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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 Advocates on State Proposals
- VICA Advocates at LA City Hall
- VICA PAC Endorsements and Ballot Measures
- Business Life Column: 2024 Outlook
- VICA County Officeholders Breakfast - Jan. 31
- VICA is looking for Meeting Sponsors
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"California's revenue situation is uncertain and can change quickly, so we must be prepared for ongoing challenges. The caucus is committed to fiscal restraint and spending oversight while delivering solutions to improve the quality of life for all Californians and protect the most vulnerable."
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas
Statement on Legislative Priorities for California's Budget
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VICA Advocates Ahead of California Senate Appropriations Committee | |
Ahead of the California Senate Appropriations Committee meeting this Thursday, VICA submitted letters advocating on several legislative proposals to prevent or support their passage through this important committee. | |
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SB 581 (Caballero): Third Party Litigation Financing - SUPPORT
Senate Bill 581, would have been crucial in shielding small businesses from the harm caused by lawsuit lending abuse. This practice leads to frivolous lawsuits, escalating payouts, and disproportionately affects small businesses operating on thin profit margins.
The average household pays a $3,300 "tort tax" annually due to unnecessary lawsuits, diverting funds from business growth. Lawsuit lending erodes profit margins as businesses must set aside funds for injury claims instead of investing in expansion.
Small businesses lack resources to defend against frivolous lawsuits, often leading to financial strain and forced settlements. SB 581 aims to level the playing field by introducing transparency and accountability to the lawsuit lending industry.
Unfortunately, the Senate Appropriations Committee chose to hold the proposal in committee, effectively killing SB 581 this session.
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SB 767 (Rubio): Elementary Education: Kindergarten - SUPPORT
Senate Bill 767 would have ensured that all children in the state received critical instruction during their earliest years of public learning by requiring students to attend kindergarten before entering the first grade of a public elementary school.
Early education is essential for children's physical, intellectual, and socio-emotional development and provides students with the fundamental skills and tools needed for academic success. Despite these benefits, the current voluntary participation of kindergarten allows parents to delay their child's entrance into school until the first grade, leaving students underprepared for the educational environment they encounter in grade school.
SB 767 would have helped ensure kindergarten would be made a requirement, reduce chronic absenteeism, and closing the achievement gap, while also allowing for parental choice whether or not to send the student to a public or private school and retaining district local authority to promote a child if they are developmentally prepared for the first grade.
Unfortunately, the Senate Appropriations Committee chose to hold the proposal, effectively killing SB 767 this session.
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SB 768 (Caballero): California Environmental Quality Act: State Air Resources Board: Vehicle Miles Traveled: study - SUPPORT
Senate Bill 768 waives the requirement that public agencies must issue a statement of overriding consideration when it approves or carries out a housing development or a commercial or industrial project that has significant effects on the environment due to the project's vehicle miles traveled (VMT) or similar metrics.
Vehicles Miles Traveled measures the amount of travel for all vehicles in a geographic region over a given period (typically one year) and can be calculated for a region or on a per-capita basis.
SB 768 will provide greater flexibility to approve projects that have deployed every feasible VMT mitigation measure by allowing an approving agency to bypass the adoption of a statement of overriding consideration. This will only be allowed if the agency has determined the project has deployed all mitigation measures while maintaining the integrity of the VMT mitigation and the CEQA process.
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the proposal, moving it forward in the legislative process.
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SB 571 (Allen) Development Projects: Emergency Preparedness - OPPOSE
Senate Bill 571 would extend the reach of CEQA, a favored tool for hindering new housing projects. SB 571 would integrate redundant plans into the CEQA process, allowing exclusionary advocates to perpetually demand more, hindering housing efforts.
The bill applies to high and very high fire hazard severity zones using outdated CAL FIRE maps, with the reliance on data from 20-30 years ago rendering the maps grossly inaccurate, failing to reflect current ground conditions. It would also mandate housing projects to widen roads and manage vegetation outside the development and hazard zone, even in areas beyond the applicant's control.
Additionally, there are conflicting regulations such as the State Highway System's limitations and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) regulations, creating impractical road requirements for evacuations.
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the proposal, moving it forward in the legislative process.
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VICA Advocates at LA City Hall, Opposes Redundant Framework for Broadband Discrimination | |
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On Friday, VICA attended the LA City Council's Civil Rights, Equity, Immigration, Aging, and Disability Committee to speak against a motion proposing a redundant legal framework for investigating discrimination complaints.
