July 28, 2023

• VICA Advocates for District NoHo Development
• VICA Supports the Residences at Sportsmen's Lodge Project
• VICA Board Supports SCA 3 - Transfer of Power for Ballot Measures
• VICA stands with Prop Houses at "Crew-lateral Damage" Yard Sale
• VICA Members Appointed to LA City Commissions

Quick Jump - Register to Attend!

• Local Officeholders Luncheon 8/10
• VICA After Dark with LA City Councilmember John Lee 9/26

“This motion is about helping small businesses weather the storm. The entertainment industry strike is having a ripple effect on many mom-and-pop businesses that, through no fault of their own, are having a tough time making ends meet due to unexpected loss of clients and revenue."

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath

Statement on County's motion to connect businesses impacted by ongoing entertainment strikes with programs and services to stay open.

VICA Advocates for District North Hollywood Development

On Wednesday, VICA President Stuart Waldman made public comments in support of the District NoHo Development Project by VICA members Trammell Crow Company.

VICA is proud to support District NoHo, an ambitious development endeavor that will transform a 15-acre under-utilized parking field into a vibrant and activated street grid. This project is set to revitalize the local economy, bringing forth over $1 billion in annual economic impact and creating 2,500 recurring jobs.

Strategically located at the main Metro connection between NoHo and the Greater LA Region, District NoHo will foster a dynamic Live-Play-Work community, promoting economic growth in close proximity to transit. The commitment to providing 366 income-restricted units ensures a meaningful contribution to affordable housing, expanding the Metro affordable housing portfolio by 50%.

This development's significance extends beyond the local community, as it will enhance Metro ridership by creating an exciting destination in the San Fernando Valley and fostering enhanced connectivity for all Angelenos.

Time is of the essence for this transformative project, and any further delays must be avoided. VICA strongly urges you to rally behind this comprehensive and thoughtful initiative, as it promises to positively and impact our entire region. Let us join together in supporting District NoHo and its vision for a prosperous and connected future.

VICA Advocates in Support of The Residences at Sportsmen's Lodge Project

On Thursday, VICA voiced support for The Residences at Sportsmen's Lodge Project, a transformative mixed-use development featuring 520 residential homes and 46,000 square feet of commercial space.

The inclusion of 78 affordable homes, funded solely by Midwood Development demonstrates their commitment to providing a much-needed benefit to the local workforce without relying on public funding.

The project's ground floor commercial space, an extension of the successful Shops at Sportsmen's Lodge, is thoughtfully designed to integrate with the Ventura Boulevard commercial corridor and the Los Angeles River, enhancing pedestrian connections. The inviting public spaces, landscaped surroundings, and a diverse range of restaurants, retailers, and services create an ideal gathering space for community members.

VICA advocates and encourages the City of Los Angeles to support projects like The Residences as it addresses pressing housing needs, ensures affordability, and fosters a sense of community that will benefit the area for years to come.

VICA Board Supports Senate Constitutional Amendment 3 - End Politicization of State Ballot Measures

The VICA Board supports SCA 3 (Niello), a proposal that aims to enhance the integrity of California's ballot measures. SCA 3 looks to transfer the responsibility of preparing statewide ballot measures from the Attorney General to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office. This shift ensures a more unbiased and objective approach to crafting the ballot title and summary.

The current process of circulating ballot measures through the Attorney General's office often leads to biased and misleading information, causing confusion among voters. By entrusting the task to the Legislative Analyst's Office, renowned for its nonpartisan fiscal and policy analysis, SCA 3 aims to eliminate political pressures and guarantee fairness in the preparation of ballot measures.

Furthermore, SCA 3 proposes that initiative or referendum petitions be submitted to the Legislative Analyst's Office before circulating signatures, allowing for early fiscal analysis and assessment of proposed measures. This commitment to transparency promotes informed decision-making and empowers voters to make educated choices.

With the Legislative Analyst's Office already handling significant budget control, special reporting, and fiscal forecasting responsibilities, it is well-equipped to take on the additional duties associated with the initiative and referendum process.

VICA believes that SCA 3 is a crucial step toward promoting an educated and engaged electorate, as it seeks to provide voters with accurate and unbiased information for a more democratic and effective decision-making process.

