Convenience Big Store: Golden State Stimulus: New timeline for $600 payments in California

When can people expect $600 Golden State Stimulus payments? –For millions of people in California who are eligible to receive the $600 Golden State Stimulus, the big question has been when will it actually arrive. ABC10's Dollars and Sense team has heard from a lot of viewers, who have been waiting nearly two months now, and wondering when they can expect their money. The good news is that payments are starting to go out for some people, but for others, it could still be another six weeks or longer. Golden State Stimulus payments began to be sent out to CalEITC recipients on Thursday, April 15. You will receive the payment in the same way you got your tax refund. However, if you filed your tax return on or after March 2, 2021 direct deposits will take up to 45 days, while paper checks will take up to 60 days to arrive to eligible Californians. (Josh Lyle, ABC10)

Californians can "gather" again, but with precautions: Here is what the state says about in-person gatherings – California announced new guidelines for in-person gatherings based on county tier level. All counties in California are in the red tier or better as of April 14, which means some type of indoor gathering is allowed in some capacity. For counties in the red tier, indoor gatherings are allowed at a maximum 25% capacity or up to three households or 10 people, whichever is fewer. For counties in the orange tier, like Yolo and El Dorado County, indoor gatherings can have the same maximum of 25% capacity, but up to 25 people are allowed as opposed to 10 people. (Matthew Nuttle, ABC10)

'It feels unnecessarily difficult' | Part-time, in-person learning has some parents in a bind – Governor Newsom this week urged schools to fully open by Fall, but districts and school boards ultimately decide the local timeline. And partial re-openings were making things complicated for some parents. "My wife works at home, but it does disrupt her schedule," explained Joel Boyd whose daughters are enrolled at Elk Grove Unified School District. "They’re in two different grades and there's two different times that she has to go back and forth and pick them up." Boyd said the short, in-person school days made life more complicated for him, and also two of his employees who had to schedule long lunches or leave early to pick up their children from school. (Barbara Bingley, ABC10)

Whether you’re running errands or off to work, stay safer with proper mask usage. If your mask slips when you speak, it’s probably not the right fit to #StopTheSpread of COVID-19. Look for a mask with multiple cloth layers that fits snugly, covering your nose, mouth, and chin. Together, we can #EndThePandemic.

This message is sponsored by The Center at Sierra Health Foundation.

TIP OF THE DAY

Fourth stimulus check? As the pandemic's lasting impacts linger, many are wondering if there will be another stimulus check. Multiple reports last month indicated 50 Democratic House Members and up to 21 Democratic Senators signed letters urging President Biden to push for recurring payments to Americans as long as the pandemic continues. (Travis Pittman, TEGNA)

SMILE

Mick Simpson, COVID Buster When he's not playing "Captain Underpants" or the "Crazy Cat Lady", beloved custodian Mick Simpson is the Vacaville Unified School District's self-proclaimed COVID Buster. “Being a positive role model helps these kids,” Simpson said. (John Bartell, ABC10)