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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 Secures Legislative Victories
- VICA Takes on November Ballot Measures
- VICA Attends the Grand Opening of El Centro De Amistad
- Tell Us Your Legislative Priorities
- Harmon Ballin Nominations Open
- Become a VICA Board Member
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"I am grateful to the Governor for signing this landmark legislative package and to Speaker Rivas for making retail theft a priority. This legislation directly benefits Californians by addressing the urgent issue of retail crime, which impacts shoppers, business owners, and workers across our state."
Assemblymember Rick Chavez-Zbur (D-Hollywood)
Statement on Criminal Theft Proposals Passage
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VICA Secures Legislative Victories; Continues Advocacy During Floor Votes | |
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VICA is proud to report that two significant legislative proposals opposed by VICA
were held under submission in the Senate Appropriations Committee, effectively halting these bills for the remainder of the legislative session. This outcome marks a critical win for our advocacy efforts, as these proposals would have introduced measures detrimental to local agencies and digital infrastructure.
AB 2557 (Ortega): Local Agencies: Contracts for Special Services and Temporary Help: Performance Reports - OPPOSE
AB 2557 sought to impose additional performance reporting requirements on local agencies that contract for particular services or temporary help. The bill would have mandated detailed performance reports, creating a significant administrative burden for local governments. VICA opposed this measure as it would have increased operational costs and would divert resources from essential services.
AB 2239 (Bonta): Digital Discrimination of Access: Prohibition - OPPOSE
AB 2239 aimed to address digital discrimination by prohibiting actions that would limit access to digital services based on income, race, or other factors. VICA opposed it due to concerns over the broad, vague language that would lead to unintended consequences for service providers.
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As the legislative session nears its end on August 31, several key bills are still advancing through the Assembly and Senate. Below is a list of the active bills we're tracking:
Active in the Assembly
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SB 937 (Wiener): Development Projects: permits and other entitlements - SUPPORT
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SB 1447 (Durazo): Hospitals: Seismic Compliance; Children's Hospital Los Angeles - SUPPORT
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SB 1420 (Caballero): Hydrogen production facilities: certification and environmental review - SUPPORT
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SB 1432 (Caballero): Health Facilities: Seismic Standards - SUPPORT
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SB 1119 (Newman): Hospitals: Seismic Compliance - SUPPORT
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SB 450 (Atkins): Housing Development Approvals - SUPPORT
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AB 2371 (Flora-Carrillo): Electrified Security Fences - SUPPORT
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AB 761 (Friedman): Local Finance: Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts - SUPPORT
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SB 961 (Wiener): Vehicles: Safety Equipment - OPPOSE
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SB 1205 (Laird): Workers Compensation: medical treatment - OPPOSE
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SB 1327 (Glazer): Income Taxation: Credits: local news media: data extraction transactions - OPPOSE
Active in the Senate
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AB 52 (Grayson): Income Tax Credit: Sales and use taxes paid: manufacturing equipment: research & development equipment - SUPPORT
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AB 1575 (Irwin): Public postsecondary education: students codes of conduct: advisers - SUPPORT
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AB 1893 (Wicks): Housing Accountability Act: Housing disapprovals: required local findings - SUPPORT
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AB 1886 (Alvarez): Housing Element Law: Substantial Compliance: Housing Accountability Act - SUPPORT
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AB 1820 (Schiavo): Housing Development Projects: Applications: fees and exactions - SUPPORT
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AB 2514 (Aguiar-Curry): Solid Waste: organic Waste: diversion: biomethane: biosolids - SUPPORT
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AB 2910 (Santiago): State Housing Law: City of Los Angeles: conversion of nonresidential buildings - SUPPORT
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AB 262 (Holden): Children's Camps: Safety & Regulation - OPPOSE
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AB 1836 (Bauer-Kahan): Use of likeness: digital replicas - OPPOSE
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AB 1866 (Hart): Oil & Gas: idle wells - OPPOSE
