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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 Travels to Sacramento for Advocacy Day
- VICA Advocates in Support of FOX FUTURE Plan
- VICA PAC Endorsements and Ballot Measures
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“California is funding the police and reaping results: With the state's $267 million investment to combat organized crime, law enforcement agencies report they're hiring more officers, making more arrests, and prosecuting more cases. The early results show promise, and the state will continue to monitor local outcomes to ensure public safety is delivered.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
Statement on California Funding Efforts to Combat Organized Retail Crime
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VICA Travels to Sacramento for Advocacy Day | |
From Left to Right: LA City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, LA Mayor Karen Bass, LA Council President Paul Krekorian, VICA President Stuart Waldman | |
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On Tuesday, the VICA delegation visited Sacramento for targeted advocacy, engaging with Assemblymembers Luz Rivas, Jim Patterson, and Devon Mathis, and staff from the offices of Laurie Davies, Avelino Valencia, Buffy Wicks, Stephanie Nguyen, and Jesse Gabriel with an agenda focused on enhancing public safety and improving the business environment in California.
During their visit, the VICA delegation unexpectedly ran into LA City Mayor Karen Bass, Council President Paul Krekorian, and Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who were in Sacramento advocating for additional funding to support the Los Angeles City budget. This chance meeting prompted the VICA delegation to also discuss the importance of securing state funding for Los Angeles with the offices they visited. The delegation emphasized how such funding is crucial for the city's economic stability and public services, aligning with VICA's broader goals of promoting a favorable business climate and enhancing public safety.
VICA's discussions included advocating for legislative changes to tackle retail theft more effectively and to impose stricter penalties on organized crime in an effort to safeguard businesses. They argued against the restrictive "ABC" test, highlighting its negative impacts on economic growth and the flexibility needed for businesses to thrive. Concerns were also raised about proposed changes to contracting standards within the University of California system, which could adversely affect local economies.
Moreover, VICA opposed legislation that would impose civil liability on business owners and operators for health issues without clear causation, citing the potential for unjust legal challenges. They also voiced their opposition to the proposed state-run healthcare program, CalCare, due to its significant implementation costs and reduction in healthcare plan choices for Californians.
Through their advocacy efforts with state and city officials and offices, VICA sought to influence policy decisions to create a more business-friendly environment and enhance public safety throughout California, and to underscore the interconnectedness of state funding and local economic health.
|  | From Left to Right: VICA President Stuart Waldman, Anthony Angelini (Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce), Tony Pennay (New Horizons), Assemblymember Luz Rivas, Ross Pendergraft (Gallagher Group), Kelli Boehm (Health Net, Inc.), Neal Dudovitz, James Garrison (Mesa Pacific) | |
VICA Members with Assemblymember Jim Patterson | |
VICA Members with Assemblymember Devon Mathis | |
VICA Advocates in Support of FOX FUTURE Plan | |
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On Tuesday, VICA submitted a letter to the Los Angeles City Planning Department in support of the FOX FUTURE initiative, a $1.5 billion investment aimed at enhancing Los Angeles's studio lot with new sound stages, modern production facilities, and office spaces in Century City.
This project addresses the critical need for more studio and production space, ensuring the entertainment industry's growth and sustainability in LA. With the potential to generate significant tax revenue and boost local spending, FOX FUTURE not only promises to keep thousands of jobs in the city, but also strengthen Century City's position as a key business hub. This development underscores FOX's commitment to leading the film and television industry while supporting LA's economy.
To read more about the Project, click the link below.
