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

November 1, 2024

In This Issue

  • VICA Hosts After Dark with John Ackerman
  • VICA Board Endorses Ballot Measures

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VICA Leaders Forum with Janisse Quinones - 11/14

VICA Leaders Forum with LA Mayor Karen Bass - 11/19

"The Van Nuys Airport supports over 10,000 jobs and is home to more than 200 businesses, contributing significantly to the Valley’s economy. It’s an engine for growth, helping families and businesses alike thrive in this community."


John Ackerman, CEO LAWA

Statement at VICA After Dark Event

VICA Hosts After Dark with

LAWA CEO John Ackerman

VICA hosted its After Dark event on Tuesday, October 30, at Airtel Plaza Hotel, featuring a keynote address by LAWA CEO John Ackerman. Ackerman discussed LAWA’s initiatives to prepare LAX and Van Nuys Airport for the 2028 Olympics and the World Cup, focusing on improving access and infrastructure. He outlined LAWA’s recent automated people mover project, set to open in 2026, which will ease traffic at LAX and improve airport access for travelers and employees.


However, Ackerman also addressed significant challenges facing LAX, noting that the current lack of tourism and travel means two terminals initially planned for development will no longer be built.


Ackerman highlighted Van Nuys Airport's economic contributions, which support over 10,000 local jobs, and emphasized LAWA’s dedication to sustainable growth and community engagement. Ackerman introduced Van Nuys Airport Manager Jacob Haik shared his commitment to furthering these goals through collaboration with local businesses and stakeholders.


VICA would like to thank presenting sponsor and host Airtel Plaza Hotel, presenting sponsors Clay Lacy Aviation, The Garland, Suffolk, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, and ZGF, co-sponsors Kinkisharyo, the LA Rams, and VNY Airport, and leadership sponsors for their support of this event.

From left to right: Bradford Wright (Clay Lacy), Maral Matossian (Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield), Jacob Haik (VNY Airport), VICA Chairman Lupita Sanchez Cornejo (AT&T), LAWA CEO John Ackerman, Mitra Memari (ZGF), Dondi Pangalangan (Clay Lacy), Leif Johnson (Suffolk)

Dodgers Win World Series, Celebration Parade this Friday!

The Los Angeles Dodgers have claimed the 2024 World Series title, bringing the championship trophy back to LA in an exhilarating finale with fans on their seats. With a stellar combination of pitching prowess and clutch hitting, the Dodgers showcased resilience and teamwork, triumphing over fierce competition and proving they are a powerhouse in baseball. From Mookie Betts’ leadership on the field to the electric atmosphere in Chavez Ravine, this championship marks a celebration for the team, the city, and Dodger fans everywhere. Congratulations to our Boys in Blue!

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VICA Engages with Business Community Ahead of $30 Wage Proposal at City Hall at Full Council

Since the LA City Council's Economic, Community Development, and Jobs Committee approved the Hospitality and Tourism Minimum Wage Hike motion, which mandates a raise to $30 for hotel and LAX workers, the Council Chambers were filled with union supporters, resulting in near-unanimous approval.


In response, VICA and the business community have been actively discussing the proposed motion and exploring ways to engage with the Council Chambers to ensure the business community's voice is heard. This issue poses a significant threat to small lodging providers and concessionaires at LAX and the airport's overall operations.


VICA will continue to monitor and engage on this matter, as it is crucial to safeguard the interests of the hospitality and tourism sectors, especially with major events on the horizon that will greatly affect the region. We remain committed to advocating for a balanced approach that takes into account the needs of small businesses.


To read more about the meeting and the motion, click the button below.

