Pub 8 2019-2020 Issue 3

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the highly contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (“SARS-CoV-2”) previously called
the “novel coronavirus” (World Health Organization). The virus and COVID-19 present serious public health risks. Local and state governments
in almost all states have requested the shutdown of non-essential retail services. Many dealerships are keeping their service departments
open as part of the government recognized “essential service.”

These are undoubtedly unprecedented times. What are you doing, as a small business, to weather the storm?
The first thing is to maintain a positive attitude. Leadership is more important now than ever. Ownership means that you can’t have a bad day — at least not a public one. You have to “coach up” and inspire your staff. We chose to overcommunicate. My partner Ron Fornaca and I work our business from the ground level; we walk the four corners to the lot. We know our people.

Ben Hueso was elected as California State Senator for the 40th District in March 2013. He represents the cities of Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, National City, portions of the City of San Diego and the Imperial County.

Traditionally, when an individual or organization fears change, it has something to do with digital technology disrupting their status quo. Will something autonomous replace my job? What if something occurs that puts me completely out of business?

From leaves to loans to local orders to layoffs, in the months since Governor Newsom first issued his executive order requiring all Californians stay at home, there have been a variety of new laws at the federal, state, and local levels impacting dealership employers. While there could always be additional changes, below are some of the key laws Dealership employers should be aware of as we navigate this spring’s COVID-19 outbreak.

The initial shock of the COVID-19 virus and the resulting shelter in place orders is beginning to wear off, and dealerships are asking themselves: what next? This article addresses the legal landscape for vehicle sales in San Diego County, what dealers must do now to operate their showrooms in a compliant manner, and how they can prepare for an uncertain future. The good news is that investments today in sound safety practices and legal compliance will pay dividends as prevention methods are likely to be our new normal.

How did you become a car dealer? Did you always aspire to be part of the automotive industry?
I grew up with the car business all around me. My father and his father were Dodge dealers so it was talked about over dinner throughout my childhood.