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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 hosts Councilmember John Lee for After Dark
- VICA Mourns the Passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein
- VICA Victory! Governor Vetoes Bill to Limit Autonomous Vehicle Innovation
- VICA Victory! District Noho Project moves to PLUM Committee
- VICA Board Opposes Constitutional Amendment to Right to Unionize
- Register for VICA's Business Forecast Conference
- Join the VICA Foundation
- Your Invited to Building Nuestro Futuro Wealth Summit Series
- Discounted LA Rams Tickets for VICA Members
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Quick Jump - Register to Attend!
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"When Stuart invited me to do an After Dark, I asked why, as I know many of VICA's members. And the reason why is that I want you all to know that I am one of the champions fighting for you down at City Hall."
Councilmember John Lee
Statement Made at VICA After Dark Event
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VICA Hosts Councilmember John Lee for After Dark Event | |
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From left to right: Eric Gutierrez and Gilbert Canizales (Anheuser-Busch), Councilmember John Lee, Lisa Gritzner & Victor Franco (California Strategies),
Shefali Mistry (CSUN), Armando Flores (SoCalGas)
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At Tuesday's VICA After Dark, Los Angeles City Councilman John Lee joined over 100 VICA members at Anheuser-Busch's Van Nuys facility, where we got to meet the Bud Light Knight and received autographed Bud Light bottles from the Brew Master!
Eric Gutierrez from Anheuser-Busch delivered opening remarks, and Shefali Mistry from CSUN introduced the councilmember. During his address, Councilmember Lee emphasized his commitment to advocating for the business community within city hall. He highlighted the need to educate others about the intricacies of Los Angeles's economic ecosystem and expressed concerns about well-intentioned legislation that may overlook its economic impact.
Councilmember Lee discussed the city council's role in the eviction moratorium and its adverse effects on small and medium-sized rental providers. He shared his concerns about a potential surge in evictions due to mounting debt in February and criticized the lack of comprehensive policy consideration, which could lead rental providers to leave the market.
Transitioning to affordable housing, Councilmember Lee stressed the importance of reducing development fees and costs to make housing more accessible. He argued that the current system often leads developers to create luxury housing rather than affordable options, leading to high costs for renters forcing them out of the city.
Safety in the city was another key point in Councilmember Lee's remarks. He attributed Council District 12's reputation as the safest district in Los Angeles to his support for resources and funding for district officers. He maintained that safer communities are essential to retaining residents, and the work he and Mayor Bass are doing to raise officer recruitment and retention is a part of attempting to bring safety back into our neighborhoods.
Councilmember Lee concluded his address by addressing the homelessness crisis in the city, characterizing it as one of the generation's most significant challenges. He underscored the need to address this crisis, particularly as Los Angeles prepares for major international events like FIFA 2026 and the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics. The councilmember stressed the importance of maintaining a thriving tourism and hospitality industry, as it provides jobs and supports families. In light of hosting major international events, Councilmember Lee called for increased services to assist homeless individuals, as this would have positive impacts on visiting tourists and highlighted the potential consequences for Los Angeles if the city fails to address homelessness effectively, such as industries closing their doors or leaving the city and county altogether.
VICA expresses our gratitude to the host and presenting sponsor, Anheuser-Busch, presenting sponsor SoCalGas, co-sponsors CSUN and California Strategies, and our leadership sponsor Southland Regional Association of Realtors.
|  | Councilmember John Lee with Lisa Gritzner (California Strategies) | |
VICA President Stuart Waldman with the Bud Light Knight | |
VICA Mourns the Passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein | |
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Dianne Feinstein, the oldest member of the Senate, the first woman to represent California in the Senate, the longest-serving female senator and the longest-serving senator from California, passed away last night in her home in Washington, DC.
VICA mourns the loss of Senator Feinstein and thanks her for her service and commitment to the State of California and to the long-standing relationship VICA had with her.
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Former VICA President Bonny Herman and Senator Dianne Feinstein, 2004 | |
Meeting with Senator Dianne Feinstein and VICA Membership during a 2009 DC fly-in | |
VICA Victory! Governor Vetoes Bill that Would Stifle Autonomous Vehicle Innovation | |
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Governor Gavin Newsom made a significant decision over the weekend, vetoing Assembly Bill 316.
