Wednesday - September 9, 2020

Page 1

U M J LI A N

PRESORTED STandARD

. 9 203

AIL

CA

ED FR

O

6

M

1.

$

00

(92¢ + tax included)

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 30 JULIAN, CA

ESTABLISHED

An Independent Weekly Newspaper Serving the Backcountry Communities of Julian, Cuyamaca, Santa Ysabel, Shelter Valley, Mt. Laguna, Ranchita, Canebreak, Sunshine Summit, Warner Springs and Wynola.

Julian News

PO Box 639 Julian, CA 92036

1985

Change Service requested

DATED MATERIAL

The Newspaper of Record.

For the Community, by the Community.

ESTABLISHED

1870

YEARS

County of San Diego Business Revitalization and Assistance Grant Program A new program offers business owners in the unincorporated area up to $8,000 to help improve the front exteriors of their buildings; applications will be accepted October 1–15, 2020 The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has established the Business Revitalization and Assistance Grant Program, a grant initiative administered by Planning & Development Services that provides funding to small-business and commercial property owners in the unincorporated area of San Diego County to improve the front exterior of their buildings. For permanent upgrades such as painting, landscaping, lighting and the addition of outdoor dining or workspace, qualifying applicants can be awarded up to $8,000 (registered historic properties are eligible for a grant of up to $12,000). Grant funds will be provided as a reimbursement. The goal of the grant program is to add value to the local economy and enhance the community experience by creating a positive visual impact and increasing customer traffic to community-based businesses in the unincorporated County. Additionally, these funds are intended to assist businesses recover from impacts to their operations incurred from COVID-19 by helping them comply with current public health orders. For more information on the application process, eligibility, and general grant guidelines, please visit https://www. sandiegocounty.gov/pds/BRAP. html. If you have any additional questions, please contact Michael De La Rosa at (858) 495-5308 or Businessgrant@ sdcounty.ca.gov.

Concerns Over Evictions

Governor Gavin Newsom On August 31 announced that he has signed legislation to protect millions of tenants from eviction and property owners from foreclosure due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. These protections apply to tenants who declare an inability to pay all or part of the rent due to a COVIDrelated reason. “COVID-19 has impacted everyone in California – but some bear much more of the burden than others, especially tenants struggling to stitch together the monthly rent, and they deserve protection from eviction,” said Governor Newsom. “This new law protects tenants from eviction for non-payment of rent and helps keep homeowners out of foreclosure as a result of economic hardship caused by this terrible pandemic. California is stepping up to protect those most at-risk because of COVIDrelated nonpayment, but it’s just a bridge to a more permanent solution once the federal government finally recognizes

California Reaches 21 Million Registered Voters Friday September 4, California officially surpassed 21 million active registered voters for the first time in history. This milestone comes 60 days before the November 3, 2020 General Election. The Secretary of State’s next official Report of Registration will be issued later this month with breakdowns of registration by party, political jurisdiction, and age. “2020 is another record setting year for voter registration in California,” Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. “Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, our democracy remains strong and resilient.” “If you’ve recently turned 18, recently become a US Citizen, or even if you’ve never voted before — don’t wait. Register to vote today at registertovote. ca.gov. It only takes a few minutes to register and to make your voice is heard in one of the most consequential elections in our nation’s history. And if you’re already registered to vote, I encourage you to verify your registration status and to sign-up for ballot tracking.” Voting Begins in 32 Days Starting on October 5, 2020: • All counties will begin mailing ballots to every active, registered voter in California. • Voters will be able to vote early, in-person at their county elections office. Tips for Voters Californians are encouraged to take the following steps to prepare for the General Election: • Check your voter registration at VoterStatus.sos.ca.gov • Update your voter registration if you’ve moved or changed your name at RegisterToVote.ca.gov • Sign-up for automatic updates on the status of your vote-by-mail ballot at WheresMyBallot.sos. ca.gov Voter Registration Deadline October 19 is the traditional voter registration deadline for the November 3, 2020 General Election. If an eligible Californian misses the October 19 deadline, they can complete the same day voter registration process and cast their vote that day. However, this option is only available at county elections offices and inperson voting locations.

its role in stabilizing the housing market. We need a real, federal commitment of significant new funding to assist struggling tenants and homeowners in California and across the nation.” Under the legislation, no tenant can be evicted before February 1, 2021 as a result of rent owed due to a COVID-19 related hardship accrued between March 4 – August 31, 2020, if the tenant provides a declaration of hardship according to the legislation’s timelines. For a COVID-19 related hardship that accrues between September 1, 2020 – January 31, 2021, tenants must also pay at least 25 percent of the rent due to avoid eviction. Tenants are still responsible for paying unpaid amounts to landlords, but those unpaid amounts cannot be the basis for an eviction. Landlords may begin to recover this debt on March 1, 2021, and small claims court jurisdiction is temporarily expanded to allow landlords to recover these amounts. Landlords who do not follow the continued on page 8

Wednesday

www.JulianNews.com

Julian High School Restarts ‘In-Classroom’ Learning

September 9, 2020

Volume 36 — Issue 06

Julian, CA.

