Assemblymember Rob Bonta, playing Free Association

VICA 2020 State Officeholders Dinner - Home Edition

Cameron Onumah (Amazon) asks a series of questions about Guilty Pleasures to Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis

On Thursday, VICA hosted a Home Edition of our Annual State Officeholders Dinner. Leaders from throughout California logged on to take part in one of VICA's most popular events. Being remote didn't stop us from fostering communication between business leaders and state officials, and it definitely didn't stop everyone from having a good time!

Members had a unique opportunity to connect and speak with state legislators and fellow business leaders during the networking reception. While attendees enjoyed dinner from DoorDash, as well as wine and a swag box provided by our sponsors, elected officials participated in an exciting virtual program, emceed by Cameron Onumah (Amazon) and VICA Chair Brad Rosenheim (Rosenheim and Associates). The games included "Would you Rather", "Free Association", "Guilty Pleasures", and "Rapid Fire Questions."

VICA thanks the following state officials, who took time out of their busy schedules to speak with business leaders and have a little bit of fun!

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis · Treasurer Fiona Ma

Controller Betty Yee · Board of Equalization Member Ted Gaines

Senate Majority Leader Rob Hertzberg · Senator Ben Allen

Senator Maria Elena Durazo · Senator Henry Stern · Assemblymember Phil Ting

Assemblymember Luz Rivas · Assemblymember Miguel Santiago

The 2020 State Officeholders Dinner - Home Edition was presented by Amazon, the California Alliance for Renewable Energy Solutions, and Comcast NBC Universal, and co-sponsored by the American Chemistry Council, Amgen, Los Angeles Daily News, the Fox Corporation, Health Net, PhRMA, and Providence Health.

Join Metro's Planning and Programming Committee on November 18th to voice your support for the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail (ESFV) Project!

The East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project will transform transportation in the Valley and will help improve the San Fernando Valley's connectivity with the rest of Los Angeles. You can learn more about the project through Metro's virtual online platform available on the ESFV Project Website >> https://www.metro.net/projects/east-sfv/

VICA has been an active supporter of Metro's ESFV Project, and we need our members to provide input at next week's meeting to ensure this project continues to move forward!

November 18th, 2020

3:00 p.m.

Watch Online: http://boardagendas.metro.net

To provide public comment on the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project, visit the link below and click Comment Form.

Monday, November 16th

Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 18th

9 to 10:30 a.m.

Friday, November 20th

Wednesday, December 2

12 to 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 3

8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

The Cal State system is seeing record enrollment numbers despite predictions of dramatic drops. Experts believe this is due to the job market and the relative affordability of the Cal State system.

California has issued a travel advisory ahead of the holidays, urging residents to stay local and quarantine for 14 days after out-of-state travel. LA County has warned that more drastic restrictions may be necessary.

The stock market is down from record highs this week amid surging COVID-19 cases in the United States, but analysts are optimistic of the upward trend.

Metro CEO Phil Washington has been appointed for the Biden transition team's agency review of the Department of Transportation, National Transportation Safety Board, Amtrak, and the Federal Maritime Commission.

The LA City Council has asked the City to explore the feasibility of using the LA Convention Center to house the homeless amid a worsening pandemic and homelessness rate.

Pfizer has announced that early data from its COVID-19 vaccine indicates a 90% effectiveness rate. They estimate 50 million doses could be available before the end of 2020.

The housing market is booming as many are spending more time at home and low mortgage rates. Experts expect that the trend is will continue through 2021.

The LA County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to explore options to remove the elected County Sheriff Alex Villanueva before his term concludes in 2022.

VICA has been actively advocating for the Delta Conveyance project, which will provide reliable, high-quality, and affordable water to California. Modernizing the aging water supply system is vitally important to 29 million people, millions of acres of farmland, Southern California's $1.6 trillion economy, and our environment. This week, VICA wrote a letter to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to voice strong support of funding of the environmental review and planning process for the Delta Conveyance project. VICA also spoke at the MWD Delta Conveyance hearing to reiterate the need for support and funding for the Delta Conveyance project. VICA will continue to be active in advocating for the Delta Conveyance Project, as it is essential to ensuring the regions water resiliency for generations to come.

VICA has been active in its advocacy regarding the implementation of the Los Angeles County Public Health Councils Program. When the program was originally deliberated by the Board of Supervisors, VICA strongly advocated against it and requested amendments to the proposal, but the Board of Supervisors refused to consider how the decision would negatively impact the business community. The Program will add profound burdens to businesses, allowing third parties to monitor, document, and report violations of the County's Health Officer Orders, essentially allowing unions to infiltrate non-union workplaces.

This week, VICA provided comments during the Board of Supervisors meeting, asking for the Board to clarify the intended scope of the Program and the redundant anti-retaliation ordinance. The Board instead decided to unanimously approve the implementation of the Public Health Councils Program without discussion. Currently, the program includes the redundant anti-retaliation ordinance and will affect food and apparel manufacturing, warehousing and storage, and restaurant sectors. VICA will continue to voice the business community's concern as the Board of Supervisors continues to work on the implementation of the Health Councils Program.

Brandon Stephenson - Cerrell

As Cerrell’s Chief Strategic Officer, Brandon’s expertise includes developing winning strategic communications plans and mobilizing stakeholders to influence decision-makers and the media at the local, state and federal levels. A campaign veteran, he has managed several statewide programs for Cerrell and other firms, including a statewide healthcare advocacy and communications network and several ballot measures. Brandon loves running, hiking with his friends and spending as much time as possible with his family.

VICA has been invaluable for my clients and Cerrell’s growth. No other business association provides VICA’s in-depth legislative analysis and advocacy, and connections with decision-makers at all levels of government. VICA covers all segments of LA’s economy, attracting established, large-scale corporations and innovative start-ups, allowing me and my colleagues to network with a wide array of business prospects.

VICA is the region’s leading voice of business. Its subject-matter expertise, ability to influence and shape public policy, relationships with decision-makers, as well as their extensive and active membership makes VICA the clear choice to join for Los Angeles businesses and stakeholders.

Any State Officeholder event with Sen. Holly Mitchell!

A focus on employee health and well-being, and staff comradery, continues to be a hallmark of Cerrell. We’ve also ensured that all employees have the resources needed to deliver high-quality work and help our clients achieve their goals while working remotely. As a mission-driven firm, our team identified and have supported organizations in the City and County of Los Angeles that are supporting people impacted by COVID-19 and continue encouraging our contacts to support these groups in our online communications.

Sponsored by The Garland

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 cathy@vica.com or call (818) 817-0545.