Our office building was struck by lightning Thursday morning, and our server (including all files, email, and phone systems) were temporarily down until this morning. If you tried to call or email the VICA Office during the outage, please try contacting us again and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
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"Class sizes are too large and students aren't getting the support they need, but we're implementing across the board one-size fits all solutions that don't address underlying equity concerns."
- Nick Melvin discussing the LAUSD Board's resolution for a moratorium on charter schools
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Defending High Quality Education Choices for Valley Students
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As the fall out from the UTLA strike continues for Los Angeles schools, VICA President Stuart Waldman spoke out against a resolution passed by the Los Angeles Board of Education that calls for a moratorium on new charter schools, saying that a
healthy public education system innovates, offers a diversity of school models and is committed to offering the best options for students. Charter schools - along with magnet, pilot and partnership schools - are partners in LAUSD's efforts to provide quality education options to students.
An evaluation of all programs in LAUSD would be appropriate and should be created, but a ban of one specific program, which has proven to work, is both short sighted and inappropriate.
VICA was disappointed that the resolution passed, and thanks Board Vice President Nick Melvoin for voting against taking choice away from Valley students and their parents.
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Spotlight on VICA Committee Leadership
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Mary Rosas is the Chair of VICA's Energy, Environment & Utilities Committee.
As Director of Public Affairs for California Resources Corporation (CRC), Mary is responsible for managing local government relations and aligning with key stakeholders in the Los Angeles Basin. In addition, she develops partnerships with community organizations and policy groups to highlight how energy impacts quality of life issues like housing, jobs and transportation and the importance of affordable, reliable and safe domestic in-state energy production.
How is VICA valuable to you or your business?
California's local and state policymakers often don't draw together how one public policy can have an unintended consequence on another area and VICA helps address energy policy and the impact these policies will have on families and business owners. VICA's influence has allowed CRC to deliver great information to elected officials and government departments.
Why should members consider becoming more involved with the Energy, Environment & Utilities Committee?
All Californians need to stay informed on the costs and benefits of energy sources so they can plan accordingly and not be surprised when there are rate increases or mandates. Our committee monitors energy policy for Californians to ensure that these policies are fair and balanced, understanding that all forms of energy have benefits and costs.
The Energy, Environment & Utilities Committee's next meeting is on February 14.
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Learn more about VICA committees by clicking
here.
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Los Angeles County Supervisor
Sheila Kuehl
3rd Supervisorial District
Friday, March 22, 2019
11:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Sportsmen's Lodge - Starlight Room, 12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City
Leaders Forums give attendees the opportunity to converse with leaders in an intimate setting. On March 22, Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl will discuss the Woosley Fire and its aftermath. Supervisor Kuehl will take time to answer members' questions and give members an overview of what to expect in 2019.
Co-sponsored by
Metro.
Sponsorships are available - email Helene@vica.com or call (818) 817 0545.
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LA City Council Considers Motion for Employer-Funded Fully Paid Parental Leave
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On Tuesday, Councilmembers Nury Martinez and David Ryu introduced a motion to require 18 weeks of fully-paid family leave in the City of Los Angeles. While the motion calls for reports to fill in more detail, the motion proposes that employers pay the difference between California benefits and full pay for 18 weeks, effectively 30-40 percent of new parents' salaries. VICA understands the importance of new parent bonding with their infant children and supporting employees who are parents, but has strong concerns about placing the full burden on City of Los Angeles employers.
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SCAQMD Votes on Ban on Modified Hydrofluoric Acid
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The South Coast Air Quality Management Board is voting today on a proposal to ban refineries' use of
Modified Hydroflouric Acid (MHF) with Proposed Rule 1410, which would
cost thousands of jobs and increase gasoline prices by an estimated 26 cents per gallon
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VICA is at the SCAQMD Board meeting, saying that an MHF ban would cost thousands of jobs in Southern California. We look forward to working with SCAQMD to develop a plan to enhance and implement new safety measures to address the risks associated with MHF.
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VICA invites you to dinner with your state lawmakers!
Friday,
February 22, 2019
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Universal Studios Hollywood,
Sound Stage 29
Don't miss this fun opportunity for Valley business leaders to connect with state lawmakers during our annual State Officeholders Dinner. Join over 400 Valley business leaders and state elected officials in a relaxed and informal setting.
Confirmed Speakers
as of 2/1/19:
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Senators
Ben Allen
Steven Bradford
Bob Hertzberg
Holly Mitchell
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Assemblymembers
Laura Friedman
Jesse Gabriel
Tim Grayson
Reggie Jones-Sawyer
Sydney Kamlager-Dove
Luz Rivas
Miguel Santiago
Christy Smith
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Statewide Elected Officials
Controller Betty Yee
Member of the Board of Equalization Mike Schaefer
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Sponsorships are still available - email Helene@vica.com or call (818) 817-0545.
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 The IDEAL Conference 2019 is the ultimate experience for small business owners and non-profit professionals in the San Fernando Valley! Attendees will: discover new and proven strategies of methodization that will transform their work, hear from many inspiring speakers including Shiza Shahid, Co-Founder of the Malala Fund & Founder of NOW Ventures, and choose from over 24 break-out sessions in leadership, marketing and technology! Register for this inaugural conference April 3-4.
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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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