ISSN 1937-8416

Virtual Star Party This Weekend Julian Dark Sky Network invites evetyone to join Vivek and Doug Sollosy for a very special virtual star party Saturday, Sept.12 at 8pm. We'll be live streaming images and commentary from two different locations, the relatively dark skies at Curiosity Peak in Julian, and the typically light polluted skies of suburban San Marcos. Using almost identical equipment we will be livestreamimg images of an array of interesting celestial objects, including nebulae within our own Milky way, as well as galaxies far beyond. Unlike most star parties this one will provide a live view experience of the benefits of preserving naturally dark skies, as well as the negative consequences of unregulated light pollution, which unfortunately typifies most of our urban and residential communities. We can do something to make a difference. This year the JDSN, along with the Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition are working with Planning and Development Services of San Diego County to create a dark sky friendly lighting ordinance for present and future dark sky communities of San Diego County. To attend this unique event you only have to go to the youtube website and search for Curiosity Peak Observatory. When you reach our youtube channel, click on the livestream button, which will appear like a video you click on at 8pm. See you Saturday!

Vivek Vijayakumar took these astrophotos of the same galaxy, with the same equipment and exposure. What's the difference? Location! One was taken in the San Diego city of San Marcos, while the other was taken from Julian, CA. Can you guess which image was taken where? #lightpollutionmatters

• JUHSD will have sufficient protective equipment available for students and staff in order to comply with California Department of Public Health guidance for students and staff appropriate for each classification or duty, as well as relevant California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements. • JUHSD will purchase sufficient number of no-touch thermal scan thermometers for symptom screening. • JUHSD will promote wearing of masks for those who may feel uncomfortable and not able to maintain the recommended six feet social distance. As of the timing of this plan, wearing of mask and maintaining social distance is a guidance; not a mandate. • JUHSD will open windows and maximize space between students and between students and the driver on school buses where practicable.

• JUHSD will minimize contact at school between students, staff, families and the community at the beginning and end of the school day where practicable. • JUHSD will consider use of non-classroom space for instruction, including regular use of outdoor space, weather permitting. For example, consider part-day instruction outside. • JUHSD will continue Block Master Schedule that already minimize student movement and interactions. Class size will continue to average 15-18 students. Larger classrooms and other large areas like the gym, Little Theatre, and Multi-Purpose Room will be utilize for instruction in order to assist in social distancing. The current schedule will be in place with Tuesday’s reopening starting on the odd (periods 1, 3, 5) day schedule, Wednesday will be even (periods 2, 4, 6). For parents intested in what the future holds there will be a School Board meeting Thusday evening at 6pm in room 4 at the High School. Social distancing [Covid-19] restrictions will be applied. As part of the meeting a public hearing for approval of text books and intsructional materials is on the agenda. Any member of the community is welcome at board meeting to observe or offer input.

How COVID-19 Has Impacted Tribal Communities (StatePoint) While the current health and economic crisis has impacted Americans nationwide, it has disproportionately affected the Native American/Alaska Native (NA/AN) community. Not only have chronic economic inequalities and systemic lack of infrastructure in many Indigenous territories put tribes at high risk, but these problems have been exacerbated by the loss of revenue experienced by tribal businesses shuttering their doors. Here are some of the persisting problems Native territories face, steps being taken to address them, and what you can do to help. • Infrastructure: Significant numbers of people in tribal communities lack basic utilities (electricity, running water) critical to adhering to federal COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Clinics, testing sites, personal protective equipment and other health essentials are also in short supply in Indian Country. Through funding and support, donors can help protect tribes from immediate health risks and mitigate the spread of the virus. • Information: Important government updates and virtual healthcare services are especially critical during this crisis. However, information access is a persisting problem in many tribal territories due to their largely remote and rural

locations. The FCC reports that 628,000 tribal households lack standard broadband access, a rate over four times that of the general population, and a 2019 study by the American Indian Policy Institute found nearly one in five reservation residents has no internet at home. • Economics: Tribal governments, which were already largely underfunded before COVID-19, are under incredible strain today, with major revenue streams, such as tribal casinos and gaming businesses closed down. Efforts are already providing some relief. In the case of housing, Wells Fargo announced $600,000 in grants to tribal housing programs via the Native American Indian Housing Council in May and $1 million across more than 20 nonprofit organizations since the start of the pandemic. Economic relief from many sources can also help address food insecurity, boost Native-owned businesses and fund other necessities. • Data Collection: A continued national response to the pandemic is dependent on accurate data. However, over 70 percent of those in tribal communities live in urban areas, where many use county and state health services. As a result, data black holes have emerged. Through accurate data collection, aid to support the NA/ AN community will be possible.

• How to Help: “Across the country, the pandemic has exacerbated health, housing and economic disparities, as well as food insecurity within diverse communities -- especially tribal regions,” says Diana “Dede” Yazzie Devine, CEO and president of Native American Connections, an Arizona-based Native American service and development organization. “We cannot forget all of this once COVID subsides. We need to focus on building a better future.” In the case of Native American Connections, volunteering is critical. On-site volunteerism (currently limited by COVID 19) like providing office support, preparing meals for local families or supporting housing needs, can help the lives of residents

and community members, while virtual-online donations can deliver much-needed funds. Other ways to help include making financial donations or donating to food banks that service tribal lands. One example includes a recent St. Mary’s Food Bank event in Arizona on Navajo Nation territory, where Wells Fargo’s Drive-Up Food Bank provided support in mid-August 2020. To learn more about what Wells Fargo is doing to help fight hunger in local communities, visit welcome.wf.com/foodbank. As the COVID-19 pandemic endures, addressing the needs of vulnerable tribal communities is critical to sustaining and strengthening them, and to the forward progress of future generations.

Fall & Apple Picking Season are Just Around The Corner. Go to our website; visitjulian.com for updates

ESTABLISHED

1870

YEARS


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.