Anaheim Independent Civic affairs in OC's largest city.

[Editor: This op-ed originally appeared in the OC Register on September 21, 2020] by Will O’Neill, Jennifer Fitzgerald, Beth Haney, Janine Heft and Brian Goodell We need to safely re-open California – or at least Orange County – now.  We are three weeks into the new “tier” system to reopen California.  The official guidelines have changed three times and we ...

The JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort, the first 4-Diamond hotel in Anaheim since the construction of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, opened for business today. The property was previously scheduled to open in March of this year, but was delayed due to the pandemic-induced statewide economic shutdown that closed the Disneyland Resort. The JW Marriott boasts 466 rooms, which include 19 suites. ...

The County of Orange yesterday announced the launch of a new SafeDineOC COVID-Safe Restaurant Campaign to incentivize Orange County restaurants to followCalifornia Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Our restaurant owners across Orange County need help right now, and we need to take steps wherever possible to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Orange County Board ...

From the Anaheim Packing District: Eager Orange County craft beer enthusiasts are elated as Modern Times, the San Diego famed brewery, plunges into the heart of Anaheim. Modern Times, CFO, Chris Sarette, proudly describes the latest 33,000-square-foot Modern Times luxury island paradise, which opened on July 28, 2020. “After four years of construction and restoration, we’re thrilled to open Leisuretown ...

The Westin Anaheim Resort, located next to the Anaheim Convention Center on the site of the old Ana Bella Hotel, is now scheduled for an October 2020 grand opening, delayed a few months by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new 4-Diamond property will feature seven restaurants, including Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, and Puesto, offering authentic Mexican ...

From the City of Anaheim: Anaheim’s City Council has selected James Vanderpool, city manager of Buena Park, as Anaheim’s next city manager. The City Council on Tuesday voted to appoint Vanderpool as city manager, pending an employment agreement. An employment agreement could come before the Council in August, and Vanderpool could join Anaheim in early September. Vanderpool has served as ...

Last week, the Anaheim Convention Center became the first convention center on the West Coast to receive the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation. As one of the first facilities in the U.S. to be certified in outbreak and infectious diseases preparation and response, the Anaheim Convention Center is on the forefront of creating an approved healthy and safe ...

Ryan Balius, who is running for Anaheim City Council from District 1, will celebrate 244th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by providing American flags to more than 6,000 residences in the district. “The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays because it brings family and friends together to celebrate our country, reflect on the ...

From the City of Anaheim: Orange County and the state of California are out with new restrictions for restaurants, bars and other businesses here in Anaheim and across the county and state. Most involve shutting down indoor service while allowing service outdoors, where the risk of coronavirus spread is lower. The exception is for businesses that solely serve alcohol, which ...

From the City of Anaheim: Anaheim small businesses struggling with the economic impacts of the coronavirus crisis can apply for a loan of up to $10,000 from the city of Anaheim to help retain employees, create jobs or meet day-to-day operating expenses. The Small-Business Microloan program is open to Anaheim small businesses with five or fewer employees. About 100 small ...