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Small Business COVID Grants Available in September, By Yvette Brooks Mayor, City of Capitola
FEATURED COLUMNIST Small Business COVID Grants Available in September
By Yvette Brooks, Mayor, City of Capitola
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It is hard to believe summer is nearly over for most of us. The weather has been beautiful and it has been so nice to see everyone out. As we imagined, we are seeing COVID-19 cases rise again and it is still very important for all of us to stay vigilant and follow CDC guidelines.
I ask all residents to please watch out for children while driving. Schools are back in session and more children will be out walking, biking, and scooting. Please be cautious while driving and patient as we see traffic increase.
Small Business Grants
At our Aug 26 City Council meeting, we received a contract from the state Housing and Community Development Department authorizing block grant funds. In the second round, the City will provide an additional $15,000 to Grey Bears, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Community Bridges for food services and fund 30 to 35 grants for up to $7,500 to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
City staff will get the word out through social media, notifying business groups, circulating flyers, and emailing local businesses. The application at http:// https/:www.cityofcapitola.org/ covid19businessgrant will be open Sept. 1 through Sept. 30.
COVID Protocols
The City of Capitola has updated its policies to ensure the safety of our staff and community. Staff has been asked to wear their masks while indoors in shared spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
Capitola City Council meetings will continue to be held virtually. To attend a meeting visit https://www.cityofcapitola. org/meetings.
Tobacco Grant
Acitywide tobacco compliance check was completed on 11 local tobacco retailers. The objective was to determine initial levels of compliance with state law and code regulations prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco in the City, check for appropriate licensing and signage, and answer any questions businesses may have. All retailers were found to be in compliance with the municipal code. Four of the 11 retailers received direction related to improper display of expired state licenses and appropriate signage. All retailers were very cooperative and appreciated the information.
A subcommittee has come together in partnership with Soquel Union School District, Santa Cruz County Health Department, and the Capitola Police Department to create a program for tobacco prevention. The committee met to plan to explore a Teens Teaching Teens Model in collaboration with youth to train them to help lead the program.
Fun Facts: 2020 vs 2019 Capitola Waste Disposal
As staff was compiling an annual report to CalRecycle, some interesting data jumped out at us. • During 2020, the total waste disposal (trash, recycling, Greenwaste) decreased by 800 tons vs. 2019.
Between 2014 and 2019, the total increase was 300 tons, so this is a huge reduction.
