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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 LA Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky
- Obituary of VICA Member Francine Oschin
- VICA Joins LA City Councilwoman Traci Park to Support Prop 36
- VICA's Week of Advocacy
- VICA Takes on November Ballot Measures
- VICA Celebrates Successes as Legislative Session Comes to an End
- Tell Us Your Legislative Priorities
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"I am very optimistic about the future of this city. Maybe that's because we're just in such a crappy place right now, but I really believe we have a bright future for our city."
L.A. Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky
Statement Made During After Dark Event
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VICA Hosts After Dark with L.A. Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky | |
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VICA hosted its After Dark event Tuesday, October 1, at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport, featuring a keynote from Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky.
Councilwoman Yaroslavsky discussed the pressing challenges facing Los Angeles, including housing, homelessness, and public safety, while also highlighting the opportunities presented by the upcoming 2028 Olympics and Paralympics. She stressed that these events offer a rare chance to accelerate infrastructure projects and secure funding from federal, state, and local partners to address critical transit issues, such as improving connectivity between the Valley and the Westside, where District 5 holds a significant number of jobs.
In response to the homelessness crisis, she shared updates on the development of 220 new shelter beds in her district, expected to open within 6 to 10 months. These efforts are part of a broader goal to enhance safety, cleanliness, and economic stability in local commercial corridors. Additionally, she advocated for more affordable housing and discussed the importance of simplifying business regulations and tax policies to foster economic growth.
On public safety, Councilwoman Yaroslavsky emphasized increasing police presence in key areas and improving safety at Metro stations, ensuring they are well-lit and staffed. She underscored that creating a safe environment for both residents and businesses is crucial for the city's long-term success.
VICA would like to thank our presenting sponsor and host, Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport, co-sponsors Metro and the University of West Los Angeles, and leadership sponsors University of California, Los Angeles, and Republic Services, for their support of this event.
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From left to right: Roger Barrantes (Los Angeles Marriott, Burbank Airport), VICA Board Member Susanne Passantino (Republic Services), VICA Chairman Lupita Sanchez Cornejo (AT&T), Councilwoman Yaroslavsky, VICA Board Member Stephanie Molen (LA Metro), Duane Muller (UCLA) | |
In Memory of Francine Oschin | |
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It is with sad news that we share that our longtime VICA Board Member and Friend, Francine Oschin passed away on Friday, September 20. Francine was a true advocate for the San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles region. She was a huge part of VICA for many years, including the VICA Board, and Transportation Committee Chair, as well as other positions throughout the years. VICA will miss her deeply.
Francine Oschin, 81 of Encino, California, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024, following a surgery she was hopeful would repair challenging health issues she had been facing over the past two years. Francine will be remembered by all as civic and community leader, an avid outdoors adventurer and world traveler, and most of all as a loving Mom, Grandma, Daughter, Sister, and dear friend to so many.
She is survived by her sister Audrey and brother-in-law Brian, her brother Louis, her son Daniel and daughter-in-law Faryl, her daughter Karen and son-in-law Jeff, her daughter Katherine and son-in-law Elliot, her son-in-law Mike Goodman, and her three grandchildren, Zachary, Jacqueline and Halayna. She was predeceased by her parents Albert and Goldie Strauss and her daughter Sheryl Goodman.
Francine Strauss was born March 20, 1943 in Brooklyn, New York and spent her childhood living on both coasts before her family finally settled in Los Angeles. She attended Fairfax High School, where she would meet her husband, Michael Oschin. They would soon have their four children, Sheryl, Daniel, Karen, and Katherine, who were the lights of her life. After traveling to Hawaii and falling in love with the island, they moved their young family there in 1974 and raised their children among the palm trees, beaches, and tropical weather for nearly ten years. Francine never lost her love for the islands and visited frequently throughout her life.
The greatest joy of Francine's life was raising her family and being an outstanding mother and grandmother. For most, that would have been sufficient, but Francine decided to enter into a remarkable second act of her life.
