Important Update: Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19

Update – 09/24 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19 #20

San Diego County narrowly avoided moving back to “Tier 1” on the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy plan. This is good news for Carlsbad businesses as it avoids further closures and occupancy caps beyond what is in effect today. For current state industry guidance on what is able to be open, click here.

Commercial Eviction Moratorium Extended

Yesterday, September 23, Governor Newsom signed an executive order that includes an extension of authorization for local eviction moratoria through March 31, 2021.

What this means for Carlsbad Businesses

The City of Carlsbad’s commercial eviction moratorium relies on this authorization, which means our commercial eviction moratorium will remain in effect until March 31, 2021 or until the local state of emergency is lifted.

Gift Carlsbad

We now have 54 Carlsbad businesses signed up for Gift Carlsbad – the value-added eGift Card program that drives revenue to local businesses. This is a great showing of merchants, but we want to add more!

New businesses are signing up daily, and the current push is to get more restaurants on the platform. The more businesses that are listed and the more variety of business types, the more consumers will want to use the program, a win-win situation. Marketing efforts shifted this week from a focus on signing up businesses to the public to use the site for purchases, so sign up soon!

Any Carlsbad business can participate and joining is easy. Most businesses are able to sign up and set up their account in about 10 minutes. Sign up at GiftCarlsbad.com today. Chamber staff and CVA staff are available to guide businesses through the quick and easy signup process.

How it works:

Each time a customer buys an eGift Card through the online marketplace, they will receive a bonus eGift Card as well
Bonus funds and administrative fees are paid for through sponsorship dollars contributed by the Ready Carlsbad Business Alliance and the City of Carlsbad, meaning there is no cost for a business to participate
When a customer buys a $25 eGift Card, they receive a bonus $5 card
When a customer buys a $40 eGift Card, they receive a bonus $10 card
The total amount ($30 or $50) goes to the merchant within a few days

Carlsbad Business Loan Program

We realize that businesses are still struggling and the previous few months of downtime mean businesses are still playing catch-up.

While many relief programs have already closed or run out of funding, the Carlsbad Business Loan Program still has funds available. There are two loan types for Carlsbad small businesses. The first are small business microloans of between $5,000 – $10,000 for businesses with $2,000,000 or less in gross revenue or 15 or fewer employees. The second are small business recovery loans of between $10,000 – $25,000 for businesses with $3,000,000 or less in gross revenue and 50 or fewer employees. Both loans types include scaled interest rates depending on how quickly the loan can be repaid. Neither loan type is forgivable. Click here for the application.

Carlsbad is Calling

Tourism is important to Carlsbad’s overall economy, and 2020 was not a normal season. The City of Carlsbad was happy to fund “Carlsbad is Calling” a campaign led by Visit Carlsbad focused on positioning the city for staycations .

While travel is still far lower than normal, the desire to explore surrounding drivable areas is on the rise, and the local market can provide a boost for our visitor-serving establishments. The campaign, which launches today, will run at key times through spring 2021, and provide awareness while promoting safe leisure travel to the destination.

Finally, the City of Carlsbad is proud of the programs created to support businesses. You can hear our Innovation & Economic Development team talk about all that’s been done in this short video.

If you are interested in any of the programs described, please contact the City of Carlsbad at [email protected].

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Update – 09/16 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19 #19

San Diego County remains in the second tier of the state’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” plan, meaning there has been no status change since many businesses were able to reopen on September 1. For current state guidance on what is able to be open, click here. Below are a few current economic support programs to help our local businesses.

Gift Carlsbad

To help Carlsbad businesses increase revenue after the summer tourism season, the city is happy to sponsor Gift Carlsbad, a shop local program designed to provide further economic stimulus. The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Carlsbad Village Association, and Visit Carlsbad have come together to develop the program, which is already up and running. More than 40 merchants are participating so far, and that number is expected to double.

Any Carlsbad business can participate and joining is easy. Most businesses are able to sign up and set up their account in about 10 minutes. The online marketplace and easy redemption means contactless payment and a quick enrollment process. Sign up at GiftCarlsbad.com today. Chamber staff and CVA staff are available to guide businesses through the signup process.

How it works: Each time a customer buys an eGift Card through the online marketplace, they will receive a bonus eGift Card as well. When a customer buys a $25 eGift Card, they will receive a bonus $5 eGift Card. When a customer buys a $40 eGift Card, they will receive a bonus $10 eGift Card. The total amount ($30 or $50) goes to the merchant. Funds flow to Carlsbad businesses quickly after purchase, meaning relief comes now. Bonus funds and administrative fees are paid for through sponsorship dollars contributed by the Ready Carlsbad Business Alliance and the City of Carlsbad.

Carlsbad Business Loan Program

The Carlsbad Business Loan Program still has funds available. The City of Carlsbad has set aside $4.4 million to provide economic relief for Carlsbad businesses. There are two loan types for Carlsbad small businesses. The first are small business microloans of between $5,000 -$10,000 for businesses with $2,000,000 or less in gross revenue or 15 or fewer employees. The second are small business recovery loans of between $10,000 – $25,000 for businesses with $3,000,000 or less in gross revenue and 50 or fewer employees. Both loans types include scaled interest rates depending on how quickly the loan can be repaid. Neither loan type is forgivable. Application here.

New State COVID-19 Relief Programs

On September 9, Governor Newsom signed several bills into law meant to provide additional relief to California’s small businesses. These include exempting PPP loan funds that are forgiven from state income tax, and accelerating bond funds to advance stimulus programs and jumpstart construction projects across the state. Perhaps most tangible, one new program will give employers a tax credit for hiring new or laid-off workers. Program details:

For companies with 100 or fewer employees
Will give $1000 tax credit per employee hired by November 30, 2020
Five year carry-forward to utilize the credit
Limited to a maximum of $100,000 per business

To learn more about these and other state programs providing relief, click here.

No Permit Fees for Outdoor Operations

On September 1, the Carlsbad City Council approved a fee holiday for permit fees related to outdoor activation. Whether temporary or long-term, businesses that wish to use the Right of Way for activation, won’t be charged a fee.

The fee holiday extends through February 28, 2021 or through the end of the COVID-19 emergency declaration, whichever is longer.

Any business that is currently operating or is planning to operate outdoors should apply for the appropriate permit here. The outdoor activation team is working quickly to get businesses through the process as fast as possible.

Not sure if you have a permit already? Our outdoor activation team can ensure that you are up to date on any needed permits. Again, there is no fee associated.

The Office of Innovation & Economic Development is here to support your business success in Carlsbad. If you need assistance, please contact us at [email protected].

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Update – 09/04 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19 #18

This week has seen a lot of changes for businesses. Updated state and county industry guidance and health orders, a fee holiday for outdoor activations in Carlsbad, and the launching of Gift Carlsbad – a shop local program – means a lot of changes and potential new opportunities for many of our businesses. We hope the information below is helpful as businesses navigate reopening and resume some operations.

Updated County Guidance – Effective Tuesday, September 1

As mentioned in Joint Communication #17, updated state guidance went into effect on Monday, August 31, allowing many industries to resume some portion of indoor operations.

On Tuesday, September 1, the county released an updated health order (recent updates are highlighted) that builds upon the state’s recent order. While industry guidance is largely the same, there are a few key differences:

Every business in the following sectors shall require all customers who receive services indoors or use indoor facilities to sign in with their name and telephone number:

Hair Salons & Barbershops
Personal Care Services
Gyms & Fitness Centers
Restaurants, Wineries, Bars, Breweries, and Distilleries (where meal is provided)

All restaurants, bars, wineries, distilleries and breweries, which are allowed to provide indoor service pursuant to the State of California Dine-in Restaurant Guidance shall comply with the following additional requirements applicable only to persons dining indoors:

Limiting persons sitting at a table to members of the same household is strongly encouraged.
The restaurant shall obtain the name of each guest seated at a table and the telephone number of at least one guest and shall maintain the list of names and telephone numbers for three weeks.
Guests will be required to wear face coverings at all times while in the facility, including when seated at a table before the meal is served and after the meal is finished

A religious service or cultural ceremony including a wedding ceremony is allowed provided the State Guidance on Places of Worship and Providers of Religious Services and Cultural Ceremonies is followed. However, a wedding reception is considered a gathering and is therefore not allowed.

Outdoor protests in which participants maintain social distancing and wear face coverings at all times are allowed.

Fee Holiday for Outdoor Activation

Even as some businesses resume some indoor operations, studies show that being outdoors provides a safer environment. As such, the City of Carlsbad has further reduced barriers for businesses to be able to activate outdoor space for operations. Carlsbad was one of the first cities in the region to allow outdoor activations, creating a quick and easy process for businesses to activate private parking lots and public sidewalks. On July 28, the city relaxed standards for curb cafés, allowing restaurants to use public parking spots for outdoor dining.

Through continued dialogue with businesses, the Chamber and the Carlsbad Village Association, it became clear that the fees charged for Right of Way permits (sidewalk and curb café activations) were a significant barrier to moving operations outdoors.

As a result, on Tuesday, September 1, the Carlsbad City Council approved a fee holiday for permit fees related to outdoor activation. Whether temporary or long-term, businesses that wish to use the Right of Way for activation, won’t be charged a fee.

The fee holiday is retroactive to March 1, 2020, meaning businesses that were charged a fee since that date, will be reimbursed. The fee holiday extends through February 28, 2021 or through the end of the COVID-19 emergency declaration, whichever is longer.

Gift Carlsbad

This was not a typical Carlsbad summer. In addition to businesses being limited in their ability to operate, the city also had fewer visitors than normal. Many of our businesses, especially restaurants, retailers, hotels, and service providers, rely on these visitors to maximize their revenues.

To provide additional relief, the city is happy to sponsor Gift Carlsbad, a shop local program designed to generate revenue to Carlsbad businesses. The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Carlsbad Village Association, and Visit Carlsbad have come together to develop the program, which is active through September.

Each time a customer buys an eGift Card through the online marketplace, a bonus card will be issued as well. When a customer buys a $25 eGift Card, they will receive a bonus $5 eGift Card. When a customer buys a $40 eGift card, they will receive a bonus $10 eGift Card. Funds flow to Carlsbad businesses quickly after purchase, meaning relief comes now.

