There are currently two County redistricting maps under consideration, Option F-3 and Option OP-101 with possible revisions sometime next week. Option F-3 is a positive allocation for Valley interests, as it keeps at least 70% of the San Fernando Valley in one district, but we are still urging the commission to make the map more Valley-friendly Alternatively, VICA opposes Option OP-101, as it lessens representation for Valley residents.

The commission is scheduled to meet over the next five days to discuss the maps and make revisions, and we urge VICA members to submit written comments and attend the meetings to speak in support of option F-3:

To Submit Written Comments: Click Here.

To view the draft Congressional maps, click here.

In a 13-0 vote, Los Angeles City Councilmembers voted to finalize a new set of maps for the next 10 years, effective today. So, you may have a new City Councilmember!

The State Assembly draft maps have moved forward, however the four San Fernando Valley districts may be adjusted. VICA plans to suggest changes to these maps before the December 18th Meeting

Click Here to View the Draft Assembly Maps

To Submit Public Comments, Click Here

This past week, VICA's legislative team expressed support for a motion to expedite the transition to permanence for the City's Al Fresco Dining program. The last 2 years have gutted California's restaurant industry, forcing them to implement costly safety measures, furlough employees, and even cease operations altogether. The City's decision to make the Al Fresco dining programs permanent has been one of the few bright spots during a challenging year muddled by ineffective and contradictory guidance released by the government. The program rolled back regulatory barriers, allowing for flexibility including curbside pickup, expansion of outdoor dining and food preparation, relaxed parking requirements, and even the fan favorite - to-go alcoholic drinks.

VICA believes that a speedy transition to Al Fresco permanence will allow businesses to more easily adhere to ever-changing COVID-19 guidance while expanding operations, providing a lucrative and safe option to restaurants' economic hardships. VICA is proud to say that the City Council passed a motion that outlined three steps to expedite Al Fresco permanence: request the City Attorney streamline permitting fees, create an automated Al Fresco transition process, and require updates on the transition to permanence.

This week, VICA's legislative team called into the Los Angeles City Council Planning and Land Use Management Committee meeting to support statutory CEQA exemptions for residential projects in the Warner Center Area 2035 Plan. VICA supports the plan, which was created with community and stakeholder engagement, and presents a thoughtful approach to planned growth that balances the need for housing, jobs, and services for the broader community. Because of the extensive planning that contributed to the Warner Center 2035 Plan Program EIR, VICA requested that the Statutory CEQA Exemption for residential projects in the specific plan for which an EIR has been certified, be upheld.

VICA is excited about the progress the Plan has made, as we have already seen a number of projects being proposed which will make our communities more vibrant and create thousands of jobs for the Valley. It is more important than ever to stay focused on the priorities and goals outlined in the plan. VICA is happy that the Council Committee upheld the Statutory CEQA Exemption, and we will continue to advocate for this carefully thought out urban, mixed use, transit-oriented regional center.

Sponsored by Mission Community Hospital

VICA's regular advocacy trips to the state capitol are crucial to ensuring the voice of the business community is heard by legislators. These member-only trips allow direct advocacy with state officials.

The White House has announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics and will not be sending any U.S. officials for the winter games due to ongoing genocide, crimes against humanity, and other human rights abuses.

Nearly 500 Los Angeles school district employees have lost their jobs for failing to meet the COVID-19 vaccination requirements. This represents fewer than 1% of the 73,000 employee, a compliance rate that LAUSD counts as a success.

As California's drought worsens, and residents falling short of the Governor's request for a voluntary 15% reduction in water usage, state officials are considering emergency regulations that could bring up to $500 in fines per day for water waste.

Alberto Carvalho, the longtime superintendent of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, has been unanimously approved as the new leader of the Los Angeles Unified School District, pending contract negotiations.

California's minimum wage could rise to $18 per hour as soon as 2025 if a new ballot measure, proposed by a Los Angeles entrepreneur and activist, is passed.

On Thursday, the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthey issued a public health advisory on mental health challenges affecting young people. Symptoms have almost doubled during the pandemic, with 25% of youth experiencing depressive symptoms.

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.