Member Login
-
Wednesday, November 25, 2020Fullerton Adopts Short-Term Rentals Regulations, Tightening Restrictions Like Several OC Cities
By VIVIENNE AYRES November 24, 2020 For Voice of OC Fullerton will require all short-term rentals to obtain a city permit starting in December and has set the number of whole houses that could be rented at a maximum of 325. As of August, Fullerton had about 260 whole-house rentals, which make up 79% of the lodgings, the city plans on placing a limit on that number by collecting initial permit fees from operators and implementing a transient occupancy tax or bed tax beginning Dec. 2, according to a
.JPG)
Wednesday, November 25, 2020Fullerton Joins Cities Wanting to Unplug
Fullerton would join Irvine and Costa Mesa to buy their own electricity, which would still be delivered by Edison. By MARTIN WISCKOL | mwisckol@scng.com and ALICIA ROBINSON | arobinson@scng.com | Orange County Register. PUBLISHED: November 24, 2020 at 12:35 p.m. | UPDATED: November 24, 2020 at 12:35 p.m. Three Orange County cities are preparing to pull the plug on Southern California Edison as their electricity procurer and take up the task themselves, a move they say will cut customer rates and hasten
Wednesday, November 25, 2020New COVID-19 Prevention Program Emergency Regulation Adopted
By James WardOn November 19, 2020, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) voted to adopt a comprehensive and complex COVID-19 emergency regulation addressing a variety of issues related to COVID-19 in the workplace. As previously reported, the OSHSB, the standards-setting agency within the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), had released the draft regulation text last week. Throughout the pandemic, employers have been implementing infection
Tuesday, November 24, 2020Statewide Business Community Demands New Strategies to Deal with COVID Surges
As the state today announced more counties are moving back in its colored tier structure and as Los Angeles County public health officials announced that all restaurants must stop in-person dining, a coalition of state and regional business organizations today issued the following statement: “Surges like the one we are in right now will continue for the foreseeable future, even as hope of a vaccine is on the horizon. The restrictions imposed by the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, while well-intentioned,
.JPG)
Monday, November 23, 2020Fullerton Council Approves Cannabis Ordinance
BY JESSE LA TOUR ON NOVEMBER 21, 2020 • Fullerton Observer Fullerton City Council voted 3-2 at their November 17 meeting, to approve an ordinance that allows and regulates commercial cannabis businesses in the City. Despite the fact that Prop 64 (which legalized recreational cannabis) passed in 2016, Fullerton City Council voted in 2017 to ban dispensaries in the City. The new ordinance allows them. The ordinance allows five cannabis retail businesses, five manufacturing businesses, five cultivation
Monday, November 23, 2020CalChamber Poll Shows Voters Want Sensible Policies, No New Taxes
By Loren Kaye - November 23, 2020 Last week the California Chamber of Commerce reported that Californians are taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously, and expect their elected leaders to do the same. But the pandemic isn’t the only issue troubling Californians. The cost of living remains a profound concern. When asked if their family would have a better future if they left California, a stunning 54% agreed—27% strongly. Of those agreeing with this statement, two-thirds cited “cost of living” or “cost of
Monday, November 23, 2020Buckle Up Folks: It’s Gonna Be a Bumpy Ride
November 23, 2020, Leah Silverthorn It’s off to the races as last week the California Legislature released its 2021 Tentative Schedule. In some respects, it’s business as usual. The Legislature is set to convene on January 4, with the Governor’s Budget submission by January 10 (a Constitutional Deadline). Other major legislative deadlines include the following: January 22: Last day to submit bill requests to the Office of Legislative Counsel.February 19: Last day for bills to be introduced.March
Monday, November 23, 2020California unemployment drops to single digits in October
Employers gain 145,500 nonfarm payroll jobs For the full October 2020 labor statistics news release which includes local data and industry job trends, please visit the EDD website. IMPORTANT NOTE: The employment data for the month of October 2020 is taken from the survey week including Oct. 12th. Data for the month of November is scheduled for release on Dec. 18. California’s unemployment rate dropped 1.8 percent to 9.3 percent in October as the state’s employers added 145,500 jobs1, according to data
Monday, November 23, 2020Orange County Unemployment 7.5 Percent in October
Nonfarm jobs up 34,100 over the month; down 140,900 over the year The unemployment rate in Orange County was 7.5 percent in October 2020, down from a revised 8.9 percent in September 2020, and above the year-ago estimate of 2.6 percent. This compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 9.0 percent for California and 6.6 percent for the nation during the same period. Between September 2020 and October 2020, total nonfarm employment grew from 1,507,700 to 1,541,800, an increase of 34,100
Friday, November 20, 20207 Resources for PPP Loan Forgiveness Help
