Valley Industry & Commerce Association | |
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- VICA Advocates for Fallbrook Point Project
- VICA Supports SB 703 - Flexible Workweek
- VICA Opposes SB 525 - Increased Staffing Costs for Healthcare Industry
- VICA University: Labor Law Updates
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Quick Jump - Register to Attend!
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"We have found a number of barriers to getting people into housing when we have vacancies... It turns out that the system is so bureaucratic that we can't put people in housing. So, at the same time as we're getting people off the streets into motels temporarily, we are also trying to eliminate the self-imposed barriers that keep people from moving from the motels into permanent housing." | |
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Mayor Karen Bass
Statement on Housing and Homelessness in Los Angeles
Interview with KCRW
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VICA Advocates at City Hall in Support of Fallbrook Point Project | |
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VICA voiced support at Los Angeles City Council Planning & Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee for the Fallbrook Point Project, a nearly 99,000-square-foot light industrial complex.
The community plan for each geographic area in Los Angeles identifies the appropriate location and zoning for various uses intended to serve local communities. The Corporate Pointe is the focal point for light industrial development as designated in the Chatsworth – Porter Ranch community plan.
The Fallbrook point light industrial proposal is consistent with the community plan and will limit use by previous city approval. The need for light industrial buildings is unquestionable, as the extremely low vacancy rates demonstrate. The community needs this development to allow for healthy and viable economic development.
VICA will continue to advocate for developing community projects to expand economic opportunities and job development for those within the local community.
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VICA Supports SB 703 - Flexible Workweek | |
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VICA supports Senate Bill 703 (Niello), The California Flexibility Act of 2023, which would create flexible schedules for workdays up to 10 hours per day within a 40-hour workweek.
Over the years, VICA has supported legislation to add employee flexibility to offer new ways to complete a 40-hour workweek, from 5 days/8 hours to alternatives such as 4 days/10 hours while paying overtime for hours worked beyond 40 hours.
SB 703 would permit non-exempt employees to request employee selected flexible work scheduling, which would provide workdays up to 10 hours and allow the employer to implement this schedule without obligation to pay overtime for additional hours within a workday.
Flexible work scheduling will allow employees to choose how many hours per day they want to work and how many days. In addition, flexible scheduling will benefit employers, allowing them to meet their employees’ demands without causing difficulties to that employer.
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VICA Opposes SB 525 - Increased Staffing Costs for Healthcare Facilities | |
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VICA opposes Senate Bill 525 (Durazo), which would look to implement a statewide $25 minimum wage for healthcare employees.
Beginning this year, all businesses have established a $15 minimum wage in their workplace as California law requires. SB 525 would extend beyond current requirements to increase a healthcare worker's wage to a minimum of $25 an hour and would be enforced through the Labor Commissioner or civil action.
VICA is deeply concerned about the proposed ordinance, and we have expressed our concerns throughout LA County as other cities, including LA County, have considered and implemented unequal wage ordinances. It is unfair and inequitable to target workers based on their employment and implement arbitrary and exclusionary measures like this proposal which do not uplift or promote greater economic security for our state and local municipalities.
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VICA Business Hall of Fame: Call for Nominations | |
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VICA wants to honor your business!
Each year, VICA celebrates member businesses that have made a profound and impactful presence in the Valley and celebrate their successes. The Hall of Fame was created in 2008 to recognize significant contributions to the Valley community.
Inductees include individuals, businesses and other community organizations responsible for the continued success, economic vitality and culture of the San Fernando Valley.
To nominate your business for the VICA Hall of Fame or secure a sponsorship package, please contact Jessica Yasukochi by clicking here or call 818-817-0545.
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VICA University Workshop: New California Employment Laws | |
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VICA invites you to join us for an informative 90-minute program that will cover new employment laws for 2023 on Thursday, March 23 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. with Sue Bendavid from Lewitt Hackman.
Sue Bendavid represents employers in employment-related litigation, counseling and transactions - representing them in all matters from employee claims prevention and management training to individual and class action lawsuits. As a California employment attorney who advocates employer preparation and litigation prevention, Bendavid also provides in-house training on topics such as sexual harassment, discrimination, hiring and firing practices, proper disciplinary methods, leave of absence management, and other employee-related topics.
If you are interested in attending our VICA University program, please click on the button below to register. You may not be the person who needs to attend this for your company - who takes care of your HR needs - SEND THEM!
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VICA's 2023 Congressional Luncheon - Early Bird Extended! | |
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Our Congressional Luncheon is a unique and fun opportunity to directly engage with elected officials from Washington, D.C. who represent the San Fernando Valley in a "Fireside Chat" type format.
Register at vica.com or email Cathy@vica.com. Tickets are $200 per person, and early bird rates at $100 per person if purchased before 3/17/2023.
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Our Confirmed Congressmembers:
- Brad Sherman
- Katie Porter
- Mike Garcia
- Tony Cardenas
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If you are interested in attending and still need to register, email Cathy at cathy@vica.com or click the button below. | |
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please email Yoko at yoko@vica.com. For more information on sponsorships, click the button below. | |
California International Arbitration Week | |
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Join CLA, California Arbitration (CalArb), and leading arbitration institutions and organizations worldwide – in a week-long series of complimentary virtual/hybrid programs – celebrating international arbitration in California. California International Arbitration Week is hosted by the CLA Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee’s International Arbitration and ADR subcommittee, the CLA Litigation Section, and CalArb.
MARCH 13-17, 2023
Free Event! Earn more than 24 hours of MCLE, Including at least 1.25 Hours of Legal Ethics,1.25 Hours of Elimination of Bias, and 1.25 Hours of Competence Issues.
VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON
Sign up now! You will be able to attend virtually for up to 30 days post-event.
