SACRAMENTO (AP) — California’s troubled unemployment benefits division will soon have its third director in the last two years.

The head of the employment promotion department, Rita Saenz, resigned on Friday after a little more than a year in office. She will be replaced by Nancy Farias, who has served as the department’s associate director since 2020. She will earn a salary of $204,613.

CONTINUE READING: California EDD suspends some disability claims citing fraud

Saenz, who ran the California Department of Human Services in the early 2000s and a former executive at Xerox Corp. came out of retirement in 2021 to run the ministry as it was plagued by fraud and arrears. The department was overwhelmed with unemployment benefits early in the pandemic after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued the country’s first statewide stay-at-home order, which forced businesses to close.

Since then, the agency has received 26.4 million applications and paid $180 billion in benefits. But about $20 billion of those payments went to scammers posing as prison inmates and, in one case, to US Senator Dianne Feinstein to trick state officials into sending them checks.

As director, Saenz attempted to implement 21 recommendations from the California auditor. The department has so far implemented five of these recommendations, while the rest are in various stages of implementation. In a memo announcing her retirement, Saenz said she only planned to stay in the department for a short time.

CONTINUE READING: Oakland man sentenced to jail for armed attacks on postal worker in East Oakland

“I am proud of the many reforms and new programs that EDD has introduced over the past year,” Saenz said in a department press release. “Nancy Farias has the energy and direct experience to sustain this positive momentum.”

Newsom praised Saenz for her “steadfast leadership” and credited her with leading “important reforms at the ministry to better serve working Californians, prevent fraud, and hold bad actors accountable.”

The department recently uncovered another fraud scheme, when scammers posed as doctors to trick state officials into issuing them disability cards. The department froze about 345,000 applications related to 27,000 doctors. Earlier this week, the department announced that about 98% of those claims were fraudulent.

However, the department has frozen the benefits of some eligible claimants who have had trouble reinstating their benefits.

MORE NEWS: Daly City Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the EDD fraud suspect

“The EDD has tried so hard to downplay its recent failure to prevent fraud in its disability programs,” said Assemblyman Jim Patterson, a Fresno Republican who has been a vocal critic of the department. “The governor needs to put someone in charge of the EDD who has the courage to make the necessary changes.”

The post State Unemployment Advantages Chief Resigns Amid EDD Cost Backlog – CBS San Francisco appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

SACRAMENTO (CBS SF / AP) – Governor Gavin Newsom’s government on Tuesday tapped a former federal attorney to help investigate billions of dollars in fraudulent unemployment benefits paid by the state during the shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Employment Development Department and Fraud Task Force of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services have appointed McGregor W. Scott as “Special Adviser on Fraud.” Authorities said Scott will work with law enforcement to fight fraud and prosecute anyone accused of offending the government.

CONTINUE READING: 3 Indicted in the Northern California prison-based EDD fraud system

Scott was the US Attorney for the Eastern District of California under former Republican Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump. The district spans 34 counties from the Oregon border to Bakersfield in the Central Valley.

While US attorney Scott and several district attorneys revealed that the state had approved hundreds of millions of dollars in unemployment benefits on behalf of prison inmates, including some convicted murderers on death row.

“The state unemployment systems were attacked by sophisticated international and national organized fraud systems last year,” said Scott. “We look forward to working with EDD, Cal OES, and local, state and federal attorneys to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who stole benefits that rightly belonged in the pockets of Californians in need.”

CONTINUE READING: California EDD now requires proof of job search in order to receive unemployment benefits

California was overwhelmed by jobless claims during the coronavirus pandemic after Newsom issued the first nationwide home stay order that forced many businesses to close. As of March 2020, more than 23 million applications have been made, with the state paying $ 158 billion in benefits.

But at least $ 11 billion of that money was fraudulent, state officials said earlier this year. The state has classified an additional $ 20 billion in services as “suspicious” but has not yet said how many of these services were fraudulent.

The employment development department has put in place safeguards to help detect fraud and identity theft, including using a new identity verification tool and matching claims against Thompson Reuters law enforcement databases, the department said in a statement.

MORE NEWS: UPDATE: State Requiring Proof of Job Seeker for Unemployment Benefit; How will EDD enforce it?

