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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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- Governor Proposes 2024-25 State Budget
- VICA Victory! De Facto Warehouse Ban Dead
- VICA PAC Endorsements Announced
- VICA County Officeholders Breakfast - Jan. 31
- VICA is looking for Meeting Sponsors
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"This balanced budget plan keeps California on firm economic footing while continuing our work to tackle homelessness, keep communities safe, expand access to high-quality education, overhaul behavioral health care and fight climate change. I look forward to partnering with the Legislature to meet this moment with a balanced approach that meets the needs of Californians and safeguards our state’s future."
Governor Gavin Newsom
Statement on his proposed 2024-25 State Budget
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Governor Newsom Proposes 2024-25 State Budget | |
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In a significant development on Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom introduced the 2024-25 state budget proposal, highlighting a projected $38 billion deficit. Governor Newsom expressed a commitment to addressing the fiscal challenges for the second consecutive year and remains open to declaring a fiscal emergency if necessary.
The budgetary plan to counter the deficit involves several key strategies. Notably, it includes withdrawing $13.1 billion from the budget stabilization and safety net reserve accounts and implementing cuts of $8.5 billion from various programs, encompassing climate, housing, and education. Additionally, there are plans to delay $5.1 billion in spending, with a focus on transit, and defer another $2.1 billion to 2025-26, which includes an approximate $500 million reduction in additional funding for the UC and Cal State systems. To support the budget, there is a proposed $5.7 billion of internal borrowing from special funds specifically allocated for the healthcare provider tax.
The total proposed state budget is $291.5 billion, reflecting a reduction of about $19 billion compared to the previous year. It's important to note that January plans often undergo revisions; last year, the initially proposed $297 billion increased to $310 billion in the final June approval.
Under this proposed budget, around 70% of California's total state spending would be directed towards public schools, colleges, and health and social services. This aligns with a consistent trend since the 1970s, according to a review of state budget data.
VICA recognizes the potential impact of these budgetary decisions on our industries. We will closely monitor developments, advocate for the interests of our members, and keep you informed of any pertinent updates.
To read the entire proposed state budget, click the link below.
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VICA Victory! AB 1000, De Facto Warehouse Ban Dead | |
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On Wednesday, Assemblywoman Reyes pulled Assembly Bill 1000 from consideration, citing insufficient votes to get the proposal through the Assembly Local Government committee.
AB 1000, a persistent Job Killer, threatened California's economic well-being, posing a substantial risk to jobs, housing initiatives, and economic growth. It would have jeopardized over 1.6 million trade-related jobs in Southern California and relied on outdated 1,000-foot setbacks for logistic use facilities, ignoring significant emission reduction efforts established by existing laws, including CARB's regulations and SCAQMD's Warehouse Indirect Source Rules since 2005.
In addition, the proposal included a new private right of action that would have posed a risk by increasing frivolous litigation and heightened project approval costs.
While we celebrate this achievement, VICA members should be aware that a new warehouse bill is anticipated by February. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor developments. Your ongoing support is instrumental in our success!
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VICA PAC Endorsements Announced | |
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The VICA PAC Committee has made the following endorsements:
Kathryn Barger for Los Angeles County Supervisor
Ethan Weaver for Los Angeles City Council District 4
Imelda Padilla for Los Angeles City Council District 6
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Register Today: VICA County Officeholders Breakfast | |
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LA County Officeholders Breakfast
Wednesday, January 31 | 8:30 AM
The Garland
VICA's LA County Officeholders Breakfast is a unique and fun opportunity for our members to directly engage with elected officials representing LA County in a “Fireside Chat” type format. VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors, Amazon, EKA, Microsoft, and SoCalGas.
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Supervisor Kathryn Barger
Barger, representing the 5th District, the largest in Los Angeles County, covering over 2,785 square miles, has been committed to offering effective representation to the residents of 20 cities and 83 unincorporated communities. Elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2016, Barger served as Chair and secured reelection for her second term in 2020.
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County Sheriff Robert Luna
Luna assumed the role of the 34th Los Angeles County Sheriff, leading the largest US Sheriff’s Department with nearly 18,000 staff. With a 36-year career at the Long Beach Police Department, Luna, who started as a reserve officer in 1985, rose to become Chief of Police in 2014. His commitment to relationship-based policing is rooted in his early experiences in East Los Angeles.
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Chief Deputy Director Angela R. George-Moody, P.E.
George-Moody is the Chief Deputy Director of Los Angeles County Public Works. She has been an employee of the County of Los Angeles for more than 30 years and has extensive government experience in integrated water resource planning, construction management, and transportation planning.
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Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan
Logan, serving as the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk for LA County since 2008, oversees the nation's largest and most diverse local election jurisdiction with over 5.6 million registered voters. Beyond election duties, his office manages real estate property documents, vital records, civil marriages, and business filings for approximately 3,500 daily customers.
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County Assessor Jeffrey Prang
Jeffrey Prang, elected as the 27th Assessor for the County of Los Angeles in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 and 2022, hails from Warren, Michigan, and is a graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University. With nearly 18 years of service as a council member for the City of West Hollywood, including four terms as Mayor, Prang assumed the Los Angeles County Assessor role in 2014.
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VICA is Looking for 2024 Board and Committee Sponsors | |
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VICA is looking for members to host or sponsor our board meetings and committee meetings in the upcoming year. If your company can accommodate 20-40 individuals and provide breakfast or lunch, we have a committee opportunity for you!
As a host, you'll have the chance to extend a warm welcome, promote your organization and site, and be featured on each agenda with table cards throughout the meetings.
