DOCTORS FEND OFF VIRUS WITH LEMONS

Limoneira, based in Santa Paula, is donating lemons for doctors and nurses in five New York City area hospitals, after Dr. Andrew Weber told the New York Post that he is using large doses of Vitamin C to help fight the COVID-19 virus. Limoneira said it is targeting the lemons at medical staff to help them fend off the COVID-19 virus, given the lack of protective gear and “exhausting schedules.”  

As you’ve heard and read, hospital staffs are dealing with this virus without adequate protection, and they are working exhausting schedules.

Limoneira is also donating lemons to the Ventura County Medical Center, Community Memorial Health, Food Share, SPIRIT, and Ventura’s Area Agency on Aging. The Area Agency on Aging is currently hosting a food pantry for people 60 and older.

UNION BANK FUNDING RELIEF EFFORTS

Union Bank is providing $3 million to communities it serves, including the Tri-Counties. The bank said it will collaborate with nonprofit organizations, local government agencies and public-private humanitarian partners. A majority of the assistance will go to small businesses, the bank said. Union Bank said it also is setting up an Employee Relief Fund for workers who are required to maintain essential bank operations. And it is joining other financial institutions in offering fee waivers, payment deferrals and other assistance to businesses and consumers.

DIGNITY EXPANDS TELEHEALTH SERVICES

Dignity Health Central Coast said that the nonprofit Pacific Central Coast Health Centers in northern Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties will expand their telehealth capabilities to serve clients via video links with doctors or physician’s assistance. The links will work on a phone, tablet, or a computer. Pacific Central Coast Health Centers has more than 40 health centers spanning from Lompoc to Templeton.

SANTA MARIA CHAMBER DOING SURVEY

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is rolling out a survey to assess the needs of small businesses up and down the Central Coast. Participate in the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVID19SMBusiness. “It is only after we understand the specific impacts businesses are facing from COVID-19 that we can better understand how to best help our community get through this challenging time,” the chamber said.

COASTHILLS CREDIT UNION HELPING MEMBERS

CoastHills Credit Union has moved quickly to offer important member-facing assistance programs such as a Financial Relief Skip-A-Pay feature, with the fee waived, that can now be accessed in online banking. CoastHills is engaged in a statewide effort by credit unions to provide financial relief for consumer and business members that need it.

COX EXTENDS OFFER FOR NEW CUSTOMERS

Cox, the cable TV and internet provider that serves south Santa Barbara County, has extended its 30 days free to 60 days free for customers who enrolled in its C2C program starting on March 13. It  is available to new customers through May 15.