Any Carlsbad business can participate. The online marketplace and easy redemption means contactless payment and an easy enrollment process. Sign up at GiftCarlsbad.com today. Chamber staff and CVA staff are guiding businesses through the signup process.

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day means the unofficial last weekend of the summer season. Even this year, we anticipate a busy weekend, especially as inland temperatures are expected to be above 100 degrees. We hope that visitors bolster our restaurants, service providers, and retailers.

With the anticipated influx of people, we are asking for your help. Please remind customers that observing COVID-19 safety protocols will ensure our residents, employees, and fellow guests stay safe so that our businesses can stay open. Linked here is a resource toolkit, including flyers, signs, and digital media. If helpful, please use them to remind customers that masks are required while out and about in Carlsbad, and that keeping six feet apart and washing hands often are essential to keep business reopenings moving in the right direction. #STAYSAFESTAYOPEN

We are glad that our city and county are moving in the right direction and hope we continue on a path to greater reopening. Thank you for your determination and resilience. Good luck on a safe Labor Day weekend.

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Updated – 08/28 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19 #17

Today, the governor announced a new phased reopening plan for businesses, dependent upon county COVID-19 data. There are four tiers that the state is using, with case positivity and percentage determining what restrictions will be in place. San Diego County currently falls into Tier 2 (See tier information below). While this still means significant industry restrictions, it is good news. It allows for some industries that have been closed while the county was on the state monitoring list, to reopen on Monday, August 31.

Industry reopening guidance – effective Monday, August 31

From what we understand based on the latest information from the state and county, industry guidance has been updated to be much more specific to different operations. For updated guidance and capacity limits, please visit the state’s blueprint for a safer economy page. Enter “San Diego” then scroll down for industry specific reopening information. All businesses should still check and adhere to official state issued industry guidance.

A few notable changes that were announced today:

Able to open at 50% capacity
- Libraries
- Grocery stores*
- Retail stores*
- Indoor malls (with common areas closed, food courts use restaurant guidance)
Able to open at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
- Restaurants
- Places of worship and cultural ceremonies, such as weddings
- Movie theaters
- Museums
Able to open at 10% capacity
- Gyms
- Fitness centers
- Yoga studios
Able to open in adherence to state issued industry guidance
- Hair salons
- Barbershops
- Nail salons
- Estheticians
- Skin care services and cosmetology
- Electrologists
- Massage therapy
- Tattoo and piercing parlors
- Family entertainment centers (outdoors)
- Wineries (outdoors)

*This may be a reduction from previous state-issued industry guidance

Tier System for Monitoring

Instead of relying on one monitoring list that encompassed the majority of counties in the state, the state will now use a tiered monitoring system with different restrictions in place for each level. The graphic below shows the criteria for each tier.

The previous monitoring list criteria is equivalent to Tier 1 “Widespread”. San Diego is currently in Tier 2 “Substantial”, which allows for the reopenings described above. To move up a tier and have further reduction of restrictions, the county would need to remain in it’s current tier for a minimum of 21 days. For at least 14 consecutive days of the 21, the county would also need to meet the criteria for the next tier.

As an example, for San Diego to move to Tier 3 “Moderate”, the county would need to be in Tier 2 for a minimum of three weeks, while having a case rate between 1-3.9 new daily cases per 100,000 people and a positivity rate between 2-4.9% for a minimum of two weeks. Counties can only move up one tier at a time.

With each additional tier, restrictions are eligible to be relaxed further. If the county case rate climbs, the county can also move back to Tier 1, which will mean heightened restrictions will apply.

This is a strong indication that San Diego County is going in the right direction, but it will be our continued vigilance and adherence to safety measures, like wearing a mask, washing hands, and maintaining social distance, that will ensure we keep moving in a positive direction.

Thank you for your hard work and commitment over these difficult months. We are here to help you understand this information. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

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Updated – 08/21 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19 #16

(Correction to this update from the City of Carlsbad Office of Innovation & Economic Development
In a Joint Communication that was sent on Thursday, August 20, we noted that a permit “fee holiday” for outdoor activations due to COVID-19 would be discussed at the August 25 City Council Meeting. The item will actually be taken up by City Council on September 1. Should you have any questions about this item, or if we can assist on outdoor activation, please reach us at [email protected].In addition, due to an unforeseen conflict, the Joint Webinar on Operating Businesses Outdoors during COVID-19 scheduled for Monday, August 31, will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 10:30 – 11:30 AM. Businesses that have questions about activating outdoor space can join to learn about the process, ask questions of staff, and hear about successful examples. You will be able to access the webinar here. Passcode: 165962 )

On Tuesday, San Diego County was removed from the state’s monitoring list, an accomplishment reflecting the efforts of residents and businesses to slow the spread of COVID-19. From a business perspective, it also means potential relaxation of some heightened restrictions impacting several industries. Despite Tuesday’s announcement, state and county officials are still working out the details and updated guidance for industries; that update is supposed to come next week.

In the meantime, businesses should still operate under the same guidance as when the county was on the state’s monitoring list. If you have questions about what is and is not permitted, please email us at [email protected].

Carlsbad Business Loan Program

On Tuesday night, Carlsbad City Council gave final approval for the city’s the business loan program. Several key updates were made to the program, making it more accessible to borrowers.

The loan deferment period was changed to 180 days for all loans, up from 90 days
Those with business licenses in process for renewal, but who were still waiting for approval as of April 1, 2020, will be eligible
Chains or franchises that are located in Carlsbad and have a business owner that lives within San Diego County are eligible; however nationally owned chain businesses or franchises are ineligible
Loan funds may be used for additional operational expenses. These include rent, payroll, mortgage interest, utilities, insurance, the cost of complying with public health orders, and the cost of activating business operation areas
The loan servicer, CDC Small Business Financing (CDC) was approved – CDC is a non-profit lending organization headquartered in San Diego with significant experience in local lending

The City of Carlsbad has dedicated at least $4.4 million to develop the business loan program. There are two loan types for Carlsbad small businesses. The first are small business microloans of between $5,000 -$10,000 for businesses with $2,000,000 or less in gross revenue or 15 or fewer employees.

The second are small business recovery loans of between $10,000 – $25,000 for businesses with $3,000,000 or less in gross revenue and 50 or fewer employees.

Both loans types include scaled interest rates depending on how quickly the loan can be repaid. Neither loan type is forgivable. Application here.

Activating Outdoor Space

In response to state and county health orders, a number of Carlsbad businesses have pivoted to outdoor operations. Here are some examples of a few eateries that have adapted. To help address the potential reduction of useable indoor space, the city is allowing for the temporary use of public sidewalks, curb cafés, private parking lots and common space for outdoor dining, expanded retail space or other business operations that are currently only allowed outdoors.

The Community Development Department has made it quick and easy to apply for these permits. For background on expanding outdoor areas, visit our outdoor activation page. If you have questions about these programs, the application, or are ready to submit, contact our outdoor activation team.

Economic Development staff is here to help our businesses with their move outdoors. Staff has been active in meeting businesses where they are, including making site visits to businesses with questions and engaging in one-on-one consultations to answer nuanced questions on how to navigate city processes and obtain permits. If there are impediments to your ability to conduct outdoor operations, the city wants to hear about it and do everything we can to assist you. Please reach out to us at [email protected].

Save the Date: businesses that have questions about activating outdoor space can join a webinar on August 31, at 10 AM to learn about the process, ask questions of staff, and hear about successful examples. Stay tuned to the city’s website, social media and upcoming city communications for a link to register.

Note: On Tuesday, August 25, Council will be considering a fee “holiday” for outdoor activations, giving businesses greater ability to activate outdoor space at no cost.

Thank you again to our businesses for helping slow the spread of COVID-19. Because of all your hard work and commitment, our case rate is moving in the right direction. Hopefully with continued diligence and resolve, we will keep the trend moving in the right direction so that we can all stay safe and stay open.

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Updated – 07/31- Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19 #15

This week, our focus is on resources and relief programs that continue to be available to businesses that are struggling in the current climate. Several of these programs have deadlines in the coming weeks, so we wanted to provide a reminder of what is still available.

Before we get to the resources, we do want to ensure businesses have awareness of an important update from the County of San Diego. Yesterday, the County Health Order was updated to include language regarding outbreak disclosures. For all essential and reopened business:

When three or more cases are identified at the workplace within a span of 14 days, provide notice of the exposure to any employees, customers, or any other persons who may have been exposed to COVID-19 at the workplace. A strong recommendation is made that employers also provide such notice when at least one employee is diagnosed with COVID-19 in the workplace.

The entire health order can be found here.

As always, if you have any questions about the resources mentioned in this communication, email us at [email protected].

Business Relief Programs Still Available

Since the initial shelter-in-place order went into effect in March, various relief programs have come online at local, state, and federal levels to support businesses through this crisis. Below are some assistance programs that are still available for businesses that need relief. A full list can be found here.

Paycheck Protection Program

As part of the recently passed the $349 billion stimulus package, the U.S. Small Business Administration program will provide partially forgivable, low-interest loans to businesses with 500 employees or fewer. Loans can be used to offset operating costs including payroll, retirement benefits, mortgage/rent, and utilities. Eight weeks of operating costs can be forgiven if used for allowable costs only, and if the company maintains the same number of employees. Companies are encouraged to apply through their existing SBA Lender. Please reference this guide and checklist for more information. The application window closes August 8, 2020.

County of San Diego Board of Supervisors Grant

The goal of the Small Business Stimulus Grant Program is to provide a lifeline grant to many local small businesses to get them open, keep them open, and help prevent more from closing. The grant provides economic assistance to help businesses and nonprofit entities impacted by COVID-19. Local for-profit and non-profit small businesses and restaurant owners suffering financial losses due to COVID-19 can now apply through their Supervisor’s office. Businesses are eligible if they meet the following qualifications:

100 or fewer employees
Headquarters in San Diego County
A minimum of 1-year operating history as of Feb. 14, 2020
Documentation of financial hardship because of COVID-19

Carlsbad Business Loan Program

The City of Carlsbad has dedicated a minimum of $4.4 million to develop a business loan program. There are two loan types for Carlsbad small businesses. The first are small business microloans of between $5,000 -$10,000 for businesses with $2,000,000 or less in gross revenue or 15 or fewer employees. The second are small business recovery loans of between $10,000 – $25,000 for businesses with $3,000,000 or less in gross revenue and 50 or fewer employees. Both loans types include scaled interest rates depending on how quickly the loan can be repaid. Neither loan type is forgivable. Application here.

