Valley Industry & Commerce Association | |
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- VICA Hosts Non-Profit Panel Discussion
- VICA Supports SB 800 - Advanced Air Mobility
- VICA Supports SB 581 - Third Party Litigation Financing Reform
- SoCalGas Gas Assistance Fund
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Quick Jump - Register to Attend!
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“I have returned to Washington and am prepared to resume my duties in the Senate. I'm grateful for all the well-wishes over the past couple of months and for the excellent care that I received from my medical team in San Francisco." | |
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Senator Dianne Feinstein
Statement on her return to DC
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VICA Hosts Non-Profit Panel Discussion | |
From left to right: Matt Kamin (Envision Consulting), Leticia Rodriguez (DIY Girls), Paula Valle Castañon (California Community Foundation), and David May (LA Food Bank) | |
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On Wednesday, VICA's Non-Profit Committee hosted a non-profit panel, including Matt Kamin (Envision Consulting LLC), David May (Los Angeles Food Bank), Rosie Arroyo (California Community Foundation), Leticia Rodriguez (DIY Girls), and was moderated by VICA Non-Profit committee Chair Matthew Swearman (Valley Village).
Panelists discussed some of the challenges that each of their non-profit organizations has experienced and how they have worked through those challenges internally and externally to succeed in the space. Panelists discussed ways they utilize their organization's resources to meet the needs of the people who rely on their service, recruiting and building up a Board of Directors, developing and implementing a strategic sustainability plan, and storytelling non-profit messaging from using social media channels to the incorporation of AI in their messaging and outreach.
We thank our committee panelists for speaking with our members and providing their leadership to create a more successful non-profit space in the San Fernando Valley.
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VICA Supports SB 800 - Advanced Air Mobility | |
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The VICA Board supports Senate Bill 800 (Caballero), which would create the Advance Air Mobility and Aviation Electrification Committee to assess current federal and state law and identify any potential changes to state law that would be needed to facilitate the development of Advance Air Mobility operations and infrastructure in California.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aims to create a safe and efficient aviation transportation system that will use highly automated aircraft that will operate and transport passengers or cargo at lower altitudes within urban and suburban areas.
In congested urban centers, current modes of ground transportation for passengers and goods have become increasingly difficult and inefficient. Additionally, ground transportation and traffic congestion contribute to harmful emissions and pollution.
AAM would enable consumers access to on-demand air mobility, cargo and package delivery, healthcare applications, and emergency services through an integrated and connected multimodal transportation network. This bill would open the conversation of implementing Advance Air Mobility in California by creating an exploratory committee.
VICA will continue to advocate for legislation that promotes technological advancements and innovation within the state of California.
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VICA Supports SB 581 - Third-Party Litigation Financing Reform | |
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The VICA Board supports Senate Bill 581 (Caballero), which would prohibit a litigation financier from engaging in a litigation transaction in California unless the financier is registered with the Secretary of State and is in accordance with certain procedures, including filing an application and surety bond.
Frivolous lawsuits, aided by lawsuit lending abuse, drive up payouts which disproportionately hurt small businesses that in many cases operate on thin margins. The small business community is especially vulnerable to the effects of lawsuit lending abuse and lacking the legal expertise and resources are forced to settle even when not at fault.
These settlements drain finances and small business' ability to operate, and can result in bankruptcy due to large settlements. By regulating the industry, Californians will be able to borrow funds when they need them without fear of getting fleeced.
By adding a level of transparency to the litigation process, this bill will will expose conflicts of interests and will help establish a level playing field.
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER - VICA Newsmaker Connection: CD6 Forum | |
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Next Tuesday, May 16, VICA will be hosting a special Newsmaker Connection for the Council District 6 June runoff where candidates will be given a chance to discuss issues affecting businesses across the San Fernando Valley.
This special Election Forum will provide members with the unique opportunity to meet, listen, and speak with the final CD 6 contenders.
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Imelda Padilla (Confirmed) | |
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The forum will be held on Tuesday, May 16 from 8:30-10:00 AM at the VICA Office.
Click the button below for event details and registration! Please email Cathy with any questions.
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SoCalGas Gas Assistance Fund Available for Low Income Customers | |
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SoCalGas' Gas Assistance Fund is currently available for low-income and senior customers. The Gas Assistance Fund is a joint effort of SoCalGas and United Way of Greater Los Angeles. United Way works with non-profit organizations throughout their service territory to manage the program.
If you're having difficulty paying your natural gas bill, the Gas Assistance Fund (GAF) may be able to provide you, or someone you know, with a one-time grant for the amount of the gas bill, not to exceed $400.00.
