"For June 5th- use your absentee ballot because you're going to forget."
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Former Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa at VICA Leaders Forum
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Villaraigosa Discusses Jobs,
Infrastructure at VICA Lunch
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Erika Endijonas (
Los Angeles Valley College
), David Meza (
Southern California Gas Company
), Antonio Villariagosa, Vice Chair Charles Crumpley (San Fernando Valley Business Journal), and 1st Vice Chair Brad Rosenheim (
Rosenheim and Associates).
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This week, former Mayor of Los Angeles and gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa joined VICA members for a Leaders Forum luncheon at the
Hilton Universal City. Villaraigosa noted the importance of the San Fernando Valley to California,
calling the Valley "the epicenter of the city - the home of the middle class." He discussed job growth in California, expressing his concern that although California has added more jobs since the recession than Texas and Florida combined, some regions are being left behind. He touted his accomplishments as Mayor of Los Angeles on crime rates, high school graduation rates, and affordable housing. He also spoke about his positions on infrastructure such as the Orange Line, and his concerns about the California WaterFix and high speed rail. Our thanks to presenting sponsors
San Fernando Valley Business Journal and
Southern California Gas Company.
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Oppose Increased Litigation from Ban on Release of Claims, Removal of Legal Standing
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VICA strongly opposes Senate Bill 1300 (Jackson), which would significantly expand sexual harassment training requirements; remove the requirement for legal standing
 so that plaintiffs do not need to be victims of sexual harassment in order to sue; ban arbitration agreements as a condition of employment; and strictly limit settlement agreements. While the intent of SB 1300 is laudable, the bill goes too far and will expose small and medium businesses to endless lawsuits, ban resolving issues through settlements, increase training and compliance costs, and set an impossible standard for employers to meet. It also fails to protect victims by limiting settlement agreements which are beneficial to both parties, forcing cases to go through the legal system instead of early resolution. This bill is moving through the Legislature and we urge you to let your legislators know your thoughts.
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VICA Victory: San Fernando Valley Transit Projects Awarded Millions More from SB 1 Funds
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (
Metro
) won a total award of $1.088 billion in Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) grants from the California State Transportation Agency. TIRCP funding is provided through Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) and from the proceeds of the Cap and Trade program.
VICA strongly supported and advocated for two San Fernando Valley Metro projects to  receive TIRCP funds. The East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Project will provide high capacity north-south transit service between Sylmar/San Fernando and Van Nuys. The North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Connector is an approximately 17.3-mile transit route project that will serve as a key regional connection between the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.
VICA also supported the Southern California Regional Rail Authority's (Metrolink) request for TIRCP funding for the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) Program. Metrolink received a total multi-year award of $875.7 million for SCORE, which will build capacity and increase service across the entire regional rail network.
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Leave Everyday Life Behind and
Escape to Tuscany!
Early Bird Rate Ends Next Week!
Known for its beautiful landscapes, its rich artistic legacy and vast influence on high culture, Tuscany is widely regarded as the true birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and has been home to some of the most influential people in the history of art and science. Visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore the extraordinary countryside with charming medieval hill towns and sweeping hillsides full of vineyards. Join us as we explore the endless opportunities that Tuscany has to offer.
November 7-14, 2018
Early-Bird Special!
(if reserved by April 27)
$2,299
8 days, 6 nights including hotels, meals, day trips, and round trip airfare from
Los Angeles.
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Ban on Modified Hydrofluoric Acid
Would Cost Thousands of Jobs
Join VICA tomorrow to oppose SCAQMD's Proposed Rule 1410, which would ban oil refineries from using Modified Hydrofluoric Acid (MHF).
Banning MHF could cause two Southern California refineries to cease operations, resulting in a 30 percent loss of gas supply for the region. The economic impact would be felt across the state costing thousands of jobs and increasing gasoline prices for California residents and businesses by an estimated 26 cents per gallon. California's refineries adhere to the strictest regulations in the world, including safety measures that protect their workers and the communities that surround them. This ban is unnecessary and the SCAQMD Refinery Committee should oppose any such ban or phase-out. See below for details regarding tomorrow's hearing.
WHAT
: SCAQMD Refinery Committee Meeting
WHEN
: Saturday, April 28 at 9 AM
WHERE
: Torrance City Council Chambers · 3031 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503
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WITH THE CALIFORNIA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Wednesday - Thursday, May 23-24, 2018
Visit with your local legislator and discuss issues of concern for your region. The cost for the trip is $125, which includes the CalChamber Capitol Summit registration, reception, breakfast, lunch and group transportation between the airport and Capitol (if at similar times). The cost of the flight and hotel are not included.
There is an additional VICA delegation dinner available Wednesday night for $65.
Sacramento Advocacy Trips are reserved for members of VICA.
Download the flyer and agenda here.
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Member Messages:
Get Your Message in VICA Weekly!
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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
Helene@vica.com
or
call (818) 817-0545.
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