“McGregor Scott has led numerous large-scale criminal investigations in his many years as a prosecutor and federal attorney – an experience that will help put criminals behind bars for defrauding the system,” said Rita Saenz, director of the division Employment development.

The post Newsom Appoints Particular Counsel To Examine Multi-Billion Greenback EDD Debit Card Fraud – CBS San Francisco appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF / AP) – After more than a year of a COVID-19 hiatus, California officials again began demanding job-search evidence from citizens in order to receive their unemployment benefits.

The job search obligation had been suspended during the months of the pandemic.

CONTINUE READING: UPDATE: State Requiring Proof of Job Seeker for Unemployment Benefit; How will EDD enforce it?

“If you receive regular unemployment benefits, the job-search obligation will be reintroduced for most applicants from July 11th in order to maintain entitlement to benefits,” Labor Department officials wrote on their website. “The requirement applies to the search for a suitable job that is safe for re-entry and which is comparable to your skills, experience, your usual job, your age and your state of health.”

To help with the search, EDD officials have published resources for unemployed applicants.

Here’s what state officials say is appropriate for “reasonable efforts in finding suitable work.”

• Set up an account with CalJOBS, take part in re-employment services, publish a profile on various job search or network sites.
• Let friends, previous employers, or community members know that you’re looking for work. Take part in networking, job fairs or clubs.
• Apply for positions with employers who are reasonably expected to have suitable vacancies with appropriate skills and experience, including government agencies and exams.
• Participate in approved education and training opportunities that facilitate access to employment and do not interfere with taking up decent full-time employment.

Read also: State that requires a job search certificate for unemployment benefit; How will EDD enforce it?

The state created 104,500 jobs in May – the fourth month in a row with six-digit job growth, after 102,000 jobs created in April, 132,400 jobs created in March and 156,100 new jobs in February:

“California continues to lead the country’s economic recovery, adding 104,500 jobs in May, the fourth straight month in six-figure jobs,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “Our health-centric approach has saved lives and resulted in one of the lowest case numbers and the most vaccinations in the country – now we are the nationwide leader in health and economic outcomes. We’ve reclaimed more than half the jobs we lost last year, but there’s still a long way to go – that’s why we’re investing in historic tax cuts and grants for small businesses, tax breaks for two-thirds of California families, and rental breaks for those who those most affected by the pandemic. “

Since the pandemic began, California – the nation’s most populous state with nearly 40 million residents – has processed more than 20 million jobless claims and paid out more than $ 128 billion in benefits.

Full coverage of EDD payment system fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic

Typically, the highest money anyone can get from unemployment benefits in California is $ 450 a week. But Congress added an extra $ 300 a week because of the pandemic. This additional money does not expire until September.

However, as coronavirus cases have declined while more people are being vaccinated, employers have indicated they are having a hard time finding work, especially in the service industry.

Kyle Conner, who owns the Alameda Cinema Grill, Alameda Theater, and Cineplex, is one of those small businesses struggling to reopen fully.

“I started closing on Mondays,” he told KPIX 5. “I was always out seven days a week.”

The staff shortage also forced him to shorten his business hours. He has a dozen vacancies.

CONTINUE READING: Women prisoner, Fresno man in California convicts EDD fraud

“I work with two chefs,” he said. “Before the pandemic, we had five or six. I’m looking for a head chief, two or three line cooks, probably three waiters, bussers, dishwashers, bartenders. Everything.”

Labor experts blamed the labor shortage in part on adding extra money from unemployment benefits to incentivizing people to stay home. And not only the gastronomy, the entire service industry is facing the same challenge.

“We were open seven days a week before the pandemic,” said Julie Pruitt, owner of Acne Specialists of Oakland. “And now we’re only five open because I don’t have enough staff.”

Robert La Come is quite a gamer. At the age of 71, he bought City Forest Catering in San Francisco in the middle of a pandemic when there were no catering events. Now that the customers are finally back, he says the workers are not.

“The problem for me is that people get paid not to work,” he said. “They get this unemployment and that’s what they tell me, ‘Oh, I’m getting unemployment, I can’t work.’ Or: ‘When it’s over, I can work for you.’ “

“Now, starting this week, those who are regularly unemployed and receive the state extension allowance should look for work,” said EDD spokeswoman Loree Levy. “So if you go to certification this week on Sunday, you can say, yes, I was looking for a job.”

