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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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- Tell Governor to Veto SB 770 to Save California's Healthcare System
- Tell Governor to Veto SB 616 to Protect California's Employers
- VICA Past Chair Kevin Tamaki Finalist for Fernando Award
- Los Angeles Receives Grants to Fight Retail Theft
- Discounted LA Rams Tickets for VICA Members
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Quick Jump - Register to Attend!
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"Our comprehensive approach is changing lives every day, and we will continue to lead with housing and services to urgently bring people inside and help them stay inside for good."
Mayor Karen Bass
Statement Made on Newest Inside Safe Operation in Reseda
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Tell Governor Newsom to Veto SB 770 and Say No to Untested Single-Payer Healthcare | |
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Senate Bill 770 (Wiener) passed the state legislature last week and is already headed to the Governor's desk where it will be signed inot law or vetoed.
This bill aims to redirect federal funds from Medicare and Medi-Cal to an untested state-run healthcare system, potentially eliminating existing programs and leaving millions without vital healthcare.
SB 770 could lead to a single-payer system with an estimated cost exceeding $500 billion annually, burdening individuals, employers, and small businesses with substantial taxes. Californians generally prefer their current healthcare options, and this bill's attempt to force them to abandon those for an unproven government system could disrupt access to care.
This bill risks limiting healthcare choices, driving professionals away, and compromising care access, making opposition crucial to preserving and enhancing affordable healthcare in California.
VICA has submitted a letter urging the Governor to veto this harmful legislation, but we need your help! Click on the button below to tell Governor Newsom to veto SB 770 and say no to a state-managed healthcare system.
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Tell Governor Newsom to Veto SB 616 and Say No to More Mandatory Sick Days | |
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Senate Bill 616 (Gonzalez) passed the state legislature last week and is already headed to the Governor's desk where it will be signed into law or vetoed.
This bill seeks to increase mandatory paid sick days from 3 to 5 for employees. While adding one more paid sick day may appear modest, it is crucial to consider the broader landscape of California's existing leave and paid benefit programs.
The growing overlap of these mandates, coupled with elevated labor costs, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing pandemic impacts, have overwhelmed small businesses operating on slim profit margins. Many such enterprises are already struggling to weather the pandemic's challenges. This move could raise prices for goods and services, cause job losses, reduce working hours, and diminish employee benefits.
SB 616 fails to address existing issues within our paid leave benefits system, compels the need for meticulous documentation when utilizing leave, and exposes businesses to the risk of litigation following a California Court of Appeals ruling that applies the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) to paid sick leave claims.
VICA has submitted a letter urging the Governor to veto this harmful legislation, but we need your help! Click on the button below to urge Governor Newsom to veto SB 616 and say no to more mandatory paid sick days.
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VICA Past Chair Kevin Tamaki - Finalist in 2023 Fernando Awards | |
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This week, the Fernando Award Foundation announced their five finalists for the 2023 Fernando Awards. VICA is proud to share that Past Chair and VICA Board Member Kevin Tamaki, Tamaki Consulting, is among the list of finalists.
Kevin has been active serving business, youth and various non-profit organizations for decades, including multiple chambers of commerce and New Directions for Youth. Kevin has taught English as a second language at Van Nuys Community Adult School and leadership and social responsibility at Woodbury University. He has served on a multitude of non-profit boards such as Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Los Angeles Chapter, the Valley Economic Alliance, Ability First, Asian Business Association, Los Angeles Chapter, Fernando Award Foundation, Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg’s San Fernando Valley Advisory Commission, Valley Leadership Institute, VICA, and many more. Kevin continues his impact as chair emeritus of i.D.R.E.A.M. for Racial Health Equity.
The full list of this year's finalists are:
- Sharon Udkoff, Sharon J. Udkoff, CPA
- Kevin Tamaki, Tamaki Consulting
- Mel Wilson, Mel Wilson & Associates
- Armida Colmenares-Stafford, Pacific Premier Bank
- Steve Fazio, Fazio Cleaners and Laundry
Congratulations to this years finalists!
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Los Angeles Receives Grants to Help Tackle Organized Retail Theft | |
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As part of Governor Newsom’s Real Public Safety Plan, this week the state awarded the largest-ever single investment to combat organized retail crime in California history, sending over $267 million to 55 cities and counties - including the City and County of Los Angeles - to increase arrests and prosecutions for organized retail crime.
Both the Los Angeles Police Department and and the LA County Sherriff's Department are slated to receive over $15M each to address this issue. In addition to these two, the Police departments of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and San Fernando will also be receiving funding.
The funding will create fully staffed retail theft investigative units, increase arrests,
crack down on vehicle and catalytic converter theft — and more. To learn more about these grants, click on the buttons below.
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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.
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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.
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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 Sponsors Amazon and SoCalGas.
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To see our current list of speakers, click the button below. | |
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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 New and Renewing Members! | | |
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Diamond Member:
Gold Member:
Bronze Member:
Renewing Members:
New Members:
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Cal Matters | September 11
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Kevin de Leon Will Run for Reelection
Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León, whose political career was upended following the leak of a recorded conversation featuring racist and derogatory remarks, said Wednesday he will seek another four-year term in the city’s March election. de León had been widely expected to launch a reelection bid, a move that will almost certainly return the leak scandal to the center of the city’s political debates.
Independent Redistricting in LA
The city of Los Angeles could be forced to establish an independent redistricting commission through two overlapping bills approved by state lawmakers this week. If signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the legislation would limit the City Council’s influence over the lines that delineate their districts. The city’s most recent redistricting efforts came under national scrutiny in the wake of the city’s audio leak scandal last year. City lawmakers also have spent months discussing redistricting reform and have pledged to put their own independent redistricting commission proposal before Los Angeles voters next fall.
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Government Shutdown Risk is High
With House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s latest funding plan in ruins and lawmakers leaving town for the weekend, there’s no endgame in sight as hard-right Republicans push dangerously closer to a disruptive federal shutdown. The White House will tell federal agencies on Friday to prepare for a shutdown, according to an official with the Office of Management and Budget who insisted on anonymity to discuss the upcoming instructions.
Senate Confirms Military Leaders
The Senate has confirmed three top military leaders, filling the posts after months long delays and as a Republican senator is still holding up hundreds of other nominations and promotions for senior officers. Thursday afternoon, Gen. Randy George was confirmed as Army Chief of Staff, and Gen. Eric Smith was confirmed as commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Gen. CQ Brown as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, putting him in place to succeed Gen. Mark Milley when he retires at the end of the month.
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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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