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VICA PAC 2024 Voter Guide | |
The VICA PAC Committee has made the following endorsements: | | |
Board of Supervisors, District 5 | | | |
LA City Council, District 2 | | | |
LA City Council, District 4 | | | |
LA City Council, District 6 | | | |
LA City Council, District 12 | | |
The VICA Board of Directors has taken the following positions for the March 5 Ballot Measures | |
Proposition 1 (State Measure): Allocates funding for construction, expansion, and renovation of treatment facilities, supportive housing units, and outpatient services. | |
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Healthy Streets LA (City Measure): Requires the city to prioritize street improvement measures including concept maps for connected networks of pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and vehicle routes | |
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LBJ: Legislature Should End PAGA Lawsuits | |
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It is safe to say that no one likes getting threatened with lawsuits, especially small-business owners. Over and over, trial lawyers have been aggressively utilizing the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) to sue businesses for any alleged, minor labor infraction. The law was created more than 20 years ago and has been a complete and utter disaster for employers and employees alike. The only ones who have benefited are the lawyers.
The intent of PAGA was noble. It was supposed to be a quicker and more effective way to deal with workplace disputes, and the act allows workers to bring labor violation claims against an employer or former employer. The workers act as “private attorneys general” who can pursue civil penalties as if they were a state agency.
Under PAGA, the number of lawsuits filed against businesses has increased significantly. Trial lawyers file lawsuits against businesses for hundreds of possible violations. And it isn’t just businesses who get hit; they are going after nonprofits, too.
To Read the Full Column, Click the Link Below.
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VICA is Looking for 2024 Board and Committee Sponsors | |
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VICA is looking for members to host or sponsor our board meetings and committee meetings in the upcoming year. If your company can accommodate 20-40 individuals and provide breakfast or lunch, we have a committee opportunity for you!
As a host, you'll have the chance to extend a warm welcome, promote your organization and site, and be featured on each agenda with table cards throughout the meetings.
You can host/sponsor the entire committee for the year, or you can host/sponsor 1 meeting for the year, including the VICA Board Meetings.
Unable to host? Please consider sponsoring a meeting at the VICA office. As a sponsor, you'll provide meals for committee meetings while having your logo displayed on the meetings' agendas and table cards.
For details and available committee meetings, please visit the link below.
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VICA Thanks Our Renewing Members! | | |
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Platinum Members
Silver Members
Bronze Members
Renewing Members
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VICA's State Officeholders Dinner provides guests a rare opportunity for Valley business leaders to connect and engage with state officeholders in a casual, fun for all format. VICA will provide cocktails, appetizers, and dinner for each attendee and great opportunities to network and speak with elected officials.
LAST CHANCE TO SPONSOR or RSVP!
State Officeholders Dinner
Friday, March 8, 2024
5:30 - 9:00 PM
Soundstage 15 at Universal Studios Hollywood
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors Amazon, Comcast NBCUniversal, and Kaiser Permanente, and Co-Sponsors AT&T, JPMorgan Chase, PhRMA, Providence, SoCalGas, and Southwest Airlines
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Confirmed Elected Officials | |
Attorney General Rob Bonta | |
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Senator Anthony Portantino | | |
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Senator Maria Elena Durazo | Assemblymember Miguel Santiago | |
Assemblymember Josh Hoover | |
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur | |
Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo | |
Assemblymember PIlar Schiavo | |
Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco | |
Assemblymember Juan Carrillo | |
Assemblymember Laura Friedman | |
Board of Equalization Member Antonio Vazquez | |
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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!
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Healthcare Committee
Tuesday, March 5
Noon to 2:00 PM
At the VICA office
Co-Sponsored by Pacific Federal & Hospital Association of Southern California
RSVP
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Sports, Entertainment, Tourism, & Hospitality Committee
Wednesday, March 6
8:30 to 10:30 AM
At the VICA Office
Sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal
RSVP
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Energy, Environment, Manufacturing, & Utilities Committee
Thursday, March 7
Noon to 2:00 PM
At the VICA Office
Sponsored by Metropolitan Water District
RSVP
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Extraordinary Women in Leadership Breakfast
Friday, April 26
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
RSVP
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Transportation Committee
Tuesday, March 12
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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Government Affairs Committee
Wednesday, March 20
Noon to 2:00 PM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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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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