The Leading Voice of Business in Orange County
Friday, June 26, 2020 | View as Webpage
DISNEY DELAY, NEW WEBINARS, NEW HCD DIRECTOR, AND MORE
HOT OFF THE PRESS:
DUNN & DONE: DISNEY DELAYS OPENING, GOOD HEALTH IS GOOD BUSINESS*:
  • Yesterday, Disneyland Resort announced that its planned July 17 reopening—which would have marked the 65th anniversary of Walt’s original opening—would be delayed to a date unknown. Governor Newsom was not able to develop theme park guidelines within a time frame that allowed for Disney to plan workers’ safe return, in addition to guests’ return, to meet a July 17 date. This is unfortunate considering... Continue reading this important update from OCBC President and CEO, Lucy Dunn.

NEW CALIFORNIA CORONAVIRUS DATA PORTAL UNITES 58 COUNTIES WITH UP TO DATE INFO*:
  • Governor Newsom has made California's COVID-19 data portal open-source in an effort to ensure all 58 counties make decisions based on the same data. The portal includes models which are used to inform policy decisions and current rates of spread. View the portal.

STATE DECLARES CA BUDGET EMERGENCY:*
  • California has declared a budget emergency in an effort to bolster COVID-19 response efforts. The declaration makes additional resources available to the state such as PPE, medical supplies, and funding opportunities. Additionally, the Legislature may utilize rainy day funds to respond to the ongoing pandemic. See full details here.

LACK OF COUNTY MASK ENFORCEMENT MAY HALT STATE BAILOUT PACKAGE*:
  • As California surpasses 190,000 positive COVID-19 cases and hit a record high in number of patients admitted to ICUs, Governor Gavin Newsom is requiring more accountability from counties to enforce the statewide mask order. For counties who do not comply, he may withhold the state's proposed $2.5 billion bailout package.
GOOD HEALTH IS GOOD BUSINESS:
DON'T MISS THE NEXT OCBC AND OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY WEBINAR ON HOW TO REOPEN, JULY 2*:
WHERE TO GET TESTING IN OC:

GETTING THE FLU VACCINE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER:
  • Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC: “Getting the flu vaccine will help keep you and your loved ones out of doctors’ offices and hospitals and help conserve scarce medical resources to care for COVID-19 patients.”    

ADVOCACY UPDATES:
OC SUPERVISORS ASK GOVERNOR FOR VMT DELAY*:
  • Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution formally asking Governor Newsom to delay looming vehicle miles traveled (VMT) regulations set to take effect on July 1, 2020. The County joins OC cities Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Newport Beach and Tustin. These regulations will increase the costs of many homes in Southern California by thousands of dollars and will be devastating for affordable housing projects. Take action through BIA’s website here.

HCD DIRECTOR, VISION FOR THE FUTURE, WORKING WITH LEGISLATORS TOP OF MIND*:
  • OCBC’s Workforce Housing Committee hosted CA Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velazquez. Director Velasquez was appointed in May 2020 and is new to CA. OC leaders in business and housing briefed Director Velasquez on the region’s housing priorities, including how to reconcile differences between state housing and climate goals. Learn the direction HCD is headed and the impact of COVID-19, READ MORE.

BUSINESS RESOURCES :
OC SUPERVISORS EXTEND DEADLINE FOR GRANT PROGRAM, LINK TO APPLY*:
  • Supervisor Doug Chaffee (District 4) and Supervisor Lisa Bartlett (District 5) from OC Board of Supervisors are currently taking applications for their Small Business Relief Programs. The application period will close June 28 at 5 p.m. PST4th District App | 5th District App.

U.S. LABOR MARKET DISPLAYS ACCELERATED UNEMPLOYMENT FILINGS*:
  • The U.S. labor market continues to face strain as weekly unemployment filings for the week ending on June 20 was 1.48 million, higher than the forecasted 1.3 million. While many businesses reopen, others face a second wave of layoffs at nearly the same pace due to the recent spikes in COVID-19 cases. The aggregate total of people receiving unemployment benefits was 19.5 million for the week ended June 13.

OC FAIR BOARD ISSUES SOLIDARITY PROCLAMATION IN SUPPORT OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY:
  • OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors unanimously issued a proclamation today in support of the Black Community and stands united against discrimination and committed to inclusion, diversity and equality. The Board voted to reaffirm its commitment to denounce discrimination or violence in any form. Read the full proclamation here.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK BY MIHAYLO’S DR. ANIL PURI: REOPENING OC BUSINESS: HOW IS IT GOING?:
  • Join a webinar economic outlook by Dr. Anil Puri of CSUF in conversation with leading voices in business, including Lucy Dunn, President and CEO of OCBC; Joe Hensley, President of U.S. Bank in Orange County and OCBC Board Chair; and Mark Costa, Senior VP and Area Manager for Kaiser Permanente and OCBC Board Member. Learn more and register.

