News
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
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
California Small Business Grants Round 6 Begins April 28
The State of California has announced Round 6 of the California Relief Grant beginning April 28th and continuing through May 4th, 2021! Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package providing urgent relief for the small businesses of CA. There is $2 billion of grants available for distribution up to $25,000! To help you prepare for Round 6, please review the Program and Application Guide for a detailed overview of the program and step by-step instructions for the entire application process.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program
When the SBA launched the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal today, some technical issues occurred, despite multiple successful tests. After working with our vendors to address them as quickly as possible, the SBA temporarily suspended the portal and will re-open it as soon as possible to ensure all applicants have fair and equal access. This decision was not made lightly as we understand the need to ensure critical assistance gets to you as swiftly as possible. We are working
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
Employer Deadline for CalSavers Approaching in Less Than Three Months
10,000 Employers Registered to Date Today State Treasurer Fiona Ma reminds employers with more than 50 employees of the upcoming June 30, 2021 registration deadline for the CalSavers Retirement Savings Program, the State’s new program for workers in the private sector that lack access to a workplace retirement plan. The reminder comes as the pioneering program hit a milestone of 10,000 employers registered. Employers with more than 50 employees that do not offer a qualified retirement plan are required
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
California Aims to Fully Reopen the Economy June 15
By LUKE MONEYSTAFF WRITER, APRIL 6, 2021 11 AM PT California is aiming to fully reopen its economy June 15 — the clearest end date eyed for restrictions that have besieged businesses and upended daily life throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The date isn’t set in stone. And officials emphasize that getting to the point where California can widely reopen for the first time in more than a year will hinge on two factors: a sufficient vaccine supply to inoculate all those who are eligible and stable and low
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
Rep. Kim’s Bipartisan Bill to Extend PPP Deadline Becomes Law
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-39) released a statement after President Joe Biden signed into law the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Extension Act (H.R. 1799), a bipartisan, bicameral bill led by Rep. Kim in the House to extend the PPP deadline to May 31, 2021. “Our small business owners need more time to apply for relief to keep their doors open and their employees on payroll during COVID-19. The PPP Extension Act does exactly that by giving small business owners
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
All California Adults Can Get COVID-19 Vaccine Next Month
By Luke Money, Colleen Shalby California is dramatically expanding the eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines, offering the shots to virtually all residents beginning next month, the state announced Thursday. Residents who are at least 50 years old can get vaccines starting April 1, and all California adults will be eligible starting April 15. State officials said the dramatic move is based on expected increases in vaccine supply. “The light at the end of the tunnel continues to get brighter,” Gov. Gavin
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
Round 5 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is now open!
Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package providing urgent relief for the small businesses of CA. There will be $729,000,000 available for distribution. The application period will be from March 25th – March 31st. It is not first come, first served. Based on annual gross revenues for 2019 tax year, eligible business can receive the following: Revenues $1,000 to $100,0000 = $5,000 grant Revenues $100,000 up to $1,000,000 = $15,000 grant Revenues Greater than $1,000,000 to $2,500,000
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
SBA to Increase Lending Limit for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000. “More than 3.7 million businesses employing more than 20 million
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
5 Things to Know about the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
1. The SBA will begin accepting SVOG applications on April 8. The SBA has launched a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal in anticipation of opening grant applications for the critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8. 2. Register for the national SVOG webinar on March 30; submit questions by March 29. Prior to the SVOG applications opening on April 8, the SBA will host a national informational webinar to highlight the application process for potential
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
California Redistricting Is Underway, and You Can Be Involved
