Valley Industry & Commerce Association | |
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- Join Metro's East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project Leadership Council
- VICA Voices Support for Green Hydrogen
- VICA Opposes Lynwood Healthcare Worker Wage Ordinance
- VICA's ACCESS D.C Trip
- LA County Economic Opportunity Program
- Serve on a City Commission
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Quick Jump - Register to Attend!
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"As we gather here tonight, we are writing the next chapter in the great American story, a story of progress and resilience. When world leaders ask me to define America, I define our country in one word: Possibilities." | |
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President Joesph R. Biden
Statement from the State of the Union Address
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Join Metro's East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project Community Leadership Council | |
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Metro is currently taking applications for their Community Leadership Council (CLC) for the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit (ESFV LRT) project.
This project will bring light-rail to the Valley and serve some of the most equity-focused communities in all of Los Angeles County. VICA has been a supporter of this project for nearly a decade, working hard to bring more transit projects to the San Fernando Valley to support the local business community.
All CLC applicants must either live, work, attend school, own a business or commercial property, or be an active community interest stakeholder within the project area. The project area map is below, but it is also included on page 4 of the application (linked below).
The application can be filled out online, or you can pick-up/drop-off a hard copy at your local City Council office. Click the buttons below to apply online, download a hard copy of the application, or visit Metro's website for more information. Applications must be submitted not later than 5:00 PM on Friday, March 24. Feel free to contact Abby King with any questions.
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VICA Voices Support for Green Hydrogen | |
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VICA called in to Wednesday's City
Council meeting to voice support for the Scattergood Generating Station Green Hydrogen project.
VICA believes that LA Businesses need a scalable solution to meeting the decarbonization goals the city has set. Green hydrogen offers a pathway to get businesses to 100% renewable electricity, but this will only get us so far. We will also need alternatives for applications that are hard to electrify, like industrial heating processes, maritime shipping, and aviation.
Green hydrogen is one of the most affordable energy alternatives, meaning it is a financially smart choice – at scale, green hydrogen can be cheaper than other alternatives and can serve as an important hedge against price volatility that has been negatively affecting LA consumers and businesses.
If we want to meet the aggressive energy goals set by our city’s elected officials, we must act now. The conversion of Scattergood to a hydrogen turbine is an important first step to getting there.
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VICA Opposes Proposed Lynwood Healthcare Wage Ordinance | |
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On Tuesday, VICA made comments at the Lynwood City Council in opposition of a proposed ordinance to increase certain healthcare worker wages for private facilities up to $25 an hour in Lynwood.
VICA is concerned about the proposed ordinance, which would exclude workers at 75% of healthcare facilities in Lynwood. Those excluded include healthcare workers at community health clinics, facilities, nursing homes, and more.
The ordinance's effects would create inequitable results for those employed by private health providers while excluding union-exempt healthcare facilities.
The approach that SEIU-UHW has taken by addressing wage increases city by city and industry by industry could adversely affect healthcare costs and jeopardize access to care.
VICA will continue to monitor and advocate for fair and transparent policies that promote sound economic policy and healthcare services.
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Join VICA for Access D.C. | |
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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.
ACCESS D.C. ensures the region is a leading voice in federal policy discussions. The coalition of business and civic organizations travel to D.C. to advocate with a united voice on critical national issues that impact our region.
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 days of programming and advocacy meetings with other advocacy organizations and program speakers.
If you are interested in attending and participating in our crucial advocacy work, click below for more information and to register.
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LA County Economic Opportunity Grant Program | |
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The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity recently launched Phase 1 of its Economic Opportunity Grant Program.
The City of Los Angeles microbusinesses are eligible to apply, if located in the County of Los Angeles, and have less than $50,000 in annual gross revenue.
Phase 1 will close on February 23, 2023, and Phase 2 will be a grant program that will be expanded to include non-profit organizations. The County is currently confirming specifics, but the City of Los Angeles microbusinesses and nonprofits will also be eligible to apply.
For more information about the program, click the button below.
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Apply to Serve on a City Commission! | |
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In the City of Los Angeles, City departments and bureaus are headed by General Managers. However, some departments are also headed by an advisory or controlling board or commission appointed by the Mayor.
The San Fernando Valley makes up 40% of the City of Los Angeles, yet is vastly underrepresented on the City's boards and commissions. Help improve San Fernando Valley's representation and apply to serve on a commission by clicking the button below!
For more information on LA's boards and commissions, click here.
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VICA's 2023 State Officeholders Dinner - LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! | |
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VICA's Annual State Officeholders Dinner - a unique opportunity to engage with our State Legislators in a casual format, watch a light-hearted Q&A, and enjoy food and drinks with fellow VICA members - is now less than a month away!
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Our confirmed Elected Officials are: | |
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Senators:
Steve Bradford
María Elena Durazo
Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
Josh Newman
Anthony Portantino
Scott Wilk
Board of Equalization:
Antonio Vazquez
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Assemblymembers:
Wendy Carrillo
Mike Fong
Laura Friedman
Jesse Gabriel
Mike Gipson
Chris Holden
Josh Hoover
Tom Lackey
Tina McKinnor
Luz Rivas
Kate Sanchez
Miguel Santiago
Pilar Schiavo
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If you are interested in attending and have not yet registered, email Cathy at cathy@vica.com or click the button below! | |
VICA Thanks Our Renewing Members! | | |
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Silver Members:
Bronze Member:
Other Renewing Members:
New Member:
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER:
Newsmaker Connection: CD6 Candidate Forum
Thursday, February 16 | 8:30 AM
VICA Office
Join VICA for a special Newsmaker Connection as candidates for Council District 6 gather to discuss issues affecting businesses across the San Fernando Valley. This special Election Forum will provide members with the unique opportunity to meet, listen and speak with the CD 6 contenders.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsor
State Farm Insurance.
