service, you are having an issue, or need assistance, please call me at (209)385-7366, or send me an email at scott.silveira@countyofmerced.com.

Scott