California is in the process of redistricting, with the 2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission in full swing. Controller Yee encourages community members to provide input in this vital process that will help determine representation for the next decade. Redistricting is the process of drawing electoral district boundaries. At the state level, redistricting includes congressional, State Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization districts. This process occurs every 10 years, immediately after the
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
American Rescue Plan Act Brings More Financial Relief
On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed into law the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), creating a third stimulus package since the COVID-19 pandemic started one year ago. The ARPA focuses on several employment-related economic benefits such as paid sick leave, financial support for small businesses and enhanced unemployment benefits. Here’s the main ARPA points that employers should know.Emergency Paid Sick Leave Updates One of the first COVID-19-related federal bills passed last
California Family Rights Act Leave Raises Issues and Questions
By Sunny LeeMy employee has used her Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)/California Family Rights Act (CFRA) time last year to care for her mother. Now she wants to take leave to care for her grandchild. Are we required to provide more time to her? That is an interesting question and one the new provisions of the CFRA do address. The big change that was made to the California law that went into effect January 1, 2021 included the provisions that added additional family members who are now protected
COVID-19 Vaccine and the Workplace
In Episode 110 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss what employers should consider before requiring workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Note: This podcast was recorded on March 9, 2021. Listeners should be aware that given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, information shared on this podcast episode may change at any time. As COVID-19 vaccines are becoming more widely available, many
Economic Positives Tempered by Risks Like Virus Uncertainties, Debt Worries
By Dave KilbyOne, Two, Three, Cha Cha Cha No, this is not economics by Arthur Murray, but the process for getting the economy back on track is pretty simple, with the outlook being spectacular.Step one: Disseminate the vaccine.Step two: Consumers will come out and businesses will begin to reopen fully.Step three: Households will spend part of the vast amount of money they have been saving this past year. The net result: Solid economic growth.Overview We have a very positive view of economic growth for
SCE Releases Strategic Plan for Relocation of San Onofre’s Spent Nuclear Fuel
Southern California Edison distributed a three-volume set of plans supporting the offsite relocation of the spent nuclear fuel currently stored at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. The strategies are outlined in the Action Plan, Strategic Plan and Conceptual Transportation Plan. To further build momentum toward commercially reasonable offsite storage or disposal solutions, and to urge the federal government to meet its legal obligations, SCE and the counties of Orange and San Diego announced the
Should Employers Offer Unlimited PTO?
By CalChamber -March 18, 2021 In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss unlimited paid vacation policies and the types of workplace liabilities these policies may create. A trend that has been picking up speed in the last couple of years among companies is to ditch the standard vacation accrual policy and opt for an unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy, Frank tells podcast
IRS Extends Federal Tax Filing Deadline, California Follows Suit
On March 17, 2021 the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. Individual taxpayers can also postpone federal income tax payments for the 2020 tax year due on April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This postponement applies to individual taxpayers, including individuals who pay
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Fewer jobs, more wine: California’s deadly COVID year in 9 charts
by Jeremia Kimelman and Ben Christopher For CalMatters On March 19, 2020 Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a statewide shelter-in-place order. In response to an unprecedented public health threat, it was an equally unprecedented shuttering of day-to-day life. “This is not a permanent state,” Newsom assured us at the time. “This is a moment in time. And we will meet this moment together.” On Friday, that moment will have stretched — and stretched and stretched — into a year. The changes that have racked
Ladera Vista JHS of the Arts Student Finalists and Awardees in The 22nd Annual Holocaust Art & Writing Contest
Three students from Ladera Vista JHS of the Arts have been selected as finalists for the 22nd Annual Holocaust Art & Writing Contest offered through the Rogers Center for Holocaust Education at Chapman University, sponsored by The "1939" Club and supported by the Samueli Foundation and Dana and Yossie Hollander. Under the guidance of Mme. Blake at Ladera Vista JHS of the Arts, Lydia W. and Violet C. have been selected as finalists in the prose category and Rhiannon J. has been selected as a film finalist