VICA Stands with Prop Houses at "Crew-Lateral Damage" Yard Sale

From Left to Right: Marco De Molina, Spacebrain Entertainment, VICA Board Member Philip Sokoloski, and Paul Audley from FilmLA with VICA Director of Membership Development Yoko Coleman

During the ongoing writers and actors strikes that have halted production activity, vendors of prop houses have been deeply affected, leading to difficult decisions, including closures. The Crew-Lateral Damage Yard Sale on July 22nd at the History for Hire facility in North Hollywood provided a platform for supporting businesses to showcase their items and services, including many prop items used in film and television that would be sold.

VICA participated with prop houses and entertainment organizations by demonstrating support for those impacted by the entertainment strike. VICA acknowledges the sacrifices of small businesses during the ongoing labor strikes that have created unexpected challenges, putting these enterprises at risk.

VICA's presence at the event is based on our unwavering commitment to the importance of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.

VICA Members Appointed to LA City Commissions

We are proud to announce VICA member Simona Grace (Chrysalis) has recently been appointed to serve on the Board of LA City's Commission on the Status of Women.

In 2018, Simona founded Moms in Office (PAC) to promote greater representation of mothers in public office. As the leader of the organization, she actively advocates for crucial policies like paid family leave while also striving to create a more equitable electoral landscape for women.

In 2023, Simona took on the role of Development Director of Major Gifts at Chrysalis, where she is responsible for overseeing the organization's strategies for donor cultivation and stewardship. Her focus lies in expanding relationships with a diverse group of individual donors, leading to an impressive annual fundraising total of nearly $2 million in support of Chrysalis' programs.

Recognized as an influential speaker and commentator on women's rights, Simona's work and writings have been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Ms. Magazine, Supermajority, USA Today, NBC News, Refinery29, Demcast, Jezebel, Scarymommy, and LA Parent Magazine.

Simona has achieved national acclaim for her tireless advocacy efforts and her impactful work as a nonprofit leader. In 2022, she was awarded the Visionary Leader of the Year Award, recognizing her exceptional entrepreneurial social activism and dedication to empowering women to pursue their dreams. Additionally, in 2020, she earned the title of California Mother of the Year and proudly represented California's mothers during her engagements with members of Congress.

Nominations Are Open: Harmon Ballin Community Service Award

VICA's Harmon Ballin Community Service Award annually honors an active VICA member who has made an outstanding contribution to our community through their long-term community service activities. A nominee is someone who:

1. Has been an active member of VICA and is actively engaged in the organization.
2. Has significant and long-term involvement in philanthropic, community, or public service organizations or a significant record in this area.
3. Is a role model and community leader.

All nominee forms must be submitted via email to Daniel@vica.com by Friday, September 1, 2023.

Some past honorees include: Stu Solomon, Walt Mosher, Fred Gaines, Jim Garrison, Kevin Tamaki, Greg Lippe, Brad Rosenheim, Francine Oschin, Pegi Matsuda, Ross Pendergraft, Jane Skeeter, Lee Alpert, Darnell Tyler, Mark Davis and Scott Mills. 

Nominations for 2024 VICA Board Being Accepted Now

City of Calabasas Mayor David Shapiro swears in 2023 Board of Directors

VICA's 2024 Board of Directors nomination and selection process is underway and we want your nominations!

Board members must be able to attend regular board meetings and be prepared to vote on various public policy issues. Board members must also attend regular committee meetings and VICA events. Additional responsibilities may include calling or writing lawmakers, attending press conferences, testifying, authoring editorials, interacting with top opinion leaders, and more.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating on the VICA Board in 2024, please don't hesitate to click on the nomination form below and submit via email to Jessica@vica.com no later than Friday, September 1, 2023.

