California Tourism Leaders Convene at State Capitol; Detail Huge Losses in Visitor Spending, Jobs, and Taxes

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media gathered today to hear from tourism experts on the impact of the pandemic on the industry. Updated travel forecasts predict travel-related spending and taxes generated in the State are projected to lose billions of dollars than previously thought this year.

“The profound economic disruption caused by the pandemic has been felt by all sectors of our economy, but the tourism industry is bearing more of a burden than most,” said Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva, Chair of the Committee. “As California’s post-pandemic future begins to take shape, reviving our tourism and travel industry will play a vital role in restarting the economy and empowering the state.”

Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva Welcomes Two New Project Homekey Investments Coming to Orange County

SACRAMENTO, CA - Today the Governor announced two New Project Homekey investments are headed to Orange County. Under the Homekey program, local entities will partner with the state to acquire and rehabilitate a variety of housing types, including, but not limited to hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings, and residential care facilities in order to serve people experiencing homelessness or who are also at risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

For one of the projects, Orange County will acquire a 60-unit motel that will be immediately rehabilitated and rapidly occupied as interim housing. The project will then be renovated and converted into permanent supportive housing.  This project is intended to address the need for housing for people experiencing homelessness in the surrounding communities.  The motel will serve as the central location for those experiencing homelessness in Orange County to receive wrap-around services.  

“As the Chair of the Select Committee on Orange County Chronic Homelessness I have seen first-hand the need for permanent supportive housing here in North Orange County,” said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva.  “Since the creation of the Navigation Centers in both Fullerton and Buena Park, along with the great work being done in the North Service Provider Area, we can really see the need for the next step of permanent supportive housing here in North Orange County, these two new Project Homekey projects will certainly provide a much needed service to our homeless community.”