• After years of cleanup progress, litigation losses by Orange County Water District, and failure to work with businesses, OCWD successfully “pulled a fast one” and brought in federal EPA to list areas of Placentia, Anaheim and Fullerton as a superfund site. Now water clean-up may be delayed, litigation likely and property values may be threatened as the “feds are here to help.” OCBC has long opposed this listing, urging cooperation and coordination between property owners and OCWD. Read the full press release. 

• CA lawmakers ultimately found a way to provide rent relief for tenants without placing as much financial burden squarely on property owners. AB 3088, passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor on Monday, prevents tenants impacted by COVID-19 from being evicted if they pay 25% of missed rent from September 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021. Unpaid rent is still owed to landlords as a form of consumer debt that they may begin recovering starting March 1, 2021. 

• Spirit Airlines partners with John Wayne Airport to bring OC residents low fare flights to Las Vegas and Oakland starting November 17.

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

• AB 1281 – Extends exemption of employee and job applicant information from the California Consumer Privacy Act to last until January 1, 2022.
• AB 2421 – Streamlines the local permitting procress for emergency standby generators, helping telecommunications providers provide back-up power generation to cell towers more swiftly.
• AB 323 – Grants an exemption from AB 5 for local newspapers for an additional year.

• AB 196/AB 664 – Would have heavily burdened employers by extending workers compensation protections to essential workers if they are infected with COVID-19. Both bills presumed that an essential worker contracted COVID-19 at the workplace and would have required the employer to prove that the employee did not.
• AB 1080/SB 54 – Twin bills aiming to impose the nation’s toughest restrictions on single-use plastic packaging with harsh penalties for manufacturers failing to comply.

• SB 1383 – Would provide 12 weeks of mandatory leave for employees of businesses with five or more employees. Mistakes are enforceable through a private right of action and burdens small employers at the worst possible time.
• AB 685 – 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 bill’s language is unnecessarily broad, burdensome and ambiguous.

• An overview of the heightened year-over-year growth the tele-health industry has experienced since the shelter-in-place orders on March 16. 

• The year-over-year report shows 150% sales growth since the start of the pandemic. The popular food delivery app, DoorDash experienced a 46% increase in the month of July. View data report.

• The Small Business Development Center California has compiled a robust webinar library of tools and resources for business owners.

• Today at 11 a.m. learn about the changes in our nation’s economic conditions and how they affect small businesses. View event information.

• All unanswered payroll tax deferral questions such as: is the employer responsible for unpaid taxes? Is the payroll tax deferral voluntary for the employee or employer? are answered here.

• On Friday, September 11 join the 1 hour Financial Forecast to develop a personalized, short term plan for measurable targets, maximize sales, and help rank difficult spending decisions. Register here.

• The Cal State Fullerton Career Center's Fall 2020 Virtual Internship & Career Expo is open for employer registration now. They invite you to engage with their students to scout for talent or recruit at this event. The event is Thursday, September 17, 2020. Register here.

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

• SurfaceWise2 is a non-toxic, odorless protectant that can kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces for up to 7 days. 

• Legitimate contract tracers will first contact individuals with a text alert and then a potential phone call. Scams to be on look out for include a prompt to a link, contact tracers ask for money, they ask for sensitive information, and your immigration status. All suspicious activity should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission. 

• Logos for the upcoming 2028 Olympic games held in Los Angeles, CA have been released.

• Drive by and pick up local produce and groceries on Saturday, September 5 at Newhart Middle School from 9 - 11 a.m.

• Enter your pet in the 2020 Photo Fundraiser for the chance to be a local celebrity. Submissions will be used for the 20-2021 pet calendar. Deadline is September 8th.

• CalOptima has been awarded $5.5 million to help 350 homeless people using Section 8 vouchers move into affordable housing units. The funds will cover the cost of move-in fees and pay for sustainability services that help the homeless transition into rental homes. This initiative is in partnership with various private and nonprofit organizations such as Friendship Circle, Jamboree Housing Corporation, and Orange County United Way.

• Southern California Edison’s commitment to house a strong workplace culture is met with equal pay for equal work, partnerships with diverse business enterprises, community investments and involvement, and diverse representation throughout the company. With a workforce population of 13,270 almost 70% of employees are female or racially diverse at all levels. Employee sentiment is paramount with 93% of employees are proud to work for 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.