This week, VICA sent a coalition letter to the County, expressing deep concern over the last-minute nature of the mask mandate. VICA gathered signatures from the San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce, United Chambers of Commerce, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and the Central City Association of Los Angeles to urge the County to develop an outreach strategy and clear requirements well in advance of any upcoming changes to pandemic response policy.

The most recent mask mandate was announced mere days before it was to take effect, with no opportunity for input or warning for the business community. This left Los Angeles County's hundreds of thousands of businesses unsure of regulations, with less than 48 hours to plan, prepare, or develop strategies for the implementation of the new policy. Further, this mask mandate puts the region's public health department at odds with both state and federal guidance - both of which recommend that vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks in most settings. With California fully reopened and pandemic restrictions relaxed, conflicting messages paired with no enforcement from the County Sherriff cause overwhelming concern for businesses.

With the inconsistency and lack of clarity of the mandate, the business community - consisting of businesses that served as the lifeline for California's economy amid the pandemic - will be the ones suffering just as we are beginning to recover. By sending this letter, we have asked the county to take their time to work with businesses that these mandates impact. Our county's businesses cannot sustain additional closures, and we are very concerned that without feedback, the County will continue to force rushed policies with little notice.

Another week and the good guys have prevailed yet again! Governor Newsom just signed a law offering another $124 million in annual tax credits to the film industry over the next four years. These credits, included in Senate Bill 485 (Portantino), nurture entertainment jobs and encourage filmmakers to keep shows in California rather than chase tax breaks offered in competitor states like Georgia.

"The current tax credit has been so successful that demand for bringing more productions back to California has exceeded the amount we previously budgeted," Senator Portantino chimed in after the success of his bill. "By meeting that demand, we're going to increase California's economic vitality and health and welfare of our state as we come out of this pandemic."

The film industry is a critical pillar of California's economy, supporting a total of 2.6 million jobs. VICA commends the state for continuing to support the industry that has contributed so much to our state's economy through the passage of SB 485. This bill will mirror existing tax credits by providing incentives calculated on payments to local suppliers and workers behind the camera for newly constructed or renovated soundstages. In doing so, SB 485 will bring in an estimated total of $4.3 billion in economic activity in the state. California has been the global leader in the entertainment industry, and it will continue to lead with the help of these tax incentives.

Join VICA, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, BizFed, Central City Association of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce for a special briefing with Dr. Barbara Ferrer from L.A. County Public Health. Dr. Ferrer will share her insight on the recent surge in COVID-19 cases as the Delta variant continues to spread, as well as what the surge means for both residents and the business community. The briefing will include an opportunity for members to ask questions, share the business perspective, and discuss ideas for collaboration between L.A. County Public Health and the business community.

Renewals:

An Article by VICA Member COWE Communications

Tuesday, July 27

Tuesday, July 27

12 to 1:30 p.m.

Virtual Remo Event

Thursday, August 5

9 to 10:30 a.m.

Virtual Event

Wednesday, August 11

12 to 1:30 p.m.

Virtual Event

Wednesday, August 18

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

LIVE EVENT: Burbank Marriott

Sponsored by Aeroplex / Aerolease

Sponsored by Amazon

Southern California's real estate market hit another historic peak in June, with home prices soaring to yet another all-time high - a median home price of $680,000.

The UC Board of Regents approved a 4.2% tuition and fees increase on Thursday, citing the need for financial stability and more grant aid.

Darren Kettle of the Venture County Transportation Commission was named to serve as the CEO of Metrolink by the Regional Rail Authority Board of Directors.

All public school students will qualify for free school meals in the fall regardless of their family's income, an initiative made possible by the budget surplus.

California has ordered the closure of up to 7 prisons, the first closures in nearly 2 decades, due to a decrease in the state's incarcerated population.

In June, 20% of Los Angeles County's COVID-19 cases were among vaccinated residents, but health experts say that this is not cause for concern.

> 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? 

> If you were to share an experience with someone about VICA, what would that be? 

> Share with us what you believe to be the greatest accomplishment VICA has achieved?

> 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?

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 cathy@vica.com or call (818) 817-0545.