This bill, authored by Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguilar-Curry, aimed to impose strict regulations on autonomous vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds, mandating a human safety operator during public road operations. While the bill generated both support and controversy, Governor Newsom's veto underscores his commitment to innovation and progress in the autonomous vehicle sector.
In his veto message, Governor Newsom labeled AB 316 as "unnecessary" at this time, citing California's existing regulatory framework as sufficient for overseeing heavy-duty autonomous vehicles. His decision resonates with our belief that the state should emphasize industry innovation rather than expanding regulatory oversight and restrictions.
Governor Newsom's message also highlighted the Department of Motor Vehicles' dedication to transparent, public rulemaking processes for light-duty and heavy-duty autonomous vehicles. This commitment reflects a proactive stance in ensuring safe operations while fostering technological development.
VICA remains committed to advocating for policies that drive innovation, job creation, and improved community living standards, so we commend Governor Newsom's decision to veto Assembly Bill 316.
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VICA Victory! VICA Advocates in Support of District NoHo at City Planning Commission, Passes | |
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VICA President Stuart Waldman delivered public comments at the City Planning Commission meeting this Thursday, expressing VICA's strong endorsement of the District NoHo Development Project, spearheaded by VICA member Trammell Crow Company. Following several hours of public comment, the City Planning Commission voted to support District Noho, moving it to the PLUM committee at a future date.
VICA takes great pride in backing the ambitious District NoHo development, which aims to breathe new life into an underutilized 15-acre parking area by transforming it into a vibrant and bustling urban grid. This project is poised to reinvigorate the local economy, with an impressive annual economic impact projection of over $1 billion and creating 2,500 permanent jobs.
Placed strategically at the primary Metro junction connecting NoHo to the Greater Los Angeles Region, District NoHo promises to cultivate a thriving Live-Play-Work community, fostering economic growth in close proximity to public transit. With a commitment to providing 366 income-restricted units, it would significantly bolster affordable housing, expanding Metro's affordable housing portfolio by 50%.
The importance of this development extends beyond its local impact. District NoHo will attract more Metro ridership by creating an exciting destination in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, enhancing connectivity for all Angelenos.
VICA strongly supports this comprehensive and well-conceived initiative, as it promises to impact our entire region positively with its vision for a prosperous and interconnected future.
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VICA Opposes Senate Constitutional Amendment 7: No to Right to Unionize in the California Constitution | |
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The Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) staunchly opposes Senate Constitutional Amendment 7 (Umberg), commonly known as the Right to Organize and Negotiate Act.
This proposed amendment seeks to grant all Californians the right to join unions and negotiate with employers, posing a significant risk to the state's economic stability and governance.
SCA 7 outlines two primary objectives. First, it ensures that all Californians can engage in union activities and negotiations while safeguarding their economic well-being and workplace safety. Second, it seeks to restrict enacting any laws or ordinances after January 1, 2023 that might impede employees' rights to organize and collectively bargain on various aspects of employment. While seemingly noble, these objectives fail to account for the complexities of California's labor landscape.
In California, private-sector collective bargaining operates under federal law, while public-sector bargaining is governed by state authority. The proposed Amendment raises concerns about its implementation and potential impacts on existing statutory frameworks, especially for legislative employees lacking collective bargaining rights.
SCA 7's broad scope could also lead to significant challenges for state and local government projects, affect charter cities' home rule authority, disrupt public and private sector employment, and necessitate a comprehensive review of existing statutes to ensure alignment with its provisions. VICA firmly stands against SCA 7, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to labor in California.
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Register for VICA's Business Forecast Conference: Flaming Hot Topics | | |
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Friday, October 27 | 7:00 AM
Hilton Universal City
Our Annual Business Forecast Conference continues to attract nationally recognized experts on our region's dynamic economy. This forecast will help our business leaders plan for the challenges facing us in 2023.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors Amazon and SoCalGas.
See below for more information on two of this year's panels!
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Hot Seat: Housing & Homelessness
Join us as we address the critical housing and homelessness issues facing Los Angeles and California at large.