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AB 2286 (Aguiar-Curry): Vehicles: Autonomous Vehicles - OPPOSE
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AB 2602 (Kalra): Contracts against public policy: personal or professional services: digital replicas - OPPOSE
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AB 2716 (Bryan): Oil & Gas: Low-production wells: Baldwin Hills Conservancy: Equitable Community Repair and Reinvestment Account - OPPOSE
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AB 2738 (L. Rivas): Labor Code: Alternative Enforcement: occupational safety - OPPOSE
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AB 3233 (Addis): Oil & Gas: Operations: restrictions: local authority - OPPOSE
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VICA's November 2024 Voter Guide | |
Proposition 5 (Lower Supermajority Requirement for Local Special Taxes to Fund Housing & Public Infrastructure): Proposition 5 lowers the voter approval threshold from two-thirds to 55% for local governments to pass bonded indebtedness measures for public infrastructure and affordable housing projects. VICA opposes this amendment because it will lead to increased taxes and financial risks for businesses and residents without sufficient community input. | |
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Proposition 32 (Minimum Wage Initiative): Proposition 32 seeks to raise California's minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2025, with annual adjustments based on the cost of living. VICA opposes this initiative because wage increases will harm small and medium-sized businesses by raising payroll costs, leading to higher prices, reduced hiring, and increased unemployment. | |
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Proposition 36 (Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act): Proposition 36 introduces stricter penalties for drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, mandates drug and mental health treatment for convicted drug users, and allows felony charges for repeat theft offenders. VICA supports this proposition as it enhances public safety by addressing the rising threats of drug trafficking and organized retail theft while offering rehabilitative pathways for offenders. | |
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VICA Attends the Grand Opening of
VICA-Member El Centro de Amistad Panorama City Center
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El Centro de Amistad (ECDA) celebrated the grand opening of its Panorama City FamilySource Center on August 16, with a ribbon-cutting event attended by several dignitaries, including Congressman Tony Cárdenas, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Imelda Padilla, and San Fernando City Mayor Celeste Rodriguez.
The new center offers various social, educational, and family support services for low- and moderate-income families in the San Fernando Valley. It is one of 19 FamilySource Centers in Los Angeles, designed to help families improve financial stability and academic success. The event featured speeches from local leaders, including representatives for US Senator Laphonza Butler, California State Senator Caroline Menjivar, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, along with a performance by Danzantes Aztecas and center tours.
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VICA Wants to Know Your Legislative Priorities | |
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It's always important to ask what the next legislative session's agenda might look like and how that affects your business and the greater San Fernando Valley-Los Angeles business community.
VICA will begin discussing next year's legislative priorities beginning in September through November, and we want to know the priorities important to you. Please click the "Voice Your Priorities" button below to communicate your ideas and priorities to our Legislative Affairs team!
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Nominations Are Open: Harmon Ballin Community Service Award | |
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VICA's Harmon Ballin Community Service Award annually honors an active VICA member who has made an outstanding contribution to our community through long-term community service activities.
A nominee is someone who:
- Has been an active member of VICA and is actively engaged in the organization.
- Has significant and long-term involvement in philanthropic, community, or public service organizations or a significant record in this area.
- Is a role model and community leader.
All nominee forms must be submitted via email to Jessica@vica.com by Friday, September 6, 2024.
Some past honorees include Darnell Tyler, David Ford, Scott Mills, Fred Gaines, Jim Garrison, Kevin Tamaki, Greg Lippe, Brad Rosenheim, Francine Oschin, Pegi Matsuda and Ross Pendergraft.
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Nominations for 2025 VICA Board Being Accepted | |
Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur swearing in the 2024 Board of Directors. | |
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VICA's 2025 Board of Directors nomination and selection process is underway, and we want your nominations!