At the age of 40, after successfully battling breast cancer, Francine enrolled at California State University Northridge (CSUN). After graduating with two Bachelor degrees and a Masters degree with honors, she dove into community work improving education, transportation, the environment, women's rights, and Jewish life across the city, state and country. She worked initially as a journalist, before being hired as Assistant Chief Deputy to Councilman Hal Bernson. She served the City of Los Angeles in that role for 13 years and led projects across transportation, civic life, and public safety. In the decades following, she was an active member and served on the boards of numerous organizations including the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, The Soraya Performing Arts Center, The Sierra Club, The League of Women Voters Los Angeles, The California Democratic Central Committee, Move LA, Metrolink, The Women's Transportation Coalition, The Jewish Home for the Aging, Valley Performing Arts Center, the Local Agency Formation Commission of Los Angeles County, as well as well the LA County Beach Commission of which she was Chair. She was deeply passionate about ensuring all Angelenos could receive the same access to public education that she did and was deeply involved at CSUN; she served in various moments as the President of the Alumni Board, the Director of Legislative Advocacy and as a member of the State CSU Alumni Council. While dedicating time to these various social causes, she also built her own consulting firm, Oschin Partners, where she worked for over 20 years with businesses and governments to develop and improve transportation solutions across California.
Francine's love of life led her to begin traveling the world on her own, with her children, with friends, and eventually with her grandchildren. She treasured being outdoors and exploring nature in California, Hawaii, and abroad. She took up skiing, and quickly became a downhill slalom champion and was flying down the slopes at Mammoth Mountain well into her late 70s. She was a Sierra Club leader who hiked, backpacked, mule-packed, and camped across the California mountains. She shared her enthusiasm for the outdoors with her grandchildren, who grew up discovering nature with her on numerous trips. Francine traveled to dozens of countries around the world with her family and friends and never stopped exploring. Until the end, she was always dreaming of where she would travel next.
When Francine put her mind to something she was an unstoppable force. She was never daunted to learn something new, to take on an adventure on her own, and to live her life to the fullest even when confronted with numerous hardships. Whether it was making latkes and chicken soup for her family, climbing a glacier-topped peak, or debating transportation policy in City Hall, she took on every challenge with dedication, love, and ambition. She was a woman who achieved so much for herself, for her family, and for others and yet always remained humble. She was truly a remarkable woman who lived a beautiful and full life. She will live on forever in the hearts and memories of her family and friends who loved her.
Those wishing to honor Francine's memory may donate to LAJ Health. We also ask that you share any special photos or memories you have with Francine by emailing them to francineoschinmemorial@gmail.com to be compiled into a memorial book.
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VICA Joins Community Leaders to Support Prop 36 and Enhance Public Safety | |
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On Monday, VICA President Stuart Waldman attended a press conference with LA City Councilwoman Traci Park to support Proposition 36. The measure aims to ensure safer streets by holding repeat offenders and drug dealers accountable for their crimes, addressing concerns that have increasingly affected local communities and businesses.
The press conference featured notable speakers, including Freddy Escobar, President of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles; Debbie Thomas, a police officer and Director of the Los Angeles Police Detective League; San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan; LA City Councilman John Lee; Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock; San Gabriel Mayor John Woo; Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse; and Calabasas Mayor Alicia Weintraub, who also voiced their support.
VICA's participation with a coalition of public officials, business leaders, and public safety advocates in backing Prop 36 reinforces the importance of public safety for the well-being of local communities and businesses. This united effort shows the shared commitment of multiple stakeholders to reduce crime and improve regional safety.
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Mayor Bass Appoints New
LAPD Chief
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Mayor to Select Jim McDonnell as New LAPD Chief | Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has appointed Jim McDonnell as the city’s new police chief, concluding a months-long search. McDonnell, a former LAPD assistant chief and ex-LA County sheriff, brings decades of experience and a reputation for steady leadership. As the city prepares for global events like the World Cup and Olympic Games, McDonnell is tasked with improving officer morale, bolstering recruitment, and maintaining public safety. Bass praised McDonnell’s innovative approach to leadership and commitment to constitutional policing practices. | | | |
VICA Continues Strong Advocacy Efforts | |
This week, VICA participated in key advocacy efforts at the local and state level. | |
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LA County: VICA Voices Support for Royal Vista Project
On Tuesday, VICA voiced support for the Royal Vista Residential Project at the LA County Board of Supervisors meeting. The project will provide 360 new homes, including 82 affordable units, addressing the region's critical housing shortage. Additionally, it preserves 37% of open space, creates publicly accessible trails, and revitalizes the community by repurposing a closed golf course.