Main Street Loan Program

Businesses with 15,000 employees or fewer, or with revenue of $5 billion or less are qualified to apply. The program is designed to help credit flow to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, but now need loans to help maintain their operations until they have recovered from, or adapted to, the impacts of the pandemic. The program offers five-year loans, with floating rates, and principal and interest payments deferred to assist businesses facing temporary cash flow interruptions. The loans range in size from $250,000 to $300 million to support a broad set of employers. Businesses should apply through their current lender. The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) has created this fact sheet about the program

Carlsbad Expands Curb Cafés and Outdoor Displays

On Tuesday, July 28, Carlsbad City Council approved further program expansions to help businesses operate outdoors. The Community Development Department has made it quick and easy to apply for these permits. For background on expanding outdoor areas, refer to the council memorandum.

Outdoor Activation for Businesses

To help address the potential reduction of useable indoor space, the city will allow for the temporary use of public sidewalks, private parking or common space for outdoor dining, expanded retail space or other business operations that are currently only allowed outdoors.

Curb Cafés

Restaurants in Carlsbad Village that do not have the ability to expand into private parking lots can now apply to have temporary curb cafes that use up to four public parking spaces in front of their business. To propose temporary use on a public sidewalk or within public parking stalls downtown (curb café), please complete the right-of-way permit application E-12 and follow the submittal requirements for a sidewalk café, display or curb café.

High Road Kitchens Grants for Restaurants

San Diego Workforce Partnership is working with One Fair Wage to provide grants and wage reimbursement that can help keep restaurant employees working and revenue flowing.

High Road Kitchens are independent restaurants that provide food on a sliding scale to low-wage workers, health care workers, first responders and others in need in San Diego County and across the nation.

Launched during the COVID-19 crisis, High Road Kitchens provides jobs for restaurant workers and a subsidy for restaurant owners who commit to paying a living wage and following equitable employment practices.

Restaurants get:

$5,000 grant (no payback required) for startup costs (limited number available)
$5,000–$15,000 in wage reimbursements for eligible staff
Equity Toolkit & Training Program valued at $5,000

Restaurant Eligibility:

Full-service restaurant in San Diego County
Committed to taking the “high road” toward wage and racial equity in your business
Commit to serving 500 free meals to your community over the next 8-10 weeks with the High Road Kitchens sliding scale model

Accepting Applications for California Competes Tax Credit

The current application window for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is open until August 17.

The CCTC is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location can apply. $180 million in tax credits is available and businesses can apply in any one of the three application periods each year.

Thank you to our Carlsbad businesses that continue to push forward, despite the challenges. We hope that the programs listed here can add support and relief for those who need it.

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Updated – 07/24- Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19 #14

As we continue to navigate new orders and guidelines for business, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the importance of measures like wearing masks, keeping physical distance, washing hands and staying home if sick cannot be overstated. Our Carlsbad community has largely embraced these measures and in doing so, has allowed our businesses to keep offering food, products, and services in a safe environment. The city’s #StaySafeStayOpen campaign has captured businesses and employees emphasizing this sentiment.

This week’s joint communication provides new information for businesses and industry guidance we’ve received since earlier this week. As always, if you have any questions about information about policies or programs mentioned in this communication, email us at [email protected].

#MaskUp Campaign for Carlsbad Hotels and Motels

As Carlsbad remains a destination for visitors and families needing to escape and relax this summer, the city is providing similar #StaySafeStayOpen messaging through our hotels and lodging establishments, reminding guests that masks are mandatory in Carlsbad.

Since tourism is critical to our city’s economy, encouraging guests to #MaskUp will keep our community and businesses safe. Resources provided include:

Digital content for displays (downloadable here)
Countertop signs at check-in
Window clings
Floor stickers to promote distancing

Outdoor Operations for Personal Service Providers

On Monday, July 20, Governor Newsom announced new guidance that allows hair salons and barbershops, as well as esthetic, skin care, cosmetology, nail services, and massage therapy to operate outdoors. The State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology has also updated their guidance to match the Governor’s update, allowing outdoor services. Unfortunately, tattooing, electrology and piercing services are still not permitted at this time.

To begin outdoor operations, businesses should first read the updated guidance (hair salons and barbershops, click here; esthetic, skin care, cosmetology, nail services, and massage therapy, click here).

After reading the state’s guidance, if you want to activate the public sidewalk next to your business or a private parking lot or common space nearby, the city is allowing for temporary activation during COVID-19. The Community Development Department has made it quick and easy to apply. Once submitted, the city aims to process your permit within a few business days. For background on expanding outdoor areas, refer to this Council Memorandum.

Expectations for Schools and Daycare This Fall

This week, Governor Newsome announced guidance for potential re-opening of schools. Because San Diego County remains on the state’s COVID-19 monitoring list, all schools in the county, whether public, private, or charter, will not be permitted to have in-class instruction. School districts will be able to offer in-class instruction once the county is no longer on the monitoring list and remains off the list for at least 14 consecutive days.

Schools are expected to provide the following, while conducting distance learning:

Students should have daily live interaction with other students and teachers.
Instruction that is challenging and equivalent to in-person classes.
Adapted lessons for special education students and English language learners.
All students should have access to devices.

The school reopening guidance does not impact childcare for non-school aged children that are currently operating or wish to open. Guidance for daycare, pre-kindergarten, junior kindergarten, and preschool can be found here.

Carlsbad Connector Service Suspended

Carlsbad Connector Commuter Shuttle Service to be Suspended

The Carlsbad Connector commuter shuttle service will be suspended due to temporary service reductions implemented on COASTER trains as a result of COVID-19. The final day of service will be Friday, July 31, 2020, until further notice.

North County Transit District anticipates it will relaunch the service, assuming the impacts of COVID-19 have significantly eased, as a new pilot micro-transit program within NCTD’s existing FLEX brand. Similar to the Carlsbad Connector, the new pilot on-demand service will provide commuters flexible and convenient shared transportation options to help reduce emissions.

The City of Carlsbad, NCTD and SANDAG greatly appreciate the support our businesses and riders showed for the Carlsbad Connector, a first program of its kind in San Diego County. The pilot service was launched in response to recruitment and retention challenges that local companies brought to light, and participation in the pilot undoubtedly contributed to its success. Likewise, our community’s shared commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions has helped to achieve the more sustainable future we are all working towards.

State Guidance for All Industries

As a reminder, for the most up-to-date operating guidance for different business sectors, please visit the state’s industry guidance page. The bottom of the page lists special guidance for counties on the state’s monitoring list, which includes San Diego County.

Financial Assistance Programs Still Available

The county stimulus program and Paycheck Protection Program are currently open and accepting applications.

As always, we are grateful for our Carlsbad businesses and their determination to get through the current climate. Despite a constantly shifting landscape, our continue to show resolve.

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Updated – 07/15 -Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19 #13

As we all continue to grapple with the COVID-19 health emergency, the city, chamber and village association will keep communicating updates to our businesses with timely, relevant news that may impact business operations. As always, our team stands ready to provide support to Carlsbad businesses facing challenges. If you have questions, concerns, challenges, or would like to see a topic addressed in a future communication, email us at [email protected].

New state orders for closures

Some business sectors are affected by new state closures that were announced on Monday and which went into effect today, Wednesday, July 15. These orders affect us because San Diego County remains on the state monitoring watchlist with new daily COVID-19 cases exceeding 100 per 100,000 residents (San Diego is currently at 145.3 per 100,000).

In addition to the previous closure of bars and banning indoor activities at restaurants, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, museums and zoos, closure of indoor operations are now required for:

Gyms and fitness centers
Places of worship
Protests
Offices for non-critical sectors
Personal care services (including nail salons, massage parlors, and tattoo parlors)
Hair salons and barbershops
Indoor malls

For hair salons, barbershops and personal care services, see the latest guidance here. We have engaged with the county and it is our understanding that until state guidance is updated, outdoor operations for these services is prohibited.

For retailers and mall tenants, it is also our understanding from the county that businesses that are part of an indoor mall, but have an exterior entrance, may continue to operate, so long as their indoor entrance is closed, and the business still conforms to applicable fire codes with a reduced entrance. All other retail operations, including those that are part of an outdoor mall, can remain open.

If you are an affected business, see below on how to “activate outdoor space for business use.”

A note for our bars, pubs, brewpubs, and breweries

As a reminder, the state is requiring all indoor dining to be closed. Breweries, tasting rooms, wineries, bars, pubs and brewpubs, whether operating indoors or outdoors, shall be closed with exceptions listed below.

Bars, pubs, brewpubs, and breweries may operate outdoors if they are offering sit-down, outdoor, dine-in meals. Alcohol may be sold only in the same transaction as a meal. When operating outdoors, they must follow the dine-in restaurant guidance and should continue to encourage takeout and delivery service whenever possible.
Bars, pubs, brewpubs, and breweries that do not provide sit-down meals themselves, but can contract with another vendor to do so, may serve dine-in meals when operating outdoors provided both businesses follow the dine-in restaurant guidance and alcohol is sold only in the same transaction as a meal.

Activate outdoor space for business use

If you want to activate the public sidewalk next to your business or a private parking lot or common space, the city is allowing for temporary activation during COVID-19. The Community Development Department has made it quick and easy to apply. Once submitted, we aim to process your permit within a few business days. For background on expanding outdoor areas, refer to the council memorandum.

Private Property/parking lots

For temporary private property permits, including parking lots please find the application and submittal requirements here. There is no fee for this permit.

