VICA Weekly: Approved Promenade 2035 Project Will Bring Jobs and Housing to the Valley

May 29, 2020

VICA continues to fight for the business community and Valley residents as we face uncertain times.

In This Issue

Media Mentions

VICA Calendar

" I fully support these efforts in our expediency to reopen businesses, reunite loved ones, and revitalize our neighborhoods"

- Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger on meeting safety criteria to receive variance from the State in order to move forward with reopening L.A. County.

Media Mentions

When the Cameras Can Start Rolling Again

Santa Clarita Valley Signal News

May 24

Now is the Time to be Flexible

SFVBJ

May 25

Employment Lawyers Put In 14-Hour Days to Keep Up with Client Questions

SFVBJ

May 25

L.A. Businesses Face Charges for Flouting Coronavirus Rules

Los Angeles Times

May 29

The Week Ahead

VICA University - Paycheck Protection Program Forgiveness

Wednesday, June 3

10 to 11:15 a.m.

Online Video Conference

Click here to RSVP

Sports, Entertainment, Tourism and Hospitality Committee

Sponsored by Aeroplex/Aerolease

Monday, June 15

Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Online Video Conference

Click here to RSVP

Government Affairs Committee

Sponsored by Dolphin Group and Rodriguez Strategies

Wednesday, June 17

9 to 11 a.m.

Online Video Conference

Click here to RSVP

VICA University -

COVID-19 Legal Developments with CJAC

Thursday, June 18

10 to 11:15 a.m.

Online Video Conference

Click here to RSVP

First Sip With VICA -

Virtual Networking

Friday, June 19

9 to 10 a.m.

Online Video Conference

Click here to RSVP

VIEW CALENDAR HERE

Hot Issues

Reopening Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair, Kathryn Barger, announced that the County has met readiness criteria and is applying to receive variance from the State of California, which would allow the County to go further into Stage 2 and begin Phase 3 of the State's Reopening Guidelines.

Retail

The California Department of Public Health announced that retail stores around the state are now allowed to open for in-store shopping under existing COVID-19 safety guidelines for retailers.

Tourism

A major reduction in travel has caused some of California's biggest economic sectors to be the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. These sectors include the tourism industry, the entertainment industry, restaurants, state universities and seaborne trade.

Split Roll

The COVID-19 pandemic has given a new dimension to the debate surrounding the latest VICA-opposed Split Roll measure, which is on the November ballot, as opponents argue increasing property taxes would worsen the current economic turmoil.

Minimum Wage

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors introduced a motion to analyze the pros and cons of postponing the minimum wage increase in unincorporated parts of L.A. County scheduled for July 1, 2020.

The California Chamber of Commerce is urging Governor Newsom to use the "off-ramp" in the state minimum wage law to delay scheduled wage increases statewide due to economic hardship.

Rent Relief

Los Angeles City Council Nury Martinez is moving towards using $100 million in federal COVID-19 aid funds to create a rent relief program for qualified renters with the goal of starting the program by July 1.

Approved Promenade 2035 Project Will Bring Jobs and Housing to the Valley


	Artist's rendering of Promenade 2035 project.

Yesterday, the Los Angeles City Planning Commission unanimously approved the Westfield Promenade 2035 project, which features a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue. VICA called in to the meeting to support the mixed-use project, which would create over 12,500 full and part-time jobs and generate nearly $12 million of net annual revenue for the City of Los Angeles' General Fund. The transit-oriented project greatly aligns with the City's goals of reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. As the City focuses its efforts towards economic recovery, this major investment place the San Fernando Valley in a great position to grow and enhance its economic vitality.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3

10 to 11:15 A.M.

via Online Video Conference

Paycheck Protection Program Forgiveness

If you have any lingering questions about PPP loan forgiveness, look no further than VICA University and we'll cover everything you need to know to get your business the help it needs.

Continuing to Fight for Valley Transportation Projects

Yesterday, during the Metro Board of Directors meeting, Board Members discussed budget priorities amid funding cuts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They considered a Call to Action which proposed to place Metro programs and projects into two "buckets." VICA submitted comments to the Metro Board, voicing strong concerns against projects jumping the queue in the Measure M schedule. Projects further along in the process, such as the Orange Line Improvements Project and the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Project should not be placed ahead in the schedule over projects that are not under construction. While VICA understands COVID-19 has resulted in an unprecedented reduction in Metro revenue, we argued to the Board that COVID-19 should not be used as an opportunity to change the order of projects voters supported when they approved Measure M.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

4 to 5:30 P.M.

via Online Video Conference

Mike Feuer

Los Angeles City Attorney

Relax, mix and mingle with other VICA members and other prominent business leaders in the Valley in Virtual VICA After Dark!

Los Angeles City Council Approves Relief Measures for Local Businesses

On Wednesday, VICA called in to provide comments during the Los Angeles City Council meeting to support a motion which would provide temporary protection measures for occupants of self-storage facilities. VICA also expressed support for a motion which would remove regulatory burdens for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Safer at Home Order. This includes extending expiring Conditional Use Permits for 12 months after the end of the local emergency period, and suspension of additional parking requirements for use changes in existing structures. The City Council moved forward with both motions, which provides significant relief for small businesses and restaurants struggling amid this economic crisis.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

NOON to 1:15 P.M.

via Online Video Conference

Brad Sherman

U.S. Congressmember - California 30th District

VICA's Newsmaker Connection lets our members connect with important government and business leaders.

Urge State Legislature to Help, Not Punish, Commercial Property Owners

VICA opposes Senate Bill 939 (Weiner), which would only protect a small group while removing the rights of commercial property owners and worsening their economic situations amid the current crisis. SB 939 would exacerbate the financial difficulties faced by commercial property owners by removing their rights to take legal action if a tenant fails to meet contractual obligations. This would undermine the integrity of rental contracts throughout the state and push commercial property owners into foreclosure, forcing them to lay off staff and worsening the current economic crisis. Other officials have suggested balanced plans that would help both commercial property owners and their tenants. The Legislature should work towards protecting all businesses instead of selectively choosing winners and losers.

Click here to send a letter to oppose SB 939.

Member Messages:

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ABOUT VICA

Presenting the business perspective on behalf of employers in the San Fernando Valley cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, San Fernando and Santa Clarita.