"We can't rely that just Southern California weather is going to be good enough to keep businesses here. We need to do more for our business community.
"
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- Councilmember John Lee at VICA's Newsmaker Connection: CD12 Forum
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"
I did not realize how difficult it is to operate a small business in the City of Los Angeles..
. It is absolutely imperative that we work on getting rid of some of that red tape."
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Loraine Lundquist at VICA's Newsmaker Connection CD12 Forum
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| VICA Hears From CD12 Candidates at Special Newsmaker Connection Event |
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VICA President Stuart Waldman, Councilmember John Lee, Candidate Loraine Lundquist, VICA Vice Chair Ross Pendergraft (Leavitt Insurance Services of Los Angeles)
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This week, the two candidates for Los Angeles City Council District 12 joined VICA members for a special Newsmaker Connection, presented by
State Farm
. Councilmember John Lee and candidate Loraine Lundquist spoke about a range of pressing issues and outlined their priorities to support jobs in the northwest San Fernando Valley.
On SB 50, a major housing bill supported by VICA, Lee opposed the bill and spoke about eliminating other barriers such as city zoning that prevented a shelter from being constructed near a freeway, as well as soaring city fees such as the linkage fee. Lundquist also opposed the bill, but for the reason that she was concerned that SB 50 is galvanizing organized community opposition to necessary transit investment. On the City's Green New Deal, Lee expressed concern that Lundquist plans to accelerate the green new deal, noting that the City needs to implement it in a responsible way. Lundquist countered that the most expensive option is to maintain the status quo, saying that getting a head start on these changes will provide opportunities to bring clean energy jobs to the district.
On bringing jobs to the San Fernando Valley, Lundquist pledged to modernize the permit system to make it easier for small businesses to open. Lee focused on trash fees as one example of rising costs. Speaking on the North Valley Bus Rapid Transit project, another of VICA's top priorities, Lee expressed concern that the project was being pushed through and called for considering all available options. Lundquist thanked VICA for our work to ensure that the project was included in the Measure M expenditure plan.
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| Click here to view photos from the event. |
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Friday, March 13, 2020
5:30 to 9 p.m.
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
VICA invites you to dinner with your state lawmakers!
VICA provides a rare opportunity for Valley business leaders to connect with state lawmakers and have a fun time during its annual State Officeholders Dinner.
Confirmed speakers as of January 24, 2020:
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State Controller
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Assemblymembers
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State Senator
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| Betty Yee |
Wendy Carrillo |
Bob Hertzberg
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California Secretary of State
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Heath Flora |
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| Alex Padilla |
Vince Fong |
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Jesse Gabriel
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Tom Lackey |
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Marc Levine |
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Sharon Quirk-Silva |
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Luz Rivas |
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Blanca Rubio |
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Miguel Santiago |
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Christy Smith |
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Giving the Valley a Voice in Sacramento
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VICA Vice Chair Ross Pendergraft (
Leavitt Insurance Services of Los Angeles
), David Gonzalez (
Association of Independent Commercial Producers
), Assemblymember Heath Flora, VICA Legislative Affairs Director Elizabeth Hawley, Samona Caldwell (
State Farm Insurance
) and VICA President Stuart Waldman.
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On Tuesday, VICA went to Sacramento and met with State Legislators to speak on behalf of San Fernando Valley businesses during our first advocacy trip of 2020.
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| VICA Delegation with Assemblymember Mike Gipson |
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The VICA delegation met with Assemblymembers Richard Bloom, Heath Flora, Mike Gipson, Chad Mayes, Jose Medina and Rudy Salas, as well as the staff of Assemblymember Kevin Kiley. The delegation also met with Senator Brian Dahle and the staff of Senator Tom Umberg.
During the meetings, the VICA delegation discussed our top legislative priorities for 2020 and support for legislation that would spur more housing development throughout California, especially near transit and jobs-rich areas. VICA also raised concerns regarding the status of independent contractors, as well as possible improvements to the California Consumer Privacy Act.
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VICA Delegation with Assemblymember Richard Bloom
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Thank you to all Assemblymembers, Senators and staffers for meeting with VICA in order to discuss the issues that are important to residents and businesses in the San Fernando Valley.
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Monday, March 9 - Wednesday, March 11
Conference Hotel:
The Mayflower Hotel
1127 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 347-3000
Join more than 200 civic and business leaders for the region's premier advocacy trip to the nation's capitol. Attendees will meet with members of Congress and senior Administration officials on priorities important to Southern California.
Register with VICA for exclusive access to additional meetings and lunch, and the opportunity to join the VICA delegation dinner (additional fee for dinner).
Registration Deadline:
February 27
Early Bird Registration Fee (By February 12):
$850
Registration Fee After February 12:
$950
*Refunds are not available after February 27
For an additional $400
, registrants will receive a one-stop
Southwest Airlines
round-trip flight.
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Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel Forms AD 45 Advisory Council
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VICA Treasurer Coby King (
High Point Strategies
), Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and VICA Legislative Affairs Director Elizabeth Hawley.
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Valley Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel has formed an advisory council for Assembly District 45, which includes VICA Treasurer Coby King (High Point Strategies) and Legislative Affairs Director Elizabeth Hawley. Thank you Assemblymember Gabriel for your service to the San Fernando Valley, and for giving community members the opportunity to discuss issues important to the Valley.
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VICA's decision-making process is based on our policy committees developing and recommending positions on variety of legislative issues impacting business for consideration by the Board of Directors.
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VICA Supports Preserving Housing in Calabasas
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 VICA supports Measure N - the Calabasas Neighborhood Preservation Initiative - which would help preserve affordable housing for 80 families by allowing the construction of 161 new units at the existing Avalon Calabasas property. With the ongoing housing and homelessness crises, the City of Calabasas cannot afford to lose these affordable housing units. Measure N would provide the City with an opportunity to contribute a meaningful amount of affordable and market-rate units consistent with its planning goals and state requirements.
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| For more information, visit the campaign website. |
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Member Messages:
Get Your Message in VICA Weekly!
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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
[email protected]
or
call (818) 817-0545.
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