Levy said that people who confirm they have looked for work do so under penalty of perjury and that they should keep a record of their efforts in case EDD asks them to provide evidence. However, former EDD director Michael Bernick says people don’t have to prove they are looking for work and he doubts that this will actually be enforced. He says that as long as other factors exist that give people more reasons to stay home, employers might have difficulty hiring.

“I think things won’t really change until September, when the (federal) unemployment benefit subsidy ends,” said Bernick, “and when schools finally reopen and childcare increases and people’s real and imagined health problems decrease. Only when these elements come into play will we see a real return to work. “

Bernick says the pandemic hiatus has given people a chance to rethink whether they want to go back to work and at what price.

That could be a problem for La Come, who said he could hire up to 10 more employees. Heading into the busy holiday catering season, he hopes his kitchen will be full of workers making paychecks again and helping make the big bet he placed on the business pay off.

“I think everyone should pay their way, you know?” He said. “I had to do it. Why shouldn’t you?”

John Ramos contributed to this report.

MORE NEWS: The California EDD requires proof of job search starting July in order to receive benefits

The post California EDD Now Requiring Proof of Job Search To Acquire Unemployment Advantages – CBS San Francisco appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF / AP) – Nach mehr als einem Jahr einer COVID-19-Pause begannen kalifornische Beamte am Sonntag erneut, von Staatsbürgern den Nachweis einer Arbeitssuche zu verlangen, um ihr Arbeitslosengeld zu erhalten.

Die Pflicht zur Arbeitssuche war in den Monaten der Pandemie ausgesetzt worden.

WEITERLESEN: UPDATE: Staat, der einen Arbeitssuchnachweis für Arbeitslosengeld verlangt; Wie wird EDD es durchsetzen?

„Wenn Sie regelmäßiges Arbeitslosengeld beziehen, wird die Verpflichtung zur Arbeitssuche für die meisten Antragsteller ab dem 11. Juli wieder eingeführt, um den Anspruch auf Leistungen aufrechtzuerhalten“, schrieben Beamte der Arbeitsabteilung auf ihrer Website. „Die Anforderung gilt für die Suche nach einer geeigneten, wiedereinstiegssicheren Arbeit, die mit Ihren Fähigkeiten, Erfahrungen, Ihrer üblichen Tätigkeit, Ihrem Alter und Ihrem Gesundheitszustand vergleichbar ist.“

Um bei der Suche zu helfen, haben EDD-Beamte Ressourcen für Arbeitslosenbewerber veröffentlicht.

Hier ist, was nach Aussage von Staatsbeamten für „angemessene Bemühungen bei der Suche nach geeigneter Arbeit“ geeignet ist.

• Richten Sie ein Konto bei CalJOBS ein, nehmen Sie an Wiedereinstellungsdiensten teil, veröffentlichen Sie ein Profil auf verschiedenen Jobsuch- oder Netzwerkseiten.
• Informieren Sie Freunde, frühere Arbeitgeber oder Community-Mitglieder, dass Sie nach Arbeit suchen. Nehmen Sie an Networking-, Job-Messen-Events oder Clubs teil.
• Bewerben Sie sich auf Stellen bei Arbeitgebern, von denen vernünftigerweise erwartet wird, dass sie über geeignete Stellenangebote mit entsprechenden Fähigkeiten und Erfahrungen verfügen, einschließlich Regierungsstellen und Prüfungen.
• Nehmen Sie an zulässigen Bildungs- und Ausbildungsmöglichkeiten teil, die den Zugang zu einem Arbeitsplatz erleichtern und die Aufnahme einer angemessenen Vollzeitbeschäftigung nicht beeinträchtigen.

Lesen Sie auch: Staat, der einen Arbeitssuchenachweis für Arbeitslosengeld verlangt; Wie wird EDD es durchsetzen?

