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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! County-Wide Tourism Minimum Wage Increase Proposal Withdrawn
- Oppose SB 799 to Protect California Employers
- Oppose SB 253 to Protect Small Businesses
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Quick Jump - Register to Attend!
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"This is a potentially transformative technology – comparable to the advent of the internet – and we’re only scratching the surface of understanding what GenAI is capable of. We recognize both the potential benefits and risks these tools enable...and doing what California always does – leading the world in technological progress."
Governor Gavin Newsom
Statement on Executive Order to Study the Development, Risks, and Uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology
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VICA VICTORY! Proposed County-Wide Minimum Wage Increases for Tourism Workers Withdrawn | |
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On Thursday, the proposal from the LA County Board of Supervisors to raise the County-wide minimum wage for hotel workers and theme park employees to $25 an hour was withdrawn.
Supervisor Janice Hahn requested this item be referred back to her office, noting that the motion needs some more work before it is ready for a vote.
VICA has expressed our opposition to this measure, which would have negative consequences for small and mid-size businesses and would drive both businesses and tourism away from the county.
We have continued to see in recent years local ordinances being proposed at the behest of various labor organizations to target specific industries and impose wage ordinances that far exceed what is currently provided under California law. Many of these proposals look to target industries that have been significantly impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on business operations, specifically in hospitality and healthcare.
The proposal would have had wide sweeping negative impacts on the hotel and tourism industry, as many employers in the hospitality space will reduce hours for workers, halt hiring for new positions, and will reduce services wherever possible. And this is only for businesses who may have the revenue to maintain limited operations, not including those who choose to shut their doors for good in Los Angeles County.
This past week, VICA met with the County CEO's Office of Economic Development, and urged them to include an economic analysis on the tourism industry and it’s current impacts in the county to better understand what economic impacts this motion will have on the County.
VICA will continue to monitor any future development of this proposal and continue to fight against legislation that will harm our region's business community.
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Say No to SB 799 and Tell Legislators to Oppose Irresponsible Changes to California's Unemployment System | |
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VICA is strongly opposed to Senate Bill 799 (Portantino), which threatens to fundamentally alter California's Unemployment Insurance (UI) system by allowing striking workers to claim UI benefits after just two weeks of striking, regardless of their employer's involvement.
This unjust proposal, a gut and amend proposal made in the last few weeks of this years legislative session, would force employers to subsidize striking workers, increasing the financial burden on businesses across the state.
UI benefits have been intended for employees who involuntarily leave their jobs through no fault. Federal guidelines dictate that UI payments come from employers' UI Funds, incentivizing businesses to minimize workforce turnover. SB 799 would upend this system, compelling employers to pay UI benefits to striking workers, even when the employer bears no responsibility for the strike.
Furthermore, California is grappling with a budget deficit, compounded by an $18 billion federal loan. Passing SB 799 would exacerbate this issue, causing the state's UI fund to operate at a deficit of approximately $1 billion this year. We cannot afford to increase both the state's Unemployment Insurance debt and its federal debt.
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Click on the button to tell legislators to oppose SB 799 and say no to irresponsible changes to California's unemployment system. | | |
Say No to SB 253 and Tell Legislators to Oppose Burdensome Supply Chain Regulations | |
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SB 253 (Wiener) presents a concerning threat to California's businesses and the broader state economy. This proposal mandates emissions data collection across the international supply chain and attempts to regulate emissions beyond California's borders.
SB 253 imposes a substantial financial burden on businesses, with initial estimates indicating that each company could face annual reporting costs exceeding $600,000, potentially requiring multiple reports. These expenses will inevitably be transferred to consumers, resulting in revenue loss for our state.
SB 253's implications for small and medium-sized businesses are particularly troubling as it obligates businesses to track emissions for their California operations and remote supply chain links. Many smaller enterprises already grapple with resource limitations, making accurate greenhouse gas emission measurements daunting. This could lead to the loss of essential contracts necessary for growth and job creation, ultimately contributing to inefficiencies in the supply chain and higher consumer costs.
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Click on the button to tell legislators to oppose SB 253 and say no to overbearing reporting requirements. | | |
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VICA After Dark: LA City Councilmember John Lee
September 26 | 5:30 PM
Anheuser-Busch
John Lee was first elected to the Los Angeles City Council during a special election in August 2019, and re-elected to his first full term in March 2020. John's extensive understanding of the City’s legislative and budget processes and day-to-day operations gives him tremendous insight into what works and what doesn’t at City Hall. With an agenda focused on public safety, supporting local businesses, and providing core city services, John is committed to putting the neighborhoods of the Twelfth District first.
VICA thanks our host and presenting sponsor Anheuser-Busch, presenting sponsor SoCalGas, and co-sponsors California State University, Northridge and California Strategies.
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Business Forecast Conference: Flamin' Hot Topics
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 Sponsor, SoCalGas.
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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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Transportation Committee
Tuesday, September 12
8:30 - 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
International Trade Committee
Thursday, September 14
8:30 - 10:30 AM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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Healthcare Committee
Wednesday, September 13
Noon - 1:30 PM
At the VICA Office
Sponsored by Hospital Association of Southern California and PacFed
RSVP
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Government Affairs Committee
Wednesday, September 20
Noon - 2:00 PM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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Land Use Committee
Tuesday, October 10
8:30 - 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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VICA Thanks Our Renewing Members! | | |
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Silver Member:
Renewing Members:
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Sierra Sun Times | September 6
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North Hemisphere's Hottest Summer
Earth has sweltered through its hottest Northern Hemisphere summer ever measured, with a record warm August capping a season of brutal and deadly temperatures, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Last month was not only the hottest August scientists ever recorded by far with modern equipment, it was also the second hottest month measured, behind only July 2023, WMO and the European climate service Copernicus announced Wednesday.
Aliso Canyon Expansion
It looks like Aliso Canyon can ramp up operations after all. This past week, the state’s five-member Public Utilities Commission unanimously voted to increase the capacity of the natural gas storage facility in Los Angeles County. The facility can now increase its storage to near-full capacity, from 41.2 billion cubic feet to 68.6 billion cubic feet. This move was made with hopes to expand the facility’s capacity to replenish its reserves and protect customers from price hikes this coming winter.
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Singer Jimmy Buffet Dies
The popular singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett died on Friday after living with Merkel cell skin cancer for four years, according to an announcement posted to his website on Sunday. Buffett, 76, was well-known for his beach-themed soft rock music, with hits including "Margaritaville" and "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere." He continued to perform during treatment, playing his last show, a surprise appearance in Rhode Island, in early July."
Burning Man Cleanup Begins
Burning Man attendees who abandoned tents, vehicles and waste at the site after a mass exodus from the remote Nevada desert this week began returning to the site Wednesday to begin the herculean task of cleaning up, organizers said. The annual weekslong cleanup effort that follows the festival could be more challenging this year after torrential rain covered the site and the campgrounds in ankle-deep mud and led some attendees to abandon belongings they'd brought with them to the venue known as Black Rock City.
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Join our partners at #UNITELA on Sept. 29! Don’t miss out as they bring together the most influential leaders to advance economic mobility and well-being for all Angelenos! Celebrate the next #25YearOfImpact and beyond! RSVP today 👉 unitela.com/25. Will we see you there? #UNITELA25 | |
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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