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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
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- VICA Hosts After Dark with Council President Harris-Dawson
- VICA Returns to Sacramento
- VICA Holds Joint Committee with Consul General of Mexico
- VICA Chairman Meets with Mayor Karen Bass, Discuss Wildfire Recovery
- VICA Vacancy
- Internship Opportunities at VICA
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"In February next year, the NBA All-Star Game is here, followed by the World Cup just four months later. Fast forward seven months, and the Super Bowl returns, leading to the culmination of Los Angeles hosting the Summer Olympics for the third time. These events are all opportunities and meaningful to our community, but only if our businesses take advantage and our workers benefit from it, and we use it to grow our enterprise."
Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson
Statement made during After Dark
| | VICA Hosts After Dark with Council President Harris-Dawson | | From Left to Right: Ken Craft (Hope The Mission), VICA Chairman Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo (AT&T), Rosie Hernandez (Hope The Mission), Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Rowan Vansleve (Hope The Mission), Adam Lane (Waymo) | | |
On Tuesday, VICA hosted Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson for an engaging After Dark event hosted by Hope The Mission. This event allowed business and community leaders to hear directly from one of the city’s most influential policymakers.
Council President Harris-Dawson addressed key issues shaping Los Angeles's future, including homelessness, economic development, and public safety. He highlighted the city’s first decline in homelessness in 15 years and emphasized the importance of continued investments in housing and wraparound services. He also spoke on efforts to keep small businesses engaged as Metro expands its transit infrastructure and protects long-standing community businesses.
With Los Angeles set to host several major global events—including the NBA All-Star Game, World Cup, Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympics—Harris-Dawson underscored the importance of maximizing economic benefits for local businesses and workers. He encouraged the business community to help drive tourism, support the hospitality industry, and work with city leaders to ensure these events leave a lasting positive impact on the local economy.
The Council President also touched on the city's ongoing recovery following the devastating wildfires, emphasizing the importance of public-private collaboration in rebuilding impacted communities. He highlighted the city’s commitment to expediting recovery processes, securing funding, and ensuring that displaced residents and businesses can access the necessary resources. Additionally, he acknowledged the financial challenges ahead as the city prepares for a complex budget cycle, calling on businesses and community leaders to stay engaged in discussions about the city’s economic future.
VICA appreciates the Council President’s time and commitment to engaging with the business community. We look forward to continued collaboration on policies that support economic growth, job creation, and housing solutions in Los Angeles. A special thank you to our presenting and host sponsor Hope The Mission, who provided such an amazing reception, with delicious food. Also thanks to our other, presenting sponsor Waymo, and co-sponsors Anheuser-Busch, Comcast NBCUniversal, DoorDash, and Fox Corp. for making this event possible. We would also like to thank Bearies Acai & Mendocino Farms for bringing beautiful acai bowls and sandwiches.
| | VICA Returns to Sacramento for Another Advocacy Trip | | From Left to Right: James Garrison (Mesa Pacific), Anthony Angelini (Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce), State Senator Suzette Valladares, Alejandro Polanco (Amor Marketing), Neal Dudovitz (Mesa Pacific), Ross Pendergraft (Gallagher), VICA President Stuart Waldman | | |
On Tuesday, VICA traveled to Sacramento to engage directly with lawmakers on policies critical to the economic vitality of the San Fernando Valley and the broader California business community. Meeting with Assemblymembers Bill Essayli, Laurie Davies, Celeste Rodriguez, John Harabedian, as well as State Senators Suzette Valladares and Henry Stern, we emphasized the need for pro-business legislation that fosters job creation, reduces regulatory barriers, and enhances housing development.
Additionally, we met with staff from Assemblymembers Jeff Gonzalez and Chris Ward, along with the Senate offices of Christopher Cabaldon, Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, and Henry Stern, ensuring that VICA’s advocacy priorities are well represented throughout the Legislature.
One of the primary areas of focus was housing and land use reform. VICA stressed the importance of streamlining California’s housing approval process, reducing costly and time-consuming regulations, and promoting infill development to increase housing supply. We also discussed workforce development and tax policy, urging legislators to support initiatives that provide financial relief to businesses and address the ongoing labor shortages affecting key industries.
In addition, VICA opposed overly restrictive labor mandates that could harm small businesses and deter economic growth. We also advocated for balanced environmental policies that protect California’s natural resources without imposing unmanageable compliance costs on businesses. These discussions were essential in reinforcing the message that economic growth and sustainability must go hand in hand.
VICA remains steadfast in its mission to champion policies that create a thriving business environment in Los Angeles and across California. We will continue working closely with legislators to ensure that the voices of business leaders are heard and that policies support long-term economic prosperity.
| | VICA Delegation with Assemblymember Essayli | VICA Delegation with Assemblymember Laurie Davies | | Stuart with Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez | | Stuart with Assemblymember John Harabedian | | VICA Hosts Consul General of Mexico at Joint International Trade + Government Affairs Committee | | Left to Right: Lalo Lopez (The Palomino Group), Jeff Daar (Daar & Newman), David Phelps (The Palomino Group), Ambassador Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, Rosie Hernandez (Hope The Mission), Matt Buck (California Apartment Association of Los Angeles), VICA Chairman Lupita Sanchez Cornejo (AT&T), Yesenia Monsour (Kaiser Permanente) | | |
On Wednesday, VICA welcomed Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, for a joint meeting of our Government Affairs and International Trade Committees. Members engaged in a critical discussion on the economic relationship between Mexico and the United States, the evolving trade landscape, and the shared challenges businesses face on both sides of the border.