Sidewalks

To propose temporary use on a public sidewalk, please complete the right-of-way (use) permit application E-12. Submittal requirements for a right-of-way use permit is E-12A. This permit includes a fee of $381. Some requirements have been suspended, which are outlined in the council memorandum.

Ready to submit or have a question?

Please submit your application and site plan for outdoor use by emailing [email protected] and/or [email protected]. They are here to support and explain the process.

Available stimulus programs

The county stimulus program and paycheck protection program are also still open and accepting applications.

Help our Carlsbad businesses to #STAYSAFESTAYOPEN

Thank you to those who continue to participate in the #StaySafeStayOpen campaign. We continue to gather stories, use social media, and provide a toolkit to businesses and their employees on how to be messengers for safe practices that will address the health emergency.

Small habits, like wearing a mask, keeping distance, and washing hands can have a significant impact on reducing our cases and keeping our businesses open.

If you have a story about how your business has adapted during this time or if you want more information regarding where to get communication resources for the campaign send us an email at [email protected].

Thank you for your resilience as we continue to navigate this crisis. Our wonderful businesses are what make Carlsbad great, and we are proud to be here to support you.

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Updated – 07/09 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19 #12

Delivering relevant news to our businesses has been the goal of these joint communications and webinars. When we started, we didn’t think anyone expected we would be continuing this effort through the summer and likely beyond. Thank you for your collaborative and resilient spirit as we collective respond to the current health emergency. Below are several new program announcements that we wanted to make you aware of.

County Launches Small Business Stimulus Grant Program

Yesterday the County Board of Supervisors approved a small business stimulus program using $17 million in CARES Act funding.

For-profit and nonprofit businesses can apply for grant money if they can show losses and costs that are a direct result of the pandemic.

To qualify businesses must have:

100 or fewer employees
Headquarters in San Diego County
A minimum 1-year operating history as of Feb. 14, 2020
Documented financial hardship due to COVID-19

Businesses are urged to apply early. Applications are available now through Oct. 16 – subject to available funding. Funding amounts/awards have not yet been specified

For more information and the application, visit the County’s stimulus website.

PPP loan program has been extended

The PPP loan program has been shown to be the most effective COVID-19 relief program for small businesses. Businesses who had not applied for a PPP loan, should know that the program was extended until August 8 and funds are still available. For more information, go here.

The Weather is Nice… Get Outdoors

To permit private property including parking lots go here.

To operate on a public sidewalk go here.

If you have questions you can contact [email protected] and we will connect you with the appropriate folks in the Community Development department.

Stay Connected

Announcements from the county, like the small business stimulus can be found in the County News Center at www.countynewscenter.com.

For information relevant to Carlsbad businesses the City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Carlsbad Village Association will continue to keep you updated through these communications, webinars and our websites which can be found here:

City of Carlsbad COVID-19 Business Resource Page

Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Page

Carlsbad Village Association Website

If you have a question for the City or would like to suggest a topic for an upcoming joint communication or webinar please email [email protected].

There is also a little more time for you to respond to our Carlsbad Business Survey: Impact of COVID-19 at https://carlsbadca.gov/businesssurvey.

#STAYSAFESTAYOPEN

Thank you to those who are participating in the #STAYSAFESTAYOPEN campaign. We’re collecting stories, using social media, and providing resources to businesses and their employees on how to be messengers for safe practices that will address the health emergency.

Stay safe and thank you for your courage and compassion during this time.

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Updated – 07/06 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19 #11

The continued health emergency is taking a toll on all of us. Thank you for reopening responsibly and doing everything you can to keep our community safe. Recent announcements by the state and county on troubling trends in the spread of COVID-19 should serve as a reminder that we must continue to be vigilant.

The City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Carlsbad Village Association will continue to keep you updated through these communications and our websites which can be found here:

City of Carlsbad COVID-19 Business Resource Page

Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Page

Carlsbad Village Association Website

If you have a question for the City or would like to suggest a topic for an upcoming joint communication or webinar please email [email protected].

County Placed on State COVID-19 Watchlist

Despite the incredible job that we’re doing in Carlsbad, yesterday the County of San Diego announced that our region was being placed on the state monitoring watchlist. This came after a record number of COVID-19 cases were reported and several days of exceeding the county and state triggers for coronavirus. As of yesterday, the rate of COVID-19 cases in the region went up from 103.8 to 112.8 over three days surpassing the stat’s threshold of no more than 100 cases per every 100,000 residents

Here in Carlsbad we have the lowest number of cases as a percent of population for cities of 50,000 or more. While other areas have seen a significant spike in cases, we have done relatively well. However, we have seen an increase and the total number of COVID-19 cases in Carlsbad stands at 191.

So, what does this all mean? Well, the county has communicated that they expect our region will remain on the state’s watchlist today, tomorrow and the next day. If that happens and the state takes the same approach as they have with other counties that have remained on the watchlist then certain business will need to modify operations. This includes:

Restricting indoor activities at:
- Dine-in restaurants (outdoor dining, pick up or drive-thru would be allowed)
- Wineries and tasting rooms
- Movie theaters and family entertainment centers
- Museums and zoos

The County is already requiring all restaurants, bars, wineries, distilleries, and breweries to close at 10pm though guests at the facility at 10pm can remain until 11pm. The County also has closed bars unless they serve food along with alcohol and follow a number of other requirements. Bars which must be closed completely if they do the following:

Serve food and beverages to customers who are not seated at a table designated for dining
Use the bar area for something other than table service of meals
Serve alcoholic drinks that are not served as a part of a meal and sold and served in the same transaction as a meal
Serve meals by a food operator that is not permitted by the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (one exception is that outdoor service of wine at a winery or outdoor service of spirits at a distillery is allowed)
Allow for open seating where all members of the party are not present before seating and where the host does not bring the entire party to the table at one time
Seat customers and/or groups at bar counters, where they cannot maintain at least six feet of distance from employee work areas/stations.
Fail to install physical barriers or partitions in areas where maintaining a physical distance of six feet is difficult
Allow for shared entertainment items such as board games, arcade games and vending machines. These are prohibited and customers shall not have access to game and entertainment areas such as pool tables or
Allow for dance floors which must be closed and live performances such as musical or dance acts which must also be

During various news conferences the County has explained that modifications to the operations of these businesses is necessary because they are seeing community spread of COVID-19 in locations where people are gathering indoors. Earlier this week the County stated that 27% of the active community outbreak cases were at bars and restaurants.

Dining and Shopping Al Fresco

If dining can’t happen indoors we have you covered. The city has a way to help address the potential reduction of operable indoor space or its closure. We are processing requests to allow for the temporary use of public sidewalks and private parking lots. June et Jolie was the first to get approved and activated and we are turning around these permits very quickly.

You can find all the relevant information here. If you want to activate your private parking lot or a public sidewalk, please read this information first.

If you have a private parking lot that you would like to temporarily use for something other than parking, like outdoor dining for restaurants or expanding retail operations during COVID-19 you can find more information and the application here. Be prepared to submit the following:

Description of outdoor operations including purpose, activities, functions and hours
Parking location alternative
To-scale site plan of the proposed area with relevant details
If applicable how you will comply with all ABC requirements
Site accessibility including fire, ADA, and exit routes

If you are looking to expand operations onto the public sidewalk, like restaurant operations or retail operations you can apply using the Right of Way Use Application E-12 and the associated checklist. Much of the same information as the temporary use of private parking lots is required

If you have questions you can contact [email protected] and we will connect you with the appropriate folks in the Community Development department.

#STAYSAFESTAYOPEN

No matter how much we try to inform people about the practices that will keep us all safe like social distancing and wearing face coverings, some people don’t get the message. This week we started enlisting our businesses and their employees in a campaign to #STAYSAFESTAYOPEN.

Check out this short video that captures the point of the campaign. Basically, we know that our business owners and their employees are some of the most compelling messengers to drive home the point that we all have to act responsibly if we’re going to keep businesses open.

If you want more information and resources to help tell your story please contact [email protected]. We are using social media and other channels to help our residents and visitors know that they have a role in keeping our businesses open.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Your input and ideas have been crucial to our approach during this health emergency. Thank you for your thoughts, suggestions, information and creativity.

A lot has changed in the last few weeks and we want to keep this high level of engagement going. We know you’re busy but if you could take a moment to fill out our most recent Carlsbad Business Survey: Impact of COVID-19 at https://carlsbadca.gov/businesssurvey we would greatly appreciate it.

If you’re in the mood to share your thoughts live, we are holding another one of our joint webinars on Monday at 3pm. You can register for the webinar here. This will be our fifth webinar and these have been an incredible place to share information and come up with ideas for how we all can address the economic impact of COVID-19.

We hope that this Independence Day weekend is safe and commerce over the next few days helps our businesses out. The City and our fabulous business organization partners will continue working to support you during this ever changing situation. If there is any way the city can help please contact us at [email protected].

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Updated – 06/11 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19 #10

We want to begin by thanking our businesses for the responsible reopening we are seeing around the city. Many of you are still required to remain closed and we understand that this is incredibly difficult. With the next wave of reopening, allowed for on Friday, June 12, there is optimism that this wave of reopening will be followed by another round of safe reopening soon.

The City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Carlsbad Village Association will continue to keep you updated through these communications and our websites which can be found here:

City of Carlsbad COVID-19 Business Resource Page

Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Page

Carlsbad Village Association Website

If you have a question for the city or would like to suggest a topic for an upcoming joint communication or webinar please email [email protected].

More Business Reopening June 12

The state has announced a new slate of businesses that can open as of June 12. The county has announced that they will be allowing the reopening of these businesses in our region and will post announcements to their website. As a reminder, the county requires all essential businesses and reopened businesses to:

Follow the safe reopening guidance including the state industry guidance, and post the safe reopening plan that corresponds to your type of business
Conduct temperature screening of all employees
Prohibit employees with a temperature of 100 degrees or more from entering the workplace
Conduct symptom screenings only when a thermometer is not available and prohibit employees if they have a cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing or at least two of the following: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell

The county has posted helpful steps and a summary of what can be open, what will soon be open and what is closed. You can find that information here. A few highlights include:

Family entertainment centers and movie theaters
Bars and wineries now included in the Restaurants, Wineries and Bars Industry Guidance
Zoos and museums
Gyms and fitness centers
Hotels for tourism and individual travel no longer restricted to essential workers
Cardrooms and racetracks
Campgrounds and outdoor recreation

The state has also provided a good stay-at-home Q&A including information for businesses.

