Serving the San Fernando Valley cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, San Fernando, and Santa Clarita

Valley Industry & Commerce Association || vica.com

January 31, 2025

In This Issue

• VICA Applauds Dodgers Leadership in LA Rises Wildfire Initiative
• VICA Opposes New Eviction Moratorium at City Council
• VICA's Stance on New State Legislation
• Sponsoring a Committee

Women in Extraordinary Leadership Breakfast - 1/21

"We're bringing together the best resources and biggest hearts across California to ensure that every Angeleno - no matter their race, socioeconomic status, or neighborhood - has a chance to rebuild and thrive. This isn't just about recovery; it's about restoring communities while also making them more resilient and better than before."

Dodger Minority Owner Magic Johnson

LA Rises Press Conference

VICA Applauds Dodgers Leadership in LA Rises Wildfire Recovery Initiative

Photo Credit: AP News

Following the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles, Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter and NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman have launched LA Rises, a private-sector initiative to accelerate recovery efforts. The Mark Walter Family Foundation and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation have made an initial $100 million commitment to support rebuilding efforts across Los Angeles, including hard-hit communities like Altadena, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades.

LA Rises will work alongside city, county, and state efforts to secure additional funding through private donations and streamline access to resources for affected residents. The initiative aims to leverage innovation, financial tools, and private-sector collaboration to rebuild homes, businesses, and infrastructure faster and stronger.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, a longtime VICA member, continue demonstrating their commitment to the community, stepping up in a critical moment to support Angelenos in need. Their leadership in LA Rises will ensure a coordinated, well-funded approach to recovery, helping families and businesses get back on their feet.

VICA commends the Dodgers, Mark Walter, and all leaders involved in LA Rises for their swift action and dedication to rebuilding Los Angeles.

VICA Speaks Out Against Blanket Eviction Moratorium at City Council

On Wednesday, VICA strongly opposed the City's proposed eviction moratorium during public comment at the Los Angeles City Council meeting. Representing the business community, VICA emphasized the need for targeted, verifiable relief rather than an unchecked policy that lacks accountability and places undue burdens on housing providers.

While supporting aid for wildfire victims, VICA urges the Council to require documentation - such as FEMA or SBA applications - rather than self-certification, which opens the door to misuse and unintended consequences. Blanket moratoriums mislead renters into thinking they do not owe rent, leading to greater financial instability in the long run.

After a lengthy public comment period and extended deliberation, the Council returned the ordinance to the committee for further discussion and review. VICA will continue advocating for fair, responsible policies that ensure real relief reaches those in need while protecting the stability of the housing market.

Are you interested in Sponsoring a VICA Committee or Board Meeting?

We’re looking for sponsors to support our committees in 2025!

Committee sponsorship opportunities are a great way to support VICA’s mission while gaining valuable visibility among industry leaders. You can choose to share sponsorship with others or become the sole sponsor for exclusive recognition.

Use the button below to view the form and express your interest in becoming a sponsor!

2025 Committee Calendar

RSVP for February Committees

Labor & Employment Committee

February 5 | 8:30AM to 10:30AM

Hilton Universal City

RSVP

Education Committee

February 6 | 8:30AM to 10:30AM

Los Angeles Valley College

RSVP

Land Use Committee

February 11 | 8:30AM to 10:30AM

The Garland

RSVP

Not-for-Profit Committee

February 12 | 8:30AM to 10:30AM

The VICA Office

RSVP

Events

Members

VICA Thanks Our Renewing and New Members

Silver Members:

• Mesa Pacific (2022)

Other Renewing Member:

• Urbanomics Planning Inc (2023)

New Members:

• Forest Lawn

VICA In the News

Some Thoughts and Big Draws for 2025 Tourism in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles Daily News | January 23

Hot News

Artificial Intelligence May help Revive Nuclear Energy in California

As California continues to explore clean energy alternatives, artificial intelligence is playing a key role in reviving interest in nuclear power. Advanced AI models are being used to improve reactor safety, optimize energy production, and reduce operational costs. While nuclear energy has been largely phased out in California, new technological advancements and growing energy demands are prompting discussions about whether the state should reconsider its stance. Supporters see nuclear as a reliable carbon-free energy source, while critics remain concerned about waste disposal and safety risks. Read more.

Former Trump Budget Director Returns

Russell Vought, former Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under President Trump, has reemerged as a key voice in federal budget negotiations. Vought advocates for aggressive spending cuts and fiscal conservatism as Congress debates funding priorities. His influence signals a potential shift in budget discussions, with House Republicans pushing for reductions in government spending while the White House seeks to maintain funding for critical programs. Read More.

House Committee Investigates Unauthorized Use of AI Tool

Congressional Staffers are under scrutiny for the unauthorized use of DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence tool capable of analyzing large volumes of text and data. Lawmakers are raising concerns about security risk and ethical implications tied to the use of AI in government operations. The House Administration Committee has launched an investigation, emphasizing the need for clear regulations on AI usage within Congress. Read More.

SOS Marco Rubio calls for U.S. Investment in Greenland Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio has introduced a proposal encouraging increased U.S. investment in Greenland, citing strategic concerns over China and Russia's growing presence in the Arctic. The plan aims to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Greenland while countering foreign influence in the region. This move follows former President Trump's controversial 2019 suggestion to purchase Greenland, an idea that was widely dismissed at the time but has since gained renewed attention in defense and foreign policy circles. Read More.

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 yoko@vica.com or call (818) 817-0545.

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.

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