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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 Victory! Legislature Passes and Governor Newsom Signs VICA-backed Retail Theft Bills
- VICA Stance on November Ballot Measures
- New VICA Staff
- Tell Us Your Legislative Priorities
- Harmon Ballin Nominations Open
- Become a VICA Board Member
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"Let's be clear, this is the most significant legislation to address property crime in modern California history. I thank the bipartisan group of lawmakers, our retail partners, and advocates for putting public safety over politics."
Governor Gavin Newsom
Statement on Signing Legislative Crime Package addressing organized retail theft
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VICA Victory! Legislature Passes, Governor Signs Anti-Organized Retail Theft Legislative Package | |
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We are thrilled to announce that the Legislature has passed, and Governor Newsom has signed VICA-backed legislative proposals AB 1802 (Jones-Sawyer), AB 1779 (Irwin), AB 2943 (Zbur), and SB 1144 (Skinner). These critical pieces of legislation aim to bolster public safety and protect retail businesses from the rising threat of organized retail crime.
AB 1802 (Jones-Sawyer): Strengthens penalties for organized retail theft, particularly for repeat offenders, to deter criminal activity. The bill also extends the law related to organized retail theft, ensuring continuous enforcement and collaboration among law enforcement agencies.
AB 1779 (Irwin): Expands the jurisdictional reach for prosecuting theft-related crimes, allowing law enforcement to address organized retail theft more effectively across county lines. This expansion facilitates quicker legal responses and greater collaboration between jurisdictions.
AB 2943 (Zbur): This bill proposes tougher penalties for shoplifting and possessing stolen goods, aiming to reduce retail crime and protect businesses. It also introduces provisions to aggregate stolen goods' value over time, allowing more severe charges for organized theft operations.
SB 1144 (Skinner): Enhances regulations on online marketplaces, requiring them to verify the legitimacy of products sold and preventing the sale of stolen merchandise. The bill also establishes a database accessible to law enforcement to track and investigate cases of online retail theft.
These legislative victories underscore VICA's commitment to advocating for policies protecting our businesses and enhancing all Californians' public safety. We applaud the Legislature and Governor Newsom for their support of the retail business community and look forward to the positive impact these laws will have on the community as a whole.
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VICA's November 2024 Voter Guide | |
Proposition 32 (Minimum Wage Initiative): Proposition 32 seeks to raise California's minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2025, with annual adjustments based on the cost of living. VICA opposes this initiative because wage increases will harm small and medium-sized businesses by raising payroll costs, leading to higher prices, reduced hiring, and increased unemployment. | |
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Proposition 5 (Lower Supermajority Requirement for Local Special Taxes to Fund Housing & Public Infrastructure): Proposition 5 lowers the voter approval threshold from two-thirds to 55% for local governments to pass bonded indebtedness measures for public infrastructure and affordable housing projects. VICA opposes this amendment because it will lead to increased taxes and financial risks for businesses and residents without sufficient community input. | |
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Proposition 36 (Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act): Proposition 36 introduces stricter penalties for drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, mandates drug and mental health treatment for convicted drug users, and allows felony charges for repeat theft offenders. VICA supports this proposition as it enhances public safety by addressing the rising threats of drug trafficking and organized retail theft while offering rehabilitative pathways for offenders. | |
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Introducing New VICA Staff | |
The VICA team welcomes our newest addition, Mikayla Gibson, our new Legislative Affairs Associate! | |
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Mikayla Gibson is a dedicated professional with a master's degree in Political Science from California State University, Northridge.
She previously served as Program Coordinator in the Social Work Department at CSUN, providing essential administrative support. Mikayla also served as Chair of Legislative Affairs at CSUN, where she focused on public service and community engagement.
Now, she is excited to transition into her new role as a Legislative Affairs Associate at VICA, where she will continue her advocacy work and commitment to community development in the San Fernando Valley.
In her free time, she enjoys exploring new recipes, watching movies, and spending quality time with her two adorable fur babies, Obi Wan Kenobi and Princess Leia.
Please contact Mikayla at Mikayla@vica.com to welcome her to the VICA family!
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VICA Wants to Know Your Legislative Priorities | |
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It's always important to ask what the next legislative session's agenda might look like and how that affects your business and the greater San Fernando Valley-Los Angeles business community.
VICA will begin discussing next year's legislative priorities beginning in September through November, and we want to know the priorities important to you. Please click the "Voice Your Priorities" button below to communicate your ideas and priorities to our Legislative Affairs team!
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Nominations Are Open: Harmon Ballin Community Service Award | |
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VICA's Harmon Ballin Community Service Award annually honors an active VICA member who has made an outstanding contribution to our community through long-term community service activities.
A nominee is someone who:
- Has been an active member of VICA and is actively engaged in the organization.
- Has significant and long-term involvement in philanthropic, community, or public service organizations or a significant record in this area.
- Is a role model and community leader.
All nominee forms must be submitted via email to Jessica@vica.com by Friday, September 6, 2024.
Some past honorees include Darnell Tyler, David Ford, Scott Mills, Fred Gaines, Jim Garrison, Kevin Tamaki, Greg Lippe, Brad Rosenheim, Francine Oschin, Pegi Matsuda and Ross Pendergraft.
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Nominations for 2025 VICA Board Being Accepted | |
Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur swearing in the 2024 Board of Directors. | |
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VICA's 2025 Board of Directors nomination and selection process is underway, and we want your nominations!
Board members must be able to attend regular board meetings and be prepared to vote on various public policy issues. Board members must also attend regular committee meetings and VICA events. Additional responsibilities may include calling or writing lawmakers, attending press conferences, testifying, authoring editorials, interacting with top opinion leaders, and more.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating on the VICA Board in 2024, please don't hesitate to click on the nomination form below and submit it via email to Jessica@vica.com no later than Friday, September 6, 2024.