The state and county have also provided information about what must remain closed which include:

Personal services, like nail salons, body waxing and tattoo parlors
Convention centers
Theme parks and festivals
Higher education (in person)
Indoor playgrounds, like bounce centers, ball pits and laser tag
Saunas and steam rooms

There are many cases where the industry guidance doesn’t cover your exact business operation. Recently, we had a question about whether wedding venues could operate and unfortunately, we were told they cannot. In these cases we suggest that you email [email protected] to get an answer from the county and feel free to cc: [email protected] so we can share that information with other businesses.

The county is reopening consistent with the state guidelines so if your business is reopening or may be on the list to reopen we encourage you to check out relevant industry guidance here.

Temporary Use of Public Sidewalks and Private Parking Lots

Carlsbad companies that have reopened, particularly those in retail and food and beverage, have had to modify their operations. To help address the potential reduction of operable indoor space, given social distancing requirements, the city is using its existing authority to process requests to allow for the temporary use of public sidewalks and private parking lots.

You can find all the relevant information that went to the City Council here. If you want to activate your private parking lot or a public sidewalk, please read this information first.

Description of outdoor operations including purpose, activities, functions and hours
Parking location alternative
To-scale site plan of the proposed area with relevant details
If applicable how you will comply with all ABC requirements
Site accessibility including fire, ADA, and exit routes

If you have questions you can contact [email protected] and we will connect you with the appropriate folks in the Community Development department.

City of Carlsbad Business Loan Program

By now you should be familiar with the COVID-19 business loan program the city has launched. To begin the first step in the application process, please go to http://carlsbadca.gov/loan.

We will review your information and respond within five business days with a determination on whether you can proceed with the application process. There is no appeal however, and the city will contact you if any clarification is necessary. We have seen a good response so far but there is still capacity within the loan program.

As a reminder there are two types of loans that are being offered.

Microloans will be made available for businesses with gross revenue of $2 million or less and 15 employees or fewer with loan amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Repayment rates are outlined below:

0% interest if paid back within 6 months
1% interest if paid back within 12 months
2% interest if paid back within 18 months

2% interest if paid back within 12 months
3% interest if paid back within 30 months

All applicants must hold a valid business license with the City of Carlsbad as of March 1, 2020 and be in good standing with the city.

If you have not applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan we highly encourage you to contact your local lender or you can go to https://cdcloans.com/ for more information. If you do not have a local lender and want to start the application process you can apply with CDC Small Business Finance at https://cdcsbf.venturesgo.com/portal/borrowerapplication/apply.

New Business Survey Released

Your input and ideas have been crucial to our approach during this health emergency. Thank you for your thoughts, suggestions, information and creativity.

This information is vital to our ongoing efforts to support economic recovery and revitalization.

Thank you for the strength and collective can-do spirit you continue to show as we work together during this trying time.

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Updated – 5/29 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19 #9

It feels like things are changing at a rapid pace. The City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Carlsbad Village Association are committed to doing our best to sort through the most important information related to businesses and providing it in a timely manner. As the State of California and County of San Diego allow for further reopening of businesses, the information is flowing quickly. We appreciate everything our businesses are doing to stay up to date and follow orders and guidelines as we reopen responsibly together.

Each of our organizations maintain regularly updated business resources pages on our respective websites. We encourage you to visit.

City of Carlsbad COVID-19 Business Resource Page

Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Page

Carlsbad Village Association Website

If you have a question for the city or would like to suggest a topic for an upcoming joint communication or webinar please email [email protected]. Here is the latest.

City of Carlsbad Business Loan Program

The City Council approved $4.4 million for business loans as a part of the Economic Recovery and Revitalization Initiative focused on recovery from the COVID-19 health emergency.

0% interest if paid back within 6 months
1% interest if paid back within 12 months
2% interest if paid back within 18 months

2% interest if paid back within 12 months
3% interest if paid back within 30 months

All applicants must hold a valid business license with the City of Carlsbad as of March 1, 2020 and be in good standing with the city.

We understand that your time is valuable, so we developed a short form to determine if your business meets the minimum qualifications to apply for either of these loan types.

To begin the first step in the application process, please go to http://carlsbadca.gov/loan. We will review your information and respond within five business days with a determination on whether you can proceed with the application process. There is no appeal however; the city will contact you if any clarification is necessary.

In preparation for the next step in the application process you may want to gather documentation regarding the length of time your business has been in operation, the financial impact that the COVID-19 health emergency has had on your business, at least six-months of bank statements, and your plan for using the funds if awarded

The city will hold a webinar on June 3 at 3:00pm to answer questions regarding the loan program. Please click here to register.

Hair Salons and Barbershops Reopen

The State of California and County of San Diego have announced that our region is gradually moving into stage three of the California Resilience Roadmap. This allows for the reopening of lower-risk workplaces.

Hair salons and barbershops are now allowed to open provided they follow the state industry guidance and any applicable county rules. Some key things business must do to reopen are:

Complete the county’s Safe Reopening Plan, post it, share it with employees
Post guidelines for customers to see
Frequently disinfect commonly use surfaces
Remove amenities, including magazines, books, coffee, water, self-serve stations (unless touchless), and other items for customers, must be removed from reception areas
Ensure both customers and workers are wearing face coverings for the entirety of the service being performed
Services that require the removal of the customer’s face covering may not be performed which includes

Eyelash services
Eyebrow waxing and threading
Facials
Shaves

As a reminder the county requires all essential businesses and reopened businesses to:

Conduct temperature screening of all employees
Prohibit employees with a temperature of 100 degrees or more from entering the workplace
Conduct symptom screenings only when a thermometer is not available and prohibit employees if they have a cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing or at least two of the following: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell

If you have any questions about what rules apply in our region you can email [email protected]

Places of Worship Reopen

There is new industry guidance for places of worship and providers of religious services and cultural ceremonies that allow for reopening. The county has provided some highlights from the revised guidelines which include:

Places of worship must limit attendance to 25% of building capacity or 100 attendees, whichever is lower. Face coverings are strongly recommended at all times.
Must arrange for social distancing of at least six feet between people. Discourage staff, congregants, visitors, etc., from engaging in handshakes, hugs, and similar greetings that break physical distance.
Shorten services to limit the length of time congregants/visitors spend at facilities and close places of worship for visitation outside of scheduled services, meetings, etc., whenever possible.
Close or restrict common areas, establish directional hallways and passageways for foot traffic, if possible, and designate separate routes for entry and exit to help maintain physical distancing.
Discontinue offering self-service food and beverages.

Some Businesses Not Yet Allowed to Reopen

As the county moves further through stage three, there continue to be adjustments to what businesses are or are not allowed to operate. The following sectors, businesses, establishments, or activities are still not permitted to operate in California at this time:

Personal services such as hair and nail salons, tattoo parlors, gyms and fitness studios
Hospitality services, such as bars, wineries, tasting rooms and lounges
Breweries and wineries with appropriate alcohol licenses can sell their products for delivery and curbside pickup
Entertainment venues, such as movie theaters, gaming, gambling, and arcade venues, and pro sports, indoor museums and gallery spaces, zoos, and libraries
Community centers, public pools, playgrounds, and picnic areas including those that are a part of an apartment building, HOA or condominium
Religious services and cultural ceremonies
Nightclubs
Concert venues
Live audience sports
Festivals
Theme parks
Hotels/lodging for leisure and tourism though lodging is allowed for essential workers

Businesses with questions can email: [email protected]

Responsible reopening of our businesses and public spaces is our collective goal. Your continued support and help are a testament to the resilience of our community. Thank you.

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Updated – 5/21 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19 #8

The City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Carlsbad Village Association are committed to providing the most up-to-date information and resources during this time. As the State of California and County of San Diego allow for further reopening of businesses with operational modifications to address the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency the we will continue to provide these joint communication updates.

Each of our organizations maintain regularly updated business resources pages on our respective websites. We encourage you to visit.

City of Carlsbad COVID-19 Business Resource Page

Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Page

Carlsbad Village Association Website

If you have a question for the City or would like to suggest a topic for an upcoming joint communication or webinar please email [email protected]. Here is the latest.

State and County Allow Further Reopening

This week, the State announced revisions to its criteria for accelerated reopening of businesses in counties around the state. According to the State this would allow for accelerated reopening in 53 of the 58 California counties.

The state is allowing for reopening in four stages which can be found in the state Resilience Roadmap. Right now, San Diego County is in stage two.

The county announced that the state concurs with the fact it meets the criteria for accelerated reopening of businesses including dine-in restaurants, in-store retail shopping and swap meets. With all open businesses there is operational guidance that needs to be followed. You can find that guidance from the state here.

The county is requiring reopened businesses to post a Safe Reopening Plan which you can find on their website at www.coronavirus-sd.com.

In addition to the essential businesses that are already allowed to be open these are the stage two businesses that can operate as long as they follow state and county rules:

Manufacturing
Logistics
Childcare for those outside the essential workforce consistent with state and county guidelines
Office-based businesses though teleworking is strongly encouraged
Select services: car washes, pet grooming, and landscaping
Outdoor museums, and open gallery spaces and other public spaces with modifications

Before reopening the state is requiring that all businesses:

Perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan
Train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them
Implement individual control measures and screenings
Implement disinfecting protocols
Implement physical distancing guidelines

The state has also issued industry guidance for how to operate specific types of businesses.