Der Staat hat im Mai 104.500 Stellen geschaffen – der vierte Monat in Folge mit sechsstelligen Stellenzuwächsen, nach 102.000 im April geschaffenen Stellen, 132.400 im März geschaffenen Stellen und 156.100 neuen Stellen im Februar:

„Kalifornien ist weiterhin führend bei der wirtschaftlichen Erholung des Landes und hat im Mai 104.500 Arbeitsplätze geschaffen, was den vierten Monat in Folge mit sechsstelligen Arbeitsplätzen markiert“, sagte Gouverneur Gavin Newsom in einer Erklärung. „Unser gesundheitsorientierter Ansatz hat Leben gerettet und zu einer der niedrigsten Fallzahlen und den meisten Impfungen des Landes geführt – jetzt sind wir landesweit führend in Bezug auf Gesundheit und wirtschaftliche Ergebnisse. Wir haben mehr als die Hälfte der Arbeitsplätze zurückgewonnen, die wir im letzten Jahr verloren haben, aber es ist noch ein langer Weg – deshalb investieren wir in historische Steuersenkungen und Zuschüsse für kleine Unternehmen, Steuernachlässe für zwei Drittel der kalifornischen Familien und Mieterleichterungen für diejenigen, die am stärksten von der Pandemie betroffen sind.“

Seit Beginn der Pandemie hat Kalifornien – der bevölkerungsreichste Bundesstaat der Nation mit fast 40 Millionen Einwohnern – mehr als 20 Millionen Arbeitslosenanträge bearbeitet und mehr als 128 Milliarden US-Dollar an Leistungen ausgezahlt.

Vollständige Abdeckung des EDD-Zahlungssystembetrugs während der COVID-19-Pandemie

Normalerweise beträgt das höchste Geld, das jemand in Kalifornien von Arbeitslosengeld bekommen kann, 450 US-Dollar pro Woche. Aber der Kongress hat wegen der Pandemie zusätzlich 300 US-Dollar pro Woche hinzugefügt. Dieses zusätzliche Geld verfällt nicht vor September.

Da jedoch die Coronavirus-Fälle zurückgegangen sind, während mehr Menschen geimpft werden, haben Arbeitgeber angegeben, dass es ihnen schwer fällt, Arbeitskräfte zu finden, insbesondere in der Dienstleistungsbranche.

Kyle Conner, der Alameda Cinema Grill, Alameda Theatre und Cineplex besitzt, gehört zu den kleinen Unternehmen, die Schwierigkeiten haben, vollständig wieder zu eröffnen.

“Ich habe montags angefangen zu schließen”, sagte er KPIX 5. “Ich war immer sieben Tage die Woche.”

Der Personalmangel zwang ihn auch, seine Geschäftszeiten zu verkürzen. Er hat ein Dutzend Stellenangebote.

WEITERLESEN: Frauengefängnishäftling, Fresno-Mann in Kalifornien verurteilt EDD-Betrug

„Ich arbeite mit zwei Köchen“, sagte er. „Vor der Pandemie hatten wir fünf oder sechs. Ich suche einen Head Chief, zwei oder drei Linienköche, wahrscheinlich drei Kellner, Bussers, Geschirrspüler, Barkeeper. Alles.”

Arbeitsexperten machten den Arbeitskräftemangel teilweise auf zusätzliches Geld aus dem Arbeitslosengeld für die Anreize für die Menschen, zu Hause zu bleiben, verantwortlich. Und nicht nur die Gastronomie, die gesamte Dienstleistungsbranche steht vor der gleichen Herausforderung.

“Wir hatten sieben Tage die Woche vor der Pandemie geöffnet”, sagte Julie Pruitt, Inhaberin von Acne Specialists of Oakland. „Und jetzt haben wir nur fünf geöffnet, weil ich nicht genug Personal habe.“

Robert La Come ist ein ziemlicher Spieler. Im Alter von 71 Jahren kaufte er mitten in einer Pandemie City Forest Catering in San Francisco, als keine Veranstaltungen mit Catering stattfanden. Jetzt, als die Kunden endlich wieder da sind, sagt er, die Arbeiter seien es nicht.

„Das Problem für mich ist, dass die Leute dafür bezahlt werden, nicht zu arbeiten“, sagte er. „Sie bekommen diese Arbeitslosigkeit und das ist es, was sie mir sagen: ‚Oh, ich bekomme Arbeitslosigkeit, ich kann nicht arbeiten.’ Oder: ‚Wenn es vorbei ist, kann ich für dich arbeiten.’“

„Jetzt, ab dieser Woche, sollten diejenigen, die regelmäßig arbeitslos sind und das staatliche Verlängerungsgeld beziehen, nach Arbeit suchen“, sagte EDD-Sprecherin Loree Levy. „Wenn sie also ab Sonntag für diese Woche zur Zertifizierung gehen, können sie sagen, ja, ich habe Arbeit gesucht.“

