February 7, 2020

In This Issue
"Every Angeleno should have a chance to nurture their talents, pursue their dreams, and earn an income . "

- Mayor Eric Garcetti on announcing the LA:EnterPRISE pilot program to provide entrepreneurship opportunities for Angelenos experiencing homelessness.

Media Mentions

Let's Repair Minimum Wage Law



February 5

Members 
_________________

Welcome Our New Member

Neary International

The Week Ahead

Land Use Committee
Tuesday, February 11
8 to 10 a.m.
The Garland
4222 Vineland Ave.
North Hollywood
Click  here to RSVP

Energy, Environment, Manufacturing & Utilities Committee
Sponsored by
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Thursday, February 13
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
VICA Office
16600 Sherman Way, Suite 170
Van Nuys
Click  here to RSVP
 

______________________
Save the Date

Government Affairs Committee
Sponsored by Dolphin Group and Rodriguez Strategies
Wednesday, February 19
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
VICA Office
16600 Sherman Way, Suite 170
Click here to RSVP

Sacramento Advocacy Day
Tuesday, February 25
All Day
Sacramento, CA
Click here to RSVP

Aviation Committee
Wednesday, March 4
Aerolease Associates Van Nuys East
7943 Woodley Ave.
Van Nuys
Click here to RSVP

Sports, Entertainment, Tourism, and Hospitality Committee
Thursday, March 5
VICA Office
16600 Sherman Way, Suite 170
Van Nuys
Click here to RSVP


Hot Issues 
 
U.S. Trade Deficit
The U.S. annual trade deficit in goods and services fell by 1.7 percent to $617 billion, the first time in six years. This decline has been attributed to a fall in imports due to tariffs and an increase in U.S. oil production.

Rent Control
The "Rental Affordability Act" will be included on the November ballot, which would repeal Costa-Hawkins and expand rent control, similar to VICA-opposed Prop 10 which was resoundingly rejected by voters in 2018.

Energy
Wind turbine blades are filling up landfills across the U.S. and Europe due to the fact that its fiberglass material can't be recycled. Companies are looking for ways to resolve the issue as aging turbine blades are being taken down.

Water Supply
Governor Gavin Newsom announced a $5.2 billion water-sharing agreement, setting aside 900,000 acre-feet of water to protect endangered fish populations, while also providing funds to help California farmers buy irrigation and drinking water.

Film Industry
In 2019, Los Angeles City and County saw a drop of 6 percent in location filming. A FilmL.A. report found that the lack of studio space contributed to this drop, with most of L.A.'s production space at or near capacity.

Homelessness
Mayor Eric Garcetti announced new programs to assist Angelenos experiencing homelessness. One of the pilot programs, LA:Enterprise, will provide job and entrepreneurship training for those experiencing homelessness.

Independent Contractors
Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez is looking to amend AB 5 in order to loosen restrictions on freelance writers and photographers. The changes would include removing the 35-article-a-year limit for freelance journalists.


VICA Speaks on Proposed Voluntary Curfew at Van Nuys Airport
On Thursday, the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Board of Airport Commissioners received a report on the viability of a voluntary curfew at Van Nuys Airport. VICA urged the commissioners to consider the negative impacts of such a curfew, which would impede on the ability of airport tenants and operators to provide the quality of service that their clients have come to expect without addressing the noise issue. The proposed curfew would also impact the well-paid jobs that rely on Van Nuys Airport. Tenants and operators at Van Nuys Airport are vital parts of the community, participating in outreach, supporting local non-profits, and providing opportunities for local students interested in pursuing careers in aviation. VICA will continue to engage with community groups and LAWA to ensure Van Nuys Airport tenants and operators are given a fair chance to implement real solutions, using processes that are already in place. The Board of Commissioners plan to revisit the issue with a proposal on March 5.

Friday, March 13, 2020
5:30 to 9 p.m.
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City

VICA invites you to dinner with your state lawmakers!
VICA provides a rare opportunity for Valley business leaders to connect with state lawmakers and enjoy an exciting program during its annual State Officeholders Dinner.