Earlier this year, as part of the CARES Act, the federal government created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide a financial lifeline—that could be forgiven later if the right circumstances were met—to businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. From timelines and step-by-step calculations to paperwork walk-throughs and FAQ's, check out these 7 resources from the U.S. Chamber's CO— to help business owners navigate how to get full PPP loan forgiveness. Small Business
Friday, November 20, 2020Back2Business Initiative Includes Outdoor Planning for Small Businesses
The County of Orange, in partnership with 3D Event Designer, continues to assist local small businesses impacted by the State’s purple tier guidelines. The Back2Business Initiative allows small businesses to access free floor plan software to quickly create, configure, or update their indoor and outdoor spaces. This initiative is free and available to eligible businesses on a first-come, first-served basis now through December 31, 2020, or when the maximum number of slots are filled, whichever comes
Friday, November 20, 2020California Rebuilding Fund to Help State’s Smallest Businesses Protect their California Dream
The California Rebuilding Fund will support California's small businesses by offering flexible, affordable capital and free advisory services through community-based lenders As businesses across the state face challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the opening of the California Rebuilding Fund to help impacted small businesses rebuild from the economic crisis and keep local economies strong. This program is built to be a resource in the market for the
Thursday, November 19, 2020CalChamber Poll: Voters Serious about Addressing Pandemic Consequences
By Loren Kaye - November 19, 2020 Californians are taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously, and expect their elected leaders to do the same. The sixth annual California Chamber of Commerce poll, The People’s Voice, 2020, found that voters are keenly aware of the widespread effects of the pandemic. Nearly half of all voters have suffered an economic impact: reduced work hours, lost job, pay cut, or unpaid leave. More than six months after California first began shutting down its economy, nearly half of
Thursday, November 19, 2020Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva Helps Secure California Competes Tax Credit for American Honda Finance Corporation
Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D – Fullerton) is honored to assist the American Honda Finance Corporation in being awarded a California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) in the amount of five million two hundred thousand dollars ($5.2 million). The funding from the CCTC will bring more than $400 million in new investments across the state of California. “The profound economic disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic has been felt by all sectors of our economy,” said Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva. “As
Thursday, November 19, 2020Covered California 2021 Open Enrollment
2021 open enrollment for Covered California is here from November 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021. If you would like to enroll, renew, or change plans, visit the Covered California website or call 1-800-300-1506.
Thursday, November 19, 2020Some States May Tax Forgiven PPP Loan Proceeds
By Charles Jeane, Assistant Chief Counsel ‘Tis better to have a loan and be taxed than to never have had the loan at all. Tennyson and taxpayers with forgiven PPP loans who live in states that choose to tax those forgiven loans surely will not agree with that musing, but it is a dilemma that many small businesses across the country may face. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act passed by Congress in March 2020 to help keep small businesses afloat during the
Thursday, November 19, 2020Contributions Of Small Business Indirect Exports To U.S. International Trade
When using traditional measurements, small business exports represent about one third of total U.S. export value. However, these measures fail to take into account the value small businesses add to exports sold by large businesses. Using a value-added measurement approach developed by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), Contributions of Small Business Indirect Exports to U.S. International Trade estimates the contributions small businesses make through indirect exports. The report finds that,
Thursday, November 19, 2020Small Business Facts: Pandemic Pressures City Businesses
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted metropolitan areas, which have seen a higher rate of small business closures than non-metropolitan areas. However, in recent weeks, the New York City metropolitan area has reopened faster than the national rate. Read “Small Business Facts: Pandemic Pressures City Businesses” to learn more.
Thursday, November 19, 2020Gov. Newsom Issues Stay At Home Order
COVID-19 is increasing at alarming rates in California and we all need to do our part to stop the surge. Effective November 21, stop non-essential activities between 10:00 pm to 5:00 am in counties in the Widespread (purple) tier. Upon assessment of the recent, unprecedented rate of rise in increase in COVID-19 cases across California, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is taking immediate actions to prevent the spread of the virus. These immediate actions will help reduce community spread,
Wednesday, November 18, 2020Is Security Screening Time De Minimis?