Levy sagte, dass Leute, die bestätigen, dass sie nach Arbeit gesucht haben, dies unter Strafe des Meineids tun und dass sie ein Protokoll über ihre Bemühungen führen sollten, falls EDD sie um einen Nachweis bittet. Der ehemalige EDD-Direktor Michael Bernick sagt jedoch, dass die Leute nicht nachweisen müssen, dass sie nach Arbeit suchen, und er bezweifelt, dass dies tatsächlich durchgesetzt wird. Er sagt, solange andere Faktoren existieren, die den Menschen mehr Gründe geben, zu Hause zu bleiben, könnten Arbeitgeber Schwierigkeiten bei der Einstellung haben.

„Ich denke, die Dinge werden sich wirklich erst im September ändern, wenn der (Bundes-)Arbeitslosengeldzuschuss endet“, sagte Bernick, „und wenn die Schulen endlich wieder öffnen und die Kinderbetreuung zunimmt und die tatsächlichen und eingebildeten Gesundheitsprobleme der Menschen abnehmen. Erst wenn diese Elemente ins Spiel kommen, werden wir eine echte Rückkehr zur Arbeit erleben.“

Bernick sagt, die Pandemiepause habe den Menschen die Möglichkeit gegeben, zu überdenken, ob sie überhaupt wieder arbeiten wollen und zu welchem ​​Preis.

Das könnte ein Problem für La Come sein, der sagte, er könne bis zu 10 weitere Mitarbeiter einstellen. Auf dem Weg in die geschäftige Ferien-Catering-Saison hofft er, dass seine Küche voller Arbeiter sein wird, die wieder einen Gehaltsscheck verdienen und dazu beitragen, dass sich die große Wette, die er auf das Geschäft gesetzt hat, auszahlt.

„Ich denke, jeder sollte seinen Weg bezahlen, weißt du?“ er sagte. “Ich musste es tun. Warum sollten sie nicht?”

John Ramos hat zu diesem Bericht beigetragen.

MEHR NACHRICHTEN: Die kalifornische EDD verlangt ab Juli einen Nachweis über die Arbeitssuche, um Leistungen zu erhalten

The post California EDD Now Requiring Proof of Job Search To Gather Unemployment Advantages – CBS San Francisco appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF / AP) – After more than a year of a COVID-19 hiatus, California officials again began demanding job-search evidence from citizens in order to receive their unemployment benefits.

The job search obligation had been suspended during the months of the pandemic.

CONTINUE READING: The California EDD requires proof of job search starting July in order to receive benefits

“If you receive regular unemployment benefits, the job-search obligation will be reintroduced for most applicants from July 11th in order to maintain entitlement to benefits,” Labor Department officials wrote on their website. “The requirement applies to the search for a suitable job that is safe for re-entry and which is comparable to your skills, experience, your usual job, your age and your state of health.”

To help with the search, EDD officials have published resources for unemployed applicants.

Here’s what state officials say is appropriate for “reasonable efforts in finding suitable work.”

• Set up an account with CalJOBS, take part in re-employment services, publish a profile on various job search or network sites.
• Let friends, previous employers, or community members know that you are looking for work. Take part in networking, job fair events or clubs.
• Apply for positions with employers who are reasonably expected to have suitable vacancies with appropriate skills and experience, including government agencies and exams.
• Participate in approved education and training opportunities that facilitate access to employment and do not interfere with taking up decent full-time employment.

The state created 104,500 jobs in May – the fourth month in a row with six-digit job growth, after 102,000 jobs created in April, 132,400 jobs created in March and 156,100 new jobs in February:

“California continues to lead the country’s economic recovery, adding 104,500 jobs in May, the fourth straight month in six-figure jobs,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “Our health-centric approach has saved lives and resulted in one of the lowest case numbers and the most vaccinations in the country – now we are the nationwide leader in health and economic outcomes. We’ve reclaimed more than half the jobs we lost last year, but there’s still a long way to go – that’s why we’re investing in historic tax cuts and grants for small businesses, tax breaks for two-thirds of California families, and rental breaks for those who those most affected by the pandemic. “

Since the pandemic began, California – the nation’s most populous state with nearly 40 million residents – has processed more than 20 million jobless claims and paid out more than $ 128 billion in benefits.

