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The opportunity to attend the University of California and earn a college degree can fundamentally change Californians' lives for the better, and they, in turn, change the lives of others still. "
- UC President Janet Napolitano on the University of California's 150th Anniversary
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Media Highlights
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Northeast Valley Assembly Contenders Differ on Homelessness, Housing Costs,
March 6
Infrastructure Plan a Mixed Bag,
March 5
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East Valley Assembly Candidates Discuss Housing, Transportation
From left: Candidates Antonio Sanchez, Patty Lopez, Luz Rivas, VICA Chair Lisa Gritzner (
LG Strategies), and Presenting Sponsor Samona Caldwell (
State Farm)
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Candidates for the East San Fernando Valley's 39th Assembly District seat joined VICA members for a forum this week. Patty Lopez, Luz Rivas, and Antonio Sanchez spoke about housing, transportation, and what their first bill would be. The candidates agreed on the seriousness of the homelessness crisis but focused on different solutions: Rivas explained the importance of tying in supportive services with more housing, while Sanchez focused on building more market rate and affordable homes. Lopez expressed her support for rent control, noting that additional taxes to raise funds for housing hit working families the hardest.
The candidates also discussed their positions on transportation funding, with Rivas commenting that "LA relies on our roads and we need to invest in repairing them." Sanchez also noted that investment in infrastructure will create jobs. Lopez said she may support the repeal of the gas tax, and instead call for cap and trade revenues to be used for road repairs rather than raise taxes. Sanchez said that his first bill would be an extension of the California film and TV tax credit, to keep jobs in the San Fernando Valley. Rivas said she would work to bring computer science education to schools, while Lopez said healthcare for every family would be her priority. Our thanks to VICA Past Chair Coby King (
High Point Strategies) for moderating the discussion and to Presenting Sponsor,
State Farm.
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California State Treasurer
JOHN CHIANG
MONDAY, APRIL 9
5:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Valley Presbyterian Hospital · 15107 Vanowen St. · Van Nuys
VICA After Dark is a regular evening reception designed to give VICA members and guests the opportunity to hear updates about policies and legislation impacting the business community from a featured opinion leader. Attendees enjoy hosted drinks along with appetizers as they meet and interact with other prominent business leaders from the community.
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Support Cal Grant Access for Foster Youth
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VICA strongly supports Senate Bill 940 (Beall), which would increase the rate of college success among California's foster youth by expanding access to the Cal Grant program. Cal Grant provides students up to a maximum of $12,630 in state financial aid each year.
While California's foster care system has made important strides in the last five years for older youth, one area where it continues to struggle is post-secondary achievement. Evidence shows that receiving financial aid is a strong predictor of degree attainment.
Higher education is a key component in building our economy and growing employment. Businesses need qualified candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in today's rapidly evolving workforce. Increasing access to financial aid programs would benefit employers by creating a larger pool of potential workers and lowering the costs for training new hires. SB 940 will help modernize our state financial aid programs to better serve our highest needs students.
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Presented by
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
11:30 - 1:30 P.M.
The Garland · 4222 Vineland Avenue · North Hollywood
Don't miss our 5th Annual Congressional Luncheon, a unique opportunity to engage with federal elected officials who represent the Valley in a casual Q&A format.
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS:
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Aviation Committee (3/7)
Hosted by the Aeroplex Aerolease Group
- Police Chief Ed Skvarna and Fire Chief Tom Lenahan of the Hollywood Burbank Airport presented on the airport's emergency preparedness plans to serve our region in case of a major disaster.
- Anna Burton, Emergency Management Coordinator for the Los Angeles World Airports, presented on LAX and Van Nuys Airport's emergency management plans.
- Flora Margheritis, Airport Manager at Van Nuys Airport, gave an update on airport operations.
Entertainment Committee (3/8)
- Entertainment Committee co-chair Pam Elyea (History for Hire) moderated a discussion on diversity in the film industry featuring actor and producer Emily Hardy (Fineman Entertainment), actor/singer/comedian Miki Yamashita,and Francis Onelum, president of the African Artists' Association.
- Sarah Walsh (Motion Picture Association of America, Inc.) updated the committee on the extension of the California Film and TV Production Tax Credit, which will help retain this vital industry in L.A.
- Tyler Laferriere and Eric Hayes (Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp.) presented information on the outlook for the entertainment industry and specifically digital media.
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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
[email protected]
or
call (818) 817-0545.
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