As a reminder the County requires all essential businesses and reopened businesses to:

Conduct temperature screening of all employees
Prohibit employees with a temperature of 100 degrees or more from entering the workplace
Conduct symptom screenings only when a thermometer is not available and prohibit employees if they have a cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing or at least two of the following: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell

If you have any questions about what rules apply in our region you can email [email protected]

The following sectors, businesses, establishments, or activities are still not permitted to operate in California at this time:

Personal services such as hair and nail salons, tattoo parlors, gyms and fitness studios
Hospitality services, such as bars, wineries, tasting rooms and lounges

Breweries and wineries with appropriate alcohol licenses can sell their products for delivery and curbside pickup

Entertainment venues, such as movie theaters, gaming, gambling, and arcade venues, and pro sports, indoor museums and gallery spaces, zoos, and libraries
Community centers, public pools, playgrounds, and picnic areas including those that are a part of an apartment building, homeowners association or condominium
Religious services and cultural ceremonies
Nightclubs
Concert venues
Live audience sports
Festivals
Theme parks
Hotels/lodging for leisure and tourism though lodging is allowed for essential workers

These types of operations may not legally open in any county in the state.

County Petitions State to Pilot Additional Reopening

The County has submitted a request to the state for permission to do a pilot program for some stage three businesses. The county has prepared a proposal and sent it to the California Department of Public Health and the Governor. The proposal includes opening:

Research Labs
Therapeutic and Peer Support Group (individual therapy and support groups less than 10 participants)
Modified Youth Sports/Clubs – Not games but physical activity like practices and drills
Personal Services:
- Salons by appointment only 25% capacity
- Fitness Facilities by appointment only 25% capacity
HOA, Apartments, Condominium Pools at 25% capacity
Outdoor religious services

The state has given no indication whether they will accept this proposal. You can get the latest from the County by visiting www.coronavirus-sd.com.

No county has been allowed to move to stage three at this time. Stage three would include:

Movie Theaters
Religious Services
Sports Leagues – Without audiences
Tours, Sports Fishing
Arts & Cultural Venues
Colleges & Universities
Personal services

We understand that there is a lot of information to digest regarding what is allowed and not allowed at this time. If you have questions you can get answers by directly emailing the following:

City of Carlsbad – [email protected]

San Diego County – [email protected]

State of California – [email protected]

We will continue to provide joint communications and have now held three webinars to help answer questions live.

Responsible reopening of our businesses and public spaces is our collective goal. Your continued support and help are a testament to the resilience of our community. Thank you.

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Updated – 5/8 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19, #7

The City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Carlsbad Village Association are committed to providing the most up-to-date information and resources during this emergency. We will continue to provide joint communications and have added regular webinars to our ongoing connection with the business community.

Our next webinar will be held on May 12 at 2:00pm. We will discuss economic recovery and revitalization efforts in Carlsbad, provide answers to questions from businesses, and develop ideas to help support our local economy. You can register to participate here.

Each of our organizations maintain regularly updated business resources pages on our respective websites. We encourage you to visit.

If you have a question for the City or would like to suggest a topic for an upcoming joint communication or webinar please email [email protected]. Here is the latest.

City Approves $5 Million Package for Economic Recovery and Revitalization

On May 5, 2020 the Carlsbad City Council approved a $5 million economic revitalization package to help businesses affected by COVID-19. The majority of the funding, $4.4 million, is for microloans and small business recovery loans directly to Carlsbad small businesses.

Microloans will be made available for businesses with gross revenue of $2 million or less and 15 employees or fewer with loan amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The first payment could be deferred up to 90 days and up to 180 days with a demonstrated need. Repayment rates are outlined below:

0% interest if paid back within 6 months
1% interest if paid back within 12 months
2% interest if paid back within 18 months

Small business recovery loans will be made available for businesses with gross revenue of $3 million or less and 50 or fewer employees with loan amounts ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. The first payment could be deferred for up to 90 days and up to 180 days with a demonstrated need. Repayment rates are outlined below:

2% interest if paid back within 12 months
3% interest if paid back within 30 months

The city is currently working to secure a lending partner to administer the program. The city will hold an informational webinar on the program the week of May 18 and plans to open applications the week of May 25. Please stay tuned for information on an upcoming webinar we will be hosting on how to apply for the program.

Other programs approved include:

Mediation and negotiation services for commercial landlords and tenants
A joint marketing strategy in partnership with the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Carlsbad Village Association and Visit Carlsbad to promote Carlsbad tourism and businesses
Rent relief for businesses who lease city owned property

State and County Announcements about Incremental Re-opening of Businesses

Governor Newsom has announced progress into the next stage on the Resilience Roadmap that guides the re-opening of businesses and other activities.

There is a clear list of sectors, businesses, establishments, or activities that are not permitted to operate at this time in the State of California. This includes:

Personal services such as nail salons, tattoo parlors, gyms and fitness studios
Hospitality services, such as bars, wineries, tasting rooms and lounges
Entertainment venues with limited capacities, such as movie theaters, gaming facilities, and pro sports (without live audiences)
Indoor museums, kids museums and gallery spaces, zoos (without events or shows), and libraries
Community centers, including public pools (but excluding water parks), playgrounds, and picnic areas
Limited-capacity religious services and cultural ceremonies
Nightclubs
Concert venues
Live audience sports
Festivals
Theme parks
Hotels/lodging for leisure and tourism

The state has provided guidance regarding Stage 2 sectors, businesses, establishments or activities that qualify to reopen upon certification that a county meets California Department of Public Health criteria and ensure the relevant industry guidelines are implemented. These sectors include:

Retail Sector
Logistics Sector
Manufacturing Sector
Destination retail, including shopping malls and swap meets.
Personal services, limited to: car washes, pet grooming, tanning facilities, and landscape gardening.
Office-based businesses (telework remains strongly encouraged)
Dine-in restaurants (other amenities, like bars or gaming areas, are not permitted)
Outdoor museums and open gallery spaces

Businesses in these sectors should review the industry guidelines and be prepared to implement them as state and county orders allow those sectors to re-open or re-open with modified operations.

Before reopening, all facilities should:

Perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan
Train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them
Implement individual control measures and screenings
Implement disinfecting protocols
Implement physical distancing guidance

For cities in San Diego County, including Carlsbad, the county has provided additional guidance on the safe opening of businesses. According to the county, the Resilience Roadmap released by the state allows for certain businesses to reopen, with restrictions, starting May 8. It restricts operations at retail establishments to curbside and delivery only, including:

Bookstores
Jewelry stores
Toy stores
Clothing stores
Shoe stores
Home and furnishing stores
Sporting goods stores
Antique stores
Music stores
Florists

Businesses in the supply chain that support these businesses, in manufacturing and logistical sectors, can also operate consistent with relevant industry guidance and checklists issued by the state.

Businesses that are allowed to re-open consistent with state and county actions need to complete the county’s Safe Reopening Plan, print and post it at their entrance.

You can find more information from the county here. Businesses with questions can also email [email protected]

The updated county public health order with additional information can be found here.

The state has also set up a way to gather input to inform future industry guidance using the California Recovery Roadmap survey.

Great Plates Delivered Program

On April 24, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of the “Great Plates Delivered” program, a meal delivery service for California’s older adults. The program is designed to support adults 65 and older and adults 60-64 who are at high-risk from COVID19, in staying home and staying healthy by delivering three nutritious meals a day, and also provide essential economic stimulus to local businesses and workers struggling to stay afloat during the COVID crisis

If you’re a food service provider and interested in participating, please submit an interest form. Currently, the state is collecting the restaurant and food provider information and passing details to the local administrator which in our case would be the County. We are working with the County to ensure that Carlsbad businesses interested in this program are able to participate.

PPP Loan Funds Still Available

Funding is still available for the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Eligible businesses can apply for funding to cover payroll, mortgage interest, rent and utilities for up to eight weeks. The loan can be forgiven based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Under this program:

Eligible recipients may qualify for a loan up to $10 million determined by eight weeks of prior average payroll plus an additional 25% of that amount.
Loan payments will be deferred for six months.

For many of our businesses, this program is the best option to help with near-term operational costs and the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.

While Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funding is still available, we have been informed that most of the awardees are businesses that are agriculture-related.

Again, we continue to be inspired by our business community’s resilience during this time. We’re eager for our businesses to be able to safely and responsibly reopen. Our continued communications will strive to make sure you have the most complete and up to date information during this ever-changing time. Thank you.

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Updated – 4/11 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19, #5 & 6

As we are in week five of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we want to continue to express our gratitude to our Carlsbad business community for following the health orders and complying with the additional guidelines set forth by the state and county. Thank you for doing your part.

The City of Carlsbad , Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Carlsbad Village Association are committed to providing the most up-to-date information and resources during this emergency.

If you have a question for the city or would like to suggest a topic for an upcoming joint communication please email [email protected] . Here is the latest.

Tell Us What You Need
On Tuesday, April 14 at 3 p.m. the city, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Carlsbad Village Association will hold a webinar regarding local business needs during the crisis. This discussion is open to all of our businesses and is intended to source ideas directly from the companies that are feeling the brunt of this emergency.

You can register for the webinar here .

Business Resource Websites
Each of our organizations maintain regularly updated business resource pages on our respective websites. We encourage you to visit.

City Approves Temporary Halt on Commercial Evictions
On April 7, 2020 the Carlsbad City Council unanimously approved a temporary suspension on evictions of commercial tenants who can’t pay rent due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This action was consistent with authority granted by an executive order by the Governor.

The Judicial Council of California, which is the rule-maker of the state’s court system, has also suspended proceedings related to defaults in eviction cases for both residential and commercial tenants for three months. This was in addition to the governor’s executive order placing a temporary moratorium on residential evictions

The city’s eviction ban requires commercial tenants to be current on rent when the statewide emergency was declared on March 4 and notify the landlord in writing prior to rent being due or up to 10 business days after. The tenant also must be able to prove that the inability to pay is related to the COVID-19 emergency’s effect on the tenant’s business. The tenant will still be responsible for paying the back rent plus any late fees. These requirements are modeled after the requirements established by Governor Gavin Newsom for residential eviction relief.

The City Council made one change to the resolution presented in the staff report . That change was to remove the May 2020 expiration date and have the suspension of evictions remain in effect until the end of the COVID-19 emergency. Additional resources and guidance for tenants and landlords can be found on the city’s website.

New Health Orders
On April 9, the county announced a few updates to the public health order having to do with who has to wear face coverings if they interact with the public:

Banks
Public transportation, taxis and Uber/Lyft
Day care/preschools serving food

The official order hasn’t been posted yet, so we’ll share it next week. It takes effect at midnight on Monday. Here’s a link to the current health orders .

