Statement on COVID-19 Curfew and Further Restrictions

VICA supports the Hilton Universal Expansion Project, a $150 million expansion of existing accommodations at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City Hotel.

In the wake of COVID-19, businesses, especially in the hospitality industry, are struggling to rebuild. As the Hilton Universal City begins to revamp their business operations, they are looking towards the future by expanding, improving, and investing in their success and the economic vitality of the community around them. The Hilton Universal Expansion Project will inject $150 million into the local economy, create almost 1,000 temporary construction jobs, and create hundreds of new permanent positions at the hotel. VICA is proud to support and advocate for the Hilton Universal Expansion Project.

Due to an unprecedented rise in COVID-19 cases, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has updated Health Officer Orders. The new orders will go into effect Friday, November 20th. VICA wants to keep you informed about new restrictions on business and personal activities:

Tuesday, December 8

8 to 10 a.m.

Friday, December 11

11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Amid exponential COVID-19 case growth, the CDC urged Americans not to travel for Thanksgiving in one of its strongest warnings yet.

The median October home price in Southern California rose 14.2 percent from a year earlier. While it fluctuates month-to-month, the median price stands at $605,000 as COVID-19 has pushed many to buy houses.

COVID-19 cases at partially-reopened LA County schools spiked last week. While concerning, officials say that health protocols are working, and outbreaks are limited to only a few cases.

JPMorgan Chief US Equity Strategist predicts that the stock market will surge in 2021 due to more market confidence and less volatility.

Cal/OSHA voted unanimously this week to move forward with emergency workplace standards. This decision will fast-track the implementation of COVID-19 workplace regulations.

Pfizer will ask US regulators for emergency use authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine, which could mean that limited first doses will be available as early as December.

The State of California is ordering a COVID-19 curfew due to a rise in statewide cases. The stay-at-home order, which restricts activity from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., will affect purple-tier counties, which hold 94% of Californians.

VICA has been an active supporter of the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit (ESFV LRT) Project and this week, VICA provided comments at the Metro Planning and Programming Committee meeting. The ESFV LRT Project will transform transportation in the Valley, and will provide service to many workers and families that rely on Metro to get to work. VICA understands COVID-19 has resulted in a reduction in Metro's revenues, but urged the Committee to ensure that the crisis is not used to shift resources or change plans. The San Fernando Valley and the communities along this corridor deserve this project and we are excited to see this project move forward.

VICA spoke at the Special Meeting of the Los Angeles City Council Committee on Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice this past Tuesday. The Committee considered reports from the Office of Petroleum and Natural Gas Administration and Safety (OPNGAS), and VICA expressed concern about regulations which would restrict oil and natural gas production. These setbacks would negatively impact our local economy, jeopardize jobs, impose unnecessary costs on residents and businesses, and increase the City's dependence on unreliable foreign sources of oil. VICA encouraged the City to embrace a comprehensive energy strategy that incorporates all forms of energy in order to ensure a reliable supply for our businesses and all Angelenos.

VICA spoke on multiple items which were considered by the LA City Council Planning and Land Use Management Committee this week. VICA commented on three motions which seek to reform some of the City's permitting and approval processes. VICA urged members of the committee to ensure any reform to our land use and planning process should be meaningful, fair, and effective for all communities. VICA vowed to be active in the reform process alongside the City Council.

VICA also spoke in strong support of the Westfield Promenade Project, which will elevate the economic vitality and stability of the San Fernando Valley and its residents at a time when it is desperately needed. The repurposing of the old Promenade mall into an innovative green urban center will generate thousands of jobs, over 1,000 residential units, and much needed amenities.

Carol Kim - Health Net

Carol Kim is the Vice President of Strategic Alliance & Business Development with Health Net, LLC. Her passion is finding the intersection of policy and politics, business, and social impact. That passion has taken her educational and career pursuits from LA to Ann Arbor to DC and back to LA, working in the nonprofit, government, and corporate sectors. Although these have been challenging times, one silver lining is that she has been able to spend more time at home with her fur-baby, Kingston, a one-year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Given our presence in the San Fernando Valley for over 40 years as one of the state’s largest and most experienced health plans, Health Net is proud to be a member and supporter of VICA as it continues to be an influential voice on major state and local policy issues impacting both the economy and the health of our communities.

VICA is a highly effective association consisting of business and industry leaders, trade associations, public affairs and policy experts, and community service providers working towards a thoughtful approach and advocacy for economic prosperity and just society.

There are many, but one of my favorite annual events is the State Officeholders dinner. It’s a red carpet gala sprinkled with a live-game show atmosphere, tokens of appreciation, and connecting with policymakers.

Health Net has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 response – supporting our members and frontline providers from the onset, particularly those serving Medi-Cal patients. Early on, we awarded over $13M in grants to 140 Medi-Cal providers statewide to help them quickly establish and expand telehealth services critical for ensuring safe access and continuity to patient care. Our “Can Do” Health Net employees have donned on masks and hit the streets, delivering PPEs to doctor offices, health centers, and community based organizations. Like many employers, Health Net has also prioritized our employees’ health and well-being, enabling all to work from home and providing flexibility and resources for our employees who are juggling work, families, and everything in between.

Weekend COVID-19 Surge Alarms L.A. Officials Amid Talk of Curfew, More Actions

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.