Broadband is essential for the 21st-century economy, and VICA advocates for inclusion, leaving no one, including small businesses, behind.
While VICA shares the goal of addressing discrimination, there are concerns about a duplicative legal framework, especially amid budget constraints. Establishing another legal framework is a financial burden for the city, which we can't afford in uncertain economic times.
The FCC is implementing a comprehensive regime to address discrimination complaints, rendering a secondary framework in Los Angeles unnecessary.
The City Council's focus should be on urgent matters like advocating for over half a million LA County households dependent on the Affordable Connectivity Program, currently under debate in Congress and running out of funds. Supporting the FCC's efforts is the most effective way to address discrimination complaints while being able to redirect resources to urgent matters is vital for our community.
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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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Business Life Column: 2024 Outlook For Our Region | |
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As we approach 2024, Californians, particularly Angelenos, will continue to confront pressing issues such as taxes, homelessness, and public safety. Despite economic uncertainty, the burden of high tax rates persists, accompanied by various infrastructure projects and social service programs that have yielded minimal results for the public thus far. Adding to the frustration, legislators continue to propose new taxes without being held accountable for all the taxes that residents and businesses already send.
As elected officials seek support for state and local ballot measures aiming to facilitate easier taxation of residents, VICA encourages voters to critically evaluate and reject impractically evaluate and reject impractical proposals before California falls over the metaphorical ledge.
To read the full Business Life Column, click the button below.
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER: VICA County Officeholders Breakfast | |
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LA County Officeholders Breakfast
Wednesday, January 31 | 8:30 AM
The Garland
VICA's LA County Officeholders Breakfast is a unique and fun opportunity for our members to directly engage with elected officials representing LA County in a “Fireside Chat” type format. VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors, Amazon, EKA, Microsoft, and SoCalGas.
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County Sheriff Robert Luna
Luna assumed the role of the 34th Los Angeles County Sheriff, leading the largest US Sheriff’s Department with nearly 18,000 staff. With a 36-year career at the Long Beach Police Department, Luna, who started as a reserve officer in 1985, rose to become Chief of Police in 2014. His commitment to relationship-based policing is rooted in his early experiences in East Los Angeles.
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Supervisor Kathryn Barger
Kathryn Barger, representing the 5th District, the largest in Los Angeles County, covering over 2,785 square miles, has been committed to offering effective representation to the residents of 20 cities and 83 unincorporated communities. Elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2016, Barger served as Chair and secured reelection for her second term in 2020.
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Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath
Lindsey P. Horvath represents Los Angeles County’s 3rd District, which is home to more than two million people and stretches from the Ventura County line to West Hollywood and the City of San Fernando. She previously served as a Los Angeles City Councilmember and the Mayor of West Hollywood. On November 8, 2022, she became the youngest woman to ever be elected to the LA County Board of Supervisors.
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County Assessor Jeffrey Prang
Jeffrey Prang, elected as the 27th Assessor for the County of Los Angeles in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 and 2022, hails from Warren, Michigan, and is a graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University. With nearly 18 years of service as a council member for the City of West Hollywood, including four terms as Mayor, Prang assumed the Los Angeles County Assessor role in 2014.
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Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan
Logan, serving as the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk for LA County since 2008, oversees the nation's largest and most diverse local election jurisdiction with over 5.6 million registered voters. Beyond election duties, his office manages real estate property documents, vital records, civil marriages, and business filings for approximately 3,500 daily customers.
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Chief Deputy Director Michael Owh, Internal Services Department
Michael Owh, Chief Deputy Director of Los Angeles County’s Internal Services Department, oversees an annual budget of $873M and 2,183 positions, managing facilities, IT, environmental, administrative, purchasing, and contracting functions. He previously served as the first Chief Procurement Officer for the City of Los Angeles and later for New York City, revolutionizing processes and implementing technology projects.
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Chief Deputy Director Angela R. George-Moody, Public Works
Angela R. George-Moody, Chief Deputy Director of Los Angeles County Public Works, brings over 30 years of county service and expertise in water resource planning, construction management, and transportation planning. Leading the largest U.S. municipal public works agency, she oversees a $4.1 billion budget and 4,000 employees, providing essential infrastructure and services to over 10 million people across a 4,000-square-mile area.
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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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President's Circle:
Silver Members:
Bronze Members:
Renewing Members
New Members:
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Sacramento Advocacy Days
Tuesday, January 30 | All Day
Tuesday, February 27 I All Day
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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ACCESS D.C. 2024
March 12, 2024 - March 14, 2024
Washington, D.C.
