‘Unique moment’ in civic history: Sacramento OKs sweeping coronavirus aid package
It was, the mayor said, a unique and momentous “public” meeting.
The Sacramento City Council passed a sweeping package of coronavirus-related actions Friday while sitting in a nearly empty council chambers — the public was banned from attending due to a Gov. Gavin Newsom edict that groups of 250 or more are no longer allowed.
The coronavirus was declared an international pandemic this week by the World Health Organization, and a national emergency on Friday by the Trump administration.
The city council chamber has 230 seats, but city officials said they preferred playing it safe. The meeting, attended only by city staff and news reporters, was livestreamed on the city website. The video will be archived there as well for public viewing.
A somber Mayor Darrell Steinberg said the meeting reflects a “unique moment” in Sacramento civic history. Even as he and council members spoke, the council got word that the region’s schools had just announced they would close for three weeks, adding to the backdrop of community drama.
“Welcome to all of you on a unique Friday afternoon,” Steinberg said. “We are dealing with unique and extraordinary circumstances. We feel very strongly as a city that we want to respond to this crisis with the urgency that it demands.
“We will get through this experience together if we stay together, and if we take appropriate actions to protect public safety.”
Outside, police ushered away a man at the window, as he repeatedly shouted, “What about the homeless? Do the right thing!” The man calmed down after a police captain sat with him to hear him out.
Among the array of public assistance steps passed unanimously by the council Friday are new safety and economic programs aimed at the homeless, parents, workers, tenants and small businesses.
Steinberg said the council is expanding its normal area of work to try to help the community in creative ways. The city is keeping community centers and parks open, officials said.
The council actions include:
▪ Free metered parking from 4:30 p.m. onward for up to 30 days, to encourage people to visit restaurants and businesses. All other parking enforcement is still in place. The city has already launched the program, but the meters as of Friday afternoon had not yet been reprogrammed to display language on the readout screen informing people that parking is now free during the evenings.
▪ A ban on evictions for residential tenants who are unable to pay rent due to reasons related to the coronavirus.
“Let’s say you’re a restaurant worker,” Councilman Steve Hansen said. “The restaurant has no shifts because no one is going and you can’t make rent. This will encourage and require the landlord not to kick you out.”
▪ The city will not cut off utility services to people who cannot pay their monthly bill during the coming weeks.
▪ A $1 million economic relief package for small local businesses including restaurants, retail and day care providers. It could include zero-interest loans of up to $25,000 based on need. Loans may be available as early as Wednesday, officials said. The city will also start a small business hotline business owners can call for help.
▪ An emergency declaration that will allow small businesses to process insurance claims.
▪ Up to $250,000 to purchase and distribute emergency sanitation and cleaning supplies for the homeless. There are more than 5,570 homeless people living in Sacramento County, a count in January 2019 found, mostly in the city and mostly living outdoors.
▪ Cancel permits for special events with more than 250 people, in line with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s request. Fees will be refunded. The city will also consider canceling smaller events if they would be attended by seniors or vulnerable people, Steinberg said.
▪ Establish places children and families can go to get food if more schools close. “We know the vast majority of our kids at Sac City (Unified School District), for example, are on free or reduced lunch,” Steinberg said.
▪ Acquire and distribute emergency sanitation and cleaning supplies to impacted businesses. Items like sanitation wipes and hand sanitizer are increasingly hard to find.
▪ Work with the Sacramento Central Labor Council to help people navigate the unemployment process, paid family leave, disability insurance, unemployment insurance, paid sick leave and workers compensation.
This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 3:11 PM.