Girls in Science
“Making a Difference” is Orange County Business Council’s feature series that brings the face and voice of OCBC
members to life by sharing how they’re making a difference in their communities.
Metrolink Adds More Midday Options
Mar182024 September 30, 2024 Orange County Business Council President and CEO Jeff Ball sat down with Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health, for a Q&A about the organization’s role in keeping Orange County healthy. Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger rail provider, will soon offer customers greater flexibility, including more midday options, to better meet the region’s evolving transportation needs. Beginning Monday, Oct. 21, Metrolink is adding 32 weekday trains, accounting for a nearly 23% increase in service. The new schedule will also streamline connections between lines, making it easier for riders to navigate Metrolink’s six-county service area. “Customers and community members have been asking for more frequent trains, midday options and better connections, and we are listening,” Metrolink Board Chair Larry McCallon said. “The new schedule will allow Metrolink to reach beyond the traditional, Monday-through-Friday commuter windows and deliver a service that appeals to even more Southern Californians.” The upcoming schedule change represents the next step in the agency’s transformation from a conventional commuter service to a robust regional passenger rail connector – an evolution dubbed by Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle as “Metrolink Reimagined.” “The pandemic didn’t just change how and where people work,” Kettle said. “It changed how they travel and interact with transit systems. To ensure Metrolink remains a valuable resource for the communities we serve, we are reimagining our role within our region’s broader transportation landscape. We’ll still be here for daily 9-to-5 commuters, but we’re expanding our model to better accommodate a diverse range of customers, including tourists and daytrippers, students and nontraditional workers.” In addition to increasing weekday service levels, the new schedule will optimize connections across the system, reducing wait times for most passengers transferring from one line to another and facilitating travel between counties. The number of connections available throughout the day is increasing by more than 300%, and most customers will experience wait periods of just 10-20 minutes. These operational efficiencies will also allow Metrolink to utilize fewer train sets to run more trains. Metrolink’s Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County (IEOC) lines will see some of the most significant changes. The Orange County Line will add seven trains with all weekday trips operating at least as far south as Irvine, and four new IEOC Line trains will bolster connectivity between Riverside and Orange counties. The final weekend IEOC Line train from Oceanside to San Bernardino has also been adjusted and will leave three hours later to allow visitors more time to explore the renowned coastal destination. The San Bernardino Line will welcome sixteen new weekday trains, including ten roundtrips from LA Union Station to Covina. The Ventura County and 91/Perris Valley lines will each add two weekday trains, while one underutilized Riverside Line trip has been removed. The new schedule will complement Amtrak Pacific Surfliner codeshare trains between Los Angeles and Ventura, which will not be affected. Last October, Metrolink expanded service and provided similar train options on the Antelope Valley Line, which coincided with the launch of the free Student Adventure Pass. As a result of the additional service, annual ridership grew by 7% between August 2023 and August 2024 when Student Adventure Pass user data was excluded. The number of trains serving the Antelope Valley Line will not change when the new schedule goes into effect, though eight trains that currently operate between Los Angeles and the Via Princessa Station will be extended to and from the Vista Canyon Station. Many existing Metrolink routes have been shifted slightly earlier or later to more effectively space service throughout the day. Times and station stops may not align with current offerings, and customers are encouraged to consult the new schedule when planning their next trip. The full schedule is available at metrolinktrains.com/scheduleupdate.
CalOptima Health Partnerships
Mar182024 September 30, 2024 Orange County Business Council President and CEO Jeff Ball sat down with Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health, for a Q&A about the organization’s role in keeping Orange County healthy. Ball: In prior conversations, you said CalOptima Health prioritizes partnership. Is that the basis for your “Better. Together.” motto? Hunn: Yes! CalOptima Health relies on partnership with the provider community. We are fortunate to have more than 10,000 contracts in place with doctors, hospitals and the whole spectrum of other providers needed for comprehensive coverage. It has been an ongoing challenge to support our providers based on historically low Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, so we recently made a bold move to pay significantly more. Ball: How big is that provider rate increase? Hunn: In June 2024, the CalOptima Health Board of Directors approved an investment of $526.2 million to increase rates paid to health networks, hospitals, physicians, community clinics, behavioral health providers and ancillary services providers. It is the largest provider rate increase of its kind in CalOptima Health’s nearly 30-year history. Our goal is to support timely access to critical health care services for members and promote longer-term financial stability of our managed care network. The 7.5% increase is in place through December 2026. Leaders in the provider community have expressed appreciation for the recognition and validation of their important role in supporting the health care safety net in Orange County. Ball: Does the reported shortage of health care workers affect CalOptima Health? Hunn: We are addressing that shortage at its roots — with students pursuing careers in health care. This spring, we awarded $25 million in provider workforce education grants to seven institutions in Orange County. The grants seek to secure the future delivery system and bridge predicted gaps in the health care workforce that serves the Medi-Cal population. We held wonderful events to celebrate with students at UCI, CSUF, Concordia University Irvine and Chapman University to name a few. It was uplifting to see the students’ enthusiasm as they work toward becoming trained health care professionals committed to serving CalOptima Health members. Ball: OCBC has many provider organizations as investors, so I’m certain they welcome CalOptima Health’s innovative support. Thank you, Michael.