Confirmed speakers as of January 27, 2020





State Bill Will Jeopardize Jobs and Increase Dependence on Foreign Oil
VICA opposes Assembly Bill 345 (Muratsuchi), which would require the California Department of Conservation to adopt stricter regulations, including a ban on oil and gas facilities operating within 2,500 feet of certain structures. The California oil and gas industries support thousands of good-paying jobs across the state. AB 345's setback requirement could cost the state 7,000 high-paying, blue-collar jobs and approximately $286 million in state and local tax revenue. Banning in-state oil production would also increase California's dependence on foreign oil, which is not subject to the same rigorous environmental standards found in California. Additionally, importing and transporting foreign oil would greatly increase carbon emissions, contradicting the purpose of the bill. 


Upcoming 2020 Trip Dates
February 25
March 17
April 1
May 5

VICA Delegation with Assemblymember Richard Bloom during the January 2020 Advocacy Trip.


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

These member-only trips allow direct interaction with state elected officials and create the freedom for discussion on issues that are vital to our members. Join VICA in Sacramento for one of our monthly advocacy trips.

The cost of the trip is $50, which includes lunch and group transportation between the airport and the Capitol. The cost of the flight is not included

Sacramento Advocacy Trips are reserved for VICA members.




Delta Conveyance Project Will Ensure Safe, Affordable and Reliable Water Supply
VICA supports the single-tunnel Delta Conveyance Project, which would modernize and upgrade our state's aging water infrastructure to more efficiently move water, restore the Delta ecosystem and manage our water supply through climate extremes. More than 30 percent of Southern California's water supply comes from the Sierra Nevada and it provides the backbone water supply for millions of people, our $1.6 trillion economy, farms and our environment. With our largest and most affordable supply at risk, we need the reliability the proposed Delta conveyance project will provide.

The California Department of Water Resources will be accepting scoping comments until March 20, 2020. Submit comments using the link below.


Monday, March 9 - Wednesday, March 11
Conference Hotel:
The Mayflower Hotel
1127 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 347-3000

VICA's 2019 Access D.C. Trip

Join more than 200 civic and business leaders for the region's premier advocacy trip to the nation's capitol. Attendees will meet with members of Congress and senior Administration officials on priorities important to Southern California.

Register with VICA for exclusive access to additional meetings and lunch, and the opportunity to join the VICA delegation dinner (additional fee for dinner).


Registration Deadline:
February 27

Early Bird Registration Fee (By February 12):
$850

Registration Fee After February 12:
$950

*Refunds are not available after February 27

For an additional $400 , registrants will receive a one-stop Southwest Airlines round-trip flight.




VICA Legislative Affairs Manager - Position Opening
VICA is looking for a Legislative Affairs Manager who will be responsible for advocating for business issues at the local, state and federal levels, as well as advocating policies, legislation and regulation that are conducive to a positive and successful business environment through the engagement of our members. 

If you or anyone you know would like to work for the most influential business group in the Valley, email a resume and cover letter to [email protected].

Committee Meetings
Labor and Employment Committee (2/5)
Hosted by The Hilton Universal City
  • Deborah Graves of the California Department of Industrial Relations presented on the work of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement and information on what employers need to comply with labor standards.
  • Joseph Gjonola (Roxborough, Pomerance, Nye & Adreani) discussed the workers' compensation implications of new laws impacting independent contractors.
  • The committee discussed ways to promote a flexible work week, deviating from the state's 8-hour, 5-day a week mandate.
Education Committee (2/6)
  • Barry Gribbons, President of Los Angeles Valley College, spoke on the challenges regarding homelessness and local colleges. The committee then discussed on how to tackle the challenges of homelessness among students.
  • Martha Alvarez (Los Angeles Unified School District) provided updates on LAUSD's legislative priorities for 2020.
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 [email protected]  or 
call (818) 817-0545.