• Governor Newsom's workforce employer handbook provides guidance for employers to provide a safe, clean environment for workers and customers.

• 74% of Californians say people should ALWAYS wear a mask in public. New PPIC poll here. A number of OC elected officials joined together to encourage the public to do their part and wear masks. Watch here.

• “From the start, FivePoint has supported healthcare workers, first responders and all of the heroes on the frontline of this pandemic, including here in the City of Irvine, our public partner in good times and moments of crisis like this,” FivePoint Chairman and CEO Emile Haddad said.

• The stockpile of 100 million KN-95 masks and 200 million surgical masks will ensure California does not face the same shortages characterized by the early stages of the pandemic. Read more.

• Irvine City Council has increased the number of tests available for Irvine Residents. Appointments are available Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for symptomatic or asymptomatic Irvine residences. Sign up for an appointment here.

• Cal State Fullerton is offering a free webinar for businesses to effectively support the human and emotional needs of their employees as the economy reopens in the new normal. Register here.

• COVID-19 vaccine frontrunner, Moderna Phase 3 Coronavirus Efficacy study has received additional federal funding of $472 million for vaccine development. Which brings the total investment of clinical trial funds to $955 million. 

• Research indicates that the greater degree of infection is found in the nasal cavity compared to other respiratory tracts such as the throat. Therapeutic strategies with the use of masks that cover both the mouth and nose are the best ways to limit potential infection. #MaskUP!

• Today at 11:30 a.m., join Christopher Schwarz, UC Irvine Associate Professor of Finance and Faculty Director of the Center for Investment and Wealth Management, for the latest data, Q2 earnings, stimulus checks, and COVID-19 increases. Register now! Co-sponsored by OCBC.

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense announced an agreement with Pfizer for large-scale production and nationwide delivery of 100 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States.

• Local cities and counties can apply for Homekey funds, the largest project in CA’s history to house the homeless population. Funds will be available for the purchase and refurbishment of hotels, motels, and vacant apartment buildings. View application details.

• Anaheim Convention Center Test Site: Appointments Required.
• 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.

• President Donald Trump issued an executive order aiming to exclude undocumented immigrants from being included in census results. This could undercount up to two million undocumented immigrants in California, resulting in a substantial reduction in federal dollars allocated to the state and the potential loss of a congressional seat. A census undercount threatens California’s competitive advantage. This policy will be challenged in court. Find your Representative here to let them know that you support a full and accurate census count.

• 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.

• ReadyNation California and First 5 OC have partnered to promote the ReadyNation Business Census Champion program which helps businesses understand the significance of completing the 2020 Census count. Participating businesses have received 2020 Census free promotional materials and will have their efforts showcased in the Business Census Champion social media campaign.

• For many employers, COVID-19 changed the way employees commute to work. Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) asks YOU to take a brief survey on behalf of your organization and help plan the future of transportation in OC.

• Orange County Register is partnering with local business leaders to honor outstanding workplaces in Orange County for the 13th year in a row. This years theme is "Celebrate the Good," and "Extraordinary Times. Extraordinary Effort." The nomination period has been extended through Friday, August 7. Nominate an organization today!

• Nicole Suydam, President & CEO, of Goodwill of Orange County hosts Jeff McBride, President & CEO, of YMCA of Orange County on the podcast, “Sharing Goodwill” to discuss YMCA of Orange County’s leadership throughout the current pandemic. McBride shares his inspiration and vision for the future of YMCA of Orange County. Listen here. 

• CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank host employment law experts Bianca Saad and Matthew Roberts on CalChamber’s The Workplace podcast, “COVID-19: Planning for School Closures” to discuss how schools can prepare for fall school closures and available leave options by affected school employees. Listen and view a written recap here.

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

• Goodwill of Orange County honors the life of Dan Rogers, former President & CEO, with the Dan Rogers Memorial Fund. Dan served as Goodwill of OC’s President and CEO from 2001 to 2012, where his servant leadership grew the organization’s retail stores and mission to exceptional growth. Dan’s legacy, innovation, and promotion of Culture of Kindness will forever be embedded into the cultural foundation of Goodwill of OC. 

• OC United Way’s fight to end homelessness in 2019 was a major success. In twelve months, OC United Way housed over 100 people with the WelcomeHomeOC landlord incentive program, allocated $2.9 million to the WelcomeHomeOC program which also houses homeless veterans, partnered with the Apartment Association of Orange County to increase rental property ownership, and raised $500,000 in thirty days to house thirty homeless households. Learn more about OC United Way’s accomplishments.