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

March 8, 2024

In This Issue

• March Primary Election Results, VICA-Endorsed Candidates Win and Make it to Run-Off
• VICA Attends Prop 1 Rally with Governor Newsom
• VICA Members Support Nursing Students

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Sacramento Advocacy Day - 3/19

Women in Leadership Breakfast - 4/26

“This bipartisan agreement prevents a damaging shutdown and allows more time for Congress to work toward full-year funding bills. That's good news for the American people. But I want to be clear: this is a short-term fix - not a long-term solution.”

President Joe Biden

Statement on Signing of Recent Stopgap Funding Bill

March Primary Election Results, VICA Candidates Win and Make it to Run-Offs

The March 5th primary election sets the stage for a important November election, coinciding with the highly anticipated presidential election.

In one of the most highly contested California Senate races, Representative Adam Schiff and former Dodger Steve Garvey have emerged as frontrunners in the race for California's Senate seat. Both candidates have successfully clinched spots in the upcoming runoff election, outshining opponents including Representatives Katie Porter and Barbara Lee.

On the state front, Measure Proposition 1, strongly backed by VICA, is currently leading with 53% "Yes" support as of Thursday. Meanwhile, VICA Pac-endorsed County Supervisor Kathryn Barger leads all other County candidates with an impressive 59% of the vote, showcasing strong community backing.

VICA Pac's influence extends to various council races, with former state Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian securing a spot in the November run-off for Council District 2, and LA City Attorney Ethan Weaver advancing to the runoff for Council District 4.

Councilmember Imelda Padilla clinched a resounding victory, garnering an overwhelming 78% of the vote in her primary election. Likewise, Councilmember John Lee triumphed with 64% of the vote, both endorsed by VICA Pac.

In addition to these victories, VICA's endorsement power is evident in the success of LA City Ballot Measure HLA, leading with a significant 63% "Yes" vote as of Thursday.

VICA Attends Prop 1 Rally with Governor Newsom in Lead Up to March 5 Primary Elections

Last Saturday, VICA had the privilege of attending the Prop 1 rally alongside notable figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Sheriff Robert Luna, Assemblymembers Luz Rivas and Jacqui Irwin, State Senator Caroline Menjivar, County Supervisors Hilda Solis and Holly Mitchell, and San Fernando Mayor Celeste Rodriguez.

VICA's support for Proposition 1, a significant initiative to reform our mental health system, takes crucial steps forward in ensuring more accessible health services and shelter for individuals in need are available and no longer require dual diagnosis of both mental health and substance use to qualify for assistance and support.

VICA Members The Nurses Pub and Gelb Group Support Nursing Students

At VICA, our dedication to enhancing community engagement, workforce development, and economic growth in the San Fernando Valley is unwavering. Through our committee meetings and major events, members and organizations often connect and foster noteworthy partnerships, such as the one between The Nurses Pub and Gelb Group Inc.

This past year, they joined forces to offer a scholarship to support a deserving nursing student. This venture not only aligns with our objectives of promoting education and healthcare careers but also showcases the power of philanthropy in our community. We are proud to have been the catalyst for this partnership, which stands as a testament to the community's spirit of generosity and collaboration.

At VICA, we are committed to fostering collaborations that contribute to the San Fernando Valley's workforce and economic prosperity. The partnership between The Nurses Pub and Gelb Group Inc. perfectly illustrates the significant difference organizations can make when they come together with a shared purpose.

Members

VICA Thanks Our Renewing Members!

Renewing Members

• Dolphin Group (2011)
• Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital (2017)
• International School of Los Angeles (2018)
• Paul Davis Insurance Services (2005)

Events

Sacramento Advocacy Days

Tuesday, March 19 | All Day

Wednesday, April 10 | All Day



VICA's regular advocacy trips to the State Capitol are crucial for ensuring that the voice of the business community is heard by legislators.

These members-only trips allow attendees to interact directly with statewide elected officials, discussing the issues that are vital to our members. Join VICA in Sacramento for one of our monthly advocacy trips, and don't miss this opportunity to have your voice heard on how legislation affects your company/organization!

The Week Ahead

Transportation Committee

Tuesday, March 12

8:30 to 10:30 AM

Hosted by The Garland

RSVP

Save the Date

Extraordinary Women in Leadership Breakfast

Friday, April 26

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

RSVP

Government Affairs Committee

Wednesday, March 20

Noon to 2:00 PM

At the VICA Office

RSVP

Hot News

LA Anti-Camping Law Report Sets Off City Hall

A leaked report purportedly exposing systemic failures of Los Angeles City's anti-camping law reignited a heated debate among the law's supporters and opponents on the City Council. The report, prepared in November by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, said only a small fraction of homeless people who were relocated from encampments had obtained permanent housing - and that hundreds moved back, in some cases more than were initially there.

LAPD Has More Applicants Now

Mayor Karen Bass says the Los Angeles Police Department received more job applications in January than in any other month over the last two years. The 1,200 applications came amid a nationwide police shortage, which led to staffing burnout in some departments. Bass has focused on LAPD staffing so far, during her tenure as mayor. In 2023, the city council approved a new four-year contract with the police union to improve hiring and retention.

Mayor Announces Delegation to Prepare Olympics and Paralympics

On Tuesday, Mayor Karen Bass announced that she will be leading a delegation with members of the city council and other civic leaders to Paris to generate business development and learn from innovative housing, green transportation, and infrastructure projects to prepare Los Angeles ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The delegation will meet with French officials to see how Paris is preparing for the 2024 Games.

California's Fast Food Fight

During the previous legislative session, labor and business representatives reached an agreement on a bill that increased the minimum wage for fast food workers and removed an industry referendum from the 2024 ballot. However, recent developments indicate that the conflict is reigniting. Republican legislators are vehemently opposing the new law, which raises the minimum wage for fast food workers to $20 an hour starting in April. Meanwhile, franchise owners are mobilizing under political action committees to initiate campaigns against the legislators who backed last year's agreement.

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.

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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