Workforce Committee Meeting
September 18, 2024 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
2 Park Plaza, Suite 125, Irvine, CA 92614
Comprised of leaders in business, academia, and government, the Workforce Committee meets throughout the course of the year to discuss a variety of issues relating to career readiness in Orange County. Contact Jesse Ben-Ron for meeting details.
Goodwill OC: A century of empowerment through employment
Mar182024 September 16, 2024 Discover How Goodwill of Orange County Connects People to Career Pathways and How You Can Join Them in Creating a More Inclusive Tomorrow Goodwill of Orange County (Goodwill OC) is a leading workforce development organization and one of the county’s largest nonprofits. Celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, Goodwill OC has become a well-recognized community service provider and a top employer, boasting more than 1,300 team members, 25+ innovative programs that help individuals develop career skills, ShopGoodwill.com, the premier e-commerce site for the Goodwill network, and 28 thrift stores and donation sites throughout the county. While Goodwill OC is most often known for its thrift stores, the organization is most proud of its mission work to positively impact lives and connect people with opportunities. Goodwill OC has been matching the needs of Orange County employers with highly skilled individuals for 100 years. By creating highly customized plans based on business needs and goals, Goodwill OC has successfully placed thousands of individuals into careers at leading Orange County companies over the last century. For individuals with physical or developmental disabilities, a young person trying to start a new chapter after making a mistake, or a veteran transition from military to civilian life, finding meaningful employment can change everything. Goodwill OC currently works with 190 prominent employers in Orange County across various industries, including med tech, hospitality, food service, retail and manufacturing and more, to fill gaps in the local workforce and strengthen the local economy. In many of these hiring partnerships, job coaches from Goodwill OC are on-site to help employees navigate their jobs and master their roles, taking the burden of training off the employer. This support ensures that employees are well-integrated into their roles and can perform their tasks effectively. For the individuals getting hired, these job opportunities are often the first time someone has said yes to them or the first time they are being seen for what they can do, not what they can’t. Its empowerment through employment and it is powerful – for the individual, the employer and the community. Orange County employers who have hired team members from Goodwill OC have found it tremendously beneficial. Through hiring partnerships with Goodwill OC, employers experience high retention and low turnover, and increased morale and culture. Edwards Lifesciences, the Irvine-based patient-focused medical innovations company, employs individuals from Goodwill OC in various roles, including technicians in a product testing lab, patient registry and equipment maintenance. Vidhya Harikumar, director of quality at Edwards Lifesciences, noted, “The benefits are tremendous. The biggest benefit from a business standpoint is filling a business need. The employees have demonstrated that there is a need for the roles that they fill, and we have been able to create permanent roles within the organization. From a diversity and inclusion standpoint, having these employees on campus has helped us to be more inclusive. It has driven us to evaluate our procedures, processes and the way that we communicate,” she said. “I would highly recommend that other local businesses hire employees trained by Goodwill OC. This partnership has been positive and valuable, and it feels remarkable that we are able to bring something like this to the workforce.” Brian Samaniego, service center lead at the Orange County Fire Authority, who also employs several longtime employees hired from Goodwill OC, echoed this sentiment, calling the partnership a “win-win” for both employees and the OCFA. “This opportunity provides these employees with a profound sense of purpose and belonging,” he said. “Knowing that their contributions are essential to the organization’s success instills a strong sense of fulfillment and identity. They take pride in their work, knowing they play a meaningful role in the daily duties of their respective jobs.” As some of Orange County’s most innovative and largest employers, Goodwill OC looks to you to help open doors and to create meaningful career opportunities. Provide an opportunity for individuals of all abilities to thrive professionally today, and join us in building a more inclusive tomorrow. To learn how Goodwill OC can match your company or organization with qualified employees, contact Rick Adams at [email protected] to get the conversation started.