HRWATCHDOG NOVEMBER 18, 2020 After more than seven years and multiple federal and state court rulings, the saga of Apple, Inc.’s exit search policy continues. In an October amendment to its September ruling that time spent in exit searches constituted hours worked, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that Apple can pursue its claim that exit search time is so de minimis as to be non-compensable (Frlekin v. Apple, Inc., No. 15-17382 (Amended October 29, 2020). As previously reported, the California
Wednesday, November 18, 2020OC BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ANNOUNCE GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS PROVIDING OUTDOOR DINING
In response to the State’s action to place additional restrictions on Orange County related to COVID-19, the Orange County Board of Supervisors took immediate action and is launching the Orange County (OC) Restaurant Outdoor Dining Grant Program to support local restaurants providing outdoor dining as required by the State’s purple tier guidelines. The OC Restaurant Outdoor Dining Grant Program will make funds immediately available to award $1,000 grants to 1,000 eligible restaurants through CARES Act
Tuesday, November 17, 2020SBA Proposes Small Business Size Standard Revisions in Three Industrial Sectors
Change Targeted at Increasing Eligibility for Contracting and Loan ProgramsPublic Comments Due January 12 On Friday, November 13, 2020 SBA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register proposing to revise the small business size definitions for businesses in three North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Sectors: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (NAICS 54); Management of Companies and Enterprises (NAICS 55); Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation
Tuesday, November 17, 2020Key to Recycling Overhaul: Scalable, Standardized Compliance Path Plus Infrastructure Investments
Overhauling California’s recycling market requires a balance of the right mandates with a compliance pathway, California Chamber of Commerce Policy Advocate Adam Regele told legislators yesterday at an informational joint hearing on plastic use in California. The joint hearing, held by the Assembly Natural Resources Committee and Recycling Select Committee, focused mostly on the problems plastic pollution has on communities and the natural environment, with some Committee-selected panelists suggesting
Tuesday, November 17, 2020Minimum Wage Increases Coming January 1
In addition to the slew of new laws that employers must prepare for (and some of which are already in effect), employers shouldn’t lose sight of annual local minimum wage increases. California’s statewide minimum wage continues to increase each year, as scheduled, until all employers reach $15/hour in 2023. Beginning January 1, 2021, employers with 26 or more employees will need to pay their employees no less than $14/hour, and employers with 25 or fewer employees will need to pay their employees no less
Tuesday, November 17, 2020Young Kim Joins Congress Representing the 39th District
By Michael R Blood for Associated PressRepublican Young Kim defeated U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros on Friday in the Southern California district, the second GOP candidate to snatch a Democratic-held seat in the state this year. The contest in the 39th Congressional District anchored in Orange County was a rematch from 2018, when Cisneros was one of seven Democrats who claimed GOP-held California districts that year. Kim overcame President Donald Trump’s poor performance in heavily Democratic California, where
Tuesday, November 17, 2020This Election, Americans Demanded Action. Here’s Where to Start on Day One
SUZANNE CLARK, President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce We congratulate President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on having been declared the winners in this historic election. As U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue said on Saturday, "the U.S. Chamber stands ready to work with the Biden administration and leaders on both sides of the aisle to restore public health, revitalize our economy, and help rebuild American lives and communities." Click here to read the full
Tuesday, November 17, 2020Can We Agree to Disagree, Fight and Still Be Friends
Margita Thompson, Senior VP, Public Affairs & Community Outreach, California Resources Corporation Shares Her Perspective With The Dialogue Project I often introduce myself as a Latina Republican from Los Angeles who works in the oil and gas business. I also note that I’m an only child—a good thing because I am used to being alone. My opening usually gets laughs but it also makes a point. People can provide a minority voice through different slices of their identities. I’ve found that some of these
Monday, November 16, 2020Orange County Return To Most Restrictive ''Purple'' Tier Immediately Due to Increase In Covid-19 Positive Cases
INDOOR OPERATIONS PROHIBITED FOR RESTAURANTS Governor Newsom held a press conference today at noon to announce that the State was imposing an “emergency brake” in the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a result of the largest single week increase in positive cases during this pandemic. The Governor’s press conference is available from the “California Governor” Facebook page and other media sources.What does this mean? It means that Orange County is now one of 41 counties in California to
Monday, November 16, 2020Governor Newsom Announces New Immediate Actions to Curb COVID-19 Transmission