The project is also expected to generate significant economic benefits, creating over 1,100 jobs and contributing $2.86 million annually to the county. Beyond the immediate economic and housing benefits, the project supports essential infrastructure improvements, such as local roadway enhancements, helping to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity for residents.
The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the project, providing us a necessary win to address the county's housing crisis.
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CA Legislature Special Session Moves Proposal Forward to Senate
On Tuesday, the California State Assembly held a floor vote to approve VICA-opposed ABX2-1 (Hart). This bill imposes minimum fuel inventory requirements on oil refineries, leading to higher gas prices, artificial fuel shortages, and operational challenges for refineries.
After the Assembly's majority support, the bill will now move to the state Senate for further consideration. VICA has consistently raised concerns about this legislation’s impact on California's economy and businesses, warning of potential fuel market disruptions that could hurt consumers and companies across the state. We will continue to track this proposal and voice our opposition ahead of any scheduled action in the Senate.
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VICA Voices Support for the Delta Conveyance Project at the Santa Clarita Valley Water Board
On Tuesday night, VICA called into the Santa Clarita Valley Water Board to voice its support for the Delta Conveyance Project. This critical infrastructure project will help secure California’s water supply, especially for regions like Santa Clarita, which rely heavily on the State Water Project. VICA emphasized that the project is necessary to safeguard against the impacts of climate change and ensure long-term water reliability.
The Delta Conveyance Project is expected to provide California billions of dollars in economic and environmental benefits. VICA urged the Board to support the project, highlighting the risks of inaction and the importance of upgrading the state’s aging water infrastructure.
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VICA Voices Concerns at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Public Workshop
On Thursday, VICA participated in the SCAQMD Public Workshop to raise concerns about proposed rule changes under Rules 1111 and 1121. These rules, focused on upgrading mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in commercial and multifamily buildings, which will impose significant costs on property owners. VICA argued that these costs would likely be passed on to tenants, further straining housing affordability.
VICA emphasized that the District’s cost estimates show financial burdens on businesses and property owners could lead to job losses and the redevelopment of affordable housing units. While supporting environmental goals, VICA urged the District to delay implementing the rules to gather more accurate data and input from stakeholders, ensuring the regulations do not negatively impact the local economy.
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VICA will continue to advocate on behalf of businesses, ensuring their interests are represented in ongoing policy discussions. Stay informed as we work on solutions that benefit the broader business environment. | |
VICA's November 2024 Voter Guide | |
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The VICA Board of Directors has taken the following positions for the
November 5 Ballot Measures
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Proposition 2 (Authorizes Bond for Public School and Community College) | | |
Proposition 4 (Parks, Environment, Energy, and Water Bond) | | |
Proposition 34 (Restrictions on Spending of Prescription Drug Revenues) | | |
Proposition 35 (Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal Health Care Services, MCO Tax) | | |
Proposition 36 (Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act) | | |
LA City: Measure DD: Independent Redistricting Commission | | |
LAUSD: Measure LL: Independent Redistricting Commission | | |
LA County: Measure E: Consolidated Fire Protection District | | |
Burbank Unified School District: Measure ABC Bond | | |
Glendale Community College District: Measure GCC Bond | | |
LA County: Measure A (Housing and Homelessness Prevention Transaction and Use Tax) | | |
Proposition 5 (Lower Supermajority Requirement for Local Special Taxes to Fund Housing & Public Infrastructure) | | |
Proposition 32 (Minimum Wage Initiative) | | |
Proposition 33 (Prohibits State Limitations on Local Rent Control) | | |
The VICA PAC Committee has made the following endorsements: | |
LA City Council, District 2 |
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Land Use Committee Meeting
October 8 | 8:30AM to 10:30AM
The Garland
RSVPRSVP
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Aviation Committee Meeting
October 15 | Noon to 2:00PM
VICA Office
RSVP
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Government Affairs Committee Meeting
October 16 | Noon to 2:00PM
VICA Office
RSVP
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Stay informed and empowered with VICA’s Government Handbook, proudly sponsored by Clay Lacy Aviation and The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. This essential resource provides key insights into legislative processes at all levels, helping businesses, advocates, and community members navigate the complexities of government. With the latest updates and tools, it’s your guide to making an impact in the San Fernando Valley and beyond. | |
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Our 36th Annual Business Forecast Conference continues to attract nationally recognized experts on our region's dynamic economy. This forecast will help our business leaders plan for our challenges in 2024.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors, Wells Fargo and The Garland.