Additionally, if you are a non-profit, please share this information with your network to spread the word! You can click the button to the right to visit the website for more information and to view a list of participating agencies.
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VICA Thanks our New and Renewing Members! | | |
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Silver Members:
Bronze Members:
Other Renewing Members:
New Members:
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San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame
June 8 | 5:30 PM
The Garland
Join VICA members, business leaders and officeholders as we honor members of our community during a garden reception, program, dinner and dessert.
Our inductees this year are: Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley, Hilton Universal City, Radford Studios, Rickey M. Gelb and Smoke House Restaurant.
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If you are interested in attending and want to register, email Cathy at cathy@vica.com or click the button below. | |
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please email Yoko at yoko@vica.com. For more information on sponsorships, click the button below. | | |
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VICA University: What You Don't Know About Medicare and Medicare Health Plan Options
June 21 | 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Zoom
VICA invites you to join us for this informative 90-minute program (including a Q&A session) that will cover Medicare and Medicare health plans. Failure to follow the rules or knowing your options can prove costly to you and to your client or employee. Click the button below to register!
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VICA Leaders Forum: LA City Council President Paul Krekorian
June 29 | 11:30 AM
Burbank Airport Marriott
Since 2010, Paul Krekorian has served on the LA City Council where his leadership of the Budget and Finance Committee helped guide the city through the Great Recession. He also leads the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments, a coalition of leaders fighting for the Valley, and serves as a board member for Metro and Metrolink. In 2022, he was unanimously elected by his colleagues to serve as President of the City Council.
Click the button below to register!
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Government Affairs Committee
Wednesday, May 17
Noon - 2:00 PM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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International Trade Committee
Thursday, May 18
Noon - 3:30 PM
Hosted by the Port of Los Angeles
RSVP
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Energy, Environment, Manufacturing & Utilities Committee
Thursday, June 1
Noon - 1:30 PM
At the VICA Office
Sponsored by MWD
RSVP
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Sports, Entertainment, Tourism & Hospitality Committee
Wednesday, June 7
8:30 - 10:00 AM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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Senator Feinstein returns to DC
Sen. Dianne Feinstein flew back to Washington on Tuesday, her spokesman said, after her extended absence due to the shingles virus threatened to derail Senate Democrats’ agenda. The senator’s absence caused mounting heartburn for the Democratic majority, which has few votes to spare to confirm President Biden's Cabinet and judicial nominees, as well as potential legislation to avert a default on the national debt.
Rep. George Santos Charged
Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., pleaded not guilty at a Long Island courthouse Wednesday to a 13-count federal indictment unsealed by the Justice Department. Santos, 34, who surrendered into custody Wednesday morning, has been charged with seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds and two counts of making materially false statements to the House of Representatives, according to the Justice Department.
Sheriff Luna Wants Additional Deputies
As part of a public hearing Wednesday, May 10, on Los Angeles County’s proposed $43 billion budget, Sheriff Robert Luna asked for funding to recruit 1,100 deputies, double up on captains at problem Sheriff’s stations, purchase a jail management system and supply new Tasers to deputies on patrol. The requests appear to be over and above the $4 billion allocated in L.A. County CEO Fesia Davenport’s recommended 2023-2024 fiscal year budget.
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CA Water System Faces Many Threats
In California, where epic Sierra Nevada snowpack and “the Big Melt” have substantially increased the stakes for reservoir managers, officials say they’re taking steps to protect the state’s water systems from hackers, terrorist attacks and natural disasters, such as the flooding that temporarily severed the Los Angeles Aqueduct - the city’s water lifeline to the Owens Valley. But experts say the challenges are numerous.
City Expands Anti-Camping Law
The Los Angeles City Council in a 9-to-5 vote approved a resolution on Wednesday, May 10, seeking to expand the city’s anti-camping law to include encampments growing side-by-side in Woodland Hills near Trader Joe’s, a block north of Ventura Boulevard. According to city officials, the encampment has drawn RVs, tents, and piles of trash to Clarendon Street along the 101 Freeway and its adjacent blocks on Alhama Drive and Comercio Way. Officials have reported criminal activity at the sites.
TK Program Faces Challenges
Two years ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a big plan for some of California’s littlest children. By 2025, he said, nearly 400,000 4-year-olds would be enrolled in an additional year of public education called transitional kindergarten, or TK, launching what is expected to become the largest universal preschool program in the country. But as the first year of this ambitious expansion comes to a close, family interest in the program has been surprisingly lackluster and many school districts are still focused on meeting even the most basic requirements for starting this new grade.
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Member Messages
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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