Unable to host? Please consider sponsoring a meeting at the VICA office. As a sponsor, you'll provide meals for committee meetings while having your logo displayed on the meetings' agendas and table cards.
For details and available committee meetings, please visit the link below.
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VICA Thanks Our Renewing Members! | | |
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Silver Members:
Bronze Members:
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Sacramento Advocacy Days
Tuesday, January 30 | All Day
Tuesday, February 27 I All Day
Tuesday, March 19 | All Day
VICA's regular advocacy trips to the State Capitol are crucial for ensuring that the voice of the business community is heard by legislators.
These members-only trips allow attendees to interact directly with statewide elected officials, discussing the issues that are vital to our members. Join VICA in Sacramento for one of our monthly advocacy trips, and don't miss this opportunity to have your voice heard on how legislation affects your company/organization!
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ACCESS D.C. 2024
March 12, 2024 - March 14, 2024
Washington, D.C.
ACCESS D.C. is the region’s largest annual advocacy trip, connecting more than 200 business and civic leaders with federal lawmakers on issues ranging from immigration and education to transportation and health care.
For more information on ACCESS D.C., including registration information, pricing, and a tentative schedule, click the button below:
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Aviation Committee
Tuesday, January 16
Noon - 2:00 PM
Hosted by Aerolease Group
RSVP
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Government Affairs Committee
Wednesday, January 17
Noon - 2:00 PM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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State Officeholders Dinner
Friday, March 8
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
RSVP
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Women in Leadership Breakfast
Friday, April 26
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
RSVP
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Education Committee
Thursday, February 1
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Hosted by Los Angeles Valley College
RSVP
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Labor & Employment Committee
Wednesday, February 7
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Hosted by Hilton Universal
RSVP
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Land Use Committee
Tuesday, February 13
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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Not-for-Profit Committee
Wednesday, February 14
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Sponsored by Pacific Federal
RSVP
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Special Election Set for March
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the special primary election to replace former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is scheduled for March 19, with a potential runoff on May 21. The winner of this election will serve out the remainder of McCarthy's term in the 20th Congressional District; however, the election to win his seat for the next full term will begin with a primary on March 5, followed by one during November's general election. Officials in CD-20 requested the elections be separate in an effort to avoid increased costs and voter confusion. Former Speaker McCarthy resigned in December after being ousted by the far-right Freedom Caucus. Candidates vying to replace him include Assemblymember Vince Fong, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, and former congressional candidate David Giglio.
Systemwide Strike Looms for California State University
Faculty at California State University, the U.S.'s largest public university system, are considering a systemwide strike later this month following a breakdown in contract negotiations Tuesday. California Faculty Association (CFA), a union representing around 29,000 workers across Cal State’s 23 campuses, is advocating for a 12% pay raise, far above the 5% increase offered by the university, along with reduced workloads and more parental leave. Supporters of the potential strike, including professors, librarians, and coaches, believe that their demands will ensure more fair treatment and adequate compensation across CSU. Opponents argue that the union's demands are financially untenable and could result in layoffs. The university system plans to keep campuses open and implement contingency plans to reduce disruptions in the event of a strike, which is proposed for January 22 through 25.
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LA Times Executive Editor Steps Down
Los Angeles Times Executive Editor Kevin Merida, who joined the paper in 2021 to spearhead the newsroom, announced his departure Tuesday. Merida's decision to step down, effective Friday, was reportedly spurred by tensions with owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong due to the paper's financial underperformance and the time needed for a turnaround without continued cash infusions. Soon-Shiong plans to lead an internal and external search for Merida's successor as the LA Times, the sixth-largest newspaper by circulation in the United States and the largest in the western United States, struggles to meet digital subscriber goals.
California Sues Real Estate Developer, San Bernardino County, and Cities Over Homelessness Housing Projects
California's Attorney General filed a lawsuit on Monday against various entities, including Shangri-La Industries, San Bernardino County, and the cities of Thousand Oaks and Redlands, alleging violations of agreements with the California Department of Housing and Community Development and federal regulations in state-funded homeless housing projects. Shangri-La, having received $114 million under California's Project Homekey for converting motels into permanent supportive housing, faces accusations of defaulting on loans and neglecting to ensure the motels are utilized for homeless housing. The state seeks the return of Homekey funds, court orders to halt foreclosures, and assurances for affordable housing use in the aforementioned cities. The legal action takes place against the backdrop of ongoing challenges related to homelessness and housing in the Golden State, underscoring the complexities of officials' efforts to address these issues.
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Selina Thomas
6 Degrees HR Consulting
Employment & Human Resource Specialist
Celebrating a landmark 10th year in business, 6 Degrees HR Consulting stands as a beacon of excellence in the human resources field. At the helm is Selina Thomas, the recently appointed Chairwoman for the Valley Industry Association (VIA) for 2024, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
Selina's journey in the industry is one marked by dedication, innovation, and a deep understanding of the complexities of human resources management. Under her leadership, 6 Degrees HR Consulting has flourished, providing tailored solutions and strategic guidance to a diverse range of clients.
Her recent appointment as VIA's Chairwoman is a testament to her expertise and reputation within the industry. This role not only highlights her leadership capabilities but also her commitment to shaping the future of the human resources sector.
As 6 Degrees HR Consulting celebrates its 10th anniversary, it's clear that Selina's vision and guidance have been pivotal to its success. Her forward-thinking approach and unwavering dedication to excellence continue to drive the company forward, making it a trusted and respected name in the field.
Selina Thomas and 6 Degrees HR Consulting are more than just leaders in human resources; they are pioneers shaping the future of the industry.
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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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