New actions include pulling an emergency brake in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and strengthening face covering mandate Vast majority of counties are in the most restrictive tier starting tomorrow SACRAMENTO – As COVID-19 cases sharply increase across the country and California, Governor Gavin Newsom and state public health officials announced immediate actions today to slow the spread of the virus. The state is pulling an emergency brake in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy resulting in 94.1
Friday, November 13, 2020Regulation of Commercial Cannabis Activities on Fullerton Agenda
At the November 2, 2020 City Council meeting, Flory moved, seconded by Silva, to reconsider the second reading of Ordinance No. 3289 pertaining to regulation of commercial cannabis businesses citywide at the November 17, 2020 City Council meeting. Motion carried 3 – 2 (No: Fitzgerald, Whitaker). City Council introduced the first reading of an ordinance pertaining to the regulation of commercial cannabis at the October 6, 2020 City Council meeting. This item have it's second reading at the council meeting
Friday, November 13, 2020City of Stanton Announces Housing Survey
Housing is changing in Stanton, and is requesting you be a part of the conversation! The City is updating the general plan for the 2021-2029 planning period of the Housing Element. If you live or work in Stanton, they would love to hear from you! Fill out this short survey to provide us with input on the changing community. Also, learn more by joining us for a virtual workshop on Tuesday, November 17 at 6:00 pm to hear about our ongoing effort to update our Housing Element. You can access the Zoom meeting
Friday, November 13, 2020California Issues Travel Advisory Ahead of Holidays as COVID-19 surges S
As COVID-19 cases continue to increase across the country, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued travel advisories today urging visitors entering their states or returning home from travel outside these states to self-quarantine to slow the spread of the virus. The travel advisories urge against non-essential out-of-state travel, ask people to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country and encourage residents to
Friday, November 13, 2020Josh Newman Declares Victory for 29th Senate District
By BROOKE STAGGS | bstaggs@scng.com | Orange County Register Democrat Josh Newman has declared victory in his 29th Senate District rematch with GOP State Sen. Ling Ling Chang, flipping the seat back to blue and further shrinking Republicans’ presence in the California legislature. “I’m immensely grateful, as well as humbled, that the voters of my district have once again granted me the honor and privilege of representing them in the California State Senate,” Newman said Thursday night. The win
Thursday, November 12, 2020California Family Rights Act (CFRA) Expansion Initial Regulations
MATTHEW J. ROBERTS, ESQ. As we finally enter the homestretch of 2020, new California employment laws are inching closer to taking effect on January 1. SB 1383 is one of the most significant new laws this year, substantially expanding the reach and scope of the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). While the California Legislature passed and the Governor signed SB 1383, government agencies are mainly responsible for creating rules on how new laws are implemented through a process called rulemaking. The
Thursday, November 12, 2020Prop. 15 Fails: Voters Reject Largest Tax Hike in California History
By CalChamber - November 12, 2020 Proposition 15, the largest property tax increase in California history, was declared defeated yesterday evening by a margin of more than 550,000 votes. The defeat of Proposition 15 ends an attempt by public employee unions to dismantle major portions of Proposition 13, the most important tax protection measure left in the highest tax state in the country overwhelmingly passed by voters more than 40 years ago. “California voters understood the very real threat
Wednesday, November 11, 2020Prop 15 Defeated by California Voters
Proposition 15, the largest property tax increase in California history, was defeated today by a margin of more than 550,000 votes, ending a challenge by Service Employees International Union, California Teachers Association, California State Parent Teacher Association and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to dismantle major portions of Proposition 13, the greatest tax protection measure left in the highest taxed state in the country overwhelmingly passed by voters more than 40 years ago.“From day one, we knew
Tuesday, November 10, 2020California Business Roundtable Responds to Governor's Action to Close More Businesses
Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable, issued the following statement today in response to the governor’s decision to close businesses and further stagnate the California economy: “Despite the governor and public health officials citing family gatherings as the main cause of the increase in COVID cases, it’s once again the workers and small business owners that is paying the price. We have repeatedly asked the governor and his administration for contact tracing data that would
Monday, November 09, 2020Ballot Measures Mostly Do No Harm
November 9, 2020 Loren Kaye Every two years California voters face a mixed bag of ballot measures, many often hostile to business and economic development. This year was no different, and while some measures remain too close for a final call, voters seem to have done their best to minimize any harm to the economy. While the fate of Proposition 15, the split roll property tax increase, is still not final, the good news is that ‘no’ votes continue to outnumber ‘yes’ votes. CalChamber strongly opposed
