CRA eJournal

A pandemic of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19) currently exists in California and beyond. Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in California on March 4, 2020. Workers and employers should adhere to the latest government guidance on how to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace, including guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health, and the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). At the same time, employers must adhere to state and federal civil rights laws, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). For employers with 5 or more employees, the FEHA prohibits employment discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, national origin, disability, age (over 40), and other characteristics. The FEHA also requires employers to reasonably accommodate employees with a disability, unless an employer shows undue hardship after engaging in the interactive process. DFEH is providing this guidance to assist employers and employees with frequently asked questions about how to keep workplaces safe during the COVID-19 pandemic while also upholding civil rights. This guidance is based on current public health information and may be updated from time to time, and replaces previous guidance issued on March 20, 2020 and July 24, 2020. This guidance is for informational purposes only and does not create any rights or obligations separate from those imposed by the FEHA and other laws.

 

NEW THIS WEEK! Episode 20 – On today's episode, Dan Crowley speaks with Dave Dworschak, president of Don's Rentals and secretary of the California Rental Association. Dave discusses what it has been like planning events and participating in rental associations across the West Coast. Thanks for listening. Join us for another episode in the next two weeks! See the complete list of Peer Talk episodes. 

 

CRA’s March “4th Wednesday Rental Workshop” will take place via Zoom on the 24th from 2:30 – 4:00 pm. John Weigel will present: “Dispense Propane Safely.” Training for this FREE MEMBER BENEFIT runs for an hour and is followed by a Q&A session. Participants receive a training certificate and have a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card at the raffle held at the end of the workshop. Thank you to Ted Johnson Propane for sponsoring this workshop!

According to the IRS, no matter how workers’ compensation wage loss payments are paid out — weekly or in a lump sum settlement — workers’ compensation is not taxable. The same applies to lump sum payments to survivors. There are only two minor exceptions to this, which we will cover. According to IRS Publication 907, “The following payments are not taxable … Workers’ compensation for an occupational sickness or injury if paid under a workers’ compensation act or similar law.” Also, employees who receive workers’ compensation will not get a W-2 statement, so it’s not necessary for them to include this information when filing taxes.

We can hardly believe it, but our baby, 360 Payments, turns 10 years old today. It feels just like yesterday that Lisa, Jesse, and I were sitting around a spare bedroom conference table, writing our business plan, and stressing about whether or not this idea of starting a payments company could actually be successful. There were many long days, sleepless nights, highs, and lows. Through it all, the one constant has been our amazing team of people who love this company as much as we do, along with all of you, our amazing customers. Everyone here at 360 will be celebrating all week to commemorate this exciting milestone.

   

If you are able and willing, would you please help us celebrate? You could help us with any of the following—Share a favorite memory, story, or picture of one of your interactions with 360 on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/360Payments. Share your experience with 360 on our Google page: https://bit.ly/3bdgFMl. Let a friend know about 360 by telling us about them here: https://www.360payments.com/merchant-referrals/.

 

On behalf of Lisa, Jesse, and the entire team here at 360 Payments, I just want to say THANK YOU! This company would be nothing without the love and support we received from all of you, and we appreciate you more than you know.

 

With Love, Steve Ciabattoni

Anderson Industrial Engines Co., Inc. (AIE) is announcing an expansion of their Kubota Engine and Generator area of responsibility, adding Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, effective 4/1/2021. AIE, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, with a branch operation in Kansas City, Kansas, and Modesto, California, is recognized as one of Kubota Engine America’s top distributors. Customer inquiry, support, and ordering for the Pacific Northwest will be fulfilled by AIE’s Modesto, CA, location and supported by the Omaha and Kansas City branch locations. AIE brings a team of well seasoned industry professionals that offer engine sales, engineered systems, technical information, on hand service parts, product training, warranty administration, application engineering, and more. A full featured industrial engine distributor, AIE specializes in providing a value added, engineered product in a turnkey package.