"
We bent the curve in the state of California once. We will bend the curve again. We'll get past this, but we're going to have to be tougher and... smarter in terms of our approaches."
|
- Governor Gavin Newsom on addressing the spike in statewide COVID-19 cases.
|
|
|
|
|
L.A. City to Provide More Resources for Child Care Services
|
 On Wednesday, the Los Angeles City Council moved forward with a motion that will look at providing financial support for the child care industry. On Thursday, the Planning and Land Use Management Committee also moved forward with a similar motion to streamline approval for child care facilities. VICA provided public comment in support of both motions due to the critical need for child care as part of our economic recovery plan. As with many businesses, child care providers are struggling to stay afloat as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With businesses beginning to slowly reopen, parents are facing the challenge of going back to work without leaving their kids unattended.
Funding and providing resources for our child care providers will help ensure that parents can return to work with the peace of mind that their children are being cared for in facilities that can adhere to new health guidelines and operate without fear of a looming closure. VICA will continue to engage with the City Council and their staff to find the most effective strategies for supporting the child care industry.
|
Sponsored by
TUESDAY, JULY 7
2 to 3:15 PM
via Online Video Conference
Kevin de Leon
Los Angeles City Councilmember-elect - CD 14
VICA's Newsmaker Connection lets our members connect with important government and business leaders.
Register now to receive more details.
|
|
County Sustainability Plan Report
|
On June 11, the draft Progress Report for the "Our County Sustainability Plan" was released, while only providing 14 business days for the public to provide input. VICA submitted public comments to raise major concerns regarding the Report. Many of the goals and actions provided in the progress report were problematic because they would negatively impact the livelihoods of workers in Los Angeles' oil and gas industries. This would be inappropriate at a time when the County continues to face major jobs losses due to COVID-19. The report itself is lacking in its implementation analysis, thus failing to provide a clear picture as to the plans costs. Noticeably absent are input from the business community, whose legitimate concerns are not addressed in the plan.
Because of the limitations of the report and the short timeline given for response, the County should reconsider what they have included in the Sustainability Plan. VICA hopes the County Sustainability Office will consider the many concerns that have been raised as they continue working on the Plan.
|
THURSDAY, JULY 9
2 to 3:30 PM
via Online Video Conference
The Business of Branding
Join us for another VICA University Webinar where we will discuss the importance of branding with
Cowe Consulting.
Register now to receive meeting details.
|
|
USMCA Trade Agreement Goes Into Force
|
 On July 1, the VICA-supported United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) officially entered into force, ushering in a new trade relationship between the three countries. The USMCA is a much-needed update to the quarter-century old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). With USMCA now in full effect, we expect that Los Angeles will see new opportunities for small businesses, manufacturing, as well as the auto and agriculture industries. With access to one of the largest export markets, the agreement provides a much needed outlet for increasing commercial activity following the recession brought about by COVID-19. VICA is proud to have been a strong supporter and member of the USMCA coalition.
|
THURSDAY, JULY 30
10 to 11:30 AM
via Online Video Conference
Kathryn Barger
Chair, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Register now to receive more details.
|
|
Support Streamlining Housing Projects
|
 VICA supports the main provisions of Senate Bill 1120 (Atkins), which would require that qualified applications to a local government seeking to create a duplex or subdivide an existing residential parcel be approved ministerially without discretionary review. Addressing the housing crisis remains a top priority for VICA, especially with the additional pressures of the COVID-19 outbreak. SB 1120 would be a positive step towards increasing housing construction by streamlining the process of approving duplex construction or urban lot splits, which would promote small-scale neighborhood developments and increase housing availability.
However, VICA is concerned over the requirement that urban lot splits be equally sized as it fails to account for irregularly sized parcels. There is also confusion regarding the language of the bill referring to single-family residential zones and residential zones in different areas. VICA will work with the legislature to address these concerns and work to ensure SB 1120's language remains consistent and avoid potential confusion for developers and local governments.
|
 |
|
Proposed Mandate for PPE Stockpile Places Burden Exclusively on Hospitals
|
VICA opposes Assembly Bill 2537 (Rodriguez), which would require hospital employers to provide a stockpile of new and unused Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the amount of six months of normal consumption. Hospitals have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 outbreak as they struggle to guarantee public health and safety with the limited resources they have. While AB 2537's intent is commendable, it could push many hospitals to close
their doors. Despite financial hardships, hospitals have pooled their resources to guarantee PPE for their employees. The requirement for "six months of consumption" is too vague and unrealistic. Ultimately, AB 2537 unfairly penalize hospitals for unforeseen circumstances that could lead to a sudden depletion of stockpiles. The state should do more to provide resources to hospitals rather than shifting more financial burdens on them.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
