Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order intended to expand support for those affected by the atmospheric river storms that have pelted Northern California over the last two weeks.
The order, issued late Monday, waives work limitations for retired annuitants in all state agencies that are responding to the storm aftermath and makes it easier for care providers and health care facilities to add staff members as needed, particularly in areas that remain heavily flooded.
The order also waives fees for people seeking to replace records like marriage and birth certificates that may have been damaged during the storms and waives school meal requirements for some elementary schools in Merced, which have been closed in recent days due to significant flooding.
“With lingering storms expected through midweek, the state continues to work with local and federal partners to prepare for and respond to flooding, debris flow and other storm-related emergencies,” the governor’s office said in a statement.
At least 20 people have died as a result of the storms and tens of thousands of people were evacuated after many rivers and creeks jumped their banks and flooded local neighborhoods across the state.
The storms prompted President Joe Biden to issue major disaster and emergency declarations to aid in the emergency response and recovery.
Newsom also declared a state of emergency earlier this month while many local governments did the same.