Monday, November 09, 2020Remote Hiring Ramps Up During COVID-19 Pandemic
JESSICA MULHOLLAND NOVEMBER 9, 2020 As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its eighth month, face coverings and social distancing are still required in public places, indoor dining is still prohibited in many jurisdictions and, although the school year has started, this back-to-school season looked drastically different than in years past. How companies recruit and hire talent has also been drastically different, according to new research from global staffing firm Robert Half, which found that since the
Friday, November 06, 2020Voters Weigh in on Taxes, Independent Contractors
Election Day is over, but ballot counting continues to determine the voters’ will on issues ranging from California property taxes to supporting economic diversity and flexibility for workers. As this article was prepared, California Chamber of Commerce-opposed Proposition 15, the $12.5 billion split roll property tax increase, appeared headed toward defeat with 51.7% no to 48.3% yes. CalChamber-supported Proposition 22, clarifying employment classification rules for app-based drivers, was winning by a
Friday, November 06, 2020Trends in California Legislative Races
By Martin R. Wilson - November 6, 202 This election is one that seems like it will never end. While a significant number of ballots are still left to be counted—and perhaps many more remain in the hands of the U.S. Postal Service that are eligible to be counted if they arrive in the local registrar’s office by November 20—there are some noteworthy trends taking shape in California’s legislative races. At this point, the outcome in some of the key races for the California Assembly and Senate is
Friday, November 06, 2020Free Mental Health Resources Available for Businesses in OC
OC Health Care Agency Stigma Free OC Initiative North Orange County Chamber joins businesses through the county endorsing the OC Health Care Agency’s efforts to encourage people to take care of themselves and those around them. You or your employees may be experiencing multiple disruptions in your life, disappointment, uncertainty, isolation, financial worries, and concern for your health and the health of your loved ones – and you are not alone. We all need help sometimes and asking for help is the
Wednesday, November 04, 2020Cities to See New Faces
Election results from the OC Registrar of Voters for Tuesday, November 3, 2020, election have confirmed the inevitable – we will see several new faces for several cities throughout North Orange County. This outcome was made certain based on incumbents not seeking continued terms of office. The election is yet to be certified and the results will continue to be monitored. More information and updates can be found at OCVote.com. North Orange County Chamber welcomes new and continuing representatives and
Wednesday, November 04, 2020Uber, Lyft Prevail to Keep California Workers Independent
Uber, Lyft and other app-based ride-hailing and delivery services prevailed at the ballot box in their expensive gamble to keep drivers classified as independent contractors. The titans of the so-called gig economy bankrolled the most expensive ballot measure in California history to exempt drivers from being classified as company employees eligible for benefits and job protections. The measure had more than 58% of the nearly 11 million votes counted so far. Continue reading at The Associated Press.
Wednesday, November 04, 2020California Races Too Close to Call
Record voter turnout and the wide use of absentee ballots by registered voters have left many State and Federal races too close to call as voting closed for the November 3 election. As we await results that will determine the voters selection of President of the United, we also wait results for elections for those representing California voters in Washington D.C. Unofficial election results shared below can be found on the Secretary of State’s website. Results will be certified by December 11,
Wednesday, November 04, 2020U.S. Chamber Statement on the Election
WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the Presidential election outcome still undetermined, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce celebrated the historic voter turnout and urged patience and trust in the democratic system. The following statement can be attributed to U.S. Chamber CEO Thomas J. Donohue: “While the final outcome of the Presidential race remains undetermined, voters are demanding action and the work that lies ahead is very clear. The Chamber worked hard to maintain a pro-business Senate and is very well positioned
Tuesday, November 03, 2020OC RMDZ Offers Resources
Commercial, Retail, & Restaurant News With almost no cost, OC RMDZ (Orange County Recycling Market Development Zone) is here to help you! Join the CalRecycle Webinar on Thursday November 12th at 12 p.m.! Learn about the many benefits to manufacturers likeloan acquisitionmarketingfeedstock OC RMDZ is a tool that can help open job opportunities, and help your company go green!
Thursday, October 01, 2020New California Employment Laws Effective Now, Coming January 1
JAMES W. WARD OCTOBER 1, 2020 It’s the first day of October, which means the leaves are starting to turn red and orange, pumpkin spice is everywhere, everyone is looking longingly at their sweaters — and new employment laws are here! September 30, 2020, was the last day of this year’s legislative session, which ended with California Governor Newsom signing a flurry of bills with a few vetoes as well. Here’s a look at some of the new employment-related laws that employers should be aware of, which,