WEBINAR - "REOPENING PUBLIC AGENCIES--HOW TO AVOID LIABILITY?”:
  • Join ACC-OC’S discussion on the reopening of public and private spaces and the legal and practical issues associated on July 8 at 12:00 p.m. Register here.

WEBINAR - IT’S TIME! HOW CAN EARLY LEARNING PROVIDERS CREATE A THOROUGH PLAN TO REOPEN?: 
  • Hear from a panel of early childhood education leaders who have remained open or reopened for in-person services to children and families based on new guidelines on Thursday, July 9 at 9:00 a.m. Register here.

ARE YOU HIRING?
  • OCBC supports Orange County Development Board by helping job seekers land jobs. OCBC will create a custom job flyer for your open positions that is then circulated across the county. To view a previous flyer, click here. If your business is hiring, contact Jesse Ben-Ron, OCBC VP of Workforce and Economic Development.

SMALL BIZ RESOURCES:
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS:
ANGELS GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY*:
  • Angels Baseball Foundation awards local distinguished eighth graders and graduating seniors with higher education scholarships. The scholarship programs focus on first-generation eighth graders in pursuance of a four-year education, while providing graduating seniors with merit based, four-year scholarship. Additionally, Angels Baseball Foundation has partnered with Council Member, Denise Barnes and the local Boys & Girls Clubs to distribute meals. Way to go Angels!

COX CHARITIES SURPRISES 10 DESERVING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS WITH SCHOLARSHIPS*:
  • This year, Cox Charities awarded a total of $32,500 in scholarships to 10 students. Charities is the philanthropic arm of Cox Communications and is funded by employee donations, matched by Cox, and overseen by an advisory board consisting of employees who volunteer their time. Statewide, Cox Charities has awarded more than $1.7 million in scholarships to date.

OCSD APPROVES BUDGET AND FOREGOES SEWAGE RATE INCREASE*:
  • Orange County Sanitation District will adopt a two-year budget and maintain its current sewer fee for 2021. The decision is in support of the Capital Improvement Program which aims to enrich the local economy and provide over $500 million in construction contracts. In conjunction with the OCSD Board of Directors vote to forego the 1.2% sewage increase in light of COVID-19.

COX’S TIPS TO STAYING CONNECTED DURING WILDFIRE SEASON*: 
  • Cox provides Southern California residents tech safety tips in the event of a Public Safety Power Shutoff: Have a charged backup battery and corded phone. Get updates on Cox’s Twitter handle @coxcalifornia. Download Cox apps before a wildfire or PSPS occurs.

PACIFIC SYMPHONY INTERVIEWS SAXOPHONIST SUPERSTAR KENNY G:
  • Don't miss a fun, informative and entertaining interview with one of the best saxophonists in the world! Watch the interview.

MISSED OCBC'S PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS? View them by clicking here. PLEASE SHARE THESE UPDATES WITH COLLEAGUES, FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
NOT AN OCBC MEMBER? JOIN TODAY!
Join OCBC and connect with the most influential companies and top executives actively engaged in creating a pro-business environment and prosperous economy. Hundreds of Orange County's leading businesses, cities and non-profit organizations represent an elite group from every industry cluster, collectively employing over 250,000 people in the county and two million globally. Learn More. For more info, contact Natalie Rubalcava, OCBC Chief Operating Officer.
RESOURCES
Giving Back
American Red Cross & Blood Donations - Donate blood today!
Caterina's Club Feeds Kids in Need - Donate today to help
Chrysalis COVID-19 Relief Fund - Matching donations up to $25K!
Donate, Volunteer or Host a Virtual Food Bank 
HCA Accepting Medical Donations - Masks, Gloves, Gowns Needed
Basic supplies needed
OC Food Bank - Donations needed. 
Help students with laptops & other financial assistance
Second Harvest Food Bank - Match My Gift - Every $1 DOUBLES to provide SIX nutritious meals!
Help support Vital Link's STEM and career pathways for students
StandUp For Kids Orange County  -  COVID-19 Emergency Response 
New items are noted with an *
If you have questions on how to get connected with OCBC online,
contact James Alley, at 714.501.9893 or  [email protected] .
OCBC works to get you the best information in these difficult times fighting COVID-19, its health and economic impacts. Check your email often for important updates AND follow us on Facebook , Twitter  and Linkedin . In addition, check out our COVID-19 Resources page  on OCBC.org.