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Panelists:
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Tim Campbell, Contributor, CityWatchLA
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Jenna Hornstock, Deputy Mayor of Housing, City of Los Angeles
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Jan Perry, Former Councilmember, and Executive Director – Shelter Partnership, Inc. & Infrastructure
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Scott Wiener, Senator, State of California
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Burning Rubber: Transportation
What are the biggest deterrents that prevent ridership from growing, and how can these obstacles be eliminated to help create a thriving transportation system in Los Angeles?
Moderator: Martha Valenzuela, Vice President of Strategic Relationships, Modern Times Inc.
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Panelists:
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Mark Chang, Project Director, HNTB
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Sharon Gookin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Office of the CEO, Metro
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Keith Sibley, Program Manager, Bechtel
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Greg Zwiep, VP of Operations, Skanska and Project Director for San Fernando Transit Constructors Joint Venture
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To see a full list of this year's confirmed speakers, click the button! | | |
Unlock Your Potential: Join the VICA Foundation Board and Shape the Valley's Future! | |
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Are you passionate about shaping your community and nurturing Valley students' growth? The VICA Foundation has an exciting opportunity for you!
As a board member, you catalyze positive change, empowering students and fostering meaningful transformation in our community. Contribute directly to student development, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and support scholarship distribution to enriching institutions like UCLA, CSUN, Granada Hills Charter, and more. Join us today to make a lasting impact on the Valley's future.
Click below to connect with our dedicated staff and embark on a journey of community engagement and student support. Together, we'll create a brighter tomorrow.
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VICA Members Invited to Building Nuestro Futuro Wealth Summit Series | |
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JPMorgan & Chase Co. has an exclusive invitation to you and your network for the Building Nuestro Futuro Wealth Summit Series, proudly presented by JPMorgan Chase's Advancing Hispanics & Latinos initiative. This unique series has been thoughtfully crafted to empower and enrich our diverse community, focusing on Hispanics and Latinos, by providing invaluable tools, information, and personalized consejos (tips) to strengthen your financial foundations.
Join the Summit Series for this transformative experience!
Date: Saturday, October 7th
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PST
Location: SoFi Stadium
As a member of VICA, you will have complimentary access to a wealth of knowledge through engaging discussions, one-on-one consultations, and networking opportunities featuring esteemed experts, renowned celebrities, and influential figures in the financial world, including:
- John Leguizamo, Award-winning Actor, Producer, and Community Advocate
- Richard Montanez, Retired Vice President of Multi-Cultural Marketing and Sales at PepsiCo North America, Businessman, Philanthropist, and Motivational Speaker
- Yanely Espinal, Author of Mind Your Money and Director of Next Gen Personal Finance
- Alix Aspe, EMMY Award-winning Journalist, TV Host, Producer, and Content Creator
Register today and be part of the Building Nuestro Futuro Wealth Summit Series!
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Discounted Rams Tickets for All VICA Members | | |
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With the start of the 2023 NFL Season, VICA has been provided with an opportunity to grab discounted LA Rams tickets for most of the home games this season. This exclusive offer provides VICA members the ability to purchase seats to individual games at a discounted price in either the 500 level or VIP seats with all-Inclusive food, beverage, beer, wine & liquor in the Chairmans Club.
You can check out the options here or click the button under the Rams logo!
Please note that parking is not included. For parking information, click this link.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Brent Martelli with the LA Rams Group Sales team!
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VICA After Dark: Topanga Social
Thursday, October 5 | 5:30 PM
Westfield Topanga
Join us at LA's newest coveted food lovers' destinations where 27 of Los Angeles’ most talked about restaurants and niche food brands come together in the West Valley. The adventurous new food hall, Topanga Social, opened its doors in May, bringing together some of the most buzz-worthy Los Angeles eateries, bars, and recognized names in LA’s culinary space.
RSVP required. Space is limited.
VICA thanks our Host and Presenting Sponsor, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and our Co-Sponsor University West Los Angeles.
