The U.S. Small Business Administration launched a new round of Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance – called Supplemental Targeted Advances – on April 22, 2021, that will provide $5 billion in additional assistance to 1 million small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have been most severely affected by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supplemental Targeted Advance program is the latest SBA relief program to launch as part of the American Rescue Plan Act on March 11, 2021.

This additional relief to the smallest and hardest hit businesses builds on Administrator Guzman’s April 6 action to significantly increase the maximum loan amounts for COVID-19 EIDL assistance from 6 months of working capital with a maximum of $150,000 up to 24 months of working capital and a maximum of $500,000. SBA also announced on March 12 that the agency would extend deferment periods for all disaster loans, including COVID-19 EIDLs, until 2022 to provide more time for businesses to build back.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reopened the 'Shuttered Venue Operators Grant' application portal on Saturday, April 24, 2021, for operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theatres, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives to apply for critical economic relief.

“We recognize the urgency and need to get this program up and running,” said Barb Carson, deputy associate administrator of SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. “With venue operators in danger of closing, every day that passes by is a day that these businesses cannot afford. We remain dedicated to delivering emergency aid as quickly as possible and will begin reviewing the applications on Saturday as they are submitted.”

While working with vendors to fix technology issues that occurred with the April 8 initial opening, the SBA identified and resolved other concerns and enhanced the applicant experience with the portal.

Embarcadero Media's Peninsula Foodist and Facebook have come together to celebrate our local Peninsula restaurants and give back to the community. For one week only, select from special prix fixe menus at your local favorites or try something new during the first-ever Peninsula Restaurant Week!

Show your support by ordering to-go or dining in at different restaurants offering prix fixe menus at special pricing during the entire nine days. Look for the Restaurant Week promotional poster at participating restaurants.

SamTrans is proposing changes to their bus routes and they need YOUR feedback! Join a regional community meeting below. Take the survey here. This is your chance to be heard!

Join your regional meeting:

South County Meeting (Redwood City, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, Atherton, unincorporated area of North Fair Oaks):

Online Town Hall: “Senate District 13: COVID Community Champions”

Join State Senator Josh Becker and Nicole Taylor, President, and CEO of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, for a Town Hall celebrating some of the heroes in our community.

To RSVP or tell us about an organization in your community that has stepped up during the pandemic, please click the link above. The event will live stream at sd13.senate.ca.gov.

The Menlo Park Historical Association (MPHA) has been serving the community since 1971, nearly 50 years ago. During that time, they have assembled an impressive collection of valuable archives about all things Menlo Park. This is for the benefit of the City Council members, City Staff, the local community, and oftentimes from inquiries far and wide, including occasional requests internationally.

They can be contacted at mphistorical@yahoo.com. Their website is https://sites.google.com/site/mphistorical/ or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MenloParkHistoricalAssociation.

Life is like a box of chocolates! Purchase your Mother’s Day candy, or treats for another special occasion, via our See’s Candies fundraiser and 20% of each order goes back to The American Cancer Society through the Relay For Life of Menlo Park & Palo Alto! Follow the link, place the order and have it shipped to your home or send a gift! This fundraiser is available until May 12th and all transactions must be initiated from this link!

Want to partner with the Relay For Life of Menlo Park & Palo Alto on a virtual fundraiser? Contact American Cancer Society staff member Blaine at blaine.mauldin@cancer.org for more information.