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER:
State Officeholders Dinner
Friday, February 24 | 5:30 PM
Stage 29 at Universal Studios Hollywood
VICA's State Officeholders Dinner is a unique opportunity to engage with officeholders in a casual Q&A format. Cocktails, appetizers and dinner are provided, along with great networking and conversation opportunities with our elected officials.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors Amazon, Comcast NBCUniversal, and Kaiser Permanente.
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LAST CHANCE FOR THE EARLY BIRD RATE:
Extraordinary Women in Leadership Breakfast
Wednesday, March 15 | 8:00 AM
Hilton Universal City
VICA’s Women’s event brings together women from all walks of life to share their experiences, challenges in the
business world, overcoming odds and leading successes.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors Los Angeles Department of Water & Power and the University of Phoenix, in partnership with CSUN Nazarian College
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ACCESS D.C.
March 28 - March 30
Washington, D.C.
ACCESS D.C. is the region's largest annual advocacy trip, connecting more than 200 businesses and civic leaders with federal lawmakers on issues ranging from immigration and education to transportation and healthcare.
For more information on ACCESS D.C., including registration information, pricing, and a tentative schedule, click the button below:
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Land Use Committee
Tuesday, February 14
8:30 - 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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Government Affairs Committee
Wednesday, February 15
Noon - 2:00 PM
VICA Office
RSVP
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Sports, Entertainment, Tourism, and Hospitality Committee
sponsored by: Comcast NBCUniversal
Wednesday, March 1
8:30 - 10:30 AM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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Energy, Environment, Manufacturing, and Utilities Committee
sponsored by: MWD
Thursday, March 2
Noon - 2:00 PM
VICA Office
RSVP
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Sacramento News & Review | February 8
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Odonchimeg Jimen
Sushi-Koo Restaurant,
Ajimori Sauce Company
Owner/Founder
Odonchimeg (Ogi) Jiimen lives with her family in California and is a mother of two beautiful children. She first came to America in 2005 with her husband after earning her MBA in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. She then graduated from several schools in California, including California State University, Los Angeles Business School, then culminated in law school.
She is passionate about creating businesses and trying and learning new industries and projects.
Ogi was surprised with the preciseness and effectiveness of the Japanese food service concept and, while going to school, worked at a sushi restaurant, which she aimed to own one day. After eight years, the owner moved to Japan and told her she could buy the business as she had always dreamed of and did fulfill her passion for opening and owning a business.
So in 2012, she started her own company and opened three businesses, including a restaurant, a premier catering company, pop-up services, and a food products business in 2017, which led to the launch of Ajimori Sauce Company in 2021.
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Biden State of the Union Address
President Biden spoke directly to Americans in his State of the Union address, addressing the economic upheaval that has left many behind, and called on Republicans to work in a bipartisan manner. President Biden congratulated Representative Kevin McCarthy(R-CA) for becoming House Speaker and Hakeem Jefferies (D-NY) for becoming the first African American minority leader in history. Biden, widely expected to be his party's 2024 presidential nominee, spent much of his speech making appeals to blue-collar voters and advocating for ideas like fixing bridges and lowering drug costs.
LA Replaces Gas Plant with Hydrogen
The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to move forward with an $800-million plan to convert the city's largest gas-fired power plant to green hydrogen- a first of its kind that was hailed by supporters as an important step to solve the climate crisis but slammed by critics as a greenwashing boondoggle that will harm vulnerable communities. Council President Paul Krekorian described hydrogen as crucial to meeting L.A.'s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035. The vote authorized the L.A. Department of Water and Power to begin the contracting process for revamping Scattergood Generating Station, which sits near El Segundo's coast.
Directors Guild Puts off Labor Talks
The Directors Guild of America has decided not to go into contract talks early and will instead wait until later this spring, closer to when its bargaining agreement with Hollywood Studios is set to expire. In a statement to its 19,000 members Saturday evening, the union said its 80-person negotiating committee had unanimously decided it was not in its interest to begin negotiations well before its contract expiration. The decision highlights the gulf between the studios and Hollywood workers over key issues such as wages and streaming residuals.
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Industry Calls on Congress to Act
As members of the 118th Congress began their opening weeks of a two-year run, business groups are lobbying those elected officials to pass meaningful legislation to strengthen supply chains. According to a bipartisan roundtable discussion hosted this week by the Consumer Brands Association, three priorities for new legislation should be ocean shipping, long-distance trucking, and domestic manufacturing. According to Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), House Republican leadership has wanted to bring a supply chain package up for a vote in the full House in May.
CA Forego Vaccine Requirement
California's continued easing out of the pandemic and into the endemic phase: the state has dropped its plan to require the COVID-19 vaccination for k-12 students as the state of emergency ends on February 28. Dropping the policy, which Governor Newsom announced in 2021, may end the latest round of contentious debate over school vaccination requirements. The policy would have applied to all of California's 6.7 million public and private students. But enforcing it would have posed a challenge. The course reversal follows President Biden's January 30th announcement that he plans to end the national state of emergency on May 11.
Rights Groups Challenge CARE Court
A California disability rights group is asking the state's Supreme Court to block the enforcement of the CARE Act, a sweeping piece of legislation signed by Governor Newsom which aims to tackle the state's homeless crisis. It enables the state to force severely mentally ill people into court-ordered treatment and housing programs. However, disability rights groups have consistently opposed the measure, arguing that it risks being abused to trap mentally ill people under state control.
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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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