Read More On Minimum Wage Hike

Save the Date

Labor and Employment Committee

November 6 | 8:30AM to 10:00AM

Hilton Universal

RSVP

Education Committee

November 7 | 8:30AM to 10:00AM

Los Angeles Valley College

RSVP

VICA's November 2024 Voter Guide

The VICA Board of Directors has taken the following positions for the

November 5 Ballot Measures

Proposition 2 (Authorizes Bond for Public School and Community College)

SUPPORT

Proposition 4 (Parks, Environment, Energy, and Water Bond)

SUPPORT

Proposition 34 (Restrictions on Spending of Prescription Drug Revenues)

SUPPORT

Proposition 35 (Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal Health Care Services, MCO Tax)

SUPPORT

Proposition 36 (Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act)

SUPPORT

LA City: Measure DD: Independent Redistricting Commission

SUPPORT

LA City: Measure HH: City Appointments, Elections, and Governance Charter Amendment

SUPPORT

LAUSD: Measure LL: Independent Redistricting Commission for LAUSD

SUPPORT

LA County: Measure E: Consolidated Fire Protection District

SUPPORT

Burbank Unified School District: Measure ABC Bond

SUPPORT

Glendale Community College District: Measure GCC Bond

SUPPORT

LAUSD: Measure US Bond

SUPPORT

LA County: Measure A (Housing and Homelessness Prevention Transaction and Use Tax)

OPPOSE

Proposition 5 (Lower Supermajority Requirement for Local Special Taxes to Fund Housing & Public Infrastructure)

OPPOSE

Proposition 32 (Minimum Wage Initiative)

OPPOSE

Proposition 33 (Prohibits State Limitations on Local Rent Control)

OPPOSE

The VICA PAC Committee has made the following endorsements:

LA City Council, District 2

Adrin Nazarian

To access VICA's 2024 Voter Guide, click the link below.

View 2024 Voter Guide Here

VICA Government Handbook

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.

View the VICA Handbook

Events

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VICA In the News

Council Committee Advances Proposal to Increase Wages for LA Tourism Workers

Patch | October 24


Metal recyclers face increasing challenges

American Recycler | October 25


Voters Make Their Mark on Measure GCC

Glendale News Press | October 26


Land Use Study at California Airport Raises Alarm in GA Community

Flying | October 30

Hot News

Port of Los Angeles Awarded $412 Million Grant from U.S. EPA for Zero-Emission Transformation

The Port of Los Angeles has secured a record $412 million grant from the EPA’s Clean Ports Program to advance its zero-emission (ZE) initiatives, matched by $236 million from private partners. This $644 million investment will fund ZE equipment, infrastructure, and community programs to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Mayor Karen Bass and local leaders commend the EPA’s support for cleaner, sustainable port operations that will benefit surrounding communities. Read more.


What Should L.A. Do About Homelessness? Renters and Homeowners Answer Differently, Poll Finds

A USC survey reveals that Angelenos’ attitudes toward homelessness solutions diverge sharply based on homeownership. Renters were significantly more supportive of rent control, affordable housing, and housing vouchers in their neighborhoods than homeowners, who favored encampment sweeps. This homeowner-renter divide is the most significant factor in attitudes toward housing policies, even more than race or income, underscoring the tensions between these groups in addressing L.A.’s housing challenges. Read more.

Measure G Divided the Supes and Scrambled Allegiances. Will the Rift Outlast the Election?

L.A. County's Board of Supervisors faces heightened tensions ahead of Election Day, as voters prepare to decide on Measure G. This proposed reform would expand the board, establish an ethics commission, and create an elected executive role. Supervisors Horvath, Hahn, and Solis support the measure, while Mitchell and Barger introduced a separate motion for public transparency, sparking further debate. The board’s dynamics underscore Measure G’s transformative potential. Read more.


State Watchdog Agency Is Investigating Donations to Kevin de León’s Reelection Campaign

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is investigating donations to L.A. Councilman Kevin de León’s reelection campaign. An anonymous complaint alleged potential "pay-to-play" violations, as employees of World Harvest, a nonprofit with a city contract, contributed to his campaign. California law prohibits contributions over $250 from entities with business before the government. De León’s campaign has returned some contributions, denying any wrongdoing, while World Harvest’s founder criticized the investigation as baseless. Read more.

Member Messages

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

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.

Read more about VICA at vica.com

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