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

June 7, 2024

In This Issue

• VICA Advocates Against LA County Rent Registry Ordinance
• VICA Hosts Cal/OSHA Workshop
• VICA is Hiring!

Jump to:

VIRTUAL VICA University || New CA Workplace Violence Plan - 6/11

After Dark with Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky - 6/13

VICA 75th Birthday Bash - 6/21

Sacramento Advocacy Trip - 6/25

"This budget serves as a reset, partly by continuing to hire for critical positions including police officers and firefighters while eliminating some of the department's vacant positions, thereby prioritizing our City family over empty desks."

Mayor Karen Bass

Statement on Signing Los Angeles City Budget for 2024-25

VICA Advocates Against LA County's Rent Registry Registration Process

On Tuesday, VICA called into the LA County Board of Supervisors meeting to advocate against the County's proposed Rent Registry process. This process would require small property owners to self-certify under penalty of perjury and report back to the Board by March 31, 2026, on the status and outcomes of RSTRPO updates. VICA argued that this proposal lacks support from any comprehensive economic analysis and would make housing less affordable and more scarce.

VICA believes that critical housing policies deserve thorough economic review to ensure they do not worsen the housing crisis. Businesses and property providers cannot absorb these costs and operate under restricted price controls that don't keep up with other rising expenses, making the County's proposal counterproductive.

Southern California is facing a housing crisis and requires a variety of housing types in cities throughout the region. Not only will this policy proposal not produce a single new unit, but it will actually make living in the County more expensive in the long term. It will also hinder the upgrading and rehabilitation of older housing stock while deterring future investments.

Despite VICA and a significant number of community organizations and individuals testifying against the proposal, the County Board of Supervisors voted to approve it on a 3 to 2 vote, with Supervisors Barger and Hahn voting no.

While the outcome is unfortunate, VICA will continue to work with our business partners and elected officials to highlight how this and similar policies harm housing providers rather than provide relief to tenants.

VICA Hosts VICA University for Cal/OSHA Updates

On Tuesday, VICA hosted a VICA University workshop at our office featuring Carla Slepak, Area Manager for Cal/OSHA, who provided crucial updates on workplace safety regulations.

The workshop covered new and proposed regulations, including the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan and the Emergency Silica Regulation, helping businesses understand key updates and prepare for compliance deadlines.

Other topics included emphasis programs, the top 10 industry citations, and how Cal/OSHA consultation can help businesses. Attendees also learned about the benefits of proactive safety management in reducing costs and enhancing workplace safety.

The session concluded with an insightful Q&A segment, ensuring that all of our participants were fully informed about the latest Cal/OSHA standards and resources.

VICA Vacancy

Events

VIRTUAL VICA University || New CA Workplace Violence Plan with Gaspar Insurance

Tuesday, June 11

2:00 to 3:30 PM

Zoom

VICA invites you to join us for this informative, 1.5-hour program where Gaspar Insurance will cover California's SB 553 requirements that employers create and implement a Workplace Violence Prevention (WVP) Plan by July 1, 2024. The new law applies to practically all California employers, large and small - except for healthcare employers already covered under the existing healthcare WVP Standard.

Developing and implementing the Plan will be a significant undertaking for employers since the standard requires comprehensive multi-prong procedures, including identifying and evaluating unsafe conditions in the workplace, and reporting, responding to, and investigating workplace violence incidents.

Thank you to Gaspar Insurance for agreeing to conduct this workshop.

Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky

Thursday, June 13

5:30 to 7:30 PM

Airtel Plaza Hotel

Katy Yaroslavsky serves as Councilwoman for Los Angeles’ Fifth City Council District, representing neighborhoods and communities she has been a part of nearly her entire life. Elected in 2022, Yaroslavsky, currently serves as Chair of the City Council’s Energy & Environment committee, Vice-Chair of the Ad Hoc Olympics committee, and is a member of the Budget & Finance, Planning & Land Use Management, and Transportation committees. In March 2023, Mayor Karen Bass appointed Yaroslavsky to serve on the LA Metro Board of Directors.

VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsor and Host Airtel Plaza Hotel, and Co-Sponsors Metro and the University of West Los Angeles.

VICA 75th Birthday Bash

Friday, June 21

6:00 to 9:00 PM

Radford Studio Center



VICA turns 75! Come and celebrate this sparkling milestone with us. Enjoy a brilliant evening beneath the stars with drinks, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and music.

VICA thanks our 75th Anniversary Sponsors BYD, Cowe Communications, The Garland, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Mission Community Hospital, and Radford Studio Center, and Birthday Bash Sponsors Amazon, Bechtel, Southwest Airlines and Walmart.

We are looking for fun and exciting raffle items to offer our guests! If you are interested in providing any, please contact Cathy@vica.com.

Sacramento Advocacy Day Trip

Tuesday, June 25 || All-Day

VICA’s regular advocacy trips to the state capitol are crucial to ensuring the voice of the business community is heard by legislators.

These member-only trips allow direct interaction with state elected officials and create the freedom for discussion on issues that are vital to our members. Join VICA in Sacramento for one of our monthly advocacy trips.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be heard on how legislation affects your company.

The Week Ahead

Land Use

Tuesday, June 11

8:30 to 10:30 am

Sponsored by The Garland

RSVP

Healthcare

Wednesday, June 12

Noon to 2:00 PM

At the VICA office

RSVP

Members

Thank You to Our Renewing Members!

President's Circle

• SoCalGas (1988)

Premier Partner

• California State University, Northridge (1992)

Renewing Member

• Primestor Development, Inc. (2018)

Hot News

Newsom and California Democrats Face Budget Deficit Disagreements

Governor Gavin Newsom and California's Democratic legislators are arguing over how to address the state's budget deficit. The conflict centers around proposed cuts and spending priorities, with Newsom advocating for more fiscal restraint while some lawmakers push for preserving social services and education funding. As the budget deadline approaches, both sides are working to reach a compromise that balances fiscal responsibility with critical investments.

Anti-Public Housing Repeal Pulled From November Ballot

A measure to repeal the prohibition on public housing projects in California has been withdrawn from the November ballot. Advocates for the repeal argue that the current ban hinders efforts to address the state's housing crisis, while opponents raise concerns about potential impacts on local communities. The measure's withdrawal reflects ongoing debates about the best strategies to increase affordable housing and reduce homelessness.

Restaurants May Keep Service Fees if Menu Shows Charges

A new proposal in California may allow restaurants to retain service fees, provided that the charges are displayed on menus. The initiative aims to increase diners' transparency and ensure they are aware of additional costs upfront. Restaurant industry representatives support the move, citing the need for clarity in pricing, while consumer advocates stress the importance of straightforward communication about service fees.

Berkeley's People's Park Housing Project Faces CEQA Supreme Court Ruling

The California Supreme Court has agreed to review a controversial housing project at Berkeley's People's Park, focusing on the project's compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The case highlights the ongoing tension between development and environmental regulations, with proponents arguing that the project is essential for addressing housing shortages, and opponents concerned about environmental impacts and historical preservation.

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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