November 15, 2019

In This Issue
" City Hall needs to stop looking at the business community as the enemy. We need to view the business community as a partner."

- Councilmember John Lee during a VICA After Dark
Media Mentions

The High Cost of Environmentalism
SFVBJ

Panel Talks Single-Payer, Universal Coverage Options at VICA Event
SFVBJ

Members 
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VICA Thanks Our Renewing Members 



(1998)


(2008)
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Communities for California Cardrooms
(2013)
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Welcome Our New Member

Strategic Government Affairs


The Week Ahead

Extraordinary Women in Leadership
Tuesday, November 19
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Garland
4222 Vineland Ave.,
North Hollywood
Click  here to RSVP

Newsmaker Connection with Chinese Consul General Zhang Ping
Wednesday, November 20
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
VICA Office
16600 Sherman Way, Suite 170
Van Nuys
Click  here to RSVP
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Save the Date

Ambassador Committee
Tuesday, November 26
8:30 to 10 a.m.
VICA Office
16600 Sherman Way, Suite 170
Van Nuys
Click here to RSVP

Aviation Committee
Wednesday, December 4
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Aerolease
7943 Woodley Ave.,
Van Nuys
Click here to RSVP

Entertainment Committee
Sponsored by Pacific Federal
Thursday, December 5
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
VICA Office
16600 Sherman Way, Suite 170
Van Nuys
Click here to RSVP



Hot Issues 

Electric Bikes and Scooters
Uber plans to appeal the City of Los Angeles' decision to revoke the company's permit to rent out bicycles and scooters following disputes over a new data-sharing rule in the City's pilot permit program.

Amazon
Amazon announced that it would open its first grocery store in the Warner Center at Woodland Hills.

Gig Economy
The California Trucking Association filed a federal lawsuit against recently passed AB 5, arguing that the new law prevents truckers from operating as independent drivers.

Clean-Vehicle Rebates
Beginning December 3, electric cars that cost more than $60,000 will no longer be eligible for a clean-vehicle rebate.

Housing
The Los Angeles City Council is moving forward with creating 'anti-displacement' zones near market-price or 'luxury' residences with no affordable units.

Solar Power
The California Energy Commission refused to approve the Sacramento Municipal Utility District's proposal to allow new homes in Sacramento to be built without solar panels, if existing solar farms provide energy.

Homelessness
According to a poll  conducted by Hart Research, 95 percent of Los Angeles County voters labeled homelessness as either a serious or a very serious problem in the County.

Wildfires
Senator Kamala Harris introduced a bill that would provide $1 billion a year for infrastructure improvements and evacuation route-planning in communities facing the risk of wildfires.





Councilmember John Lee Speaks at VICA After Dark
Presenting Sponsor and VICA Board Member David Meza (Southern California Gas Company), VICA Chair Lisa Gritzner (LG Strategies), Councilmember John Lee, Presenting Sponsor and VICA Board Member Sandy Sanchez (FivePoint), Presenting Sponsor and VICA Board Member James Theiring and VICA Board Member (Mission Community Hospital), and Presenting Sponsor and Host Frank Su (Toll Brothers).

On Tuesday, VICA members gathered at the Toll Brothers' Cascades at Westcliffe in Porter Ranch for a VICA After Dark with Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee. Lee discussed a wide range of topics, including the importance of engaging with the community, creating a stronger partnership between government and the business community, and reassessing priorities at City Hall.

Councilmember Lee stressed the importance of being accessible to the community. "At any level of government, it is important to have the knowledge that you can speak to someone and have your voice heard," said Councilmember Lee. He also expressed the need to give a voice to the business community in City Hall.

Lee also spoke on some of the biggest challenges he has faced since being elected, mentioning that he always keeps the best interest of the City of Los Angeles in mind and stands with the decisions he believes will be best for the City. Born to immigrant parents who owned a small business, Lee expressed his belief that one must consider the potential impact on the community before passing new regulations.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors  Toll Brothers FivePoint Mission Community Hospital , and the  Southern California Gas Company . Thank you to Friends of VICA,  Southland Regional Association of Realtors , and the  Van Nuys Airport

A special thank you to Toll Brothers for hosting our After Dark at one of their amazing model homes!