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VICA Thanks Our New & Renewing Members | | |
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Bronze Member:
Members:
- Fiona Hutton & Associates (2004)
New Member:
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Small Business Summit
September 12 | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Hosted by CSUN
RSVP
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Los Angeles Metro Leaders Forum
September 13 | 8:30 AM - 11 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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VICA's Local Officeholders Luncheon offers a distinctive opportunity for VICA members and local officeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and networking. The event will feature a networking reception and a seated lunch where you will be the honored guest at a table with VICA leadership. This luncheon provides a platform for informal interactions, allowing you to share insights and collaborate on addressing key regional business and community issues.
Local Officeholders Luncheon
Thursday, August 29, 2024
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Skirball Cultural Center
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors Amazon, Comcast NBCUniversal, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, SoCalGas, and Co-Sponsors J.P. Morgan & Chase, Clear Channel Outdoor, Providence, Verizon, and Wells Fargo.
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Local Officeholders Speakers | |
LA County Assessor Jeff Prang | |
Los Angeles Council President Paul Krekorian | |
Los Angeles Councilmember Imelda Padilla | |
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Los Angeles Councilmember
Kevin de Leon
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Los Angeles Councilmember Traci Park | |
Los Angeles Councilmember Bob Blumenfield | |
Los Angeles Councilmember Curren Price | |
Los Angeles Councilmember John Lee | |
LAUSD Board Vice President Scott Schmerelson | |
LAUSD Boardmember Kelly Gonez | |
LACCD Trustee Sara Hernandez | |
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LACCD Trustee Nichelle Henderson | |
LACCD Trustee Steve Veres | |
LACCD Trustee Andra Hoffman | |
Burbank Mayor Nick Schultz | |
Burbank Councilmember Tamala Takahashi | |
Burbank Councilmember Anthony Konstantine | |
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Santa Clarita Councilmember
Jason Gibbs
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Santa Clarita Mayor Pro Tem Bill Miranda | |
Calabasas City Mayor Alicia Weintraub | |
Calabasas Mayor Pro Tem Peter Kraut | |
Calabasas Councilmember James Bozajian | |
Calabasas Councilmember David Shapiro | |
San Fernando City Mayor Celeste Rodriguez | |
San Fernando City Councilmember Victoria Garcia | |
San Fernando City Councilmember Mary Mendoza | |
Pasadena Councilmember Felicia Williams | |
Agoura Hills Councilmember Deborah Klein Lopez | |
Simi Valley Mayor Pro Tem Rocky Rhodes | |
The Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Business and Economic Development kindly invites you to attend the 2024 San Fernando Valley Small Business Summit. This free, in-person event was created in partnership with the VICA and is sponsored by California State University, Northridge, and Wells Fargo. | |
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VICA's Leaders Forum allow attendees to converse with political leaders in an intimate setting. Featured guests discuss the issues prevalent in the business community and take time to answer members' questions.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsor The Garland and co-sponsor Kinkisharyo.
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After Dark with Los Angeles City Sanitation & Environment Director & General Manager Barbara Romero
September 26, 2024
5:30 - 7:30 PM
At Anheuser-Busch
15800 Roscoe Blvd, Van Nuys
VICA thanks our Presenting & Host Sponsor, Anheuser-Busch.
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From Paris to Los Angeles: Preparing for the 2028 Olympics
Los Angeles is gearing up for the 2028 Olympics, taking lessons from Paris' approach to hosting the 2024 Games. To ensure a successful and sustainable event, the city focuses on infrastructure improvements, public transportation expansions, and community engagement. Read the full article here to learn more about how Los Angeles prepares for this global event.
Human Rights Watch Report on LA Homelessness
Human Rights Watch has released a scathing report on the treatment of homeless individuals in Los Angeles, accusing the city of criminalizing homelessness and failing to provide adequate services. The report highlights systemic issues in LA's approach to homelessness, including the over-reliance on law enforcement and the lack of sufficient housing and mental health support. The findings call for a significant overhaul of the city's policies to ensure that the human rights of homeless individuals are respected. Read the full article regarding the report.
Former LA City Councilmember Richard Alatorre Dies at 81
Richard Alatorre, a former Los Angeles City Councilmember, has passed away at the age of 81 after a battle with cancer. Alatorre was a prominent figure in LA politics, known for advocating for marginalized communities and his efforts to improve public services. His passing marks the end of an era in LA's political history, and he is remembered for his dedication to public service and his significant contributions to the city. Read more on Alatorre's history here.
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Prop 36 is Dividing California Democrats
California Democrats are shifting toward a tougher approach to crime, reflecting changing public attitudes and political pressures. This move marks a significant departure from the state's recent focus on criminal justice reform as lawmakers respond to growing concerns about safety. The evolving dynamics within the party could reshape California's political landscape. To read more about this development, check out the full article here.
Two Ex-LA County Sheriff's Deputies Accused in $3.7 Million Extortion Scheme
Two former Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies have been accused of staging a sham raid as part of a $3.7 million extortion scheme. The deputies allegedly used their positions to intimidate and extort money from individuals, under the guise of law enforcement operations. This case has raised serious concerns about corruption within the department and the need for increased oversight and accountability in law enforcement. Read more on the accusations here.
CA Dem Legislators Break with Newsom on Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant Loan
California's Legislature has signaled a rift with Governor Gavin Newsom by voting to cancel a $400 million loan intended to extend the life of the state's last nuclear power plant, Diablo Canyon. Despite Newsom's argument that the plant is critical to maintaining energy reliability as California transitions to renewable sources, legislators expressed concerns over the escalating costs, now estimated to approach $12 billion. Read more on the funding proposal here.
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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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