By Robert Haugh

Last week, the City put out a list of actions it’s taken to help residents and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“With no immediate end in sight for the COVID-19 pandemic, we are using the CARES Act funding, along with other funds, to further assist our residents and businesses during this challenging time,” said Mayor Lisa Gillmor.

“Every little bit helps, and the City’s latest emergency relief programs will address what’s needed the most – from rental assistance to food on the table to small business grants – to help those in our community who are most adversely impacted by this virus.”

Here’s the list with some items we added. It’s an impressive list.

• Small Business Assistance Grant Program — nearly $1.7 million in grants to help Mission City businesses.

• Emergency Rental Assistance Program — $2.8 million to provide three consecutive months of rent for eligible households based on income levels.

• Food Distribution Programs for School Children — the City works with the Santa Clara Unified School District and community partners to provide and distribute food.

• Food Distribution Programs for Seniors — the City’s Senior Nutrition Program has not slowed down since the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 
  Garbage Rate Relief — the City has set aside increases for six months for Mission City residents.

• Energy Bill rebate — Silicon Valley Power (SVP) gave all Santa Clara households a one-time, one-month $30 rebate in April.

• Energy Efficiency Grants — SVP is also offering businesses up to $10,000 to fund energy efficiency. It could be used to help make changes required by social distancing or other pandemic-related rules.

• Food Delivery Fees — are now limited to help local restaurants. Some businesses said it was hurting their pandemic business. The Council approved an emergency ordinance that caps fees at 15 percent. Third-party food delivery services like Uber Eats, Postmates and Door Dash can’t charge Santa Clara restaurants more than that.