Weekly Headlines --------------------------------------------- Week of July 20 2020
7/20/20 - Gov. Gavin Newsom allows reopening outdoor hair salons, nail salons Click here
Hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, massage parlors and other beauty services in counties on the state's watch list are now allowed to move those services outdoors. While hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, massage parlors and other beauty services have to close indoor operations in counties on  the state's watch list , they're now allowed to move those services outdoors. For Industry Guidance PDF, click here
The guidelines for outdoor hair salons and barbershops include:
  • Employees and customers have to wear masks the entire time
  • Create an outdoor reception area where guests can check in
  • No handshakes, hugs or similar greetings
Nail salons can offer manicures and pedicures outside. Other services like massages, body waxing and threading are also now allowed outdoors.
Those personal care services have to follow the above guidelines, as well as:
  • Workers should wear a face shield with a face covering when doing services on the face/neck that don't allow clients to wear a mask
  • Disposable gloves should be worn during the entire service
  • Use single-use applicators instead of reusable ones (where necessary)
  • Ask manicure clients to use hand sanitizer first
  • Allow only one manicurist to work at a single station
  • Offer color palettes instead of nail polish color displays
BACK TO BUSINESS
Helping to define the "New Norm."

"BART During the Pandemic"

Tuesday, July 28 | 9:00 - 10:00AM
With guest:
Robert "Bob" Powers
General Manager, BART
To register,   click here .
Zoom code will be sent by email the day before the webinar

Bob Powers , General Manager, BART, will update us on how BART is navigating through the pandemic in the face of a dramatic downturn in ridership and what they predict for the future of the system. And, as commuters slowly return to work, concerns about safety and risks about riding the trains are on everyone's mind. How risky is my BART ride? Will ridership rebound or continue to slump? Questions can be asked via the Zoom Chat Feature or submitted in advance by emailing  wcchamberca@gmail.com.
Bob Powers , a professional engineer has more than 20 years of experience in the public transportation industry overseeing major infrastructure projects and transportation programs. Powers began his career at BART in 2012 as the Assistant General Manager of Planning, Development and Construction he was responsible for multi-million-dollar capital projects such as expanding BART service into Antioch and South Fremont, all planning efforts to modernize stations, and the effort to develop land near our stations to help solve the Bay Area’s housing crisis and bring jobs closer to where people live.
Be an Informed Voter
California voters will face a dozen measures on their ballot this November. We will be asked to decide the fate of hot issues from taxes to rent control, bail to privacy, and more. While all measures ultimately affect us all, some measures have a more direct impact on business. Therefore, to help everyone better understand the initiatives, the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are reviewing the most critical measures and will share their findings over the next two months. 

At the top of their list is California's split roll property tax ballot / California Proposition 15 Tax on Commercial and Industria l Properties for Education and Local Government Funding Initiative . The Board has already conducted a deep dive into the initiative and received input from California State Assemblymember Catharine Baker , among others. All have concluded this initiative would severely and negatively impact small businesses and increase the cost of living in Walnut Creek if passed.Watch for our  Back To Business webinar planned for proponents and opponents of the initiative to argue their positions. For a list of the November ballot measures, click here .
Stories of Resilience
Over the past several months, our members have been taking action and developing many creative ideas to face these challenging times. Whether by helping the community, feeding our front line heroes, finding innovative ways to pivot their businesses and offices, keeping a positive spirit, and more. You inspire us and keep us motivated. We invite all our members to share their stories of resilience and optimism as we continue this journey -- together . Send your story to sfilardi@walnut-creek.com and we will feature it in the Chamber newsletter and Facebook. Pictures / videos that help tell your story are encouraged,
In the Face of This Crisis Come Action and Growth
On Monday, March 16, we received the order to shelter in place. By that night, we had built secure online spaces for all of our support groups and individual counseling sessions. The staff at Cancer Support Community worked hard to create new ways to deliver our support services, workshops, and movement classes. Our community—members, therapists and instructors, and administrators alike—have come together to support each other more than ever. Our Community is stronger than cancer, and now, stronger than the restrictions we are each experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more of their story, click here .
Updates to EIDL program
Over the weekend, the  Small Business Administration (SBA) announced   that after distributing the $20 billion that Congress allocated to small businesses and non-profits through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance program, the fund has run dry.  However, the SBA will still be accepting  EIDL applications  and will be allocating funds without advances. |  The Paycheck Protection Program resumed accepting applications July 6, 2020 in response to the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act. The new deadline to apply is August 8, 2020. | SBA PPP   EZ Forgiveness Application  (PDF) Every eligible small business and non-profit is  encouraged to apply  to get the resources they need.
Got Space?
T he County is in need of a host location to use as a coronavirus testing site in Walnut Creek from August 1 through possibly the end of October. They are looking for a local business with a closed facility willing to assist in providing our residents with easier access to testing. For facility criteria, click here . If you have a facility that meets the criteria and would consider hosting this effort, please contact Betsy Burkhart ,  Communications and Outreach Manager, City of Walnut Creek at  burkhart@walnut-creek.org
Shop Local | 7/16/20 | What's Open Now - Click Here
Do Business With a Chamber Member - Clck Here
Restaurants & Speacial Member Offers - Click Here

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
VIRTUAL ZOOM MEETING
Wednesday July 29 | 4:00 PM – 05:00 PM
To register,  click here
Zoom link sent by email the day before the meeting
Join us at our orientation for new members, existing members and prospective members. This Zoom meeting offers an overview of the Chamber, programs and events, public policy initiatives and activities, sponsorship opportunities, networking, and ways to get involved.  For more information,  contact  Linda Vesneski, Membership Sales Director, lvesneski@walnut-creek.com
GET TESTED, CLICK HERE
City of Walnut Creek  Rebound Program website  
When an Employee Tests Positive, click here
NEW 7/16/20 At A Glance What's open , click here .
NEW 7/16/2020 additional County information ,   click here .
 7/17/2020 NEW School, Childcare, Summer Camp Guidlines Official California State
Roadmap to all Four Phases - click here
Three Walnut Creek City Council seats will be on the ballot at the November 3, 2020 general election. Residents interested in running for office may request necessary forms and information beginning July 13.
What's Not to Like?
WE'RE OPEN FOR SWIM CAMP!

 Follow Us Chamber Facebook | Instagram
In accordance with City and State directives, the Chamber office is operating virtually. While the Chamber office location is closed, all phone calls and emails will be returned promptly. We will continue to serve our members and community.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if we can assist you or your business in any way. We will continue to keep you updated in the weeks ahead. Updates will also be included on the Chamber website. Please visit  walnut-creek.com

Stay well.
Jay Hoyer, President/CEO
Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
1280 Civic Drive | Suite 100 | Walnut Creek | CA | 94596
t.925.934.2007 f.925.934.2404