This week, VICA's legislative team met with Los Angeles City officials and provided comments on the reorganization of the City's Zoning Code Processes and Procedures. We are pleased to see that many of our previous concerns have been addressed in the current draft ordinance. However, we are continuing to urge the City to consider amendments to the ordinance that will help achieve the City's, and VICA's goals of simplification and standardization of zoning and entitlement regulations. Our proposed amendments include the establishment of objective standards for permit voiding and shortening CEQA appeal review to comply with the Permit Streamlining and Subdivision Map Act.

VICA appreciates the intent of the reorganization of the Zoning Code Processes and Procedures, and we feel that the ordinance could benefit from amendments that ensure fairness and flexibility in the planning process. We will continue to be involved in this process as it moves through the City Council.

On Wednesday, VICA reiterated our concerns about the impacts that the expansion of Los Angeles City's Fire District 1 could have on construction in Los Angeles. VICA has continued to be a strong advocate for solutions that address our housing and homelessness crisis, especially the construction of housing at all economic levels. The expansion of Fire District 1 could counter these efforts and negatively impact housing production by limiting construction type in parts of Los Angeles.

The cost of development is already prohibitively expensive, and the expansion of Fire District 1 could effectively halt construction in the City. While we understand that the wildfires we have experienced over the last few years have been devastating, current structures use state-of-the-art engineering data, technology and standards to ensure safety and fire resistance, regardless of whether they are built with wood or steel. We are continuing to urge the City to not limit construction type amid this devastating housing crisis.

VICA continued to be active in expressing concern over the re-adoption of the COVID-19 Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards. While we understand that it is difficult to keep pace with evolving knowledge regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the re-adoption of these standards will freeze employers into a compliance model that is already out of date.

Unfortunately, despite hours of public commentary from businesses and individuals alike who expressed significant concerns about these standards, the Board passed them. These onerous regulations include face coverings for all employees, even if just a single employee is unvaccinated. Further, there are numerous provisions requiring employers to provide respirators for unvaccinated employees' voluntary use. These provisions punish businesses with financial liability for the individual choices of their employees. VICA will continue to monitor these guidelines and any updates regarding this key issue.

Tuesday, June 8

As the state plans to fully reopen later this month, California has now at least partially vaccinated 70% of its adult residents against COVID-19.

Amid a decline in vaccine demand, L.A. County will close four large vaccination sites this month, including the Cal State Northridge site, in favor of smaller sites.

High prices and low supply are slowing down the housing market. Even with slight drops in interest rates, mortgage application volume fell 4% last week.

U.S. employers added a modest 559,000 jobs in May, an improvement from April, but still evidence that many companies are struggling to find workers.

In a boost for the struggling dining industry, California is extending the ability of food establishments to serve alcoholic drinks to-go until the end of the year.

Despite California's offer of cash prizes totaling $116.5 million to vaccinated residents, California's vaccination rate has continued to fall sharply.

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