Los Angeles County Joins the City of LA to Require Recall Rights for Certain Employees Laid Off due to COVID-19

On May 12, 2020, the LA County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance establishing a right of recall for janitorial, maintenance, security service, and hotel workers laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The County Ordinance closely mirrors one passed by the LA City Council in April, but it applies to additional employees in the city.
 
Click the link below to read the full article:
LA County-City Recall Rights

 
Click the link below to see the County and City Ordinances:
Ordinance Adding Chapter 8.201 of Title 8
20-0147-S15_ORD_186602_06-14-2020

Going to Court During COVID-19

By Gregory M. Smith, Esq., The Maloney Firm, APC
 

 
On March 13, 2020, Judge Kevin Brazile, Presiding Judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court issued the first of many orders announcing the Court’s responses to the COVID-19 crisis. Since then, Los Angeles’ usually-bustling courthouses have been closed to all but emergency hearings. Recently, I had the opportunity to go to the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Downtown LA for one such ex parte hearing. The experience was weird, but given the push to “reopen America” it is likely that at least some of the present protocols will carry over as part of the “new normal” that we have all been hearing about. While experiences may vary by day, I hope this helps paint a picture of my experience.
 
Read the full article here:
Going to Court During Covid-19

Paycheck Protection Program: Loan Forgiveness Requirements


 
If you were one of the lucky small businesses approved for a PPP loan, you likely feel pretty good knowing that an injection of money is coming your way. That money is backed by a 100% federal government guarantee (i.e., it will be forgiven) if it is used as specified by the CARES Act and Small Business Administration (“SBA”). Recently, the SBA came out with guidelines on how the money can be used if it is to be forgiven and the process of applying for forgiveness.
 
Read the guidelines from the Small Business Administration here:
PPP Loan Forgiveness Article

CARES Act Expands Unemployment Insurance Compensation

The challenges workers and their families face during the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic slowdown has not been lost on Congress. To assist unemployed and furloughed workers while the economy reels from mandated business closures and the uncertainty of the public health crisis, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act” or “Act”). The CARES Act, in part, provides additional financial support to workers for up to 39 weeks between January 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Importantly, this support supplements rather than replaces unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits and other aid provided by states.
 
Read the emergency increase in unemployment compensation benefits here:
CARES Act UI Benefits + CA UI Qualifications

Los Angeles City Council Requires Supplemental Paid Sick Leave for Large Employers

On March 27, 2020, the Los Angeles City Council (“City Council”) passed an ordinance requiring employers with more than 500 employees nationally to provide supplemental sick leave to employees during the COVID-19 pandemic (the “Ordinance”).
 
After lengthy debate, the City Council sought to fill what it perceived was a gap in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA” click here for more on the FFCRA), by requiring that 10 days (80 hours) of supplemental paid sick leave be provided to employees who work for larger employers.
 
Read the full details here:
LA City Council Paid Sick Leave

CARES Act Creates Additional Loans for Small Business

CARES Act ArticleCongress has recognized the extreme strain the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn has placed on small businesses. On March 27, 2020, Congress passed and President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act” or “Act”) to boost the economy and help small businesses bridge the gap during the pandemic. The CARES Act assists small businesses in three main ways:
(1) “Paycheck Protection Program” loans to pay and retain workers; (2) Emergency Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”) and grants; and (3) partial loan forgiveness and subsidies.

Read how the CARES Act assists small businesses:
CARES Act Article

COVID-19 Update: Considerations for Corporations

In just a few short weeks, the global COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered the landscape of corporate operations in California, and in the country as a whole. In light of ongoing state, county, and city ‘stay at home’ orders and restrictions on non-essential businesses, many businesses have been forced to scale back, or even cease operations entirely. In the face of such measures, business owners and corporate boards must be vigilant in upholding their corporate duties, guarding against potential future liability, and protecting the interests of partners, shareholders, and investors.
 
Read the full update here:
Covid Corporate Reporting

California Restaurants Can Now Sell Alcohol To Go and Via Delivery

In light of the State of California’s ‘shelter in place’ order, local ‘shelter in place’ orders, the California Department of Public Health’s guidance, and the federally declared national emergency, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (the “ABC”) has promulgated a notice that eases regulations on the sale of alcohol to support California restaurants and businesses. Restaurants and businesses can now take advantage of the relaxed regulations to help boost sales while customers are unable to congregate on premises.
 
Read the details here:
California Restaurants Can Now Sell Alcohol To Go and Via Delivery

Business Interruption Insurance in the Age of COVID-19 and the Steps You Should Take to File Your Claim

While one’s first concern in this time of global pandemic is naturally to protect the health and well-being of our families, friends and colleagues, the reality is that businesses are also susceptible to serious consequences resulting from the pandemic. No doubt client fear and uncertainty may contribute to a downturn in business in these trying times, and many businesses have planned and prepared for such contingencies. However, what is a business owner to do when faced with a government order mandating severe restrictions–or even closure–of the business? One potential avenue for protection may be to seek insurance coverage for the losses sustained.
 
Read here to learn the steps to file your claim:
Business Interruption Insurance in the Age of COVID-19 and the Steps You Should Take to File Your Claim