News
Statewide Business Community Launches PSA to Encourage Vaccinations
“Do It For” PSA launches as state expands vaccine eligibility to all residents 16 and older California’s business community has released a new public service announcement (PSA), called “Do It For,” which will air statewide on TV, radio and social media, reaching millions of California residents in both English and Spanish, encouraging them to get vaccinated when it’s their turn. “The key to opening up California’s economy safely and responsibly is to get every Californian vaccinated,” said Allan
Safe, Welcome Reopening Plan for California
I’m sure many readers know someone who postponed a wedding or reunion in 2020 due to the inability to gather or travel under COVID-19 restrictions. Thankfully, last week came the good news that we can, once again, begin making plans. California is on the right trajectory. If vaccination rates stay up and hospitalization rates stay low, Governor Gavin Newsom promises that, beginning June 15, Californians can once again gather together or travel to California’s world class tourist
Fullerton's Orangethorpe School Receives Civic Learning Award
Orangethorpe School was awarded a Civic Learning Award of Merit by a panel of judges and educators selected by the Chief Justice’s Power of Democracy Steering Committee. The Civic Learning Award is the state’s top honor for schools recognized for civics education. The scoring was competitive and some programs were separated by just one point. Orangethorpe School is one of only 32 California Schools receiving this special award. California’s Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, head of the state’s
Higher Ed Integral to Business Needs
In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg and Lande Ajose, senior policy advisor for higher education to Governor Gavin Newsom, discuss the challenges the state faces in its goal to ensure that higher education remains accessible to all Californians. California has some of the best regional economies in the world and it is thanks to our higher education institutions, which include prestigious universities like the University of Southern California, UCLA,
Job Killer Bill DOA; Proposed Ban on In-State Oil and Gas Production Fails First Senate Committee Hearing
By Adam Regele SB 467 (Wiener; D-San Francisco), a California Chamber of Commerce-identified job killer bill that proposed to ban in-state oil and gas production, failed in its first committee hearing yesterday. “Banning oil production does not reduce demand for energy essential to California’s economy,” said CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg. “This bill would have required California to import oil from places that are less environmentally friendly and it would make energy more costly
Knott's Berry Farm Announces Grand Reopening for May 21
Buena Park, Calif. – It’s official: Knott's Berry Farm is reopening its gates next month as the theme park safely resumes regular operations with limited capacity and new reservation requirements. The park will reopen to season passholders May 6, with plans for a grand reopening to the general public on May 21 for a summer-long, Knott’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. "The Knott's Family Reunion" looks to reunite family and friends in a safe and fun environment after a year-long closure due to
Social Enterprise Assists in Filling Post-Pandemic Workforce Gaps
With its world-renowned beaches, sprawling hills and canyons, and of course, Disneyland, Orange County is home to a wealth of hotels, restaurants, and cutting-edge hospitals that belie its small size and make it one of Southern California’s most robust workforce regions. Over the past decade, however, local affordable housing inventory has seen a steady decline, while rents have been on the incline, leading to OC’s young and essential workforce being priced out and edged out. Adding to these pre-pandemic
Tax Day Extended to May 17th
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the state Franchise Tax Board (FTB) extended the deadlines for individual taxpayers to file their 2020 income tax returns and pay their 2020 taxes to May 17, 2021. This postponement applies to individual filers whose 2020 tax returns and payments were originally due on April 15, 2021. This relief does not apply to quarterly estimated tax payments that are due on April 15, 2021. These payments are still due on April 15. Taxes paid by
Rising Payroll Taxes Coming to Shore Up California’s Pandemic-Depleted UI Fund
By Robert Moutrie As the 2021 crop of legislation is coming into form and moving through legislative committees addressing a range of topics, one topic is conspicuously absent: aid for California’s deeply insolvent Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fund. COVID Response As we all know, California (and many other states) utilized their unemployment insurance systems to new scales in response to COVID-19. Instead of compensation in cases where employers chose to terminate an employee, many employers were
On-Site Drug Testing: Remember to Support Need, Confidentiality