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VICA After Dark: LA City Councilmember Imelda Padilla
October 18 | 5:30 PM
Airtel Plaza Hotel
Imelda Padilla was elected to the Los Angeles City Council during a special election in June 2023. Imelda has dedicated herself to improving economic mobility while working to address social issues through various nonprofits and community groups. She previously served on the Sun Valley Neighborhood Council, and was a long-time VICA member prior to her candidacy. As the newest representative for the 6th Council District, Imelda is dedicated to promoting greater economic opportunities and development for her constituents and the greater Los Angeles region.
VICA thanks our Host and Presenting Sponsor Airtel Plaza Hotel and our Co-Sponsor Metro.
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Local Officeholders Luncheon
November 9 | 11:30 AM
Skirball Cultural Center
Local Officeholders representing Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles, and other Valley cities join VICA and its members to discuss the pertinent issues facing businesses during the annual Local Officeholders event. Attendees have the opportunity to formally ask questions on a wide range of topics.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Comcast NBCUniversal, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, SoCalGas, and Wells Fargo.
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Land Use Committee
Tuesday, October 10
8:30 - 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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Ambassador Committee
Wednesday, October 11
9:00 - 10:30 AM
At the VICA Office
Sponsored by Verdugo Hills Council - Boy Scouts of America
RSVP
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
Thursday, October 12
Noon - 1:30 PM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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Aviation Committee
Tuesday, October 17
Noon - 1:30 PM
Hosted by Aeroplex/Aerolease Group
RSVP
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VICA Thanks Our Renewing Members! | | |
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Silver Member:
Renewing Members:
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Biden Strikes with UAW Workers
President Biden made an unprecedented stop Tuesday, joining the picket line with striking autoworkers and marking the first time a sitting president has done so. The President stood in solidarity with UAW at a General Motors facility in Michigan and spoke to the group via bullhorn alongside union President Shawn Fain. Negotiations between UAW and Ford, Stellantis, and General Motors have focused on pay increases, pensions, and career security.
National Restaurant Bill of Rights
U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib introduced legislation aimed at improving the lives of U.S. restaurant workers. The bill is backed by the Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC) United, a non-profit organization working to improve the lives and rights of restaurant employees. The bill lists the following rights, including a thriving wage, the right to heal and rest including paid family and medical leave, the right to a safe workplace and protections, the right to universal healthcare, and the right to unionize and organize.
Republican Presidential Debate
In Simi Valley, seven Republican candidates participated in their party's second presidential debate on Wednesday. The candidates, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, traded barbs over issues ranging from competition with China to immigration. Former President Donald Trump — the current frontrunner for the Republican nomination — skipped the debate, opting instead to deliver a speech to autoworkers near Detroit amid the ongoing United Auto Workers (UAW) strike.
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Newsom Vetoes Progressive Priorities
Governor Newsom issued a trio of vetoes late Friday evening that will anger his progressive allies. On the losing end of the Democratic governor's actions are three mainstays of liberal support: LGBTQ rights groups, labor unions, and immigration advocates. Newsom has long touted a progressive record while acting as a moderate counterweight to the Democratic Legislature. Republicans had praised Newsom for his vetoes, stating that the vetoes were the right call to make.
Newsom's vetoes include a that would have asked courts to consider a child's gender identity when it comes to custody decisions, a bill requiring human drivers to be onboard in self-driving trucks, and a bill that would bar California's prison system from sharing information about incarcerated immigrants with federal officials, fortifying California's "sanctuary laws."
Superintendent announces 2026 Bid
California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is officially running for governor in 2026, becoming the latest Democrat to launch a campaign in a race that could draw a large field of contenders after Governor Newsom is termed out of office. Thurmond made the announcement on Tuesday after publicly toying with the idea this summer. Thurmond, a former state lawmaker elected to superintendent in 2018, highlights his youth living in poverty, describing learning public assistance programs such as food stamps and working at McDonald's during college. Voters overwhelmingly reelected Thurmond last year despite criticism of his handling of schools during the pandemic and alleged turnover problems in the state's Department of Education.
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The Western Los Angeles County Council, Boy Scouts of America’s Americanism Award is given to outstanding citizens who have distinguished themselves in their careers, in public life, and in service to humankind. Please join our partners in celebrating the achievements of Jaime Jarrín and Paul Krekorian as they honor their dedication and commitment to building a stronger and more compassionate community. | |
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Member Messages
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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