•  AB 323 exempts newspaper distributors, like the Southern California News Group, from burdensome mandates of AB 5 (2019) for an additional year. Newspapers struggle with a decline in advertising during the pandemic and can not withstand the financial hit of classifying independent contractors as employees. OCBC strongly supports REPEAL of AB 5, its 150+ exemptions, for a more collaborative legislative approach to worker classification.

•  With an estimated layoff of 5,000 employees, Disneyland Resort’s restaurant, hotel workers, and Imagineers are anticipated to be the first sectors out of work. Union representatives for Disneyland food and beverage believe 2,500 of its 7,850 workers will be laid off.  The impact of Disneyland’s closure and layoffs will be profound for SoCal.

•  Under another set of changing guidelines, an equity metric system, counties must show a decrease in COVID-19 cases in disadvantaged neighborhoods before indoor activities can resume. All counties must submit a plan to the State and disclose how funds will be invested to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

• The Orange County Registrar of Voters released the 2020 election observer guidelines to inform voters of the in-person and remote ballot process and safety protocols. 

• Hear from Lucy Dunn on CBS News
• OC Register Highlights the Impact in SoCal
• Anaheim Chamber President Talks Safety at Disney
• Anaheim Independent Underscores Governor’s Lack of Transparency
• Plus, OCBC doesn’t like rumors—we work on facts—but to cut off one we’re hearing from Sacramento--it is a non-starter for the hospitality industry in So Cal, including theme parks, for anything other than opening with 25% capacity and within the ORANGE TIER (third level). Tell the Governor to ReOpen Theme Parks now.

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

• Join OCBC on October 13 at 8 a.m. for the Workforce Development Conference to hear what Orange County leaders are doing to embrace diversity and create an equitable future! Learn what is being done in education to improve outcomes across OC’s many 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.

• The County Social Services Agency (SSA) implemented the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), an optional benefit program enabling elderly, disabled and homeless CalFresh recipients to purchase meals at participating restaurants. The RMP provides warm, nutritious meal options for impacted populations who may have difficulty cooking or accessing groceries. In 2020 alone, more than 100 participating restaurants have been added to the RMP and annualized restaurant 2020 sales are expected to be $2.2 million. Despite the pandemic, sales have grown by more than 17 times since the RMP’s first year.

• Governor Newsom recently signed two bills of significance to the business community. OCBC supports AB 1281, which extends the exemption of employee and job applicant information from the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) until January 1, 2022. The CCPA’s broad definition of “consumer” includes employees and job applicants, so this delay is welcomed by businesses navigating the CCPA’s complex mandates. AB 685 is opposed by OCBC. This broad, burdensome bill requires all public and private employers to notify state agencies and all of their employees within 24 hours of an employee exposure to COVID-19.

• The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is conducting a transportation study that will consider transportation needs of residents, commuters, and visitors in south Orange County. The study will identify improvements for streets, bus and rail transit, highways and bikeways through 2045. Let OCTA know your input on how to improve transportation in south Orange County by taking a short community survey at SouthOCStudysurvey.com. For more information, visit here.

• OCTax hosted the virtual event, Save California that featured special guest, Wing Lam, Owner and Founder of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos for a conversation on the economic downfall small businesses will face if the Proposition 15 initiative passes—every aspect of average folks’ lives will be more expensive. Watch event recap here!

• On Thursday, October 29, join funding expert, Hannah Fernandez, in conversation on the challenges that small business owners face to receive capital, alternative funding options for minorities in the “missing middle” gap, and the best way to increase the ability to receive funds. Learn more and register here.

• Find out the actions your business can take to reduce your 2020 tax bill, recoup taxes paid in previous years, approaches for possible tax changes, and required actions to prepare for 2021. Learn more and register here.

• Virtual Career Development Master Class, Saturday, October 10, 9:00 – 11:00 am. The Master Class will feature a presentation on virtual interviewing and provide two opportunities for Orange County job-seekers to participate in mock interviews and resume/LinkedIn review with professionals from different industries. Learn more!

• California manufacturers who produce PPE, including face masks and gloves, can advertise their wares on Safely Making California's website. The website is a joint effort by the California Manufacturers and Technology Association and the State of California. A manufacturer does not have to be a member of CMTA to participate. To apply, manufacturers should complete this form. 

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

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

• Tonight from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Orange County Great Park, enjoy a night out with family and friends at the 19th Annual Irvine Global Village Festival. The festival will host on-site gourmet food trucks, free tacos from Taco Bell, arts and crafts, and live music from local Irvine students. 

• On Saturday, October 3 in Santa Ana, join the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers and dealers for the US Aircraft Expo where the latest models of general aviation aircraft will be on display. Tickets are required and complimentary, register here. 

• Pick a pumpkin right off the vine at Tanaka Pumpkin Farm! Experience three unique ways to view the 30-acre farm with U-pick pumpkin wagon rides, a drive-thru pumpkin farm, and a drive-thru produce market. Reservations are required, book here.

• Enter the OC Fairgrounds if you dare for a drive-thru Halloween haunt. The Urban Legends Haunt is an immersive 45-minute drive-thru event that features live performances and four interactive show zones. Tickets are available through November 1, 2020. 

• Southwest Airlines CEO, Gary Kelly, shares video message to employees about the company’s dedication to advance diversity in leadership. The airline's diversity goals build upon its golden rule of, “treat others as you would like to be treated”. By 2025, Southwest Airlines will double the percentage of racial and gender diversity in Senior Management Committee, measure diversity progress in senior leadership, and require diverse candidate slates for all positions. 

• Edison Internationals will pledge $1.2 million to the Edison Scholars Program. Students who would like to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering or math may apply for a $40,000 scholarship that will paid over the course of four years. Scholarship winners will also receive consideration for summer internships with Southern California Edison. 

• 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.