Paycheck Protection Program is Now Live
Since our last communication, the Paycheck Protection Program has gone live. Eligible businesses can apply for funding to cover payroll, mortgage interest, rent and utilities for up to 8 weeks. The loan can be forgiven based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Under this program:

Eligible recipients may qualify for a loan up to $10 million determined by eight weeks of prior average payroll plus an additional 25% of that amount.
Loan payments will be deferred for six months.

You can apply through any qualified SBA lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union and Farm Credit System institution that is participating.

If you have an existing lender, contact them to see if they are participating in the program. Applications are open through June 30, 2020. Please check out additional information for lenders and borrowers .

Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses (fewer than 500 employees) with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. A $10,000 advance can be requested and will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance may not have to be repaid. No personal guarantee is required for EIDLs under $200,000, and the loan can be made solely upon the applicant’s credit score.

There has been a significant increase in the volume of applications to this program so if you think you may need this relief, apply immediately.

Carlsbad City Council Subcommittee on Economic Revitalization
The Carlsbad City Council approved the formation of a subcommittee for economic revitalization in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Mayor Matt Hall and Councilmember Priya Bhat-Patel were appointed to the subcommittee at the Carlsbad City Council meeting on Tuesday night. The subcommittee will meet with select members of city staff to discuss and identify options for economic revitalization for future consideration by the full City Council. If you have suggestions for economic revitalization measures the city should pursue, please email your suggestions to [email protected] .

Carlsbad COVID-19 Solid Waste Services Economic Relief for Businesses Program
The City’s Sustainable Materials Management Division has created a Solid Waste Services Economic Relief for Businesses program . The goal of the program is to support Carlsbad’s local business community and provide economic relief by temporarily reducing, downsizing or suspending all solid waste services and charges. Please read the program guidelines . If needed, you can complete the application here .

Once City of Carlsbad lifts the emergency declaration or by business request, whichever occurs first, solid waste services and containers will be returned back to normal at no additional charge. Contact Waste Management Customer Service: 760-929-9400 to resume service. Please call the city’s Sustainable Materials Management Division at 760- 602-4646 or email [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to discuss any service changes.

Governor Newsom Announces Additional Business and Worker Support Services
Governor Newsom announced that additional funding has been provided to the California Infrastructure Economic Bank Small Business Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program . This Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee program helps mitigate the risk taken on by traditional financial institutions by offering a guarantee of up to 95% on a loan. The IBank has Financial Development Corporation partners throughout the state that assist eligible businesses in securing that guarantee on a bank loan. The FDCs work directly with lenders to underwrite the loan. The lender sets the criteria and interest rate before the SBFC approves the loan guarantee.

The governor also announced the launching of the www.OnwardCA.org website. The website serves as a one-stop resource for Californians impacted by job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Medical Supply Contributions
While many of our businesses are battling this global crisis and working to mitigate the effects, health care institutions across the state could also use your support. If your business has capacity to support efforts with medical supply contributions, the state has set up a website where you can offer resources you may be able to contribute, either for donation or purchase, to support California’s response to COVID-19.

If you have personal protective equipment that you would like to contribute to our local efforts to keep workers safe, please send an email to [email protected] and we will put you in touch with our Emergency Operations Center.

What to Eat Tonight?
The city is maintaining a map of all the restaurants that are still operating while complying with the no onsite dining requirements. We encourage you to check out the list of over 100 restaurants that are open for delivery, takeout and curbside pickup. If you want to be added to the map or see that a restaurant isn’t listed, send the business name, location and services offered to [email protected] . The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce has also compiled a list of member restaurants that are open, and Carlsbad Village Association is keeping a list of open restaurants in Carlsbad Village.

Our business organizations, the city and community as a whole are pulling together during this disaster. We are inspired by our Carlsbad business community’s resilience and commitment to meeting the challenges of this moment. Thank you.

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Updated – 4/3 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19, #4

Urgent Public Health Information for Carlsbad Companies

Today, the County of San Diego updated its public health order and the number of reported coronavirus cases. There have now been 1,112 confirmed cases and 17 deaths in the county.

The countywide public health order has been amended with new rules and guidelines. This includes provisions that directly affect businesses that are currently in operation. Here is what you need to know.

Effective April 4, 2020, all employees who may have contact with the public in any grocery store, pharmacy/drug store, convenience store, gas station, restaurant, and other food serving business, or when making a delivery to a customer, are required to wear a cloth covering consistent with the California Department of Public Health Face Covering Guidance.
If a business is essential and allows members of the public to enter their facility they are required to post a Social Distancing and Sanitation Protocol by 12 a.m. on April 7, consistent with this form.
If you have questions regarding whether your business is essential, the state updates its list of “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” as necessary, so please review to determine the difference between essential and non-essential.
The SDSP must be posted at or near the entrance of every facility so that it is easily viewable by the public and employees.
All businesses are required to be able to provide evidence of its SDSP to any authority enforcing this public health order.
If the SDSP measures are not effective in maintaining proper social distancing and sanitation, additional measures must be identified and implemented or the facility will be required to close.

Residents are urged to use bandanas, t-shirts or other improvised cloth coverings and leave N95 and surgical masks for those who need them most: our first responders and health care providers. The county has provided a DIY guide for face coverings if you do not have one available.

More information on the county coronavirus response can be found at www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus.

For Carlsbad specific information on the coronavirus, visit www.carlsbadca.gov/covid19 .

If you have questions of the city please send an email to [email protected] .

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Updated – 4/1 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19, #3

We are now on week four of the COVID-19 public health emergency and we want to thank our residents and businesses for following the health orders, staying at home except for essential needs, staying away from beaches, trails and parks and maintaining the 6-foot distance between each other. Personal responsibility is crucial to slowing the spread of this disease. Thank you for doing your part.

The coronavirus is taking a toll on our businesses. Some businesses have closed and others have significantly modified the way they do business. The City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Carlsbad Village Association are continuing to help by providing relevant information and resources during this emergency.

If you have a question for the city or would like to suggest a topic for an upcoming joint communication please email [email protected]. Here is what has developed since our last communication.

Stay at Home Extended through April

On March 29, 2020 federal guidance on social distancing, non-essential travel, large-group gatherings and a variety of other measures intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus was extended to April 30, 2020. The original recommendations were set to expire on March 30.

This guidance called “Slow the Spread” recommends that people avoid gatherings of 10 or more people, remain at home except for essential trips and exercise, and work from home unless required as a part of an essential critical infrastructure industry. You can find more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.

The State of California and the County of San Diego have provided further instructions to residents and businesses which are discussed below.

State and County Health Orders Extended Indefinitely

The State of California has issued an Executive Order requiring everyone to stay at home with few exceptions and that order is in effect until further notice. For more California specific information regarding the coronavirus go to covid19.ca.gov.

The County of San Diego has affirmed the state order in a local emergency order that includes information relevant to residents and businesses who live in the county and its cities.

All public or private gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited. Gyms, fitness centers, bars and businesses that serve alcohol but not food must close. Wineries and breweries that have a off-sale license can continue selling products for off-site consumption but have to adhere to social distancing rules and the public health orders. On-site dining in restaurants is prohibited but delivery, takeout and curbside pickup is allowed.

Daycare and childcare facilities can remain open but care must be carried out in stable groups of 10 or fewer which means the same 10 or fewer children being cared for in the same group each day.

For the most up to date information from the County visit coronavirus-sd.com.

State of California Temporarily Bans Evictions

On March 27, 2020 Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order banning the enforcement of eviction orders for renters affected by COVID-19 through May 31, 2020. The order prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent and prohibits enforcement of evictions by law enforcement or the courts.

Tenants must declare in writing, no more than seven days after the rent comes due, that the tenant cannot pay all or part of their rent due to COVID-19. This does not mean tenants can skip out on paying rent. The tenant must still repay full rent in a timely manner and could face eviction after the enforcement moratorium is lifted.

The order provides relief to tenants who owe rent on April 1, 2020 through May 31, 2020

State Extends Deadlines for Businesses

Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order that will provide tax, regulatory and licensing extensions for businesses as well as extends various deadlines affecting state government administration.

The executive order allows the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) to offer a 90-day extension for tax returns and tax payments for all businesses filing a return for less than $1 million in taxes. That means small businesses will have until the end of July to file their first-quarter returns.

Additionally, the order extends the statute of limitations to file a claim for refund by 60 days to accommodate tax and fee payers.

The order also states that the Department of Consumer Affairs will waive continuing education requirements for several professions, also for the next 60 days.

For businesses regulated by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the Director of the department now has the authority to suspend, for up to 60 days, the deadlines for renewing licenses upon payment of annual fees and license renewal penalty fees that are due.

Businesses in Carlsbad also have an additional 30 days to pay any business license fees.

National Business Resources and Aid

The US Chamber of Commerce is producing a live blog dedicated to providing companies with information during this emergency. Their Coronavirus Small Business Guide is a helpful resource outlining steps small businesses, independent contractors, and gig economy workers can take to access funds available through the recently passed Corona Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The $2.2 trillion economic relief package includes funding directed towards various industries and small business.

A few highlights in the act for businesses include:

Significant funding to expand the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its programs including loan guarantees, small business development centers, emergency economic injury disaster loans, loan subsides and secondary market guarantee sales.
$349 billion for potentially forgivable loans to businesses with fewer than 500 employees as well as non-profits and sole proprietorships. This payroll protection loan will be the lesser of two and a half months of payroll costs based upon the 12 months prior to the date of the loan or $10 million
Businesses that closed or suspended operations due to coronavirus can take a one-year credit against the qualified wages it continues to pay employees between March 13, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2020. Employers who take this Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) are not eligible if they receive a Payroll Protection Loan.
Employer Payroll Tax and Self-Employment Tax payments are delayed by CARES.
Employers can pay up to $5,250 of an employee’s student loan debt on a tax-free basis.
Employers can defer paying 50% of the 2020 portion of their payroll taxes until Dec. 31, 2021.