By Dana Leisinger We’ve been bringing our employees back into the office, and pursuant to our “reasonable suspicion” drug testing, would like to conduct in-house drug testing. Can we do this? The short answer is yes — employers can conduct drug tests on site. There are a few issues to be aware of, however. Written Policy First, you must have a clear, written policy that upon reasonable suspicion of illegal (or legal) drug usage, the company will be conducting drug testing. Supervisors need to be
Job Killer Additions Increase Taxes, Labor/Employment Mandates
The California Chamber of Commerce this week added four bills to its annual list of job killer legislation. The additions bring the 2021 job killer list to a total of 22 legislative bills that would place California employers and the state’s economy in harm’s way should they become law. The four additions to the list involve tax increases and new labor and employment law mandates and are listed below. Tax Increases • ACA 8 (Lee; D-San Jose) Wealth Tax: Proposes to amend the Constitution to impose a
SBA to Open Shuttered Venue Operators Grants for Applications on April 8 at 12 p.m. EDT
Help is here with $16.2 billion for venues, theatres, and more The U.S. Small Business Administration will officially open the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal tomorrow, April 8, 2021 at 12 p.m. EDT for operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theatres, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives to apply for critical economic relief, as those eligible entities are some of the first that had to
City of Fullerton to Resume Parking Enforcement
The City of Fullerton resumed regular parking enforcement on Monday, April 5th. Courtesy citations are currently being issued through Sunday, April 4th, 2021. If you have questions on parking permits, please contact 714-738-6858.
Thursday Downtown Fullerton Market Returns April 8th
Thursday Downtown Fullerton Market Returns April 8th. One of Fullerton’s favorite, fun, and free weekly events is back in a safe and modified version! Current COVID-19 guidelines will be followed and updated weekly. Vendors and entertainment will be added accordingly.Click Here or Call 714.738.6575 for more information
California To Fully Reopen On June 15: ‘We Can Now Begin Planning For Our Lives Post-Pandemic,’
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — California has set a date for when it will fully reopen after the pandemic. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday that, as long as the Golden State meets two specific criteria, California will fully reopen its economy on June 15. The two criteria the state needs to meet are: keeping the COVID-19 vaccine supply sufficient for everyone 16 and older who wish to be inoculated, and keeping hospitalization stable and low. In a statement, Newsom noted how it was “time to turn the page”
Gov. Newsom expects full in-person fall return to school after state scraps color-coded tiers
Gov. Gavin Newsom and state health officials said Tuesday they expect all schools and higher education institutions to open for full-time in-person instruction in the fall, following the announcement that California intends to retire its “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” color-coded tier system on June 15. Some believe the announcement will set the tone for debate with the Legislature during the annual “May Revision” of the state budget about whether schools will be mandated to offer in-person instruction
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CalChamber Wins Landmark Prop 65 Ruling
Adam RegeleEnvironmental Regulation, General California businesses scored a landmark victory last week when Chief District Judge Kimberly Mueller of the Eastern District of California granted CalChamber’s motion for a preliminary injunction barring the California Attorney General and anyone else from filing new lawsuits against businesses to enforce the Proposition 65 warning requirement for cancer as applied to acrylamide in food and beverage products. The ruling provides immediate and much welcomed
California Travel Looks to Bounce Back After Dramatic Decline During COVID-19
By CalChamber March marked one year since the coronavirus changed the way Californians live and work. This spring carries a sense of optimism as vaccines become more widely available. But recent data outlining the pandemic’s devastating effects on the state’s tourism economy illustrate just how challenging a year it was for the travel industry and how much work it will take to climb back to 2019 travel spending levels. The coronavirus halted a record 10 years of growth for California’s tourism
CalChamber Applauds Governor’s Re-Opening Plan
By Denise Davis California Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Allan Zaremberg today provided the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement on re-opening California’s economy: “The diligent efforts of all Californians to follow COVID-19 safety protocols will pay off on June 15th. Californians should be congratulated for their sacrifices and patience in working to protect public health. “We also appreciate the Governor’s leadership to safely re-open California’s economy.