See below for more information on two of this year's panels!
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Panel: Transportation
Titled: "Fast Car/Slow Traffic" - Paul Weller
How will these technologies integrate into our daily lives, and what are the potential benefits or pitfalls of a fully autonomous transportation network? What role will high-speed rail play in California's future transportation ecosystem? How can we ensure equitable access to new transportation technologies across different socioeconomic groups?
Moderator: Maricela Gomez, Jacobs
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Panelists
Bill Hadley, Vice President of Operations, SKANSKA USA Civil
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Vishay Nihalani, Director of Product Management, Waymo
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Tim Lindholm, Chief Program Management Officer, LA Metro
Beverly Kenworthy, Southern California Deputy Regional Director, High-Speed Rail Authority
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Panel: Sports & Tourism
Titled: "Brighter Lights Bigger City" - Cee Lo Green
How can California maximize long-term economic benefits from FIFA 2026, Super Bowl 2027, and LA28? What safety and operational strategies will enhance tourist experiences during these events? Which successful funding strategies from other regions can California adopt to boost tourism and sports?
Moderator: Miri Rossitto, Cowe Communications
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Panelists
Doane Liu, Executive Director, LA City Tourism Department
Samona Caldwell, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission
Christy Castillo Butcher, SVP Programming, SoFi Stadium
Patti MacJennett, President & CEO, LA Tourism & Convention Board
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Panel: Health Insurance
Titled: "Shelter from the Storm" - Bob Dylan
What is the current state of health insurance? What does the future hold as an industry and policy changes reshape the insurance space? How can federal and state investments expand health coverage?
Moderator: Lisa Gritzner, California Strategies
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Panelists
Jim Theiring, CEO, Mission Community Hospital
Ross Pendergraft, Benefit Consultant, Gallagher
Paul Young, SVP of Public Policy and Reimbursements, HASC
Gretchen A Pugliese, Area Vice President, Kaiser Permanente
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John Ackerman
Chief Executive Officer
Los Angeles World Airport
October 30
5:30 to 7:30 PM
at the Airtel Plaza Hotel
7277 Valjean Avenue
Van Nuys, CA
John Ackerman is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and has oversight of Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY) airports.
Ackerman has over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry. He most recently served as Executive Vice President of Global Strategy and Development for Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), where he was part of the team that expanded the organization’s global footprint by driving the first-ever cargo strategy — a multi-year program focused on Asia-Latin America trade flows. His team also designed and launched the first online parking system with dynamic pricing offered at a U.S. airport and grew the business to be DFW’s largest source of earnings.
Thank you to our presenting and host sponsor Airtel Plaza Hotel, presenting sponsors Clay Lacy Aviation, The Garland, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Suffolk Construction, and ZGF, and our co-sponsors Kinkisharyo, LA Rams, and Van Nuys Airport.
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Dockworkers Strike Postponed Until January 15
The International Longshoremen's Association, representing 45,000 dockworkers at East and Gulf Coast ports, reached a deal on Thursday to suspend a three-day strike until January 15, allowing time to negotiate a new contract. The strike, which began over disputes concerning wages and automation, temporarily halted operations at 36 ports from Maine to Texas. Read more here.
California Enacts Law to Combat Deepfake Election Misinformation
California passed a law banning the use of deepfakes in political campaigns. The law targets the manipulation of videos and images that mislead voters, aiming to safeguard the integrity of elections. Violators can face legal penalties if these altered materials are used to deceive the public or discredit candidates. Read more here.
California Delays Healthcare Minimum Wage Law
California’s new healthcare worker minimum wage law, which raises pay to $25 per hour, will be delayed until next year for some workers due to ongoing negotiations and logistical challenges. The delay affects smaller healthcare providers, while larger institutions are expected to comply sooner. Read more here.
