Convenience Big Store: EDD website down for some certifying for unemployment benefits

EDD website is down, causing confusion for California unemployment benefits – People trying to certify weeks of unemployment are finding they can't because the website for California's Employment Development Department (EDD) is not working. Peter Opel walked ABC10 through the issue he's experiencing. He can access and go through the steps of completing the EDD 'Week I' web page, but when he tries to continue on to 'Week 2,' the web page says, "This page isn't working right now." In a statement to the Dollars and Sense team, a representative for the EDD said, "Beginning on Sunday, some claimants looking to certify for their next two-week period of benefits encountered intermittent issues with the system." The EDD would not provide any details about how long the system has been down or when it expects to fix the problem, but ABC10 has had viewers say they have had trouble accessing the system since Saturday, March 20. (Josh Lyle, Andie Judson, ABC10)

Probably 'another two weeks' before San Joaquin County has chance to reach red tier – Hopes were dashed twice in San Joaquin County after it failed to meet the red tier metrics two weeks in a row, despite earlier projections. The county is idling in the most-restrictive purple tier of California’s reopening plan while other counties make their way out. The lack of movement is tied to new coronavirus cases, lower testing numbers, and gatherings, according to San Joaquin County Public Health spokesperson Daniel Kim. “Gatherings tend to be what we’re seeing because people are feeling more relaxed,” Kim said. “The weather’s getting better. They may be doing more gatherings privately.” (Eric Escalante, ABC10)

California is prepping for the next drought after heading into second dry year – March was no miracle for California, with well below-average rain and snow for the wettest regions. Tuesday, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced lower State Water Project allocations for the 2021 water year. California is heading into the second dry year which greatly impacts the water supply: the reserves in place are running thin and adjustments must be made to keep the state from going dry. Drought is a part of California's climate. It has been here before and will be here again. That is why so many agencies throughout the state have been preparing to meet this challenge on many levels. (Monica Woods, ABC10)

Tax Tip - If you didn’t already receive the first and second stimulus payments due to low income, it’s not too late! Just file your taxes to claim it!

Source: Nalleli Sandoval, Senior Director of Programs, United Ways of California

For more Tax Tips, visit www.myfreetaxes.org + Text "TAXES" to 211-211 to get free tax help from trained and certified volunteers! Cricket Wireless is a proud sponsor of United Way’s My Free Taxes Program!

TIP OF THE DAY

Paid leave Gov. Newsom has signed off on a supplemental paid sick leave bill that is expected to impact 10.4 million workers across the state, for every company with 25 or more employees. This bill sets aside 80 hours or two weeks of pay for anyone showing symptoms, has to self-quarantine or is diagnosed with coronavirus. It also sets aside time to go get your vaccine and it includes time for parents helping their kids with distance learning. (Lena Howland, ABC10)

SMILE

Dream job alert! How does living on a Sonoma vineyard for a year, rent free, with a $10,000 a month stipend and 30 cases of wine sound to you? Pretty darn good, right? Over the next 14 weeks, the Murphy-Goode Winery is accepting video applications for a live-in position at the winery, “shadowing winemaker Dave Ready Jr. and exploring all aspects of the harvest.” (Matthew Nuttle, ABC10)