Board members must be able to attend regular board meetings and be prepared to vote on various public policy issues. Board members must also attend regular committee meetings and VICA events. Additional responsibilities may include calling or writing lawmakers, attending press conferences, testifying, authoring editorials, interacting with top opinion leaders, and more.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating on the VICA Board in 2024, please don't hesitate to click on the nomination form below and submit it via email to Jessica@vica.com no later than Friday, September 6, 2024.
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VICA Thanks Our New & Renewing Members | | |
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President Circle Member:
Platinum Member:
Bronze Member:
New Member:
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Sports, Entertainment, Tourism, & Hospitality Committee
September 4 | 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
at the VICA office
RSVP
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Energy, Environment, Manufacturing, & Utilities Committee
September 5th | Noon to 2:00 PM
SITE TOUR in Carson
RSVP
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Transportation Committee
September 10 | 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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Healthcare Committee
September 11 | Noon to 2:00 PM
at the VICA Office
RSVP
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Small Business Summit
September 12 | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Hosted by CSUN
RSVP
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Los Angeles Metro Leaders Forum
September 13 | 8:30 AM - 11 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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The Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Business and Economic Development kindly invites you to attend the 2024 San Fernando Valley Small Business Summit. This free, in-person event was created in partnership with the VICA and is sponsored by California State University, Northridge, and Wells Fargo. | |
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After Dark with Los Angeles City Sanitation & Environment Director & General Manager Barbara Romero
September 26, 2024
5:30 - 7:30 PM
At Anheuser-Busch
15800 Roscoe Blvd, Van Nuys
VICA thanks our Presenting & Host Sponsor, Anheuser-Busch.
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What Los Angeles Leaders say They Learned in Paris to Apply in 2028 Olympics - Los Angeles Daily News | Stuart Waldman, president of VICA, emphasized the importance of collaboration between business communities and city officials in L.A. to promote local businesses and amenities during the 2028 Olympics. He noted that official Olympic events are just a small part of the experience for visitors, stressing the need to highlight recreation, shopping, and family-friendly activities. Waldman observed the economic benefits in Paris during the Games, with packed restaurants and viewing parties, and expressed optimism that the 2028 Olympics will positively impact L.A.'s economy and businesses. | | | |
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Harris Has Proposed a Slew of Economic Policies. Here’s a Look at What’s in Them
Vice President Kamala Harris has proposed a range of economic policies aimed at addressing income inequality, boosting middle-class prosperity, and supporting working families. Her proposals include expanding the Child Tax Credit, increasing the federal minimum wage, enhancing paid family leave, and improving access to affordable housing. Harris also focuses on tax reforms targeting the wealthy and corporations, advocating for increased investment in education, healthcare, and job training to strengthen economic opportunities for all Americans. For more details, you can visit the full article here.
California Created Nearly One in Five of the Nation’s New Jobs
California has been a significant driver of job creation in the U.S., generating nearly 20% of the nation's new jobs recently. This reflects the state's strong economic growth and resilience, particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare, and clean energy. Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted this achievement as a testament to California's innovative and diverse economy, despite facing challenges like inflation and housing affordability. For more details, you can visit the full article here.
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LA City Council Approves Funding for LAX People Mover
An Automated People Mover planned for the Los Angeles International Airport could begin operation in January 2026 after the city council approved an increase to funding for the project. Councilmembers voted 12-0 to allocate an additional $400 million for the project - a recommendation forwarded by the council's Trade, Travel, and Tourism committee and the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commission. For more details, you can visit the full article.
Trump H-1B Visa Wage Rule Gives Clue To Second-Term Immigration Policy
A recent H-1B visa wage rule from the Trump administration offers insights into the potential direction of immigration policy if Trump wins a second term. The rule, which increases wage requirements for H-1B visa holders, indicates a focus on reducing immigration by making it more difficult for employers to hire foreign workers. This aligns with broader themes of Trump’s immigration stance, emphasizing stricter controls and prioritizing American workers. For more details, visit Forbes.
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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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