County of Orange Vaccination Update
Vaccination is one of the most important tools to end the COVID-19 pandemic. The OC Health Care Agency is scheduling vaccines through the Othena.com platform (and Apps). The priority groups are currently as follows:Phase 1A (all tiers), including persons aged 65+Phase 1B, Tier 1 including Education; Food Service, Grocery and Agriculture Workers; Child Care Providers and Emergency Services*As of March 15, 2021, persons ages 16-64 who have underlying medical conditions as outlined by the State, which
House to Take Up Immigration Reform Bills Amid Border Crisis
The House will vote this week to protect undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children and provide legal status to farm workers. These will be the first immigration reform measures taken up by Congress this year. The votes could serve as the first barometer of the chances for comprehensive immigration reform in this session of Congress. A bipartisan agreement has remained elusive to lawmakers and presidents of both parties after nearly a decade of half-starts and broken-down
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Brings More Financial Relief
Matthew J. Roberts, Esq. On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law, creating a third stimulus package since the COVID-19 pandemic started one year ago. The ARPA focuses on several employment-related economic benefits such as paid sick leave, financial support for small businesses and enhanced unemployment benefits. Here’s the main ARPA points that employers should know. Emergency Paid Sick Leave Updates One of the first COVID-19-related
Rep. Young Kim Bipartisan Bill to Extend PPP Deadline Passes House
First Bill of Rep. Kim’s to Pass House is Bipartisan and Helps Small Businesses Today the House passed the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Extension Act (H.R. 1799), a bipartisan bill by U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-39) to provide our nation’s small businesses with targeted, commonsense relief during COVID-19. The bipartisan PPP Extension Act, introduced by Rep. Kim along with House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Blaine Leutkemeyer (MO-03), Chairwoman Nydia Velázquez
ARB Moves Forward With Electric Vehicle Fleet Purchase Requirements for Business
Last week, ARB (Air Resources Board) held a series of online workshops to preview its “Advanced Clean Fleets” rulemaking, the corollary to the Advanced Clean Trucks rulemaking, which was a first in the mandate for engine manufacturers to sell zero-emission vehicles in California. The Advanced Clean Fleets, as currently proposed, has differing strategies for three categories of trucks: 1) public fleets; 2) drayage trucks; and 3) private fleets. Public Fleet Turnover Requirements Cities, counties, special
Assembly Passes New Sick Leave Proposal; CalChamber-Led Coalition Opposes New Costly Mandate
By CalChamber-March 16, 2021 The California Chamber of Commerce and more than 110 allied organizations are expressing strong opposition to two bills which passed the Assembly yesterday. AB 84 (Ting) and SB 95 (Skinner) would mandate the addition of up to 80 hours of employer-paid COVID-19 sick leave retroactive to January 1, 2021. The bills would apply to all employees who work for a public or private employer with more than 25 employees. “One year after California’s stay-at-home order was put in place,
OCTA Seeks Committee Members
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is recruiting new committee members for the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) and the Taxpayer Oversight Committee (TOC). These committees help advise OCTA on a wide range of policies, procedures, and actions. OCTA strongly encourages residents and community leaders to get involved and help improve the quality of life for all Orange County residents. The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) actively participates in helping examine traffic solutions, providing
Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva Announces Assembly District 65 Woman of the Year, Theresa Harvey
ORANGE COUNTY, CA – Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D – Fullerton) is delighted to announce North Orange County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Theresa Harvey as the 65th Assembly District’s 2021 Woman of the Year. Theresa Harvey has served as President and CEO of North Orange County Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) since 2005. Throughout her tenure, Theresa has developed core programs focused on providing resources to help businesses grow and create new jobs throughout Orange County. Under
Industries Urge California To Scrap Plan Expanding Prop. 65 Warning Rules
The story below was originally published on INSIDE EPA on March 12, 2021 Multiple state and national industry groups are urging California regulators to shelve or entirely rescind a proposal to expand requirements for Proposition 65 “short form” warning requirements on myriad products containing toxic chemicals, claiming the process of reconfiguring existing labels would overwhelm thousands of companies. “These proposed revisions to the short-form warning are inappropriately timed, as these changes would