There are other provisions of CARES that affect businesses. You can find more business related information on COVID-19 from the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, San Diego North Economic Development Council, the San Diego Regional Economic Development Council, Innovate78, Life in Action, the city’s business resource page.

Disaster Loan Assistance Expanded

We mentioned this in a previous joint communication but if you are experiencing economic injury due to coronavirus seriously consider the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Assistance Program. The CARES Act added significant funding to this low-cost loan program.

Survey Still Open

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center of San Diego and Imperial and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Council have released a survey to gauge the impact of COVID-19 on businesses in the region. If you haven’t gotten a chance to provide your input please take a few moments to fill it out. This information will be helpful to the city and to the region as we work to support our local businesses.

The city is also developing a Carlsbad specific survey of our businesses that will be released soon.

Eat Local, Eat Well

Our local restaurants are making heroic efforts to continue serving you. With public health orders closing onsite dining our purveyors of all things delicious have gotten pretty creative.

The city is doing its part by maintaining a map of all the restaurants that are still operating while complying with the no onsite dining requirements. So, if you’re feeling hungry check out the list of nearly 100 restaurants that are open for delivery, takeout and curbside pickup. Help us get over 100 restaurants on the may by sending your location to [email protected].

Supporting Economic Resiliency

On April 7, 2020 the City Council will consider the creation of a subcommittee to develop recommendations for supporting the Carlsbad economy. If you have ideas about how the city, state and federal government can help your company send us an email at [email protected].

The city, Chamber of Commerce and Carlsbad Village Association are working closely to help our businesses through this tough economic time. In times of crisis our community rises to the occasion. Thank you for doing your part to combat the spread of the virus and support the long-term resiliency of our community.

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Updated – 3/23 – Joint Communication to Carlsbad Businesses Regarding COVID-19, #2

The City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Carlsbad Village Association are continuing to field calls and answer questions from the business community regarding the coronavirus. We want to help keep you informed so we will continue to send these updates as new information that is relevant to our local businesses becomes available.

Carlsbad City Council Declares a Local State of Emergency

On March 17, 2020 the Carlsbad City Council approved a declaration of local emergency as a result of the spread of COVID-19. This declaration authorized the City’s Director of Emergency Services to obtain local, county, state and federal aid to assist in addressing the city’s state of emergency. If you are a resident of Carlsbad check out our frequent updates at www.carlsbadca.gov.

California Governor Announces Stay Home Order

Last night, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20 that requires all Californians to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to work at an essential job. The order references the list of essential jobs as those listed by the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). There are 16 critical infrastructure sectors. You can find guidance on the essential critical infrastructure sectors and workforce here.

County Ratchets Up Restrictions

The County of San Diego has updated its emergency order with some new provisions.

All public or private gatherings of 10 or more people are prohibited.
Public or private schools, colleges and universities cannot hold classes or school activities where students gather on school campus.
Daycare and childcare facilities may only operate with groups of 10 or fewer children so long as it is the same group of children each day.
In addition to closing all bars, adult entertainment establishments, and other businesses that serve alcohol and do not serve food, now gyms and fitness centers must be shuttered.

There were questions regarding whether the order applied to breweries and wineries that do not serve food. Like restaurants, those establishments can continue selling their products if they have the proper license and it is taken off premises just like take-out food. For example, sealed containers like growlers, bottles and cans can be sold for consumption off-site if the establishment’s license allows for retail sales. Breweries and wineries that serve food are treated like restaurants which means food and beverage for takeout, curbside pick-up and delivery continue to be allowed.

Businesses that are regulated by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) can find more information from the state here.

Guidance to Businesses on COVID-19

The US Office of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19. To reduce the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, workers, customers and the public it is crucial that your company has a plan to address specific exposure risks, sources of exposure, and routes of transmission. You can find the OSHA guidance here.

For businesses that provide an essential service and still have customers circulating through their building like grocery stores and pharmacies it is vitally important to ensure 6’ social distancing. Employees who are sick should stay home. The National Grocers Association has provided member best practices here.

Please do your part by educating your employees about how to reduce the spread of COVID-19. You can find more advice for businesses from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.

Guidance for Food and Beverage Industry

You can find guidance from California Department of Public Health for retail food and beverage service locations here. The guidance also includes information for food trucks, certified farmers markets, grocery stores and charitable food distribution sites.

With proper precautions farmers markets can still operate. This includes precautions to reduce infectious transmission and social distancing. The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has provided clarification that the current order limiting gatherings to less than 10 people does not apply to farmers markets because they provide food which is an essential function. If you have questions, contact DEH’s Information Specialist at (858) 505-6900 or [email protected].

If the weather is good the State Street Farmers Market should be back up and running Wednesday, March 25^th. Thank you to Christine Davis and the Carlsbad Village Association for their hard work getting things going again. If you do go to the farmers market please ensure 6’ social distancing. We must all do our part to limit the transmission of COVID-19. Updated 3/25

Disaster Loan Assistance

We know that our businesses and non-profits are in a tight spot. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a Disaster Loan Assistance Program for situations like this. The SBA recently held a webinar and you can access the slides here. California business are eligible to seek assistance and the application can be filled out online. It is likely that there will be a high volume of applications so if you need assistance apply early.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Many of our North County Chambers and the San Diego North Economic Development Council want to know what is going on with our local businesses. Thank you to Bret Schanzenbach at the Carlsbad Chamber for taking the lead on putting together a survey for our North County businesses. You can fill out the survey here.

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center of San Diego and Imperial and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Council have sent out a survey to gauge the impact of COVID-19 on businesses in the region. Follow the link above to fill it out.

Getting it Done

Carlsbad companies are diving in to help with many aspects of the COVID-19 response. Thermo Fischer Scientific aims to produce 5 million tests a week by April. Viasat announced its commitment to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s Keep Americans Connected Initiative. GenMark received emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to use one of their tests in the war against the coronavirus.

There are many more stories of Carlsbad companies leaning in during this crisis and you can find them on our Life in Action website.

Together for Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad, Chamber of Commerce, and Carlsbad Village Association are working together to support our businesses during these unprecedented times. If you want the most up to date information here are some links to keep handy:

United States Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

County of San Diego Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Response

City of Carlsbad COVID-19 Response

Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce

Carlsbad Village Association

We are a strong and resilient community and we know how to help each other out. With your help our community will resolutely get through this crisis the way we always do – together.

Please feel free to forward these communications to those in your network. To be added to the distribution list or if you have any questions please email [email protected].

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First Published – 3/17 – #1

The rapidly evolving situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting all of us. We know that this is disrupting our business community. The City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Carlsbad Village Association are united in keeping our businesses informed during this difficult time.

Recent guidance from the federal, state and county public health officials are crucial to keeping our community safe and trying to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The City will continue to provide updates on our local efforts on our website www.carlsbadca.gov.

One important recent development is regarding public facilities. Effective Monday, March 16 at 5 p.m. all city libraries and effective Tuesday, March 17, at 7 a.m., all other city buildings are temporarily closed to the public. City employees will continue to work, maintaining a 6-foot distance between each other and following all other health guidelines. Among the facilities affected are:

Libraries
Senior Center (M-F meal service for those 60 and older will continue outside on a pickup basis and by delivery)
Community centers, aquatic centers and all parks buildings except restrooms
Faraday Administration Center
City Hall

Today at 4:30pm the City Council will be convening to consider the declaration of a local emergency. More information on this Special City Council Meeting can be found here https://www.carlsbadca.gov/cityhall/clerk/meetings/default.asp.

Many city services can be accessed online or by phone. For more updates please go to https://www.carlsbadca.gov/services/depts/fire/emergency/coronavirus.asp

Yesterday, the County of San Diego issued an emergency order that went in effect at 12:00am today Tuesday, March 17^th, 2020 and continuing until March 31, 2020. You can access the full order and other updates from the county at coronavirus-sd.com. Key provisions of the order include:

All public or private gatherings of 50 or more people are prohibited and all non-essential gatherings of any size are strongly discouraged.
All bars, adult entertainment establishments, and other business establishments that serve alcohol and do not serve food must close.
All restaurants and other business establishments that serve food are required to close all on-site dining though food may be served by delivery or through pick-up or drive thru.
All businesses are required to enact social distancing, increased sanitation standards, and make every effort to use telecommuting for its workforce.
All businesses shall suspend any policy or procedure that requires doctor verification for sick or other leave approval.
All public or private schools, colleges, and universities shall not hold classes or other school activities where students gather on the school campus.
A strong recommendation is made to all persons who are 65 years or older, have chronic underlying condition, or have a compromised immune system self-quarantine themselves at home.
Non-essential personnel are prohibited from entry into any hospital or long-term care facility.
A strong recommendation is made for persons exhibiting mild to moderate systems of COVID-19 to self-isolate themselves in their place of residence unless seeking medical treatment.

It is important that we all do what we can to ensure compliance with public health orders to keep our community safe.

As we pull together during this uncertain time here are some resources that may be valuable.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim guidance for businesses and employers to help plan, prepare and respond to the coronavirus disease. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fspecific-groups%2Fguidance-business-response.html

The governor of the State of California’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBiz) has put together a helpful site for employers and employees as it relates to COVID-19. https://business.ca.gov/coronavirus-2019/

For workers and employers, the state Employment Development Department has compiled important information on issues such as disability insurance claims, paid family leave, tax assistance, and workplace safety. https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has various resources you may want to check out including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and guidance for businesses and employers. https://www.sba.gov/page/guidance-businesses-employers-plan-respond-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

You are probably familiar with the Innovate78 initiative which is an economic development collaboration between the five cities along the 78 corridor and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. They recently stood up a website with information on the the coronavirus. https://www.innovate78.com/connect/blog/coronavirus-and-78-corridor

It is possible that your business may face a hardship and SDG&E is trying to do their part. The utility will waive late payment fees for businesses facing hardship. http://www.sdgenews.com/article/sdge-suspends-service-disconnections-nonpayment-part-its-coronavirus-response

The city and our business organization partners are committed to supporting our companies during this time. Carlsbad is a resilient community and we pull together in time of crisis. We appreciate all that you do for our community. Together we will see our way through this difficult time.