• Nearly every speaker, detailed below, emphasized the importance for Congress, the Senate and the White House to find common ground and pass the next phase of coronavirus aid to course correct the economic downturn by supporting American businesses and families. Also at risk is a September 30 government shutdown if Congress does not act on the budget. OCBC urges you to contact your representatives. The time to work together is now.

• Senator Feinstein remains gravely concerned and committed to addressing California’s devastating wildfires. On COVID-19, she provided her five-point national strategy, including increased testing and contact tracing, a national mask mandate, well-planned vaccine distribution, and supply chain solutions. The Senator is working on a bipartisan solution to USPS funding challenges via a $25 billion bill with Maine Senator Susan Collins.

• Congressman Lowenthal discussed the Moving Forward Act, the House’s transportation and infrastructure bill to replace the FAST Act expiring on September 30, so that state and local governments and transportation authorities can plan for the future. Congressman Lowenthal remains dedicated to mitigating climate change impacts without sacrificing economic vitality. He stressed that we have a social responsibility to protect ourselves and others by wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

• Congressman Levin underscored his commitment to addressing climate change, speaking to the opportunity for clean energy to create millions of high skilled, high wage jobs. The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis recently released an action plan. Congressman Levin urged leaders in business and government to think strategically and find ways to be more efficient in our climate change mitigation efforts.

• Congressman Cisneros is working on bipartisan solutions to support businesses during the pandemic, including a bill he introduced to expand access for Paycheck Protection Program loans to 501(c)6 nonprofits. He is committed to supporting small businesses and cities, who are in need of federal support in the phase four stimulus package. The Congressman is also actively engaged in conversations with his constituents about how to address systemic racial inequities.

• AB 323, the Save Local Journalism Act, will give ethnic, mid-size and daily newspapers two additional years to comply with AB 5. During the pandemic, local newspapers like the Orange County Register have become even more crucial resources for the community. However, the economic downturn has caused advertising revenues to plummet. Costs associated with AB 5 compliance existentially threaten newspapers. AB 323 is on the Senate floor and could be heard as early as today—learn more about how to call and voice your support HERE. 

• The Spreading Positive Vibes campaign kicks off with the musical anthem, “Wear the Mask for Me,” by local musicians Jim Quealy and Jeremy Long. Local celebrities will continue to spread the positive vibes of COVID-19 safety via radio interviews. #PositiveVibes #MaskUP

• A new partnership between the state and diagnostics company PerkinElmer is set to run 150,000 test a day for COVID-19 and the flu by November 1. Tests will be provided at an affordable cost and show results in less than 48 hours.

• On Tuesday, August 25, the OC Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to name Dr. Clayton Chau, the Chief Health Officer, of the Orange County Health Care Agency. Chau has currently been serving as interim Chief Health Officer since June and will continue his dual position as the agency’s director. 

• On August 26, buildings and landmarks across California lit up in purple and gold in movement with the “Forward Into Light” campaign. The campaign honors the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and women’s constitutional right to vote.

• Qualifying restaurants will receive a $1,000 grant after completing a five minute application. Learn more.

• SB 1383, labeled as a “Job Killer” by California Chamber of Commerce, would harm small businesses at the worst possible time by requiring any employer with 5 or more employees to provide 12-weeks of protected leave each year subjecting them to potential litigation for unintentional mistakes. Urge your Assemblymember to vote NO!

• California public health official guidelines advise that supervised cohorts, of no more than 14 children, may be chaperoned by one to two adults that will remain together for all activities and avoid contact with other cohort groups. 

• Join Irvine’s Mayor Christina L. Shea and Vice Mayor Mike Carroll for a Virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, September 8 at 2 p.m. to discuss Irvine’s action and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents may submit questions via registration.

• Help drive consumers to your business with SBDC’s Adapt A Business campaign. Companies can promote local businesses through social media, gift card purchases, online ordering, and more. Share your story!

• Attend the Virtual World Trade Week Southern California conference on September 22. Hear from great speakers how you can best grow your business by accessing international markets. Hear from great speakers like Kimberly Reed, President and Chair of EXIM Bank and Mayor Eric Garcetti.  

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

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now no longer recommends COVID-19 testing for symptom-less people who were in close contact situations. The revised guideline has been the center of controversy throughout the medical field. Learn more.

• The OC Fairgrounds testing center will open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and conduct up to 1,000 tests daily with results in 24 to 48 hours. The drive-thru test site is available by appointment only, with web registration soon available in multiple languages. Book an appointment here.

• Join Supervisor Lisa Bartlett and Saddleback Church on Monday, August 31 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the Laguna Hills Mall to receive free groceries.

• Join Pacific Symphony at 7 p.m. for the musical works of Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique” with conductor Carl St. Clair and host Eileen Jeanette, and a special interview with Principal Bassoon Rose Corrigan. View here.

• Join the American Red Cross On Tuesday, September 1, 2020 from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at Huntington Beach Central Library to donate blood. All blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Sign up here.

• A new episode of the popular PBS program "The Travel Detective with Peter Greenberg" investigates the resurgence of Southern California's Ontario International Airport. The segment, reported by Scott McCartney, travel editor and "The Middle Seat" columnist for The Wall Street Journal (pictured at ONT), explores the importance of secondary airports and ONT's rise as a preferred regional airport in the metropolitan Los Angeles region since its transfer from the City of Los Angeles to local control under the Ontario International Airport Authority.

• Four months ahead of schedule, OCTA and Caltrans open a second carpool lane in both directions on the I-5 between SR-55 and SR-57. The I-5 Central County Improvements Project is to help accelerate commutes and diminish bottlenecks through Santa Ana, Orange and Tustin and will continue with additional electrical, landscaping and signage installation.

• On Saturday, August 29 Metrolink will provide free ride tickets for kids accompanied by adults with a $10 ticket purchase. Metrolink’s rail service will travel to six counties with onboard storage space for bikes, strollers, and beach gear. Metrolink’s commitment to safety and wellness is met with electrostatic sprayer that sprays each train car with hospital grade disinfectants every day, and an expanded Clean Care Crew that cleans, wipes down and disinfects trains throughout the day.

• 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.