• The Southern California region is close to reopening sooner than expected as it nears the distribution of 2 million vaccine's in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Read more.

• In celebration of International Women's Day, OCBC expresses its utmost appreciation for strong female business leaders everywhere! This year we are thankful to have both the leadership and resilience of two inspiring women with CHOC's Jena Jensen as OCBC's 2021 Board Chair and Lucy Dunn, as President & CEO. OCBC is fortunate to have a host of accomplished and dedicated women on its Board of Directors and staff who are working to make OC the best place it can be.

• Today is the last day to vote in the special election for OC’s Second Supervisorial District. If you’re a registered voter in this District, you have received a vote-by-mail ballot. Make sure your voice is heard! Learn your options for submitting your ballot here.

• California has once again changed its COVID restrictions, clearing a path for fans to hit the stands at opening-day baseball games and return to Disneyland and other amusement parks next month. Capacities will be limited.

• Southern California Assn. of Governments (SCAG) deemed that cities in OC must find space for 183,000 new homes after a state mandated housing expansion. The decision was finalized on March 4 by the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) housing numbers. Read more. 

• The new guidance offers vaccinated Americans more freedom to socialize and pursue routine daily activities, including indoor visits with unvaccinated members of a single household at low risk of severe disease, without wearing masks or distancing.

• Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has opened applications for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC). Take advantage of the $71.1 million in tax credits available for businesses that have created full time job opportunities in CA. Deadline to submit applications is Monday, March 29. To learn more about the application, click here. 

• Edison International has teamed up with the Outsmart Disaster Campaign to offer resources and tools to mitigate business interruptions in times of a hazard or natural disaster. Resilient Business Challenge is a new program that focuses on preparation and recovery from disasters. To register for the workshop, click here.  

• Join OC Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, OC Community Services, and OC Workforce Development Board on April 7 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. for a South OC Virtual Job Fair. Opportunities include the ability to safely network with multiple employers, visit virtual booths, interact with hiring managers, apply for open enrollment opportunities, submit resume, and virtually interview. To learn more, click here.

• The Senate passed President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package on March 6. The bill will go to the House for a final vote before heading to the President’s desk. The package provides $1,400 stimulus checks with tighter eligibility restrictions, $350 billion in aid to state and local governments and $130 billion to reopen schools. California can expect $40 billion of the state and local aid, billions for vaccines and testing, $3.4 billion in emergency rental and homeowner assistance, and more. Learn more about what the relief package delivers to California.

• Join Selvi Stanislaus, the Franchise Tax Board’s Executive Officer, on March 9 for an update on what’s new in 2021, filing statistics, litigation, regulatory development, conformity, and much more. Register here for this webinar and other CalTax Foundation webinars. 

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.