Events

Local Officeholders Luncheon

August 10 | 11:00 AM

Sheraton Universal Hotel

Our confirmed Local Officeholders are:

City of Agoura Hills

Councilmember Jeremy Wolf

City of Burbank

Mayor Konstantine Anthony

Vice Mayor Nick Schultz

City of Calabasas

Mayor David Shapiro

Councilmember Peter Kraut

City of Glendale

Mayor Daniel Brotman

Councilmember Ara Najarian

City of Pasadena

Vice Mayor Felicia Williams

City of San Fernando

Mayor Celeste Rodriguez

Councilmember Mary Solorio

City of Santa Clarita

Councilmember Marsha McLean

County of Los Angeles

District Attorney George Gascón

City of Los Angeles

Mayor Karen Bass

City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield

Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson

Councilmember John Lee

Councilmember Traci Park

Councilmember Nithya Raman

Councilmember Monica Rodriguez

Councilmember Imelda Padilla

Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees

Trustee Steven Veres

Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education

Vice President Scott Schmerelson

Board Member Kelly Gonez

VICA After Dark: LA City Councilmember John Lee

September 26 | 5:30 PM

Anheuser-Busch

John Lee was first elected to the Los Angeles City Council during a special election in August 2019, and re-elected to his first full term in March 2020. John's extensive understanding of the City’s legislative and budget processes and day-to-day operations gives him tremendous insight into what works and what doesn’t at City Hall. With an agenda focused on public safety, supporting local businesses, and providing core city services, John is committed to putting the neighborhoods of the Twelfth District first.

VICA thanks our host and presenting sponsor Anheuser-Busch and presenting sponsor SoCalGas.

Members

Renewing Members

• Mission Valley Bank (2018) - 5 Year Milestone Member - Thank you for your support.

Save the Date 

Labor & Employment Committee

Wednesday, August 2nd

8:30 - 10:30 AM

Hosted by Hilton Universal City

RSVP

Land Use Committee

Tuesday, August 8

8:30 - 10:30 AM

Hosted by The Garland

RSVP

Education Committee

Thursday, August 3rd

8:30 - 10:00 AM

Hosted by Los Angeles Valley College

RSVP

Not-For-Profit Committee

Wednesday, August 9

8:30 -10:30 AM

At the VICA Office

Sponsored by: PacFed

RSVP

VICA In the News

Oh, No! Don't Bring Back This Regulator

San Fernando Valley Business Journal | July 18

LA Union Backs Effort to Turn City Hotels into Homeless Housing

Madras Tribune | July 25

Prop Houses Sell Inventory to Help Survive Strikes

Spectrum News 1 l | July 25

VICA Strongly Supports Sportsmen’s Lodge Development Project

EIN News l | July 26

Hot News

Covered California Premiums Increase

Monthly health insurance premiums for roughly 1.7 million people in California will go up an average of 9.6% next year- the largest increase in five years - but state officials said many consumers won't feel those hikes because taxpayers will pay for them. State officials blamed next year's increase on various factors, including inflation, higher pharmacy costs, and labor shortages.

August 1st Deadline for Tenants

Los Angeles apartment tenants will need to pay rent owed during the first 18 months of the pandemic set under a tenant protection package passed early this year, Tenants have until Aug. 1 to repay the debts incurred between March 1, 2020 and Sept. 1, 2021. About 100 people led by the Keep LA Housed Coalition gathered this week to call upon Mayor Karen Bass and the City Council to cancel rent debts and provide further tenant protections.

Unions Say No to Taylor Swift Concerts

UNITE HERE Local 11, representing thousands of hotel housekeepers in Southern California, are asking Taylor Swift to postpone her upcoming concerts at SoFi Stadium until they are paid a "living wage". Experts predict Swift's 52-night, 20-city tour will become the highest-grossing of all time and is also having notable economic impacts on each city she visits with a surge of economic activity in hospitality and dining.

Apartments Sue Over Rent Freeze

A group of Los Angeles property owners announced this week that they're continuing a legal battle against their city over the municipality's COVID-related rent freeze rule. The battle comes in the form of a new lawsuit representing property owners, arguing that the rule violates both the U.S. and California constitutions by depriving due process and denying property owners from implementing mandated annual rent increases.

Member Messages

Join our partners at #UNITELA on Sept. 29! Don’t miss out as they bring together the most influential leaders to advance economic mobility and well-being for all Angelenos! Celebrate the next #25YearOfImpact and beyond! RSVP today 👉 unitela.com/25. Will we see you there? #UNITELA25

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.