April 20, 2018

In This Issue
" This is L.A.'s infrastructure moment. That's why we're rebuilding our port and airport, and...we're expanding Metro's reach in the San Fernando Valley." 

-  Mayor Eric Garcetti on the 
State of the City
Media
Garcetti Pitches 'Rewards' for Neighborhoods that Accept Homeless Shelters
April 16

Garcetti Touts Accomplishments, Lays out Homeless Plan During State of the City
April 16

VICA Predicts Resident Resistance to Garcetti's Homeless Shelters
April 16

L.A. City Council Approves Street Vending Program
April 17

Consul General Zhang Ping Attends Southern California Valley Business Association Luncheon
April 18 

Speech by Consul General Zhang Ping at VICA International Trade Committee Meeting

Live, Work and Play 
in L.A.
April 20
Business Life
Members 
VICA Thanks our Renewing Members
_________________

President's Circle
(2001)
______________________

Silver Member
(2011)
______________________

Bronze Member

(2009)
______________________

Epax Systems
(2002)
·
JLM Strategic Talent Strategies
(2012)
·
Valley Village
(2001)
·
Western Los Angeles County Council Boy Scouts of America
(2014)


Calendar
The Week Ahead

Leaders Forum with Antonio Villaraigosa
Monday, April 23
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hilton Universal City
555 Universal Hollywood Dr., Universal City
Click here to RSVP
______________________

Save the Date

Labor & Employment Committee
Wednesday, May 2
8:30 to 10 a.m.
Hilton Universal City
555 Universal Hollywood Dr., Universal City
Click here to RSVP

Education Committee
Thursday, May 3
8:30 to 10 a.m.
VICA Office
16600 Sherman Way, 
Suite 170, Van Nuys
Click here to RSVP

Transportation Committee
Tuesday, May 8
8 to 10 a.m.
The Garland
4222 Vineland Ave., 
North Hollywood
Click here to RSVP

Energy, Environment & Utilities Committee
Thursday, May 10
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
VICA Office
16600 Sherman Way, 
Suite 170, Van Nuys
Click here to RSVP

Government Affairs Committee
Wednesday, May 16
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
VICA Office
16600 Sherman Way, 
Suite 170, Van Nuys
Click  here to RSVP

Two Day Sacramento Advocacy with The California Chamber of Commerce 
Wednesday, May 23
Thursday, May 24
Click here to RSVP

Ambassador Committee
Wednesday, May 23
8:30 to 10 a.m.
VICA Office
16600 Sherman Way, 
Suite 170, Van Nuys
Click  here to RSVP

Hot Issues 
Infrastructure
A Los Angeles City Council committee unanimously approved an environmental review exemption for a tunnel that could run 2.7 miles through West Los Angeles, providing a space for Elon Musk's Boring Co. engineers to hone digging techniques and test their proposed transportation technology. 

Street Vending
L.A. City Council moved toward a permitting system for street vendors. VICA has strongly advocated over the years to ensure any proposed sidewalk vending program protects the rights of the business community.  

Land Use
During its first committee hearing, legislators killed SB 827, which would have allowed the construction of apartment buildings up to five stories tall near high-frequency mass transit stops statewide. 

Entertainment
VICA supported effort to extend California's filming tax credit beyond its 2020 expiration date has passed a key government hurdle, moving the initiative closer to a vote by the state's legislative body. 

Economy
California's business climate may be cooling, but the state is still among the nation's swiftest-growing economies. California's economy grew 4.7 percent in the 12 months ending in February, while the U.S. economy grew at 2.8 percent. 

Aerospace
 A new SpaceX
manufacturing facility planned for the Port of Los Angeles will be used to build the company's much-anticipated Big Falcon interplanetary rockets. 

Education
The State Board of Education  passed a state plan for the federal Every Student Succeeds Act with the expectation that U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos will approve it.  

Homelessness
Mayor Garcetti wants to "reward" L.A. neighborhoods that accept temporary homeless shelters by performing more encampment sweeps in those communities. The Mayor's proposal would pay for additional cleaning crews and police services in communities that agree to find room for trailers, tents and other short-term shelter. 

Take the New Survey  for the 
Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project
To help gather information for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project,
Metro is conducting a short online survey to understand more about those who use the 405 freeway, Sepulveda Boulevard, canyon roads and other routes between the San Fernando Valley, the  Westside , LAX, the South Bay and other parts of the Southland .
 
The Sepulveda Transit Corridor project launched a feasibility study last December to evaluate a number of rail transit alternatives with potential connections to the Orange Line, East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor, Purple Line Extension, Expo Line and other transit connections near LAX. Local funding for the project comes from Measures R and M -- with Measure M supplying nearly $10 billion for the project. Metro is also pursuing the possibility of a public-private partnership to deliver the project sooner.

Leave Everyday Life Behind and 
Escape to Tuscany! 
Early Bird Rate Ends Next Week!
Known for its beautiful landscapes, its rich artistic legacy and vast influence on high culture, Tuscany is widely regarded as the true birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and has been home to some of the most influential people in the history of art and science. Visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore the extraordinary countryside with charming medieval hill towns and sweeping hillsides full of vineyards. Join us as we explore the endless opportunities that Tuscany has to offer.


November 7-14, 2018

Early-Bird Special!
(if reserved by April 27)

$2,299

8 days, 6 nights including hotels, meals, day trips, and round trip airfare from 
Los Angeles.
Support Ban on Short-term Health Insurance


WITH THE CALIFORNIA  CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Wednesday - Thursday, May 23-24, 2018

Visit with your local legislator and discuss issues of concern for your region. The cost for the trip is $125, which includes the CalChamber Capitol Summit registration, reception, breakfast, lunch and group transportation between the airport and Capitol (if at similar times). The cost of the flight and hotel are not included. 

There is an additional VICA delegation dinner available Wednesday night for $65.

Sacramento Advocacy Trips are reserved for members of VICA.

Download the flyer and agenda  here.

Committee Reports

Government Affairs Committee (4/18)
  • Kathy Gloster, Elizabeth Ginsberg, and Jessica Mireles from Los Angeles County joined the committee to discuss the proposed Business Registration Program, which would require every business in unincorporated L.A. County to pay a $185 registration fee in order to facilitate better communications from the county.
  • The committee recommended to oppose the placement of the California Consumer Privacy Initiative on the November 2018 ballot.
  • The committee recommended to support the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond of 2018, a $4 billion bond to help fund affordable housing program and starter loans for veterans.
  • The committee also recommended to oppose SB 1300, a bill which would significantly expand employer liability for sexual harassment in the workplace.
Member Messages:
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