Updates to CASA COVID-19 Webpage
As new information is released and obtained, CASA continues to update our COVID-19 webpage. Some recent additions include:


FEMA, US EPA, CalWARN & AWWA to Provide Cloth Face Masks to Utilities
In partnership with FEMA, USEPA, and the American Water Works Association, the California Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN) will be receiving a limited supply of cloth reusable face masks and making them available to California water and wastewater utilities. Your agency does not need to be a CalWARN member to request face masks. Further information is available here on the American Water Works Association California-Nevada Section website.

 

Executive Order Expands Workers Compensation Insurance Coverage
On May 6, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-62-20, which expands Workers Compensation Insurance coverage to essentially all employees required to work outside the home that contract COVID-19. The expanded benefit is a rebuttable presumption that requires a positive test, or a diagnosis followed by a positive test. It applies to any worker who was directed to work outside the home between March 19 and July 5, and who began showing symptoms within 14 days of doing so.  CASA member agencies should review the full text of the order and confer with their insurance providers about the potential impacts to your operations. The Dept. of Industrial Relations also has a COVID-19 website with additional information for all employers. https://www.dir.ca.gov/covid19/

 

CASA Presents: “Virtual” Brown Act Meetings During COVID-19
Hanson Bridgett LLP will be hosting a webinar for CASA members on Thursday, May 21st at 3pm.
Are you Zooming the Brown Act? COVID-19 has changed the way California public agencies conduct their Brown Act meetings, creating new challenges and opportunities. In this webinar, participants will learn about the Governor’s suspension of requirements for in-person public meetings, best practices for noticing and running virtual meetings under the Brown Act, special procedures for virtual public comment and closed sessions, and how other agencies are adapting to these changes. You will also come away with a “Top Ten” list of recommendations for virtual Brown Act meetings.
This one hour webinar will begin at 3:00 PM with presentations by Claire Collins, former Chair of CASA’s Attorneys Committee and Partner at Hanson Bridgett LLP; Allison Schutte, Partner at Hanson Bridgett LLP; and Andrew J. Ramos, Principal at Bartkiewicz, Kronick & Shanahan. A Q&A session will also be available at the end of the presentation.
Register here. One hour California State Bar MCLE credit (general) is available for live webinar participation (approval pending).