Fullerton Schools Got Talent Contest 2021
Fullerton Schools Got Talent scheduled for Friday April 23rd, at 7:00 p.m. qill highlight district wide talent contest between the students of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. Two to three will be selected to represent each by each school. The variety of talent -- including solo or group acts -- are anticipated to include original and cover bands, instrumental music, vocalists, dancers and cheer. Top Talent awards will be monetary to the acts and their schools. In addition to schools
Emergency Rental Assistance Available
Applications for the County of Orange's second application period of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program are now being accepted. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will provide up to $10,000 in financial assistance to rental households in Orange County who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, excluding renters in the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Irvine. These cities will receive direct allocations from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and will be implementing
City of Fullerton's Small Business Emergency Assistance Program
City of Fullerton is setting up an emergency assistance program in which small businesses may be eligible to receive up to $20,000. Application and eligibility requirements are now posted. Application deadline is April 13th. Full information, including eligibility requirements and application, is available at https://charitableventuresoc.org/fullerton/
Fullerton's Newest Program Supporting Local Businesses
North Orange County Chamber is collaborating with City of Fullerton for a new program, Live Local, to support Fullerton businesses. The program offers two segments: a Business Scavenger Hunt and Fullerton on Foot video walking tours. Business Scavenger Hunt The Business Scavenger Hunt portion of Live Local will encourage patrons to visit multiple businesses to win a $500 raffle prize, gifted by Fullerton Free. A bingo card will be printed and distributed to their residents. The more businesses visited,
Orange County Progresses from Red Tier to Orange on Wednesday, March 31
Santa Ana, Calif. (March 30, 2021) –Today the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that effective Wednesday, March 31, Orange County (OC) will move into the Orange Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy after having successfully achieved Orange Tier metrics for two weeks. As a result, many local businesses and activities in OC will either be allowed to expand capacity or resume operations. Please visit the State’s website at https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/,
Paycheck Protection Program Extended to May 31
President Joe Biden signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 into law, extending the Paycheck Protection Program an additional two months to May 31, 2021, and then providing an additional 30-day period for the SBA to process applications that are still pending. Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, said: “Today, President Biden sent another strong message to America’s more than 30 million small business owners negatively impacted by the pandemic: help is
US Consumer Confidence Hits One-Year High; House Prices Soar
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. consumer confidence raced in March to its highest level since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting views that economic growth will accelerate in the coming months, driven by more fiscal stimulus and an improving public health situation. The survey from the Conference Board on Tuesday also showed consumers were fairly upbeat about the labor market, with a measure of household employment rebounding after declining in February. Restrictions on non-essential businesses
Biden Details $2 Trillion Plan to Rebuild Infrastructure and Reshape the Economy
By Jim TankersleyWASHINGTON — President Biden will unveil an infrastructure plan on Wednesday whose $2 trillion price tag would translate into 20,000 miles of rebuilt roads, repairs to the 10 most economically important bridges in the country, the elimination of lead pipes and service lines from the nation’s water supplies and a long list of other projects intended to create millions of jobs in the short run and strengthen American competitiveness in the long run. Biden administration officials said the
Californians 50+ will be eligible for vaccination starting April 1
Californians 50+ will be eligible for vaccination starting April 1. Every Californian 16 and up will be eligible for vaccination on April 15, 2021.Do you know where you can get vaccinated? According to the OC Healthcare Agency there are over 408,443 fully vaccinated residents in Orange County as of March 18th, 2021. We understand the difficulty it can be finding an appointment. These are the following places offering vaccinations:Kaiser PermanenteOC Healthcare AgencyHoag Memorial HospitalCVSRite
Save Small Business Initiative