Full coverage of EDD payment system fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic

CONTINUE READING: California EDD fraud conviction results in 6-year prison sentence for Stockton Man

Typically, the highest money anyone can get from unemployment benefits in California is $ 450 a week. But Congress added an extra $ 300 a week because of the pandemic. This additional money does not expire until September.

However, as coronavirus cases have declined while more people are being vaccinated, employers have indicated they are having a hard time finding work, especially in the service industry.

Kyle Conner, who owns the Alameda Cinema Grill, Alameda Theater, and Cineplex, is one of those small businesses struggling to reopen fully.

“I started closing on Mondays,” he told KPIX 5. “I was always out seven days a week.”

The staff shortage also forced him to shorten his business hours. He has a dozen vacancies.

“I work with two chefs,” he said. “Before the pandemic, we had five or six. I’m looking for a head chief, two or three line cooks, probably three waiters, bussers, dishwashers, bartenders. Everything.”

Labor experts blamed the labor shortage in part on adding extra money from unemployment benefits to incentivizing people to stay home. And not only the gastronomy, the entire service industry is facing the same challenge.

MORE NEWS: NorCal prison inmate, 3 others charged with $ 1.2 million EDD fraud program in California

“We were open seven days a week before the pandemic,” said Julie Pruitt, owner of Acne Specialists of Oakland. “And now we’re only five open because I don’t have enough staff.”

The post California EDD Now Requiring Proof of Job Search To Accumulate Unemployment Advantages – CBS San Francisco appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF / AP) – After more than a year of a COVID-19 hiatus, California officials again began demanding job-search evidence from citizens in order to receive their unemployment benefits.

The job search obligation had been suspended during the months of the pandemic.

CONTINUE READING: The California EDD requires proof of job search starting July in order to receive benefits

“If you receive regular unemployment benefits, the job-search obligation will be reintroduced for most applicants from July 11th in order to maintain entitlement to benefits,” Labor Department officials wrote on their website. “The requirement applies to the search for a suitable job that is safe for re-entry and which is comparable to your skills, experience, your usual job, your age and your state of health.”

To help with the search, EDD officials have published resources for unemployed applicants.

Here’s what state officials say is appropriate for “reasonable efforts in finding suitable work.”

• Set up an account with CalJOBS, take part in re-employment services, publish a profile on various job search or network sites.
• Let friends, previous employers, or community members know that you are looking for work. Take part in networking, job fair events or clubs.
• Apply for positions with employers who are reasonably expected to have suitable vacancies with appropriate skills and experience, including government agencies and exams.
• Participate in approved education and training opportunities that facilitate access to employment and do not interfere with taking up decent full-time employment.

The state created 104,500 jobs in May – the fourth month in a row with six-digit job growth, after 102,000 jobs created in April, 132,400 jobs created in March and 156,100 new jobs in February:

“California continues to lead the country’s economic recovery, adding 104,500 jobs in May, the fourth straight month in six-figure jobs,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “Our health-centric approach has saved lives and resulted in one of the lowest case numbers and the most vaccinations in the country – now we are the nationwide leader in health and economic outcomes. We’ve reclaimed more than half the jobs we lost last year, but there’s still a long way to go – that’s why we’re investing in historic tax cuts and grants for small businesses, tax breaks for two-thirds of California families, and rental breaks for those who those most affected by the pandemic. “

Since the pandemic began, California – the nation’s most populous state with nearly 40 million residents – has processed more than 20 million jobless claims and paid out more than $ 128 billion in benefits.

Full coverage of EDD payment system fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic

CONTINUE READING: California EDD fraud conviction results in 6-year prison sentence for Stockton Man

Typically, the highest money anyone can get from unemployment benefits in California is $ 450 a week. But Congress added an extra $ 300 a week because of the pandemic. This additional money does not expire until September.

However, as coronavirus cases have declined while more people are being vaccinated, employers have indicated they are having a hard time finding work, especially in the service industry.

Kyle Conner, who owns the Alameda Cinema Grill, Alameda Theater, and Cineplex, is one of those small businesses struggling to reopen fully.

“I started closing on Mondays,” he told KPIX 5. “I was always out seven days a week.”

The staff shortage also forced him to shorten his business hours. He has a dozen vacancies.