California International Arbitration Week includes in-person sessions, networking opportunities, lunches, and receptions in Los Angeles. Click thru for full details!
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VICA Thanks Our New & Renewing Members! | | |
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Presidents Circle:
Platinum:
Renewing Members:
New Member:
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VICA After Dark: Supervisor Lindsey Horvath
May 3 | 5:30 PM
Burbank Airport Marriott
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath was elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in the fall of 2022 and assumed office on December 5, 2022. Sher previously served as a City Councilmember and the longest consecutively serving Mayor for the City of West Hollywood. Horvath’s career has been defined by tackling the hardest problems, building diverse coalitions, and delivering results for her community.
VICA thanks our host and Presenting Sponsor Burbank Airport Marriott and presenting sponsor EKA.
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ACCESS D.C. is the region's largest annual advocacy trip, connecting more than 200 business and civic leaders with federal lawmakers on issues ranging from immigration and education to transportation and health care.
Our 3-day trip will include a full day of VICA-only advocacy meetings and a lunch with Congressman Brad Sherman, followed by two additional programming and advocacy meetings with other advocacy organizations and program speakers
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Transportation Committee
Tuesday, March 14
8:30 - 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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Extraordinary Women in Leadership Breakfast
Wednesday, March 15
8:00 - 11:00 AM
Hosted by Hilton Universal City
RSVP
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
Wednesday, April 5
Noon - 1:30
Sponsored by Ajimori Sauce Company
RSVP
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Aviation Committee
Tuesday, April 18
Noon - 1:30
Hosted by Aerolease-Aeroplex Group
RSVP
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Land Use Committee
Tuesday, April 11
8:30 - 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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Government Affairs Committee
Wednesday, April 19
Noon - 2:00
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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U.S. Senate Bill to Ban Tik Tok
The Commerce Department would wield broad powers to ban or restrict TikTok and other technology apps rooted in foreign countries under a bill introduced Tuesday by a bipartisan group of 12 senators. The bill marks the federal government's latest attempt to resolve a standoff with TikTok, the wildly popular short-video app owned by the Chinese company ByteDance that federal officials have speculated one day might be misused for propaganda or blackmail by the Chinese government. U.S. officials have argued that TikTok could share Americans' data with the Chinese government for espionage purposes or skew its video recommendations toward Communist Party propaganda.
California Looks to Ban Tobacco
California is looking to ban the sale of tobacco products, specifically to future generations. Proposed Assembly Bill 935 would impose a fine on retailers from selling tobacco products to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2007. Opponents of the proposal have argued that by phasing out these products, there will be a loss of tax dollars that go toward funding essential services like health care and childhood development. Assemblymember Connolly, the proposal's author, has emphasized that this bill will lead to more tax savings that will make up for lost revenue from decreasing tobacco sales. Connolly also pointed out that future funds raised by the fines for violating the bill could also help negate the decreased tax revenue and has stated that the proposal is not to punish small businesses but to prevent future generations from developing addictive habits surrounding smoking.
MLS Cup Journey Carries Significance
Four months after LAFC won its first MLS Cup, the team received its championship rings Saturday. LAFC’s home field, BMO Stadium, was packed to the brim with fans in its season opener against the Portland Timbers, where the team unveiled its championship banner and welcomed its trophy onto the field. Peter Guber, the team’s executive chairman, and a founding owner was able to add to his ring collection, as he has recently won championships as an owner of the Dodgers and the Golden State Warriors. LAFC’s championship feels extra special to the owners and the fans, as they won their first title in their eighth year of operation. LAFC began its quest in its title defense on a high note, winning the game 3-2. The team comes into the 2023 season with high expectations and one of the most dedicated fan bases in MLS behind them.
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Metro Launches Ambassador Program
Metro officially launched its new transit ambassador program this week, with nearly 300 Metro transit ambassadors now riding trains and buses. Ambassadors are tasked with welcoming and supporting transit riders and aiding riders in getting around, paying fares, and connecting with services for unhoused individuals. They also report issues to Metro, including maintenance, cleanliness, and incidents requiring other Metro personnel. Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins emphasized that not only are ambassadors part of Metro’s multilayered plan to reimagine public safety, but they are foundationally a part of their Customer Care department and initiatives.
Hollywood's Future Comes Into Frame
The Hollywood Partnership (THP), the non-profit organization overseeing the Hollywood Entertainment District (HED), has launched new digital resources to showcase development and market trends in the ever-evolving, iconic neighborhood. The HED and greater Hollywood have become a hotspot for real estate investment and development. More than 60 residential, 20 office, and 11 hotel developments are under construction, entitled, or seeking entitlements. Boasting 14% population growth since 2010 (compared to 2% citywide), the HED’s resident population is 30,000 and growing with an impressive 21,500 persons per square mile, closer to NYC’s density (29,729) than is typical of LA (8,323). Served by two Metro B Line stations and committed to the vision of a sustainable community, most Hollywood area development projects are both LEED certified and eligible for transit-oriented density bonuses.
Rates Hikes Amongst Strong Economy
The federal reserve could increase the size of its interest rate hikes and raise borrowing costs to higher levels than previously projected if evidence points to a robust economy and persistently high inflation, Chair Powell said on Tuesday. The Fed raised its benchmark rate by a half-point in December and imposed four three-quarter point hikes. Over the last year, the central bank has raised its key rate, which affects many consumer and business loans, eight times. Most economists and Wall Street investors had expected the Fed to carry out another quarter-point increase at upcoming meetings. Powell walked back some of the optimistic comments about declining inflation he had made after the Fed's February 1 meeting, when he noted that disinflation would start, as consumer price growth had slowed for six straight months.
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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.
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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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