This week, VICA advocated to the County of Los Angeles and the State of California to end, or at least revise, the extended eviction moratoria that have catapulted our state to the brink of an unparalleled economic and housing crisis.

VICA is sympathetic to the fact that the COVID-19 crisis has pushed many renters to the breaking point, but the impacts that these prolonged eviction moratoriums have been detrimental to the state's housing situation. Rental property owners are being forced to sell their properties. Residents face disturbances in their communities due to policies that prohibit them from removing nuisances. Homeowners have been unable to move their families into their own homes. Rent increases are prohibited, but operational costs have risen. Housing owners need to be able to account for financial realities to stay in business.

We celebrate the reopening our state - people are returning to work, pandemic conditions are improving, and the local, state, and federal governments have put forth substantial direct monetary assistance to help those in need. The emergency housing moratoria must be updated to reflect these developments.

These "emergency" eviction moratoriums should revert to pre-pandemic standing for those unaffected by COVID-19. VICA holds that it is no longer appropriate for emergency powers to be exercised in such a broad and sweeping manner. This is why we have urged the County and State to re-evaluate the eviction moratoria and rent freeze and lift protections for those who cannot demonstrate financial hardship due to COVID-19.

Unfortunately, the County has extended the eviction moratorium through September and the State's moratorium is still in limbo. VICA will continue to advocate for renters and landowners alike.

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On Wednesday, VICA spoke to the Los Angeles City Council Housing Committee, expressing opposition and asking the committee to revise the proposed inclusionary policy. VICA believes that an inclusionary policy is not the most effective way to address affordable housing in our communities, and that the adoption of the motion could result in a further decline in housing production and an increase in housing costs in our communities.

Since the motion was introduced in 2018, there has been a low vacancy rate and continued lack of housing in Los Angeles that has left many residents with no place to live. Los Angeles is in dire need of housing, but we cannot contradict efforts to address the housing crisis by not fully considering the impacts that inclusionary housing could have on overall housing production. For these reasons, we urged the committee to reconsider the adoption of this motion. Instead, we asked for them to convene a stakeholder group to review workable strategies that will be most effective in encouraging affordable housing production.

The committee passed the item unanimously, with some key recommendations adopted, including a feasibility report and a recommendation for a stakeholder group to be convened. VICA continues to strongly support action and legislation that aims to increase supply of housing at all economic levels.

On Thursday, VICA advocated against Item 17 at the Metro Board of Directors meeting, which modernizes the Metro Highway Program and changes program criteria for Measure R and Measure M projects, allowing for modification of future highway funded projects. In short, this item will remove funding from highway improvement projects that reduce congestion and support vital movement of our goods, customers, and employees.

VICA firmly holds that any modifications of Measure R and Measure M funds should be fully vetted with the business community, as we were partners in passing both measures. Unfortunately, this Item received no public outreach to businesses and taxpayers, had no proper vetting with the planning committee, and was amended to include more program regions outside the original intent with no formal public comment on these changes.

This item will jeopardize the current highway program's ability to move forward and fund desperately needed infrastructure projects, especially when our economy is beginning to bounce back after the COVID-19 crisis. Unfortunately, the Metro Board unanimously approved this item. VICA will continue to protect Measure R and Measure M funding that we worked so hard to secure for the San Fernando Valley.

Friday, July 9

Wednesday, July 14

Thursday, July 15

Thursday, July 29

9 to 10 a.m.

Virtual Remo Event

In total, 3 in 5 Californians have now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with more than 70% of all eligible residents partially vaccinated.

The U.S. economy grew 6.4% in the first quarter of 2021, setting the stage for what economists believe will be the strongest economic year in 7 decades.

This week, the California Public Utilities Commission extended the power shutoff moratorium through September.

The Los Angeles Board of Education approved a record $20 billion budget for the upcoming academic year after pandemic relief and record state tax funds.

The Biden administration has extended the nationwide ban on evictions for 30 days to help tenants who are unable to make rent payments due to COVID-19.

Confirmed cases of the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 are on the rise in L.A. County, prompting calls for residents to get available vaccines.

> Please share a brief biography and a fun fact about yourself that people would love to learn, ie: you love skydiving, you have run a marathon, you started your own business at a young age, etc. (2-3 sentences) 

> Tell us about your belief in VICA, how has VICA been most valuable for you? 

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> What was your organizations and/or your greatest accomplishment in 2020?

> Can you share what VICA has meant for you and your business during COVID?

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