“I work with two chefs,” he said. “Before the pandemic, we had five or six. I’m looking for a head chief, two or three line cooks, probably three waiters, bussers, dishwashers, bartenders. Everything.”

Labor experts blamed the labor shortage in part on adding extra money from unemployment benefits to incentivizing people to stay home. And not only the gastronomy, the entire service industry is facing the same challenge.

MORE NEWS: NorCal prison inmate, 3 others charged with $ 1.2 million EDD fraud program in California

“We were open seven days a week before the pandemic,” said Julie Pruitt, owner of Acne Specialists of Oakland. “And now we’re only five open because I don’t have enough staff.”

The post California EDD Now Requiring Proof of Job Search To Gather Unemployment Advantages – CBS San Francisco appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

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The victims’ families argue that the plea deal for the Almena of the ghost ship’s fire rifle is too mildKiet Do reports on families of Ghost Ship Fire victims asking the judge to give the defendant Derick Almena a sentence that matches his crime (3-8-2021).

16 hours ago

Interview: Students from Foothill High School Pleasanton qualify as semi-finalists in the national STEM competitionKPIX 5 reporter Mary Lee interviews students at Foothill High School in Pleasanton after they were named semi-finalists in the Samsung National STEM Contest. (3/8/21)

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TODAY FORECAST: Here is the last forecast from the KPIX 5 weather teamShiver in this week’s forecast

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BOMBSHELL INTERVIEW: CBS Gayle King this morning about Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Prince Harry and Meghan MarkleCBS This Morning’s Gayle King shares key revelations made during Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

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COVID-19 VACCINATION: Local executives ask Governor Gavin Newsom to add additional Bay Area zip codes to priority vaccine rolloutLocal leaders are asking Governor Gavin Newsom to add additional Bay Area zip codes to the priority vaccine rollout

21 hours ago

ASIAN-AMERICAN ATTACKS: Bay Area college students discuss experiencing anti-Asian racismBay Area college students talk about experiencing anti-Asian racism

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COVID-19: 10 postcode state in the San Francisco Bay Area for COVID-19 vaccinationsState with 10 postcodes in the San Francisco Bay Area for COVID-19 vaccinations

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PIX nowHere’s the latest from the KPIX newsroom. (3-7-21)

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CBS San Francisco Employee Report

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – With the rise in new coronavirus cases and the increasing demand for vaccinations, the information you need to know is coming fast and furious. Here is a recap of the COVID stories we’ve posted over the past 24 hours.

CONTINUE READING: The San José School District is securing the vaccine for the entire workforce

Newsom is hammering its way back to school deal with state lawmakers
SACRAMENTO – As Marin County students return to classrooms on Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a deal with state lawmakers to get most public school children back to classrooms nationwide by the end of March. Marin County, which moved into the Red Tier last week, is among the fastest-running school systems in the state when it comes to getting students back into class. Newsom wants other districts across the state to follow the lead of the Marin and Long Beach Schools.
Monday’s deal is an important step in that direction. Under the deal, school districts could receive up to $ 6.6 billion if they reopen classrooms by March 31. Read more

Victims of EDD Bank of America debit card fraud could be taxed on benefits they never received
SAN FRANCISCO == For months, KPIX has been reporting the frustrations and devastating economic effects of debit card fraud leading to unemployment. Approximately 11 million Californians receive their unemployment benefits on Bank of America debit cards. You have lost thousands of dollars in fraudulent transactions. Now we are learning that they could be affected by taxes on income that they never received. “I was really excited,” said Scott Wheeler. At first, Wheeler thought the employment development letter was finally the money he had been waiting for almost a year. But not like this. It was a 1099-G tax form from EDD. “They said they paid $ 14,000. And obviously I didn’t see any of that. So someone has it, but I don’t, ”said Wheeler. Continue reading

SF restaurants use high tech tools to make eating indoors safe
SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco restaurants are ready to welcome guests again with the help of new technology. The city is expected to announce the move to the Red Steps on Tuesday. When guests return to La Mar at the Embarcardero, the food and space look familiar. However, there is a patented technology hidden in its HVAC system that can safely clean the room air. It’s called NPBI from Global Plasma Solutions. The technology uses an electronic charge to create a plasma field filled with ions. They attach themselves to particles in the air. Continue reading

