On Wednesday, VICA hosted an After Dark with Councilman Bob Blumenfield. VICA's After Dark was hosted by The Oaks at Lakeside, located in Encino. Attendees enjoyed listening to insights from the Councilman while enjoying an outdoor event, with great food and regular Dodger Updates. Blumenfield touched on a number of topics relating to redistricting and how his district may change. He also mentioned special projects and initiatives that are very important to him such as the LA City Vaccination Policy, supporting the Sepulveda Pass Metro Project, the 2028 Olympics, the ice rink in Reseda, and supporting the Boys and Girls Club of the West Valley. Attendees got the chance to win an array of raffle prizes, some of which included an LA Rams Mini Helmet, Brent’s Deli Gift Card, DoorDash Gift Card and VICA Swag! The Oaks at Lakeside hosted amazing complimentary drinks and appetizers for the evening.

The After Dark was presented by The Oaks at Lakeside, Amazon & Sandstone Properties. Co-Sponsored by: Los Angeles Rams, Southland Regional Association of Realtors & Van Nuys Airport. VICA want's to thank Councilman Bob Blumenfield for sharing his insights and to everyone who was able to join us!

VICA Legislative Affairs Manager, Kayla Koerting, spoke to the Los Angeles City Council this week on behalf of all VICA members to express concerns with a City vaccine requirement, but also reinstate that a uniform and codified approach was necessary. VICA emphasized that it is important for the City to work with the business community to ensure that these requirements don't encumber operations, and urged the City to not apply any vaccine requirements on outdoor venues.

VICA and the business community want to avoid the piecemeal approach that leaves room for costly litigation and competition from different enforcement strategies. A comprehensive, thoughtful, and universal mandate in the City will remove these risks associated with enforcing common sense vaccination and testing requirements. We also aligned with other business groups in the area to urge the City to enact a reasonable sunset date on the ordinance tied to a decline in Citywide cases.

The ordinance failed to receive the 12 votes needed to pass on urgency. However, it still moved forward with an 11-2 vote. This means the ordinance will take effect 30 days from now, likely changing the October 21st posting requirement and November 4th start date. Over the next couple of weeks, the LA City Attorney's office will be working with council offices on clarifications and amendments needed.

This week, VICA Legislative Affairs Manager, Giancarlo Rubio, spoke at LA City Council opposing the formation of a public banking option in the City of Los Angeles. The public bank was soundly rejected by Angelenos in 2018 without an opposition campaign. Not only is this ordinance ignoring the clear will of voters, throughout history, there has not been one successful municipal bank in the United States.

Current law requires banks to be sufficiently capitalized to meet short-term and long-term obligations. Meeting the liquidity requirements set by the FDIC would be enormously costly for public banks, and subsequently, the City that funds them. The proponents of the public bank are promising a lot. A way to finance affordable housing and infrastructure projects, and provide banking services to underserved communities, which, none of these problems require a municipal bank to solve them. And there is no guarantee that an LA Public Bank can do any of these things.

Public banking is not the solution to the problems facing our state. There are nearly 200 private banks serving the state, providing choice and competition in the marketplace. California banks often partner with community organizations that operate where they do business to benefit the communities they serve.

Unfortunately, the City Council decided to move forward with the motion to develop an option for public banking in the city. The formation of a city-owned financial institution still remains a long way off, and the City Council won’t decide on the issue until a consultant is hired and their report is completed. VICA will continue to monitor the situation and fight for the business community.

Each year, the VICA Foundation offers three scholarships to outstanding local students with a demonstrated interest in business. We strongly encourage our members to share this opportunity with their organizations and students in our community.

A $500 scholarship to a student attending a VICA-member high school or primary education institution.

Application Deadline: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29

A $1,000 Scholarship to a full time undergraduate attending a VICA member university or college.

Application Deadline: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29

A $1,000 Scholarship to a full time undergraduate attending a VICA member university or college.

Application Deadline: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29

LIVE EVENT: Hilton Universal

Tuesday, October 12

8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Virtual Meeting

LIVE EVENT: Hilton Universal

Tuesday, October 19

Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Virtual Meeting

Thursday, October 21

9 to10 a.m.

Virtual Meeting

Tuesday, October 26

8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Virtual Meeting

As we move towards the end of the year, VICA is preparing its Legislative Priorities for 2022. This member-driven process depends on our members to suggest key issues on which VICA should advocate over the next year.

We need to hear your ideas for practical changes VICA can advocate for, which would help businesses recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19 and thrive in Los Angeles.

Don't miss this chance to submit your suggestions for VICA's 2022 Legislative Priorities! Please send your ideas by Friday, October 29th.

For more information, email Kayla@vica.com.

L.A City Council Approves Motion to Move Forward with a Public Banking Option

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If you currently receive a Social Security check and wonder whether a government shutdown will impact your payment, rest easy: Social Security payments will continue to go out as usual.

Governor Newsom Signs College Affordability and Accessibility Legislation, Highlights $47.1 Billion Higher Education Package.

Investigators searching for the cause of an oil pipeline break, off the Southern California coast have pointed to the possibility that a ship anchor dragged the line across the seabed and cracked it.

According to industry data provider Newzoo, video games are a blockbuster business driving demand for commercial real estate for everything from office space to arenas.

Outlook maps for October temperature and precipitation in the U.S. offer a glimmer of hope for California and parts of the West.

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.