Click here to view photos of the event. 


Hosted by the VICA International Trade Committee

Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Noon - 1:30 P.M.
VICA Office
16600 Sherman Way, Suite 170,
Van Nuys

 
Zhang Ping
Chinese Consul General, Los Angeles

This event offers attendees the freedom to ask questions and receive immediate responses from community leaders.

Lunch is included. The event is free for VICA members.

 
VICA Speaks on Digital Rooftop Advertising at City Council Transportation Committee
On Wednesday, VICA attended the Los Angeles City Council Transportation Committee to urge Councilmembers to move forward with a motion that would establish a pilot program for digital rooftop advertising on taxi cabs. This type of advertising offers local businesses an innovative and affordable model for promoting their products or services while reaching a wider audience. VICA looks forward to working with the City Council on this proposal, which will allow businesses to thrive using new technology while ensuring public safety.

For more information, please email [email protected].


Friday, December 13, 2019
11:30 A.M. - 2 P.M.
Airtel Plaza Hotel
7277 Valjean Avenue
Van Nuys
 
Presented By

Featuring
27th Annual Harmon Ballin Award ~ 14th Annual President's Award
41st Annual Robert E. Gibson Corporate Award of Excellence ~ Holiday Toy Drive

 
For more information, please call 818-817-0545
Help Shape the Next Los Angeles Housing Element
The City of Los Angeles is working on the 2021-2029 update to the Housing Element of the General Plan. The Housing Element will identify the City's housing needs and sets out objectives and strategies to address the housing crisis.

Provide your input and help ensure that housing needs are met through meaningful and effective policies. Share your voice and help shape the next Los Angeles Housing Element by applying for the City's Housing Element Task Force. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4.

Click here to apply for the Housing Element Task Force.
USMCA Trade Agreement Could be on the Horizon
On Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated that the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement could be moving forward in Congress. After months of negotiation with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Speaker Pelosi expressed her hope that the House of Representatives will approve the agreement before adjourning on December 12. VICA has long supported the USMCA, which would greatly benefit manufacturing and small businesses in the San Fernando Valley. California manufacturing heavily depends on exports to Mexico and Canada, making the USMCA a prime opportunity to promote high-paying, manufacturing jobs, and strengthen local businesses.

Click here to support the USMCA.
VICA is Hiring!
VICA is currently looking for a Membership and Development Manager who will  help recruit new members, retain existing members, sell sponsorships and advertising, and develop a strong membership program and ambassador committee. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional who wants to facilitate participation and networking in the most influential business community in the Valley.
 
If you or anyone you know would like to work for the most influential business group in the Valley, email a resume and cover letter to  [email protected].

Click here to view the job description.
Committee Meetings

Transportation Committee (11/6)
Hosted by The Garland
  • Karen Swift, Community Relations Manager for Metro, provided a year-end recap for Metro and 2020 outlook.
  • Michelle Boehm, Director of Transportation at Mayor Garcetti's Office, provided updates on transportation in Los Angeles.
  • Mark Adams (Los Angeles World Airports) provided updates on LAX's new LAXit program and the progress on the Automated People Mover.

Honorary Chair, Councilwoman Nury Martinez and The Mid Valley Family YMCA cordially invite you and your guest to join the celebration Honoring Valley Presbyterian Hospital.

PHILIP "FLIP" SMITH PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD HONOREE

RSVP by November 27th to Executive Director, Lionnel Zaragoza at 
818-989-3800 ext. 4280 or [email protected].

   
The holiday season is approaching and there is no better place for your event than the Airtel Plaza Hotel. Offer your guests an amazing experience, with a special holiday menu to conclude an unforgettable evening! 
Member Messages:
Get Your Message in VICA Weekly!
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 [email protected]  or 
call (818) 817-0545.