🌱 $2,500 Small Biz Grants + OC's First Surfer + New Beach Piers

Good morning, Orange County! Here's everything you need to know to get today started off right.

Would you like a shout-out for your business?

If you have a local business, our readers want to know what you're doing in the community. Be the first to find out how The OC Daily can help you get the word out about your growing business! Contact me today for a shout-out in The Daily, and to find out more.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and warmer. High: 82 Low: 59.

Are you a local business owner or marketer? We can help you effortlessly run effective ads that reach customers in Orange County. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Orange County small businesses impacted by COVID-19 can apply for a $2,500 grant. On Monday, Orange County reopened applications for its microbusiness grants program. The grants will help local businesses that were impacted by the economic downturn from the pandemic. Business owners can apply for the $2,500 grants "until funding is exhausted." Find out if you're eligible here: (Orange County Patch)
2. Orange County beach piers that are a focal point of Newport and Huntington beaches may be revitalized earlier than expected, said Newport Beach Councilwoman Diane Dixon. Dixon said that the upgrades are taking shape "ahead of the busy summer season." Plans include demolishing an old restaurant building at the end of the Huntington Beach pier and replacing it with a new eatery with an updated design. (KABC-TV)
3. Who was the first surfer in California? One man is famously credited with starting surfing before it was called surfing in the 1920s — Duke Kahanamoku. Kahanamoku is known as the "father of modern surfing." The place it all began is likely Corona del Mar. You can read the full story here: (KCET)
4. OC supervisors are considering providing financial help for downtown Santa Ana merchants. Shop owners on Fourth Street are displaying window signs saying OCTA streetcar construction is cutting off access to their shops and small businesses. Santa Ana business owners are asking for direct subsidies to help them survive the $509 million public works project that’s expected to go on through next year. (Voice of OC)

Today in Orange County:

• Power of Positive Parenting — The Priority Center. (All Day)
• CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry 2022. (All Day)
• Library Travelogue! — Huntington Beach Public Library. (All Day)
• Dale Carnegie Presents: Leadership Blindspots. (9 a.m.)
• Zoning Administrator Meeting — City of Newport Beach. (10 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orange County's COVID-19 Hospitalizations: Case rates climbing. (City News Service)
• Real Estate Roundup: For Orange County. (Orange County Patch)
• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County: "Dallas is looking for his forever home." (Facebook)
• Orange County Sheriff's Department, C.A: "It is important to keep your personal belongings in a safe place while using public transportation. Never set your items on an empty seat." (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Storage Valet — (Visit website)
• Segerstrom Shelby Event Center — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Divorce & The Home: The Spring Housing Market — Vesta Irvine, California Hub. (May 13)
• 3-D Theatricals Presents Disney's "NEWSIES," A Musical Based on the Disney Film — May 13-29. (May 13)
• San Clemente Award-winning Annual Garden Tour. (May 14)
• Girl Scouts Slime Time Party! (May 14)
• Balboa Island Artwalk. (May 15)
• Balboa Island Artwalk. (May 15)
• Make New Friends with My Little Pony! (May 18)
• Make New Friends with My Little Pony! (May 26)
• [Free Masterclass] Increase Your Website Sales & Leads Using SEO. (May 28)
• Add your event

Gigs & services:

• Math Tutoring (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Job listings:

• Caregiver (Details)
• Add your job listing

Love the Orange County Daily? Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe for free.

You're caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a freelance writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orange County Daily? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com