• 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. “Getting more people vaccinated will bring us closer to ending this pandemic. That’s why we’re working with employers to make it easier to access COVID-19 vaccines—so no one misses their shot at protecting themselves and [their] communities.” The toolkit includes “vaccine education materials, information on COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave and other guidance for employees, and an online form to request vaccination support,” the statement added. California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás J. Aragón said these resources mirror those the state has used in the past with employee flu shot programs. “Now, we’re repeating those same best practices to make it easier for people to access COVID-19 vaccines, including by promoting programs like supplemental paid sick leave so workers can [take] time off if they need it,” Aragón said in the statement. Employers interested in setting up a clinic at their workplace can complete an online form at surveymonkey.com/r/mobilevaccination, and then a representative will follow up with them. “If approved after completing the survey, the California Department of Public Health will provide the employer a list of local vaccination partners able to support their request,” the statement explained. Further information on the vaccine can be found at vaccinateall58.com or by calling the CA COVID-19 Hotline at (833) 422-4255.
• Vandenberg Air Force Base officially changed its name to Vandenberg Space Force Base, as it is now under the command of the U.S. Space Force. Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo) commended the transition in a May 19 Facebook post after attending the renaming ceremony. “Congratulations to the men and women at Vandenberg Space Force Base on their major name change!” he wrote. “Vandenberg SFB will continue to be a major launch location for military and private launches, and we are excited to see more aerospace industry leaders set up shop right here on the Central Coast!”
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) reintroduced the Small Transit Communities Modernization Act on May 19, a bill that would preserve federal funding for small urban transit providers like the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (SBMTD). “Currently, the federal Small Transit Intensive Cities (STIC) program provides funds to transit providers serving urban areas with a population between 50,000 and 200,000 people that exceed average levels of service compared to larger transit agencies,” a statement from Carbajal’s office explained. “This rewards high-performing small-urban transit agencies, like SBMTD, with additional federal investment to fund projects that increase efficiency and capacity of public transportation.” But after the 2020 census, SBMTD’s population is expected to be more than 200,000, disqualifying it from these funds. Carbajal’s bill creates a three-year long phase-out period for transit districts, like SBMTD, that no longer qualify. “Many people on the Central Coast depend on community transit providers to get to work, school, and go about their daily lives,” Carbajal said in the statement. “It is important that we continue to support local transit operators as their customer base grows and they plan for the future. I’m proud to introduce this bill to prevent an abrupt and significant funding cut in order to preserve transportation options as we come out of the pandemic and return to normal activities.” Executive Director of Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Marjie Kirn added that protecting federal transit funding is a regional priority. “Carbajal’s legislation helps to ensure that access to public transportation is available for all of our communities who benefit from vital federal programs that make access to local bus services possible,” Kirn said.
This article appears in May 27 – Jun 3, 2021.