Ambassador González Gutiérrez highlighted Mexico’s significant role in the global economy, noting that it ranks as the 15th largest economy in the world and the top trading partner of the United States. He emphasized that the strong economic ties between the two nations were primarily shaped by NAFTA and its successor, the USMCA, which transformed Mexico into a key manufacturing and trade hub. Despite political shifts in both countries, Mexico has remained committed to free trade, with an average tariff rate of 1.3% and trade agreements with over 50 nations.
However, the Consul General also addressed the increasing uncertainties in U.S.-Mexico relations, notably regarding trade policies and immigration. He warned that protectionist measures, such as tariffs and calls for reshoring production, could disrupt long-established supply chains and harm businesses on both sides of the border. He also underscored that Mexico is a crucial partner in North America's economic competitiveness, with deeply integrated industries that support jobs in both countries.
The conversation also touched on the impact of evolving U.S. policies, including concerns over new trade restrictions and the economic ramifications of shifting political dynamics. Despite these challenges, the Ambassador expressed optimism that economic pragmatism would prevail, ensuring continued cooperation between the two nations.
VICA appreciates Ambassador González Gutiérrez for sharing his insights and remains committed to advocating for policies that promote international trade and economic growth. As one of the most globally connected regions in the country, the San Fernando
Valley and greater Los Angeles stand to benefit from strong and stable trade relationships with key partners like Mexico.
| | VICA Joins Business Leaders and Mayor Bass to Support Wildfire Recovery | | |
On Tuesday, VICA Chairman Lupita Sanchez Cornejo (AT&T) joined other prominent business leaders, including Maria Salinas (Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce) and Nella McOsker (Central City Association of Los Angeles), in a crucial meeting with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to discuss wildfire recovery efforts.
The discussion focused on mobilizing resources to aid impacted businesses, accelerating rebuilding efforts, and ensuring long-term economic stability for affected communities in both LA City and LA County.
VICA remains committed to working alongside city leaders and business partners to drive a swift and sustainable recovery.
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VICA Internship Opportunities
Apply Now!
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VICA is looking for motivated interns to join our team! Gain valuable hands-on experience in legislative affairs, administrative support, and membership development while working alongside business and policy leaders in the San Fernando Valley.
📌 Legislative Affairs Internship – Contact Mikayla@vica.com
📌 Administrative Internship – Contact Cathy@vica.com
📌 Membership & Development Internship – Contact Yoko@vica.com
Don't miss this opportunity to build your skills and grow your professional network. Apply today!
| | VICA Thanks Our Renewing Members | | |
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Silver Member:
Bronze Member:
Other Renewing Members:
| | Save the Dates: April Committees | | |
Land Use
April 8 | 8:30 - 10:30AM
The Garland
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SETH
April 9 | 8:30 - 10:30AM
VICA Office
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Aviation
April 15 | 12:00 - 2:00PM
Clay Lacy Aviation
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Government Affairs
April 16 | 12:00 - 2:00PM
VICA Office
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| | Business Life Column: Reinventing Government for an Efficient Future | | |
DOGE was created to address a persistent issue: government programs that become permanent fixtures without ever being evaluated. In the 1990s, Vice President Al Gore spearheaded RIGO (Reinventing Government) to overhaul how our government operates-cutting excess, streamlining operations, and delivering results. The outcome? An economic boom and decreased government spending, leading to the last time this country experienced a fiscal surplus.
However, decades later, many government programs remain entrenched and insulated from the market pressures that compel the private sector to reduce costs. This issue transcends partisan politics regardless of whether Republicans or Democrats are in power, the need for government efficiency remains critical.
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Supervisors Push to Shift Homeless Funding from LAHSA to New LA County Department
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will vote April 1 on whether to shift hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars from the much-maligned L.A. Homeless Services Authority to a new county department promising greater accountability.
The motion by Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Kathryn Barger says the county would reallocate most of the $350 million sent to LAHSA annually to a “transparent, efficient system overseen by one entity, directly responsible to the Board of Supervisors and held accountable to clearly defined performance-based outcomes.”
Read More.
LA City Council Calls for Reports on Improving Enforcement of Home Sharing Rules
The Los Angeles City Council directed staff on Tuesday, March 18, to explore proposals to improve enforcement of its home-sharing ordinance and residential hotel policies.
In a 12-0 vote, the City Council members instructed relevant departments to report on the personnel and funding needed to enforce regulations against illegal, unregistered home-sharing activity. Council members Bob Blumenfield, John Lee and Monica Rodriguez were absent during the vote.
Additionally, staff will explore establishing a private right of action, which could allow residents to pursue lawsuits against homeowners who offer their property as short-term rentals and violate the city’s regulations. Read More.
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An L.A. City Council Member is Launching a Nonprofit. Ethics Experts Have Questions
Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker is launching a nonprofit to pay for basic services, including street lighting and park improvements, in his Harbor-area district, an unusual move that raises questions for ethics experts.
The One Five Fund, which formally launches in the next few months, “will make requests of folks throughout the city for money,” McOsker told business leaders, lobbyists and others at a Los Angeles Current Affairs Forum luncheon last month.
McOsker, in an interview, said the nonprofit will help cover services in Council District 15 that the city can’t, because of its ongoing budget crisis.
Read More.
Facing a Nearly $1 Billion Budget Hole, LA Officials Warn City Staffing Cuts are Inevitable
Los Angeles is facing a budget deficit of nearly $1 billion, which will likely lead to cuts in staffing and affect some city services, officials warned on Wednesday.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass directed the city administrative officer to develop a proposal to save between $500 million and $900 million for the fiscal year that starts July 1.
And Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who serves as vice-chair of the city’s Budget Committee, told LAist that layoffs or compensation deferrals for city workers are inevitable.
"It's hard to imagine the math without involving serious labor concessions of some sort," Blumenfield said. "And I don't say that because I want that. Certainly that's the last thing I want.
Read More.
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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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