Small business owners across America are fighting to keep their workers employed and their dreams alive, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is fully committed to helping them recover and succeed. Small business owners: Below, you’ll find financial assistance programs, resources, and advice to help you get through the storm. Read More A SPECIAL NOTE TO LARGER COMPANIES In partnership with American Express, Vistaprint, Merck, Altice, and others, we’re proud to have facilitated grants to hundreds of
U.S. Chamber Applauds Senate Passage of Paycheck Protection Program Extension
Yesterday, the Senate voted to pass H.R. 1799, the “PPP Extension Act” which will ensure that small businesses have appropriate access to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as they continue to struggle due to the impact of the pandemic. In response to the vote, U.S. Chamber executive vice president and chief policy officer Neil Bradley released the following statement: “This bipartisan legislation comes at a time when small business owners are still grappling with the economic effects of the pandemic
Declining COVID Indicators Show Promise for Reopening of More Business Sectors
COVID-19 statistics continued to move in the right direction this week as the rate of new cases, deaths and positive tests declined and the number of vaccines administered increased. At mid-week, California had recorded more than 3.5 million COVID-19 cases, but the rate of new cases (5 per 100,000 people) was declining, as was the death rate (.03 new deaths per 100,000). Test positivity (2%) was relatively flat. Nearly 16 million vaccines have been administered. The shots administered mean 15.4% of the
How Your Business Can Cater to Newly Vaccinated Customers
Did you know nearly 2.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines are being administered by day? With seniors ages 65 and up accounting for the majority of those newly-vaccinated individuals, our friends at CO— have compiled a few ideas about how small businesses can shift their focus to serve the senior population while bringing more customers in the door. Offer discounts for showing proof of vaccinationSpecial vaccinated senior hoursHold events or classes that require proof of vaccinationMore ideas
How You Can Help End Anti-Asian Hate
By CalChamber In this edition ofThe Workplace podcast,CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg interviews Sacramento County Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Thienvu Ho. Deputy D.A. Ho has supervised and personally prosecuted hate crimes like the ones against Asian Americans that are making headlines right now. Throughout the podcast, Deputy Ho brings both personal and prosecutorial commentary and experience to the discussion of how to combat bias and hate against members of the Asian
City of Fullerton Small Business Emergency Assistance Program
Application is Open Until April 13, 5 p.m. The City of Fullerton has created the Small Business Emergency Assistance Program which will provide funding to small businesses in need of financial assistance to overcome temporary losses of revenue due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The program is based on the availability of funds, program guidelines and submission of all required information and supportive documentation. Small businesses located in commercial or industrial spaces within the City
YMCA of Orange County Announces Indoor Reopening for Branch Gyms
YMCA of Orange County (YMCA OC) has announced plans to reopen the doors of branch gyms, due to the county’s move to the red tier in the state’s four-tier color-coded system for reopenings. YMCA OC Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Newport Mesa and Fullerton locations will be offering both indoor and outdoor workout options beginning on March 23 and the Huntington Beach location will offer indoor only options beginning the same day. The Y will now offer up to 90 minutes of care in the KidZone with no
Knott's Taste of Boysenberry Festival 2021
A new food and retail experience is blooming at Knott’s Berry Farmas it celebrates the little berry that put the park on the map, with Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival. Guests can catch a taste of the popular springtime Boysenberry Festival, as it offers all-new boysenberry-inspired savory foods, sweet treats and refreshing drinks that can’t be found anywhere else. While the theme park remains closed, the food and merchandise-focused outdoor event offers over 80 boysenberry-infused food and drink
State Lowers Water Allocation to 5% of Requests
By CalChamber As a result of persistent drought conditions, the State Water Project (SWP) now expects to deliver just 5% of requested supplies this year, down from an initial 10% allocation announced in December. The 5% allocation amounts to 210,266 acre-feet of water, distributed among 29 long-term SWP contractors who serve more than 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland. Initial allocations are based on conservative assumptions regarding hydrology and factors such as reservoir storage.
