Mayor's Message - Preparing for Moving into the Red Tier 

There are several  items of good news this week regarding the coronavirus pandemic. Locally and nationally the spread of the virus is slowing.

Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin discusses our possible move into the Red Tier next week and what it means for residents and businesses. Watch the short video

What Can Open in the Red Tier

When we move into the Red Tier  some indoor businesses will remain closed, including places that serve alcohol but don’t serve food. Many can open indoors at 25% capacity (or 100 people, whichever is fewer) for example, restaurants, places of worship, and movie theaters. Gyms can open indoors at 10% capacity. Personal care services can open indoors with modifications. Schools may re-open for full in-person instruction once a county has been in the red tier for at least 2 weeks. However, schools that have already reopened may remain open if the county moves back to the purple tier. Local guidance

65+ Can Now Get Vaccines

Anyone living in SLO County who is age 65 and older is now eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine, but appointments are very limited at this time, so please let the most vulnerable get their shot first. About 38,000 people in our county are between the ages of 65 and 74, but at this time we only have 1,900 first-dose appointments available next week at our Cuesta College COVID-19 vaccine clinic. Check for available  appointments at www.RecoverSLO.org/VaccineAppointments weekdays at 9AM.

New Guidance for Places of Worship

New guidance allows worship services to resume indoors, at 25% capacity, in SLO County. A recent court ruling means that places of worship may hold indoor services at 25% capacity in Purple- or Red-tier counties. This means in SLO County, indoor services may resume immediately at 25%. Chanting and singing indoors is still not allowed.  Indoor gatherings still pose substantial risks, so virtual or outdoor services still remain the safest option.

Testing Reminder

If you’re experiencing symptoms or think you may have been exposed, please get tested right away.

Propane Assistance Program

• Must have a valid City of Paso Robles business license
• Businesses must certify COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions and adhere to the City of Paso Robles Fire Department’s guide for the safe use of portable gas-fired heaters
• Amount of reimbursement is equal to 50% total expense, not to exceed $700/month
• Receipts dated January 1, 2021 - March 31, 2021 are eligible for reimbursement
• Receipts will be evaluated for reimbursement on a monthly basis. Forms must be completed in full with applicable documentation included and received before the 7th of the following month

"Keep It Local" Gift Card Program

The City of Paso Robles just launched a new promotion to encourage Paso residents to support their local businesses. The Paso Robles "Keep it Local" Gift Card Program is designed to generate additional sales revenue for local businesses and save residents money on local goods and services. The program allows locals to buy full-value gift cards or certificates from Paso Robles businesses at a 20% discount, and the City will then reimburse the 20% discount amount back to participating businesses up to $1,000 per business, equating to $5,000 in additional sales revenue per business. See the 75 participating businesses here. Businesses can apply for the program here.

Food Resources

North County food and pantry services, free meal sites for kids, and resources for homebound seniors:

• PRJUSD
• Countywide
• Food Bank Calendar
• Loaves & Fishes
• Meals for Homebound Seniors

Eviction Protection

Mortgage Assistance

Utility Assistance

Many utility providers are not shutting off services due to non-payment. Check with the California Public Utilities Commission for more information.

The Water Board restricts the shut off of water during the COVID crisis. Report any water shutoff or reconnect issue at COVID-19 Water Shut-Off Complaint Report.

Unemployment Insurance

In December 2020, the federal government passed legislation providing an additional 11 weeks of benefits. This is in addition to the additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits that was part of the CARES Act. The legislation also includes a $300 per week supplement to unemployment benefits.

Apply for benefits through the Employment Development Department.

COVID-19 Updates

California, SLO County and Paso Robles are working together to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and hasten the reopening of businesses.  We have created a website that provides links to business and resident resources, County Public Health updates, volunteer opportunities, and more. Some of the restrictions and guidelines change frequently, it's important to stay up to date Details

Sign up for our COVID-19 email updates here.

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