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union: 90 Years of Strong Community Ties
Mar182024 September 16, 2024 SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union (SchoolsFirst FCU) was founded in 1934 when 126 school employees in Santa Ana pooled $1,200 to look out for each other’s financial well-being. Since those humble beginnings, SchoolsFirst FCU has grown to serve more than 1.4 million members. It is the largest credit union in California and the largest in the nation serving school employees and their families. SchoolsFirst FCU is headquartered in Tustin, with 70 branches throughout California, including 22 in Orange County. People Helping People in the Communities We Serve SchoolsFirst FCU practices the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” by contributing to the local community. The Credit Union focuses on supporting initiatives that benefit school employees and educational programs by partnering with K-12 schools, community colleges and universities. In collaboration with the Orange County Department of Education, SchoolsFirst FCU established the Education Foundation for California Schools, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing educational programs in public and private schools across the state. Since its founding in 2003, the foundation has awarded over $2.2 million in grants to more than 875 teachers. Financial education is key to promoting financial well-being, inclusivity and equity within the community. The Credit Union offers hands-on workshops designed for school employees, students and their families. In one of the most popular workshops, Bite of Reality, SchoolsFirst FCU team member volunteers guide students through practical, financial-management simulations. This initiative increases financial literacy and equips students with knowledge and skills to achieve financial success. A Team Dedicated to Giving Back The SchoolsFirst FCU team actively supports the Credit Union’s causes. Each year, the Credit Union donates thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies and distributes them to students who need them the most. Team members also take part in annual fundraising events benefiting local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), the charity of choice for credit unions. A long-time supporter of CHOC, SchoolsFirst FCU participates in the annual CHOC Walk in the Park at Disneyland Park. Throughout the state, SchoolsFirst FCU team members engage in various fundraising efforts to aid children and their families who receive care from CMNH member hospitals in the areas we serve, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego and UC Davis Children’s Hospital in Sacramento. Carrying the Service-Oriented Mission into the Future Community engagement has been part of SchoolsFirst FCU since its founding. Through active participation in local initiatives and support for the educational community, SchoolsFirst FCU plays a key role in strengthening the community. By upholding their commitment to member service and keeping true to the “people helping people” philosophy, SchoolsFirst FCU helps members on their path to financial well-being and contributes to thriving communities in Orange County and beyond.
Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Services Honored at Orange County Business Council’s First Responders Dinner
Participants of the first moderated session for the 2024 Orange County Business Council (OCBC) Legislative Day are pictured from left Assistant Vice Chancellor for Community and Government Relations Alberto Sandoval of the University of California, Irvine, and The Honorable Josh Newman from the California State Senate. IRVINE, CA (September 13, 2023)—Community and business leaders gathered at Orange County Business Council’s second annual First Responders Dinner on September 12th in Anaheim. The event recognized first responder honorees who protect and serve the businesses, residents and visitors of Orange County. Their commitment and service makes it possible for Orange County to be an economic leader in the state. 2024 honoree organizations and their stories include: Automobile Club of Southern California and Bitetto Towing—Vice President of Automotive Services Nannalee Haywood and Senior Trainer Scott Swann of Automobile Club of Southern California, as well as Bitetto Towing Service Technician Andrew Hernandez Falck—Operations Managers Jeremy Ruga and Matthew Spencer Fullerton Police Department—Police Officer George Peterson Newport Beach Police Department—Police Officer Lina You and Detective Beau Rains Orange County District Attorney’s Office—TARGET/GANGS, Organized Crime Unit, and Public Affairs Unit Orange County Fire Authority—Fire Captain Richard Ventura, Fire Apparatus Engineer Andrew Strebel, and Firefigher/Paramedics Zachary Richardson and Alan Yturralde. Placentia Fire and Life Safety—Fire Captain Joshua Martin, Fire Engineer Samuel Listoe, and Firefighter Mark Aguirre University of California, Irvine Police Department—Police Officer Orng Liev Former NBCLA, Orange County Bureau Chief Vikki Vargas announced the honoree awards and stories. A moment of silence also recognized first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty. They included: Rob Culp, Fire Captain, Orange County Fire Authority, last assigned to Fire Station 27, Irvine Alexander Rodish, Equipment Operator II, Caltrans The evening concluded with a cyber-security presentation by a cybercrimes investigator of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Sponsors included title sponsor UCI Health, and gold sponsors Chevron, Falck, Hoag, MemorialCare, and Providence. About Orange County Business CouncilFor nearly 30 years, Orange County Business Council (OCBC) has been representing and promoting the region’s business community together with government and academia to enhance the economic development of Orange County, California. The Council’s core initiatives include advocating for adequate investment in regional and statewide infrastructure, education development that leads to a competitive workforce, advocating for a range of housing, and developing pro-business solutions that lead to economic growth of the nation’s sixth most populous county. Member organizations include businesses and local organizations representing a diverse cross section of industries including biomedical, construction, education, financial services, health care, manufacturing, municipalities, nonprofit, real estate, technology, tourism, transportation, real estate and utilities. For more information, visit ocbc.org. Media Contact:Lizz Mishreki, APRVice President of CommunicationsOrange County Business [email protected]
OCBC First Responders Dinner Honorees
First Responders Dinner Honorees 2024 First Responder Honorees Automobile Club of Southern California
Related Bristol project in Santa Ana receives unanimous planning approval
Mar182024 September 3, 2024 In a major step forward, the visionary Related Bristol mixed-use redevelopment project in south Santa Ana was recommended for approval by the City’s Planning Commission on a unanimous 7-0 vote following a public hearing on August 12. The plan to transform the 41-acre Metro Town Square Shopping Center into a highly-walkable, people-first urban village with apartments, shops and restaurants and 13 acres of programmed open space along South Bristol Street now goes to the City Council for final approval in September. It has been two years since this $3 billion project was formally submitted to the City for consideration. If approved, it will become the largest private investment in Santa Ana’s 154-year history.
