By Staff Report Tuesday, March 17th, 2020

A roundup of coronavirus-related briefs from around the region:

• United Way of Santa Barbara County and the Santa Barbara Foundation are teaming up on a COVID-19 response effort. The partnership will combine fundraising and decision-making resources. Initial focus is in supporting food insecurity, seniors, child care needs and health care. Applications for grants will be available through a dedicated web site.

• In Ventura County FoodShare is ramping up operations to provide for an anticipated groundswell of demand for food from financially stressed households. They are working with the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce and others to get the word out. You can donate online or follow them at #WeFeedVC on social media.

• Cox and other broadband providers are offering low-cost internet service for low income families or speeding up broadband in local markets to serve work-at-home professionals. Cox, which serves South Santa Barbara County, has eliminated data overage charges for broadband and is offering a starter plan for $19.99 per month. Spectrum in San Luis Obispo County and Comcast in North Santa Barbara County are also offering options — check with your provider.

• Earth Day programs are moving to virtual celebrations for the 50^th anniversary,  with a Digital Early Day being organized for April 22 by the Earth Day Network in Washington, D.C. Some of the festivities will be streamed live on social media at @earthdaynetwork. A live 50^th anniversary event scheduled for April 25 on the National Mall will be moved to October. Find out more at www.earthday.org. • The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is conducting a business impact survey and has a dedicated page for Coronavirus resources. Find out more at www.santamaria.com.