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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 is seeking Committee Chairs and Sponsors
- New Flights Secured for DCA, VICA Victory!
- Membership Spotlight
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"There’s a lack of investment in infrastructure, so even though we’re in a challenging budget situation at the state level, I want to make sure we secure resources for the Northeast Valley...The Olympics are coming, and I want to make sure we have the opportunity to participate and secure jobs and investments in projects for that."
Assembly-Elect Celeste Rodriguez
Statement Made on Win for Assembly Seat
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Are you interested in being a VICA Committee Chair? | |
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We’re looking for members to lead our committees in 2025!
Serving as a committee chair is an incredible opportunity to shape agendas, lead discussions, and drive meaningful impact in areas that matter. Meetings are typically held quarterly, and consistent attendance is essential to maintain momentum and engagement.
We’re also offering committee sponsorship opportunities for the year! Each committee may have multiple sponsors, or you can choose to be the sole sponsor for an exclusive partnership. Please view the form for more information.
If you’re ready to take on a leadership role or become a sponsor, please complete the survey below. We’ll be in touch soon with more information.
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VICA Victory: New Flights Approved! | |
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Thanks to the efforts of VICA and fellow members of the Capital Access Alliance, the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded five new flights to serve the national capital region through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This milestone was made possible by the FAA Reauthorization bill signed by President Biden, which paved the way for new connections beyond perimeter restrictions.
The awarded routes, connecting Seattle, San Antonio, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and San Diego, will be serviced by major airlines—Delta, American, United, Southwest, and Alaska. These new flights enhance access to Washington, D.C., fostering greater economic and travel opportunities for businesses and travelers alike. VICA is proud to have supported this initiative, championed by thousands of advocates who recognize the positive impact these new routes bring to our community.
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Stay informed and empowered with VICA’s Government Handbook, proudly sponsored by Clay Lacy Aviation and The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. This essential resource provides key insights into legislative processes at all levels, helping businesses, advocates, and community members navigate the complexities of government. With the latest updates and tools, it’s your guide to making an impact in the San Fernando Valley and beyond. | |
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In a Historic Shift, the LA County Board of Supervisors Will Nearly Double in Size
Los Angeles County voters have approved Measure G, expanding the Board of Supervisors from five to nine members and introducing reforms like an elected chief executive and an independent ethics commission. Proponents cite improved representation and governance, while critics warn of high costs and implementation challenges. The measure, driven by a wave of reform following local political scandals, marks a historic shift for the county. Read more.
Robotaxis Open for Business in Los Angeles
Waymo’s driverless robotaxi service launches in Los Angeles, allowing public rides via its app on surface streets, operating 24/7. While freeway use remains in testing, the service builds on successful deployments in Phoenix and San Francisco. LA officials express safety concerns, but Waymo reports 150,000 weekly rides across its fleet of 700 vehicles. With over 100 robotaxis in LA and high demand, the company plans gradual expansion despite minor crash incidents. Read more.
Whitesides Captures LA County Congressional Seat
Democrat George Whitesides narrowly defeated Republican Mike Garcia to represent California’s 27th Congressional District, a major win for Democrats amid national GOP gains. Whitesides, a former NASA chief of staff and Virgin Galactic CEO, focused on job creation, reproductive rights, and public safety. The swing district, redrawn to favor Democrats, played a pivotal role. Whitesides’ win underscores changing voter demographics and priorities in northern Los Angeles County. Read more.
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LA City Hall Reacts to Trump’s Election with Angst
Los Angeles officials are bracing for renewed tensions with the Trump administration, focusing on immigration protections and fears of federal funding cuts. City leaders plan to expedite a sanctuary law, fund deportation defense programs, and enhance support for immigrant communities. Despite limited power to stop deportations, officials vow to protect LA’s 800,000 undocumented residents. Concerns over Trump’s impact on federal disaster aid and Olympics funding further amplify challenges. Read more.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio Seen as Trump’s Pick for Secretary of State
Senator Marco Rubio, known for his hawkish foreign policy and alignment with Trump’s stances, is expected to be named Secretary of State by President-elect Trump. Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, brings extensive experience from Senate committees and is a strong critic of Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, and China. If confirmed, Rubio would become the first Latino Secretary of State, representing a significant shift in U.S. diplomacy under Trump’s administration. Read more.
‘Why Us?’: Housing Nonprofits Facing Millions in ‘Mansion Tax’ Payments
Nonprofit housing organizations are struggling with Los Angeles' "mansion tax," which imposes fees on property sales above $5 million. Measure ULA, intended to fund affordable housing and homelessness prevention, has raised $439 million but unexpectedly impacted nonprofits. Two nonprofits paid over $6 million combined, hindering their missions. Exemptions favor affordable housing buyers, leaving sellers, even nonprofits, liable. Leaders argue the tax undermines its purpose, calling for adjustments to protect essential housing services. Read more.
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Yuko Kaifu
President
JAPAN HOUSE
Yuko Kaifu is the president of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, an innovative public diplomacy institution launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. JAPAN HOUSE is a global project with hubs in London, Los Angeles, and São Paulo, dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of Japan through immersive experiences. Located at Ovation Hollywood, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles features an exhibition gallery, WAZA Shop, a multi-purpose hall (Salon), a library, and UKA, a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant.
Yuko began her career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, serving in various roles, including assignments at the Embassy of Japan in Canada and the Ministry’s headquarters in Tokyo. In 2001, she was appointed Consul at the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles. Transitioning to the private sector in 2007, she served as Vice President of the Japanese American National Museum and later as Managing Director of Corporate Communications at MUFG Union Bank. In January 2016, she joined JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles to lead its establishment and operations.
An active community leader, Yuko serves on the boards of the US-Japan Council, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Advisory Board of UCLA’s Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies, and the Japanese American National Museum.
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VICA Thanks Our Renewing Member | |
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New Omakase Restaurant in Woodland Hills
We are excited to share the opening of a brand-new Omakase restaurant in Woodland Hills, offering an exclusive opportunity for our VICA members!
B2B Soft Opening Offer:
For a limited time, enjoy a $150 Full-Service Omakase Voucher for just $75! Experience a premium chef-curated omakase dining adventure at half the price.
Offer Expires: November 30, 2024
To RSVP or for more information, please contact:
Email: info@ajimorihouse.com
Phone: 1 (818) 400-8169
Don’t miss this chance to savor an exceptional culinary experience while supporting a new local business.
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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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