Some students are returning to Marin County classroom study
MILL VALLEY – As San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose public schools continue to provide distance learning, Marin County is accelerating its reopening for high schools as well. Tamalpais High School is one of several that will welcome students and teachers back for face-to-face learning this week. Marin County is one of two in the Bay Area to join the Red Tier as more schools reopen without vaccinating all staff. Outdoor tents have been set up for more space as thousands of students return to the classroom. Around 90% of Marin County’s schools will be open for face-to-face learning in the coming days. Continue reading

CONTINUE READING: Golden Gate Fields races to make up for missed vaccine appointments

The Healdsburg family leaves California on an overland trip in search of a new home
HEALDSBURG – With the pandemic bringing normal life to a standstill, more and more people are moving out of the Bay Area and California in general. Monday morning a family from Healdsburg joined the Exodus, but they have decided to make their move the trip of a lifetime. Ben and Brianne Holt removed the last items from their home in Healdsburg. Her daughters Mackenzie, Madison, Maebel and Maliya were already in the car. It was time for the journey to begin and even though they know where to go they have no idea where to end up. “I know there is a place for us and I don’t know where it is,” said Ben. “We picked out a few ideas, but that’s part of the journey to find out. Oh, we think we want to live in North Carolina, but what if we like Wyoming, what if we like Arkansas? ” Continue reading

Santa Clara County debuts vaccination center for teachers, educators on the fairgrounds
SAN JOSE – Santa Clara County is trying to make it easier and faster for educators to get vaccinated and is calling for schools to reopen. “As soon as we make it safely, I can’t wait to see her,” said Steven Teleky, music teacher at Orchard Middle School in San Jose. Teleky was one of the first educators to use a newly created vaccination center on the district’s exhibition grounds for teachers on Monday. The site was previously intended for first responders and is still manned by firefighters who administer the vaccine. Teleky says the vaccine means a return to normal and hopefully a return to the classroom after a year of online classes. Continue reading

Twitter is taking action against coronavirus misinformation with ‘Strike System’ to remove violations
SAN FRANCISCO – Twitter says it has started flagging tweets containing misleading information about COVID-19 vaccines and using a “strike system” to remove accounts that repeatedly violate its rules. The company announced Monday that it has begun using human reviewers to assess whether tweets violate its guidelines on misinformation from COVID vaccines. Ultimately, the work will be done by a combination of humans and automation, it said. Twitter had banned some COVID-related misinformation back in December, including falsehoods about how the virus spreads, whether masks are effective, and the risk of infection and death. Continue reading

Group calls Berkeley Teachers’ Union Leader a hypocrite who takes a child to a private preschool
BERKELEY – An East Bay teacher and union leader comes under fire on Monday. He is accused of being a hypocrite in the fight to reopen schools after teachers were vaccinated. The video “Guerrilla Momz” released by the anonymous advocacy group shows a man the group says is Matt Meyer, president of the Berkeley Federation of Teachers, who is taking his child to a private preschool. Meyer and the union have fought vigorously to ensure that students do not return to full-time classes until teachers have received the COVID vaccine. While not commenting on the video, Meyer confirmed to the East Bay Times that his two-year-old daughter is attending a private preschool, adding that there are no public options for children her age. Continue reading

CVS receives 200,000 cans of newly approved Johnson & Johnson Shot
SAN FRANCISCO – CVS announced it will receive the recently approved COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson in the coming days as the pharmacy chain tries to improve vaccine adoption. A pharmacy spokesman told KPIX 5 on Monday that they are expecting the doses of the one-shot vaccine this week. California is one of the 17 states in which the pharmacy offers in-store recordings to those entitled. Shipments of the vaccine began Monday after the Food and Drug Administration received approval for the emergency over the weekend. Continue reading

MORE NEWS: Study shows Stockton’s universal basic income experiment resulted in an increase in employment

Santa Rosa officials receive vaccines for teachers before the school reopens
SANTA ROSA – Santa Rosa school officials say they received an additional 1,500 doses of the COVID vaccine for their staff to vaccinate the district staff before the K-6 personal primary schools reopened April 1st in Taken at risk after Sonoma County’s Education Bureau announced a vaccination deficiency that it would temporarily close its vaccination clinic in the first week of March. An announcement from Santa Rosa City Schools on Sunday said that district officials had worked with Senator Mike McGuire to get the extra doses of vaccine. Continue reading

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