VICA submitted letters this week supporting Senate Bill 485, which fosters studio construction and renovation, resulting in increased production of jobs and spending in newly constructed stages.

Southern California stands as a stronghold in the film industry. However, the construction of soundstages in California has not kept pace with the recent growth in film production, scripted television, and streaming content. Investment in new soundstages is constrained by limits on available production tax credits, which create significant uncertainty about long-term demand for new stages. SB 485 will mirror existing tax credits by providing incentives calculated on payments to local suppliers and workers behind the camera for newly constructed or renovated soundstages. In doing so, SB 485 will bring in an estimated total of $4.3 billion in economic activity in the state.

This week, VICA's legislative team called into the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Governing Board Meeting to oppose the Warehouse Indirect Source Rule, which would impose an estimated $1 billion in annual fees for the warehousing industry and put 100,000 jobs at risk.

California's logistics industry is critical to our economy, and supports an estimated 1 out of every 22 jobs in California. The industry rose to the challenges of the past year, ensuring that vaccines, food, and medical equipment were delivered, all while continuing to adopt strategies that make it one of the cleanest supply chains in the world. The Warehouse Indirect Source Rule would put enormous financial strain on these industries, potentially costing tens of thousands of good-paying jobs and reducing available resources to advance zero-emission technologies.

While we appreciate the South Coast Air Quality Management District's efforts to enhance our regional air quality, the District must work closely with the industry to develop regulations that appropriately address air quality, balance costs, and realistically account for technological feasibility.

VICA will be sending out the Handbooks next week, so keep an eye out. If you need to update your mailing address, please email Cathy@vica.com. If you don't receive by the end of May, please email Cathy to let us know.

Welcome VICA's new Legislative Affairs Manager, Giancarlo Rubio!

Giancarlo comes to us from LA Metro's Community Relations department. He supported Metro's Operations and Countywide Initiatives. He also previously supported Metro's Local Government and External Affairs division.

Giancarlo is currently obtaining his Master of Business Administration degree from Louisiana State University, concentrating in Project Management. He graduated from California State University, Northridge in 2017 with a BA in Communication Studies. Giancarlo is passionate about advancing public infrastructure, a thriving transportation network, and a successful business community. Giancarlo is excited to be part of the VICA team and get to know all of VICA's esteemed members.

Giancarlo will be managing legislative affairs alongside Kayla Koerting, and you can reach him at Giancarlo@vica.com!

Wednesday and Thursday, May 12-13

Online Video Conference

Wednesday, May 19

9 to 11 a.m.

Online Video Conference

For Sponsorships, contact Shauna@vica.com

Sponsored by Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City

LA County has officially relaxed its COVID-19 related business restrictions this week, moving to the least-restrictive yellow tier of the state's blueprint.

Los Angeles school officials have decided to not extend the 2021-22 academic year to confront COVID-19 pandemic learning loss, amid teachers union opposition.

A federal judge has ruled that the CDC overstepped its authority when issuing a nationwide eviction moratorium, though state and local authorities still have them.

An April economic report shows that job growth in the U.S. slowed sharply and the jobless rate edged up from 6% to 6.1%, despite analysts positive projections.

The U.S. earthquake early warning system is now able to issue alerts to cell phone users anywhere on the West Coast to give warning that an earthquake is on its way.

State officials have announced that California's population has dropped 182,083 people in 2020, the first population loss in the state's history.

> Please share a brief biography and a fun fact about yourself that people would love to learn, ie: you love skydiving, you have run a marathon, you started your own business at a young age, etc. (2-3 sentences) 

> Tell us about your belief in VICA, how has VICA been most valuable for you? 

> If you were to share an experience with someone about VICA, what would that be? 

> Share with us what you believe to be the greatest accomplishment VICA has achieved?

> What was your organizations and/or your greatest accomplishment in 2020?

> Can you share what VICA has meant for you and your business during COVID?

VICA members can promote their business, events and news in VICA Weekly. Member messages are available for $50 per week or $175 for four weeks. Messages are text-based and may not contain more than 70 words. A logo may be added for an additional $5 per week. For more information or to schedule your member message, contact cathy@vica.com or call (818) 817-0545.