Sun Staff

• On June 17, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) announced that the IRS is extending a small businesses tax credit through September. The credit covers the cost of paid sick and family leave for workers. Workers can use leave to care for themselves or family members who are sick and to get their COVID-19 […]

• The U.S. Department of Transportation reached a settlement with the state of California to fund the high-speed rail project and will receive nearly a billion dollars in restored federal grant funding after that money was taken away during the Trump administration. “Tonight’s action by the federal government is further proof that California and the […]

• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on June 3 that restaurants and bars are permitted to keep their outdoor seating expansions on sidewalks and parking lots as well as continue the sale of takeaway alcoholic beverages with food. “As the state turns to post-pandemic life, we’ll continue to adapt best practices that have helped businesses transform […]

• On May 25, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) reintroduced the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, a bill that incentivizes states to adopt “red flag” laws, which “allow family members or law enforcement officials to petition a judge to temporarily disarm an individual in crisis if they pose a […]

• On May 20, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new online tool to help employers get their workers vaccinated. The Employer Vaccination Toolkit makes it easier for employers to request a workplace clinic and increases vaccine accessibility. “Anyone who wants to should be able to get vaccinated,” Newsom said in a statement announcing the toolkit. […]

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) announced on May 10 that he and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) recently reintroduced the Market Choice Act, a bipartisan bill that puts a fee on carbon emissions, “which would help fund infrastructure advancement and development while combating climate change,” according to Carbajal’s office. “Climate change demands our […]

• On May 4, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced new initiatives to get more underserved community members vaccinated. “New efforts focus on direct appointment assistance; community outreach including neighborhood canvassing, phone banking, and text banking; at-home vaccinations and transportation services; and an additional $33 million in funding, bringing the total to $85.7 million, to support community-based […]

Raising awareness for mental health during May is an annual occurrence for CenCal Health, but this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month holds particular pertinence. After the past pandemic year, more people are struggling with their mental well-being than before. “COVID-19 has certainly had an effect on everyone: National, state, and local agencies have all documented […]