• Supporters of the measure claim Prop 15 will only raise taxes on large, wealthy corporations with commercial land and buildings worth more than $3 million. What they fail to mention, is the catastrophic domino effect it will have on all Californians, from local businesses and consumers to farmers and homeowners. Continue reading.

• On Friday, October 9 from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., join Jennifer Ward, OCBC’s Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs and Carolyn Cavecche, President and CEO of the OC Taxpayers Association at the Virtual AM Connect. Hear from the experts on what each ballot proposition means for your business and you. Register here.

• First 5 Orange County just released Phase I of their “Orange County Child Care Landscape Analysis,” which shows that there are only enough licensed childcare slots for only 5% of OC’s infants between the ages of 0-2. High costs are also a burden for working families. Issues with childcare, especially in a pandemic, has disrupted an employee’s ability to rejoin the workforce, and will hamper economic recovery. 

• AMC Theatres and Cinemark will reopen following the temporary closure of Regal Cinemas. AMC has developed AMC Safe & Clean protocols in partnership with Clorox and faculty of the Harvard University School of Public Health to ensure the health and safety of moviegoers.  

• Disney chairman Bob Iger no longer serves on Governor Newsom’s economic recovery task force team as the governor continues to leave theme parks in limbo. Today, the Governor stated theme parks will not open soon and refused to share science and data—is this politics or what? OCBC says theme parks know better than politicians how to keep guests safe.

• OCBC's Workforce Development Committee welcomed Dr. Gary Matkin, Dean of the Division of Continuing Education for UCI, serving over 50,000 students a year, and provides them with new training to upskill their talents. UCI’s new and flexible training models such as alternative digital credentials or “badges” make clear to employers job candidates competencies. For more information, see the recording or contact Jesse Ben-Ron at [email protected]. Password to access the recording: Juf?9cD%

• SafeDineOC grants no longer requires receipts uploaded and the application takes less than 5 minutes! Help your favorite restaurant get a $5,000 grant!

• October 13, 8:00 a.m. is OCBC’s 2020 Workforce Development Conference . Hear how Orange County leaders embrace diversity and create an equitable future! Learn about educational advancements to improve outcomes across diverse communities, and how diversity and inclusion initiatives will positively impact the workplace. Learn how to be an agent for positive change! A special thank you to title sponsor, Union Bank! Register here.

• October 22 at 10:30 a.m. - The Great Disruption: Searching for Innovative Solutions and Infinite Possibilities in a Post-COVID World. Hear from Cal State Fullerton’s industry experts on the economic trends and forces shaping Orange County post-pandemic. A special thank you to title sponsor, U.S. Bank! Register here. 

• Placentia partnered with Mercy Housing, the County, and New Directions for Veterans to design and construct a permanent supportive 49-unit affordable housing development that serves homeless veterans. The state-of-the-art Veterans Village opened in March 2020 and is LEED Gold certified. Residents have access to an energy efficient edible garden, comprehensive onsite services, job training and direct medical clinic services. The project’s estimated cost is nearly $22 million and was funded through city, county and state loans combined with the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program. OCBC commends Placentia for addressing Orange County’s challenging homeless crisis by providing veterans a home with the supportive services they need.

• On his final day to act on bills sent to him by the Legislature, Governor Newsom vetoed an OCBC and California Chamber of Commerce-opposed job killer proposal that would have imposed an onerous and stringent process for specific employers to return employees to the workforce.

• Do you travel the I-5 or SR-55 freeways? OCTA is studying the two freeways for the development of Freeway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes--express bus service mostly on freeways, taking advantage of carpool lanes, express lanes, toll lanes or shoulder lanes to serve key destinations. OCTA’s Study will identify improvements to infrastructure, potential stops and transportation solutions for potential BRT routes. Take the Freeway Bus Survey or phone 909-494-2900 until November 16, 2020. Let OCTA know where you will go! Attend a live virtual public meeting on October 14 at 5:30 p.m. Register here and be sure to watch the video.

• Today at 10:00 a.m., prepare for the unexpected with Disaster Resistant Business. Learn crisis management strategies, how to help your customers and employees in times of need, and how to beat your competitors to recovery. Participants will receive a complimentary toolkit. Register here. 

• On October 13-14, 2020, the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences welcomes innovators to its 2nd Annual Industry Showcase. This virtual, two-day showcase highlights the community and school's partnership to promote research and growth in machine learning, cybersecurity, software engineering, and human-computer interaction. Register here.

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

• Airport employees and travelers can receive free COVID-19 test results in fifteen minutes at the Oakland International Airport. Travelers are advised to get tested the day before their flight or arrive three hours ahead of their departure. 

• The ultraviolet wand has the capability to work in compact spaces and inactivates viruses and bacteria on airplanes in under 15 minutes.

• Visit California invites OC cities to submit information about its destination’s holiday cheer such as things to do, where to eat and shop, local businesses, and road trip ideas to your city for this holiday season. Submit your pitch here.

• Anaheim residents in need of rental assistance may apply here. The program deadline is October 14, 2020.

• Downtown Disney tests Evolv Express contactless security scanners, which allows parkgoers entry without stopping to open their bags or emptying their pockets. The x-ray machine uses real-time artificial intelligence software to distinguish threats from personal items, with an add-on option for facial recognition. The touch-free system screens up to 3,600 people per hour which is 10 times faster than the previous security system. 

• The Los Angeles Chargers bring the SoFi Stadium experience to you with the Chargers HomeTurf app. Fans can download the app in the App Store and Google Play to access video board graphics and features, live chats with Chargers legends and fans, participate in polls, trivia, interactive games, and more.

• Anaheim Convention Center Test Site: Appointments Required.
• Testing Basics: COVID-19 Test Options.
• Free testing in OC: How to access.
• DO IT! Where to get tested in OC: Find a testing site near you. 
• OC Testing Sites: Appointment & walk-in resources.
• 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.