ACCESS D.C. is the region’s largest annual advocacy trip, connecting more than 200 business and civic leaders with federal lawmakers on issues ranging from immigration and education to transportation and health care.
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Program Agenda
Tuesday, March 12:
- VICA Delegation Day (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
- Welcome Reception (5:00 PM - 6:30 PM)
Wednesday, March 13:
- Breakfast Program with Keynote elected officials/admin (8:00 am - 11:25 AM)
- Delegation Photo (11:25 AM - 11:40 AM)
- Team Assembly, discussion of talking points (11:40 AM - 12:00 PM)
- Delegation Meetings on the Hill (12:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
- Evening Reception with Congressmembers (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM)
Thursday, March 14:
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Breakfast Closing Reception and Speakers (8:00 AM - 10:30 AM)
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Delegation Meetings (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
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State Officeholders Dinner
Universal Studios Hollywood
Friday, March 8
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
RSVP
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Extraordinary Women in Leadership Breakfast
Friday, April 26
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
RSVP
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Education Committee
Thursday, February 1
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Hosted by Los Angeles Valley College
RSVP
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Labor & Employment Committee
Wednesday, February 7
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Hosted by Hilton Universal
RSVP
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Land Use Committee
Tuesday, February 13
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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Not-for-Profit Committee
Wednesday, February 14
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Sponsored by Pacific Federal
RSVP
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House Sends Spending Bill to Biden
The House cleared a stopgap spending bill on Thursday afternoon that officially keeps federal agencies funded through early March, sending the measure to President Biden's desk. The chamber approved the shutdown-averting legislation hours after the Senate's relatively speedy passage, with lawmakers hoping to avoid travel complications caused by an impending snowstorm set to bear down on DC. The measure passed with mostly Democratic support, a point sure to irritate conservatives who have already expressed concerns about overspending.
Trump Wins Majority in Iowa Caucus
Former President Donald Trump's margin of victory in Monday's Iowa caucuses surpassed the previous record for Republican candidates, underscoring the broad support he attracted in the first contest of the nomination process. Trump won the support of 51% of caucus-goers, a 30-point victory over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who came in second place with 21% of support. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley won 19% to come in third. Trump remains the clear favorite for the Republican nomination amongst the party's base nationally, with a CBS News poll taken among likely GOP primary voters nationwide last week finding that 69% would support Trump if the election was held today.
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LA Judge Says No Development Without Affordable Housing
Last month, the Los Angeles County Superior Court blocked the city from issuing all building permits except for new residential development as a penalty for Beverly Hills' failure to approve a sufficient blueprint for affordable housing. Officials are appealing the decision and saying that they're continuing to process permits normally. However, the ramifications on home and business owners and the construction industry have left civic leaders aghast. The permit moratorium would be among the most concrete consequences of California's attempt to push cities to allow for new housing.
Biden proposal on Overdraft Fees
The cost for overdrawing a bank account could drop down to as little as $3 under a proposal announced by the White House, the latest effort by the Biden administration to combat fees that it says unnecessarily burden American consumers, particularly those living paycheck to paycheck. The proposed change by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could potentially eliminate billions of dollars in fee revenues. Exactly how much revenue depends on which version of the new regulation is adopted. Under the proposed rule, banks could charge customers only what it would cost them to break even on providing overdraft services.
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Victor Duran
Herc Entertainment Services
Branch Manager
"At Herc Entertainment Services, we provide rental services for film, television, and live event productions. Our inventory includes various entertainment-specific equipment catering to your production needs.
Whether you require HVAC systems, generators, power distribution, aerial equipment, forklifts, carts, lighting gear, or ground cover, we have got you covered. Our clients span television and film production studios nationwide, and they continue to rely on our expertise and equipment. Our team is always ready to go, whether it's creating a specific environment in a studio or providing gear for on-location shoots. We pride ourselves on being ready to roll even before the director says "action."
I have been with Herc Entertainment for several years now and started my career in the entertainment industry with Hollywood Rentals/Raleigh Enterprises back in 1997. Over time, I advanced to the role of Director of Operations. During my tenure, I had the opportunity to pioneer the transition from conventional to LED lighting and was instrumental in designing the first LED Studio Space lights, which are still being used today. My innovative designs and efficient products have made a significant impact in the lighting and film industry. Additionally, I have experience owning and operating my own business. I am actively involved with Casa Mate Organic Tequila and Stogie Pipe Cigar Humidor."
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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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