California Jobs First: Orange County Regional Investment Initiative Forum Event Recap
California Jobs First: Orange County Regional Investment Initiative Forum Recap September 24, 2024 | Santa Ana, CA California Jobs First Forum Recap:A Success in Collaboration Thank you to everyone who attended the California Jobs First: Orange County Regional Investment Initiative Forum on September 24, 2024 at Santa Ana College. The event was a great success, drawing nearly 200 attendees and fostering meaningful connections among community members and leaders. The program opened by emphasizing California Jobs First as an initiative to build a community-led economy that balances energy needs with environmental protection. The Regional Investment Initiative allows Orange County to develop tailored economic plans focused on equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Over a year and a half of work has gone into this process, and the forum was an opportunity to reflect on this progress. The next steps for the Regional Investment Initiative are the deployment of Implementation and Catalyst Funding, emphasizing continued collaboration to achieve the initiative’s goals. Implementation and Catalyst Funding are two key funding sources that will support Orange County’s projects moving forward: Implementation Funding: A total of $150 million will be distributed over three years, with $50 million available each year for completing projects. This funding is competitive across California, and projects will need approval from the regional collaborative to be considered by the state. Catalyst Funding: This funding supports projects that aren’t quite ready for full implementation. $1.5 million has been allocated to Sector Investment Coordinators, who will guide projects and align them with additional funding sources. An additional $9 million will fund exploratory projects in the early stages of development and last-mile projects that need final steps like site selection or permitting before they’re ready to go. The collaborative has until September 2026 to decide how to allocate these funds. In the coming months, further guidance will be provided on which activities and projects will receive Implementation and Catalyst Funding, with an informal request for project submissions expected soon. To learn more about California Jobs First, visit here. For questions or more information, contact [email protected]. Detailed Event Agenda English Spanish Vietnamese AGENDA 4:00 p.m. Registration and Dinner 5:00 p.m. Doors Open and Musical Performance 5:30 p.m. Welcome and Recognition of Collaborative Members Maria Linares, Business Initiatives Manager, OCBC Natalie Nguyen, Senior Contracts Specialist, Charitable Ventures 5:45 p.m. California Jobs First Overview and Process Jesse Ben-Ron, Vice President of Business Initiatives, OCBC 5:50 p.m. Regional Plan Part I Highlights Dr. Wallace Walrod, Chief Economic Advisor, OCBC 6:00 p.m. Community Outreach and Engagement Sarah Middleton, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mission Up Dr. CJ Bishop, Senior Research Analyst, Coast Community College District 6:15 p.m. Priority Industries and Strategies Maria Linares, Business Initiatives Manager, OCBC Regional Plan Part II Strategies Katharyn Muniz, Orange County Conservation Corps Joyce Perry, Payomkawichum Kaamalam Johnice Williams, Community Leader Iosefa Alofaituli, Cielo 6:35 p.m. Regional Investment Initiative and Catalyst Next StepsMaria Linares, Business Initiatives Manager, OCBC 6:55 p.m. Closing Remarks Maria Linares, Business Initiatives Manager, OCBC 7:00 p.m. Adjourn The success of the California Jobs First Initiative is made possible by the unwavering support of our exceptional Collaborative Members. We extend our deepest gratitude for their dedication and collaboration. American Indian Chamber of Commerce of CaliforniaApolonio CortesBoilermakers Local 92California State University, FullertonCEO Leadership Alliance Orange CountyChapman UniversityCharitable VenturesChrysalisCieloCitizens