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California Bans Legacy Admissions at Colleges and Universities
California has become the first state to ban legacy admissions in its public colleges and universities, ending preferential treatment for applicants related to alumni. This move is part of a broader effort to promote fairness in the admissions process and enhance opportunities for all students, regardless of family connections. Read more here.
Attorney General Investigates LA City Redistricting Process
The California Attorney General is investigating the Los Angeles City Council’s redistricting process following concerns over transparency and fairness in drawing district boundaries. The probe comes after allegations that backroom deals and political bias may have influenced the process. Read more here.
New Data Dashboards Track Homelessness in LA
Los Angeles has introduced new data dashboards to track homelessness in the city and county. These dashboards will provide real-time insights into the homeless population, service availability, and progress on housing initiatives. The goal is to improve transparency and inform future policy decisions. Read more here.
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VICA Thanks Our Renewing Member | |
VICA Concludes California Legislative Session with Strong Advocacy Results | |
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Following another year of legislative advocacy at the State Legislature, VICA is pleased to report that 22 bills that VICA has supported were passed and signed by the Governor, and 20 bills that we opposed failed in the session.
Supported Bills (Passed & Signed):
AB1779 (Irwin): Theft: jurisdiction
AB1802 (Jones-Sawyer): Crimes: organized theft
AB1886 (Alvarez): Housing Element Law: Housing Accountability Act
AB1893 (Wicks): Housing Accountability Act: housing disapprovals
AB2011 (Bauer-Kahan): Unlawful employment practices: reproductive loss leave
AB2288 (Kalra): Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act of 2004
AB2371 (Carrillo-Flora): Electrified security fences
AB247 (Fong-Muratsuchi): Education finance: school facilities
AB2943 (Zbur-Rivas): Crimes: shoplifting
AB610 (Holden): Fast food restaurant industry: Fast Food Council
SB1144 (Skinner): Marketplaces: online marketplaces
SB1524 (Dodd): Consumers Legal Remedies Act: advertisements
SB450 (Atkins): Housing development: approvals
SB7 (Blakespear): Regional housing need: determination
SB828 (Durazo): Minimum wages: health care workers
SB92 (Umberg): Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act of 2004
SB937 (Wiener): Development projects: fees and charges
AB1820 (Schiavo): Housing development projects: applications
AB761 (Friedman): Local finance: infrastructure financing districts
SB1420 (Caballero): Hydrogen production facilities: certification
AB1575 (Irwin): Postsecondary education: students codes of conduct
SB1447 (Durazo): Hospitals: seismic compliance
Opposed Bills (Failed in Session):
AB2200 (Kalra): Guaranteed Health Care for All
AB2216 (Haney): Tenancy: common household pets
AB2239 (Bonta): Digital discrimination of access: prohibition
AB2489 (Ward): Local agencies: contracts for special services and temporary help
AB2557 (Ortega): Local agencies: contracts for special services and temporary help: performance reports
AB3155 (Friedman): Oil and gas wells: health protection zones: civil liability
ACA14 (Ortega): University of California: basic state labor standards
ACA6 (Haney): University of California: basic state labor standards
SB1116 (Portantino): Unemployment insurance: trade disputes: eligibility for benefits
SB1205 (Laird): Workers’ compensation: medical treatment
SB1327 (Glazer): Income taxation: credits: local news media: data extraction transactions
SB1345 (Smallwood-Cuevas): Employment discrimination: criminal history information
SB1380 (Dodd): Charter schools: establishment
SB1434 (Durazo): Unemployment insurance: benefit and contribution changes
SB1446 (Smallwood-Cuevas): Grocery retail store and retail drug establishment employees: self-service checkout
SB1494 (Glazer): Local agencies: Sales and Use Tax: retailers
SB1505 (Stern): Aircraft registration
SB915 (Cortese): Local government: autonomous vehicle service
SCA8 (Durazo): University of California: basic state labor standards
SB1372 (Newman): Airports: third-party vendors: security lanes
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VICA Wants to Know Your Legislative Priorities | |
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It's always important to ask what the next legislative session's agenda might look like and how that affects your business and the greater San Fernando Valley-Los Angeles business community.
VICA will begin discussing next year's legislative priorities beginning in September through November, and we want to know the priorities important to you. Please click the "Voice Your Priorities" button below to communicate your ideas and priorities to our Legislative Affairs team!
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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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