Around Town: Huntington Beach community picnic set for Sunday

The city of Huntington Beach is hosting a community pop-up picnic on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central Park.

The event will be held behind the Central Library and aims to celebrate diversity and help neighbors get to know one another.

It will feature conversations with city leaders, food trucks, performances, information booths and family activities.

Residents are asked to bring their own picnic blankets and chairs, wear face masks and socially distance when possible.

United Way to host free online Homelessness 101 class

The United to End Homelessness initiative, empowered by Orange County United Way, is hosting an online course to inform residents on the countywide crisis of homelessness, dispel myths and misinformation and share how “good intentions” contribute to a growing problem.

On Tuesday, April 20, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., speakers will cover frequently asked questions on the topic and provide an update on the current state of homelessness as well as the key factors that lead to it and how it might be solved. Participants will become familiar with ideas and terms related to homelessness and gain a better understanding of systems and trends in Orange County.

Pre-registration is required through Eventbrite or by visiting unitedtoendhomelessness.org.

Randy’s Donuts to hold hiring event

Randy’s Donuts, which recently opened a store in Costa Mesa, plans a COVID-19-safe hiring event at its Inglewood location April 20, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The company is hiring for multiple full- and part-time positions, including jobs at the new Costa Mesa site on Harbor Boulevard. Jobs include managers, supervisors, cashiers, bakers, fryers, decorators and cleaning crew. No experience is necessary, as Randy’s offers paid training.

Management team members will conduct on-the-spot interviews during the event, which, according to the company, will follow COVID-19 safety protocol. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to apply. Resumes are preferred. Randy’s offers a 25% employee discount, paid sick leave and health benefits and two complimentary doughnuts and one free coffee per shift.

The event takes place at 805 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood. Those who cannot attend in person are asked to send their resume to jobs@randysdonuts.com or call (310) 686-1765.

Costa Mesa Sanitary recognized as ‘District of Distinction’

The Costa Mesa Sanitary District recently received a “District of Distinction” accreditation by the nonprofit Special District Leadership Foundation for its sound fiscal management policies and district operations practices.

The foundation independently audits the last three years of a district’s operations to ensure fiscal prudence. Audits are reviewed on a voluntary basis by special district controllers, directors of finance and certified general managers.

To receive the recognition, districts must post transparency requirements on their websites, including board meeting schedules and agendas, election procedure and deadlines, district budgets and financial audits and compensation of board members, among other requirements.

Board members and executive staff must also show proof of educational training in public governance and compliance with ethics and harassment prevention training.

In a release issued by CMSD, Board President Robert Ooten said he and staff were honored and proud to receive accreditation for the 12th year in a row.

“Our district’s core values include fiduciary responsibility, integrity and transparency — all of which are reflected in SDFL’s District of Distinction accreditation,” Ooten said.

Orange County unemployment drops in March

The March jobless rate in Orange County was 6.4%, down from 6.8% in February, according to the state Employment Development Department, which released the figures Friday.

The Orange County labor force totaled 1,541,900, of which 98,600 were unemployed last month, the data showed.

The county’s trend downward nearly mirrored statewide data collected in two surveys taken last month. California’s unemployment rate dropped 0.2% in March, according to the EDD, as the state’s employers gained 119,600 jobs.

The top three industries in the state showing employment growth last month, according to the report, were leisure and hospitality; trade, transportation and utilities; professional and business services. Financial activities was the only sector to experience a month-over job loss of 600 positions statewide, which was attributed in the report to a decline in finance and insurance as well as activities related to real estate.

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