Climate LobbyCity of Garden GroveCity of Santa AnaClimate Action CampaignCoastal Corridor AllianceCommunity Action Partnership of Orange CountyConcordia University IrvineCooperacion Santa AnaCox BusinessCSUF Center for EntrepreneurshipDesiree Martinez (Gabrielino Tongva Community)Donia KayaliFamily Assistance MinistriesFirst 5 Orange CountyGoodwill of Orange CountyGreater Irvine Chamber of CommerceHope BuildersHospitality Training AcademyInternational Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 947International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 441Iron Workers Local 416Iron Workers Local 433Irvine Valley CollegeJohnice WilliamsKaren SarabiaKevin Phung LA/OC Building and Construction TradesLatino Health AccessLeague of California Cities, Orange County DivisionMaria AguilarNorth Orange County Community College DistrictOCAPICAOCCORDOctaneOrange County Black Chamber of CommerceOrange County Business Council (OCBC)Orange County CoastkeeperOrange County Conservation CorpsOrange County Community FoundationOrange County Department of EducationOrange County GrantmakersOrange County Hispanic Chamber of CommerceOrange County Labor FederationOrange County United WayOrange Workforce AlliancePayomkawichum Kaamalam (Acjachemen)Plumbers & Steamfitters, Local 582Sarah RiggsSouthern California Association of GovernmentsSheet Metal Workers Local 105SoCal GasSokollin TesSunrise Movement Orange CountySustain SoCalThe Cambodian Family Community CenterThe Kennedy CommissionTHRIVE Santa AnaUnited Association Local 250UMass GlobalUNITE HERE Local 11University of California, IrvineVital Link Learn more at ocbc.org/initiatives/cjf AGENDA 4:00 p.m. Registro y Cena 5:00 p.m. Apertura de Puertas y Actuación Musical 5:30 p.m. Bienvenida y Reconocimiento de los Miembros Colaboradores Maria Linares, Mánager de Iniciativas Empresariales, OCBC Natalie Nguyen, Especialista en Contratos Senior, Charitable Ventures 5:45 p.m. Resumen y Proceso de California Jobs First Jesse Ben-Ron, Vicepresidente de Iniciativas Empresariales, OCBC 5:50 p.m. Aspectos Destacados del Plan Regional Parte I Dr. Wallace Walrod, Consejero Económico Principal, OCBC 6:00 p.m. Extensión y Participación de la Comunidad Sarah Middleton, Presidente y Director General, Mission Up Dr. CJ Bishop, Analista Senior de Investigación, Coast Community College District 6:15 p.m. Industrias y Estrategias Prioritarias Maria Linares, Mánager de Iniciativas Empresariales, OCBC Estrategias de Plan Regional Parte II Katharyn Muniz, Orange County Conservation Corps Joyce Perry, Payomkawichum Kaamalam Johnice Williams, Líder de la Comunidad Iosefa Alofaituli, Cielo 6:35 p.m. Iniciativa de Inversión Regional y Próximos Pasos CatalizadoresMaria Linares, Mánager de Iniciativas Empresariales, OCBC 6:55 p.m. Comentarios FinalesMaria Linares, Mánager de Iniciativas Empresariales, OCBC 7:00 p.m. Aplazar El éxito de la Iniciativa de California Jobs First es posible gracias al apoyo constante de nuestros Miembros Colaborativos excepcionales. Extendemos nuestra más profunda gratitud por su dedicación y colaboración. American Indian Chamber of Commerce of CaliforniaApolonio CortesBoilermakers Local 92California State University, FullertonCEO Leadership Alliance Orange CountyChapman UniversityCharitable VenturesChrysalisCieloCitizens Climate LobbyCity of Garden GroveCity of Santa AnaClimate Action CampaignCoastal Corridor AllianceCommunity Action Partnership of Orange CountyConcordia University IrvineCooperacion Santa AnaCox BusinessCSUF Center for EntrepreneurshipDesiree Martinez (Gabrielino Tongva Community)Donia KayaliFamily Assistance MinistriesFirst 5 Orange CountyGoodwill of Orange CountyGreater Irvine Chamber of CommerceHope BuildersHospitality Training AcademyInternational Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 947International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 441Iron Workers Local 416Iron Workers Local 433Irvine Valley CollegeJohnice WilliamsKaren SarabiaKevin Phung LA/OC Building and…