• Governor Newsom sets forth the motion to raise the minimum wage to $14 an hour for larger businesses and $13 an hour for smaller businesses. In response, businesses in the restaurant sector say they will struggle to survive amid the recurrence of restaurant closures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more.

• COVID-19 economic recovery must prioritize public health. Read the announcement and outline of the newly unveiled $100 billion stimulus plan from a group of CA legislators.
• Providing housing to meet CA’s needs is a priority across the board, but more alignment is needed in housing / transportation / climate change goals and metrics.
• Bills focus on jobs-housing balance, CEQA streamlining, active transportation, corporate diversity, and liability protections for schools.
• 2020: don’t forget to safely vote and complete your census! The State needs ideas for new OC polling locations.
• Progress on diversity remains a focus for public and private sectors. Free training on August 13th for women seeking seats on corporate boards!

• Delivering housing that is affordable and meets the needs of all Californians is key; and
• CA’s public higher education system is adapting to the pandemic and working to close the digital divide among students.

• Leading 92 lawsuits against the Trump Administration to create a cohesive legal foundation that allows CA’s economy, the world’s 5th largest, to operate.
• Liability protection parameters for businesses working to move forward through this pandemic, but that don’t create an escape hatch from litigation for bad actors, is important to the discussion.

• Pushing for increased housing near job- and transit-rich sites via his bill SB 902, that provides CEQA streamlining for zoning moderately dense infill projects.
• Advancing multi-modal transportation through SB 288 with faster approvals for climate-friendly bike and pedestrian projects. 

• Focused on providing a responsible pathway for schools to re-open safely, while prioritizing student and teacher health and including liability protections for schools (AB 1384).
• Insights on how COVID-19 has decreased activity the Port of Long Beach, and need to ensure safety at our goods movement hubs to keep them functioning.

• Highlighted California’s financial position post budget adoption and economic recovery efforts that keep public health at the forefront.
• The State continues to issue bonds and is seeing positive confidence from investors into CA with good rates of return.
• COVID-19 Resource Guide is updated in real-time with funding opportunities for small businesses.

• Transportation sector adapts to changes in a COVID-19 world and insights on how telecommuting may contribute to reduced vehicle miles traveled, but it’s not a silver bullet.
• CalSTA engaged in effort to study transition from gas tax to road charge as cars become more fuel efficient and electric, but road impacts and maintenance needs remain.
• Caltrans responding to pandemic by alleviating barriers for efficient movement of goods by trucks and focusing on 800+ active constructions projects statewide, 

• OCBC is honored to host Kimberly Reed, Chair of Export-Import Bank (EXIM) of the United States. EXIM helps American businesses get the funding they need to export their products. Don’t miss out on hearing from this national representative on August 5. Register today!

• James Vanderpool, city manager of Buena Park has been named as Anaheim’s new city manager with a unanimous vote from Anaheim City Council. Vanderpool has been recognized for his leadership in cultivating Buena Park as a premiere tourist destination through his work with Visit Buena Park and the city’s visitor and convention bureau. 

• Governor Newsom sets forth the motion to raise the minimum wage to $14 an hour for larger businesses and $13 an hour for smaller businesses. In response, businesses in the restaurant sector say they will struggle to survive amid the recurrence of restaurant closures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more.

• Governor Newsom announced over $1 billion in tax credits through the California Earned Income Tax Credit and Young Child Tax Credit. Families with children who are also eligible for the CalEITC will receive an additional $1,000. The development of the CalEITC and the installation of the YCTC comes in response to Californians' need for financial assistance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more.

• Shop local! The Modified Farmers Market at Great Park, Lot no. 2 is open for business every Sunday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Registrar of Voters has implemented new action plans for the 2020 Presidential General Election to provide a safe and secure environment for voters. The report covers the election planning that includes, candidate filing, recruitment, vote-by-mail voting, vote center locations, and more.

• Interested in the latest data on Q2 earnings, stimulus checks, COVID-19 increases and more? View Christopher Schwarz, UC Irvine Associate Professor of Finance and Faculty Director of the Center for Investment and Wealth Management for more information on economic and financial updates. Watch now.

• An executive order on eviction moratorium has been extended until Sept. 30, 2020. Santa Ana City Manager Kristine Ridge has signed this executive order that will halt the evictions of residential and commercial tenants who are unable to pay rent due to COVID-19. 

• California Chamber of Commerce annual job killer list features bills that will jeopardize California’s employment retention and business and economic growth once the bills become laws. View the complete list here.

• Small Business Emergency Grant Program Phase II will provide businesses with 25 or less employees with grants up to $10,000 and home-based businesses grants up to $2,500. These funds will be used for operating expenses such as rent/lease payments, mortgage payments, PPE, utility expenses, and inventory. The application period begins today.

• As California's reopen plans stands in-between stage 2 and 3, find out what is open and restricted in OC with the state's county tracker.

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

• Irvine Valley College is pleased to welcome its new President, Dr. John Hernandez and Dr. Martha McDonald as new Vice President for Student Services. These seasoned leaders join IVC with exceptional experience. Hernandez’s past position as president of Santiago Canyon College is met with over 30 years of experience as an educator and 22 years of administrative experience. McDonald’s 28 years of expertise lies in leadership, management, and supervising student support programs in higher education. 

• John Wayne Airport’s mission is to provide a clean and safe environment for all passengers. In its efforts to practice healthy travel, JWA has enhanced its travel experience. Flight goers may enjoy cocktails to go, contactless food ordering and gate delivery, complimentary #JWAsmile masks, live music, sanitation stations, and increased social distancing and sanitation measures. 

• Cox Communications has donated 300 computers to Capistrano Unified School District to allow low-income families direct access to educational resources amid the return to virtual learning. The partnership with nonprofit Computers2Kids, San Diego, aided in the computer delivery to the school district. 

• 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.