• Disneyland and Disney CA Adventure will reopen in late April. 10,000 furloughed employees will rejoin the workforce after a year of closure. Although CA allows theme parks to reopen on April 1 if they reside in the red/substantial tier 2 risk status, preparations to reopen will take time. Disneyland and DCA are eager to have staff safely back in action. Read more. Welcome back Disneyland!

• Current COVID-19 positivity rates have continued to decline, placing OC on track to reopen early next week. Read more.

• Pending vaccine supply, individuals notified to schedule an appointment through Othena can select the vaccine type to receive (Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson). Vaccine selection depends on which vaccines are available on open appointment dates.

• The Disneyland Super POD is now only dispensing vaccines through American with Disabilities Act (ADA) lanes/in-car vaccinations. The site will have less capacity than the County’s other POD sites and is intended to serve people who require an ADA-accessible option.

• Individuals who lack access to technology can call the HCA hotline at (714) 834-2000 for assistance with Othena registration and support.

• Early Childhood OC attempts to combat serious economic and social issues with preventive measures in early childhood, ensuring the workforce of tomorrow is well-prepared for success. Early Childhood OC aims to create a family-friendly culture with benefits such as dependent care assistant programs, on-site childcare, emergency child care options, health and wellness offerings, resource and referral services, and education on tax and subsidy eligibility. For more information, click here. 

• OCBC is proud to join Senator Tom Umberg in co-hosting “Boost with Facebook”, a free virtual webinar to jumpstart your business. Learn everything you need to know, from setting up a business page to communicating with your customers to managing and measuring your marketing. The event will feature remarks from Senator Umberg and OCBC Senior VP of Government Affairs Jennifer Ward. Register here; Boost with Facebook will be held on March 26 at 11:00 a.m.

• Spikes in crimes against Asian Americans have more than doubled in LA and cities across America. Research shows the increase to be connected to anti-Asian sentiments in regard to COVID-19 pandemic. Asian communities have become targets for violent crimes against the elderly and racist rants. Read more.

• Join Lisa Bartlett, Supervisor of the 5th district in partnership with OC Children’s Partnership and the 26th Annual Conditions of Children’s report, for a community forum on March 16 from 9-11 a.m. PST. Learn how to navigate discussion with youth about their emotions amid the pandemic and resources available for support. To register, click here.

• On March 5, OCBC’s Government Affairs Committee met with OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer and Congressman Lou Correa. District Attorney Spitzer discussed his office’s approach to encouraging businesses to follow COVID-19 guidelines and how to renew trust between the public and DAs. Congressman Correa went over the events of the Capitol riot and stressed the importance of uniformity and confidence in elections. Committee meetings are a benefit for OCBC members only. If interested in membership, please contact Jennifer Ward.

• On March 9, OCBC’s Infrastructure Committee heard a presentation from LaDonna DiCamillo, Southern California Regional Director for CA High-Speed Rail Authority. Ms. DiCamillo provided an overview of the high-speed rail’s progress in the Central Valley and the planning underway in Southern California. She also mentioned the importance of extending the state’s cap-and-trade program from 2030 to 2050. Committee meetings are a benefit for OCBC members only. If interested in membership, please contact Jennifer Ward.

• Learn how to embrace turbulence with Summit Series of Innovation featuring Executive Director Innovation Incubator David Ochi on March 19 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.. Inspired by local guides who conquered the highest mountains, this series aims to prepare entrepreneurs to conquer their highest goals with tools to endure turbulent times. To register, click here.

• California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) announced for new rounds of funds for CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program per Gov. Gavin Newsom’s go ahead of a legislative package which provides $2.075 billion for small business impacted by the pandemic and a $50 million allocation for non-profit cultural institutions. Read more.

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

• Wearing a mask is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Double masking" is an effective way to improve fit and filtration. A close-fitting cloth mask can be worn on top of a surgical/disposable mask to improve the seal of the mask to the face. Read more.

• California launched a new program that gives residents the opportunity to get vaccinated by volunteering to help get others inoculated at sites across the state.

• SBA Orange County/Inland Empire will hold a 5-week webinar series on the wedding industry’s road to recovery and rebuilding. Industry experts will be covering topics specific to the wedding and events industry that small businesses can apply during the pandemic. Register here. 

• Orange County United Way is asking for your support. They are helping 100 South Orange County families to get on the path to financial security. The program will provide them a financial specialist, a financial literacy workshop and a laptop for loan. Learn more and get involved. 

• 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.

• To celebrate Women's History Month and International Women's Day, we asked a few of the phenomenal women at Nossaman to share their personal insights and stories of inspiration. This week we'd like you to meet Ashley Walker, Senior Policy Advisor. Ashley provides legislative and regulatory solutions for a variety of clients with interests in education, sustainable communities, housing, and water issues in the State of California. Read more.

• MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is recognized by Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2021 for the third year in a row. This elite honor is awarded to hospitals on the forefront of innovative treatment and high-quality patient care.