• Drive through COVID-19 testing at Anaheim Convention Center will open July 15 through a public-partnership between County of Orange, 360 Clinic, and City of Anaheim. Learn more.

• “The virus isn’t going away and it isn’t political,” says Lucy Dunn, CEO of the Orange County Business Council. “To safely reopen businesses, we must look to those countries who faced the pandemic before us. They universally embraced face masks and distancing. And they are now starting to open up. We are not even through the first wave of this disease yet. Mask up and keep it up to slow the infection rate.” Continue reading!

• Educators and businesses across the country broadly opposed the decision to deport international students only taking online classes. Read more.

• Brea restaurants can access CARES Act funding to offset the costs associated with outdoor dining permitting. Interested businesses can visit BeBrea.com for more details and the application packet. Does your city have other innovative ways of supporting your business? If so, contact Connor Medina so they can make it in a future newsletter.  

• Disneyland is leading the way with innovative solutions for reopening safely. Hear from Disney Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pam Hymel to learn what Disneyland is doing to protect visitors and cast members. 

• The vote is in direct opposition to positions taken by Orange County Health Care Agency, State of California and Center for Disease Control. Read more.

• Superintendent Dr. Al Mijare's statement clarifies that the OC Board of Education’s vote is not binding and all 27 OC school districts are able to establish individual guidelines. Collaboration will continue to implement district plans that align with OC Health Care Agency and state guidelines.

• The Safe Restaurant Program will use CARES Act funds to reward restaurants operating safety. Grants of $1,000 will be awarded to restaurants that post an attestation, state industry-specific checklist and comply with provisions of the Amended Order and Strong Recommendations. OCBC strongly supports this measure.

• CA educators may opt to assess student’s learning levels with a new digital assessment tool. The diagnostic tools are available in English and Spanish for K-12 students.

• COVID-19 tests will be available to OC's essential workers and residents Wednesday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open to both insured and uninsured individuals. Learn more.

• Free testing in OC: How to access.
• DO IT! Where to get tested in OC: Find a testing site near you. 
• Public & private sector testing: Contact your provider today.
• COVID-19 Hotline: For general questions & information call: (714)-834-2000.
• OC Health Care Agency: Data Dashboard featuring confirmed COVID-19 cases.

• OCBC will be hosting a virtual advocacy summit July 27 and 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Don’t miss your chance to discuss OC's priorities with top-level legislators and state officials. Confirmed speakers include Lieutenant Governor Elieni Kounalakis; Secretary of State Alex Padilla; Treasurer Fiona Ma; Senate Education Chair Connie Leyva; Assembly Utilities and Energy Chair Chris Holden; Senate Housing Chair Scott Wiener; State Water Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel; Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin; and others. Open to OCBC members only. Members can register HERE. To learn more about membership, contact Natalie Rubalcava.

• OCBC’s Infrastructure Committee hosted a panel discussion with three of OC’s most prominent water district executives. The panel included Paul Cook, General Manager, Irvine Ranch Water District; Brett Barbre, General Manager, Yorba Linda Water District; and Karl Seckel, Assistant General Manager, Municipal Water District of Orange County. Each leader discussed how COVID-19 has impacted operation and safety measures in place, what major projects are in the pipeline and the various water supply challenges facing OC, including desalinization efforts.

• Is your workforce in need of training? Rancho Santiago Community College District and Saddleback college can provide customized and subsidized training opportunities to upskill or reskill your employees. For more information, contact Jesse Ben-Ron, OCBC VP of Workforce and Economic Development.

• Join ChalChamber on July 15 at 8:00 a.m. to learn how to address workplace racism, the effect of bias decision making, and training programs to promote workers to management. Register here.

• Taxpayers who owe taxes may choose from four different payment options. Those who are unable to pay their taxes today may opt for a payment plan or apply for an extended deadline on October 15. Learn more.

• "The Workplace" podcast hosted by CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg, and Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank, features a discussion on best practices for implementing safety policies in the workplace. View written recap here.

• Small Business Development Center
• SBDC Resources for Small Businesses
• Go-BIZ FAQ for Small Businesses

• Verizon Google Cloud Contact Center Artificial Intelligence will provide an instinctive customer service experience. Customer satisfaction will be boosted with the application’s quick responses and innovative technology. The application features natural language recognition, fast processing, and real-time customer service agents.

• Wells Fargo's program donates processing fees generated by the Paycheck Protection Program to nonprofits focused on small business recovery efforts. Additionally, $250 million in grants is allocated toward nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions. Applications close August 7. Apply Here! 

• Metrolink has reached an important safety milestone with the installation of two hand sanitizer stations per train car. In response to a recent customer survey, Metrolink meets the safety needs of its riders with complimentary face masks, enhanced cleaning initiatives, and social distancing tools, “How Full Is My Train?”.