Anytime Fitness La Palma Pre-Sale Event Special
Anytime Fitness La Palma is currently offering a limited pre-sale event special for $1.00 plus their lowest membership rates ever. For more details, please contact 562-725-3539 or email LaPalmaCA@anytimefitness.com. Anytime Fitness La Palma is located at 5100 Orangethorpe Ave., Suite G, La Palma, CA 90623. Some of their unique offerings include: 24/7 Worldwide Access Personal Coaching & Nutrition Personal & Group Training Private Restrooms & Showers Member Parking For more information, please
Groundwater Replenishment System Virtual Tour Available
Join OCWD on a tour of the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), the world's largest advanced water purification system for potable reuse. You'll see the plant up close and learn about the three treatment steps it takes to purify treated wastewater to drinking water standards. To view a technical virtual tour of the GWRS led by General Manager Mike Markus, visit: https://youtu.be/GjdPBqwZ2f4. About the GWRS The GWRS takes treated wastewater from the Orange County Sanitation District and purifies it
Southern California Gas Company Sets Bold Net Zero Emissions Pledge
Largest U.S. gas distribution utility commits to achieving net zero scope 1,2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045 Commitment aligns with Paris Climate Agreement and demonstrates the foundational role of gas infrastructure in advancing California's carbon neutral economy LOS ANGELES, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), the largest gas utility in the U.S., today announced the company's bold commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its
YMCA of Orange County’s Iconic Sign Designated Historical Landmark
If you’ve driven on North Harbor Boulevard near Youth Way in Fullerton, you have most likely seen the 15-foot-high neon YMCA sign. This notable landmark, which has been standing tall for over 60 years, represents YMCA of Orange County’s rich local history and the impact the organization has had the local community. On March 17, 2021, this iconic sign was designated a historical landmark by the City of Fullerton. Featuring contemporary letters and a triangle representing mind, body and spirit, renowned
Shuttered Venue Grant Information
The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal today in anticipation of opening applications for the much-anticipated critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8, 2021. “Help is here for venue operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA has worked diligently to build the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program from the ground up to assist and address the diverse eligibility requirements of each type of
Governor Signs New Paid Sick Leave Mandate into Law
By CalChamber Late Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation that mandates the addition of up to 80 hours of employer-paid COVID-19 sick leave retroactive to January 1, 2021. The new law applies to employees who work for a public or private employer with more than 25 employees. Upon signing the legislation into law, Governor Newsom said, “Even as case rates and hospitalizations decline and vaccinations ramp up, we can’t let our guard down and must do all we can to stop this virus from
shE-commerce
shE-commerce is designed to assist female entrepreneurs and business owners launch and grow their business online at a national scale. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to launch their first business online. Established business will be able to expand into a new e-commerce platform, TheWMarketPlace, reaching new audiences, and increasing their sales. Through this program, you will learn core concepts of becoming an online seller while joining an empowering and supportive digital community to grow
Edison to Hold Public Rate Hearing
This notice is being sent to all SCE customers to keep you informed on important legal and regulatory information. This notice was included with your February / March monthly bill and is available online at sce.com/notices. This version has been updated to correctly show that both PPHs listed below will be held on Tuesday March 30 (previously shown as a Thursday). NOTICE OF PUBLIC FORUM (Public Participation Hearing) Southern California Edison’s Request to Increase Water and Electricity
Crittenton Services Welcomes New Chief Executive Officer
Fullerton, CA. - Crittenton Services is proud to announce the arrival of the agency's new Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Greg Eubanks.Mr. Eubanks comes to Crittenton Services with more than 25 years of experience in the child welfare and mental health fields as both a senior operating director and organizational leader for various nonprofits. He will be taking over the day-to-day operation and strategic planning process of a $38 million organization from the now-retired CEO, Ms. Joyce Capelle. "On behalf of
CalChamber Announces 2021 Job Killers
For the 21st consecutive year, CalChamber is releasing their Job Killer list that identifies pending legislation that will significantly harm California’s business climate if enacted by: (1) discouraging employers from locating to California; (2) discouraging employers from growing their workforce in California; (3) eliminating jobs in California; or (4) significantly increasing costs on employers, which limits their ability to expand employee wages, benefits, and jobs. Although we see this type of
