Friday, May 1, 2020
COVID-19 Resources | New Businesses | Employment Trends | Other Special Updates
The May 2020 edition of the monthly newsletter contains important information and resources related to COVID-19 that may be helpful to our entire business community, not just current subscribers. If you received this email, and are not already subscribed to our monthly ED Newsletter, but would like to receive our newsletter, please sign-up  here . 
COVID-19 BUSINESS RESOURCES
Federal, state, and local governments continue response and relief efforts to address the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health emergency. The City continues to work with the County and our local business community partners to help shape a path forward that continues to prioritize and preserve public health while also identifying and acting on low-risk ways to support our local economy.

Here are a few important resource updates:  

  • County of Ventura Public Health Order (Updated): On April 20th, the County issued its most recent update to its Stay Well At Home Public Health Order. The revised Order is currently in effect until May 15, 2020. The update includes additional definitions and outlines restrictions for limited business operations at essential businesses. Residents and business owners alike are strongly encouraged to read the full updated Order. The website also illustrates COVID-19 case trends across the county. See it all here.

  • City COVID-19 resource webpage: The City regularly updates its COVID-19 webpage. It offers helpful information about City-specific actions taken and other pertinent information for both businesses and residents. See the webpage here.  

  • Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) COVID-19 Resources and Business Assistance: The City of Thousand Oaks is a proud EDC partner. The EDC has developed an excellent COVID-19 guide for businesses. Businesses can also request free consultation and application assistance for Small Business Administration (SBA) and other relief programs. They are also hosting weekly webinars to assist our businesses. You can learn more and make an appointment with EDC online here.  

  • Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 resources, support and outreach efforts: Our partners at the Chamber also continue to support our local business community. They are currently surveying our local businesses to assess impacts, needs, and other feedback to inform response efforts. You can access the survey here. Additionally, the Chamber maintains a list of local restaurants offering takeout and delivery options.

  • California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-BIZ) COVID-19 resources: The Governor’s Office has developed a GO-BIZ webpage dedicated to helping California businesses understand the resources available to them during this health emergency. 
 
  • Governor's Roadmap for Reopening Economy. On April 28th, the governor unveiled a plan and process for reopening the economy and eventually lifting the state's stay-at-home order. See the press release and details here.

  • U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 resources: Learn more about the current status of federal small business financial assistance programs and application processes here. 
Note: The following new businesses have received final approvals from the City to open for business. However, due to the current COVID-19 health emergency, some may not yet be open to the public at this time.
Tifa Chocolate & Gelato
Tifa Chocolate & Gelato opened another location in the Oakbrook Plaza at 1730 Avenida de los Arboles.   ( link )
Rapattoni Corporation
Rapattoni Corporation, a software services to the real estate industry, opened at 112 S. Lakeview Canyon Road.   (link)
Note: The declaration of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) national health emergency and subsequent initial state and local actions occurred in March 2020. Impacts on local employment rates will continue to become clearer in future newsletters.   
City of Thousand Oaks
According to the California Employment Development Department, the preliminary Thousand Oaks March 2020 unemployment
rate is 3.7% (up from a revised 2.8% in February 2020). The City has a total of 64,500 in the labor force with 62,700 who are employed. 
Ventura County
The California Labor Market report shows Ventura County’s March 2020 unemployment rate at 4.6% (up from a revised 3.7% in February 2020). 

A total of 300 non-farm jobs were added in March 2020, however, 500 jobs were lost; amounting to a net loss of 200 jobs. Job gains consisted of: 200 trade, transportation and utilities; and 100 in professional and business services. Job losses included: 200 in construction; 100 in manufacturing; 100 in financial activities; and 100 in leisure and hospitality.  
TO Blvd. Streetscape Project
New improvements are underway on TO Blvd. The project, which extends from east of Zuniga Ridge Place to the west of Erbes Road, will include street regrading and repaving, new sidewalks, crosswalks, trees, pedestrian lights, a traffic signal, and traffic lane modifications. The work also includes replacement of aging and undersized watermains, water service lines and valves. Learn more about the project here.
General Plan Update and Interactive Survey
Progress continues on the 2045 General Plan update. Scroll down on the toaks2045.org homepage to access the interactive survey (or click on the image to the right). The website also provides great information about the effort and other upcoming engagement opportunities.
2020 Census Self-Response Rates
Have you completed your  online 2020 Census form  for your household?  
Census data helps government and the business community make informed decisions. Learn more  here .  

Last month we shared self-response rates. As of April 29th, Thousand Oaks residents continue to impress with a 69.4% self-response rate! By comparison, Ventura County's self-response reached 63.4%, and statewide self-response increased to 56%.  Track self-response rates for yourself  here .  

Your personal information is safe, secure, and protected by federal law. Answers can only be used to produce statistics and cannot be used against you in any way. For more information specific to Ventura County, visit: http://census.ventura.org/ 
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