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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's Hosts VICA University: 2024 California Labor Laws
- VICA's April Sacramento Advocacy
- VICA's Week of Advocacy
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"AB 2943, the bill in which I am proud to serve as a principal co-author, will play a crucial role in our broader strategy to combat retail theft, providing law enforcement and businesses with the tools they need to protect Californians. This legislation not only aims to disrupt the operations of crime rings but also ensures that our justice system is equipped to deal with modern challenges in retail theft ."
Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo
Statement on Championing Legislation to Combat Retail Theft with Speaker Rivas
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VICA Hosts VICA University with Sue Bendavid, 2024 Labor Laws | |
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Sue Bendavid, Chair of the Employment Practice Group for Lewitt Hackman, led an engaging VICA University workshop Thursday morning, shedding light on the latest developments in 2024 labor laws crucial for businesses operating in California.
The workshop gave attendees valuable insights into the intricate regulatory updates and legal nuances shaping the state's employment landscape.
Bendavid meticulously dissected the recent updates to California's minimum wage laws and local wage requirements, ensuring that attendees were left with a thorough grasp of their compliance obligations under the latest standards.
The workshop also delved into pertinent legal precedents, such as the implications of the Thai v. International Business Machines Corp. case on reimbursing business expenses, clarifying attendees' responsibilities in this domain.
Furthermore, Bendavid navigated changes in California's Paid Sick Leave Entitlements, offering a comparative analysis of front-loading and hourly accrual methods. This equipped participants with the knowledge to make well-informed decisions regarding sick leave policies within their businesses and organizations.
An equally significant focus was on California's new Workplace Violence Prevention Plan and its ramifications for Workplace Restraining Orders, which provided attendees with the legal requirements and best practices for ensuring workplace safety and compliance with regulatory mandates.
In addition, Bendavid offered updates on key legislative initiatives, including the Fair Chance Act, LA County's Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Attendees were provided with a comprehensive understanding of these emerging legal trends and their potential implications for business operations.
We thank Sue Bendavid for leading an insightful workshop, and we thank all participating members for their active engagement during this informative session.
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VICA Returns to Sacramento | |
From Left to Right: Neal Dudovitz, (Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County), VICA President Stuart Waldman, Francisco Uribe (The Home Depot), Senator Maria Elena Durazo, Jim Theiring (Mission Community Hospital), Ross Pendergraft (Gallagher), and Jim Garrison (Mesa Pacific) | |
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On Wednesday, VICA's delegation visited Sacramento to meet with key state legislators, including Senators Ben Allen, Maria Elena Durazo, and Assemblymembers Liz Ortega and Mike Fong. The delegation also engaged with staff from the offices of Assemblymembers Lori Wilson and Blanca Rubio and offices of Senators Henry Stern and Melissa Hurtado.
This month, VICA advocated for various legislative priorities, including measures to increase penalties for encampments in sensitive areas, enhance regulation of online marketplaces to prevent the sale of stolen goods, and establish a commission to reduce bureaucratic red tape. VICA also endorsed a small employer family leave mediation program, tougher penalties for theft and possession, and an expansion of the New Employment Credit.
Conversely, VICA opposed proposals that could negatively impact businesses. These included expansions of unemployment insurance and related taxes, the imposition of contract and prevailing wage requirements on the UC system, increased private civil actions through court injunctions, and limits on employers’ discretion regarding the conviction history of potential hires.
VICA's advocacy efforts are focused on protecting and promoting the business community's interests across the San Fernando Valley. We monitor these issues closely and engage with policymakers to support a favorable economic environment.
To attend VICA's upcoming Two-Day Sacramento Advocacy trip in May, please click the link below.
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VICA President Stuart Waldman with Assemblymember Mike Fong | |
VICA Delegation with Senator Ben Allen | |
VICA Delegation with Assemblymember Liz Ortega | |
This week, VICA advocated on various county and state initiatives, continuing our efforts to promote and protect economic development in LA County | |
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Protecting Whiteman Airport
VICA stood firm against the proposed closure of Whiteman Airport in LA County while also addressing the implications of the proposed ordinance, emphasizing the airport's crucial role in enhancing connectivity options and supporting the local economy.
The proposed ordinance seeks to repurpose the airport property. While acknowledging the need for comprehensive planning, VICA advocates for a balanced approach that preserves the airport's role as a vital community asset.
Whiteman Airport, sustaining 412 jobs with a labor income of $19 million and contributing $54.5 million in airport-related spending, is an indispensable asset to the Valley. Its closure would jeopardize vital economic benefits and deprive the community of essential services.
VICA also stresses the importance of a thorough investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board before making any decisions, as premature closure would overlook the opportunity to address any existing environmental or safety concerns.
In light of the recent motion by the County Board of Supervisors to consider repurposing the airport property, which passed with a 5-0 vote, VICA will continue our advocacy efforts and urge stakeholders to oppose closure, recognizing Whiteman Airport's enduring value to the Valley's prosperity and connectivity.
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Opposing LA County's "Fair" Workweek Ordinance
At the same county meeting, VICA opposed the county's Fair Work Week Ordinance, which would impose excessive constraints on businesses and provide predictable working hours for employees of large retail establishments in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
Set to amend the County Code by adding new regulations for structured scheduling, the ordinance could strip businesses, particularly smaller ones, of the flexibility that they need to navigate unpredictable circumstances. Businesses often need to adjust quickly to situations like sudden staff shortages or shifts in customer demands. However, the ordinance imposes strict penalties for changes to work schedules, potentially driving up operational costs and stifling responsiveness to market conditions.
Moreover, many businesses make efforts to accommodate their employees' personal needs, such as adjusting schedules for family emergencies or educational commitments. The rigid scheduling requirements mandated by the ordinance could jeopardize these practices, negatively affecting employee satisfaction and overall business operations.
Despite VICA's vocal opposition and advocacy efforts, the Board of Supervisors voted to support the ordinance 4-0, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger abstaining. VICA will continue advocating for more balanced regulations that preserve the flexibility essential for employers and employees, ensuring that the San Fernando Valley remains a competitive and vibrant business environment.
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VICA Thanks Our Renewing & New Members! | | |
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Renewing Members
Premier Partners
Silver Members
Bronze Members
Members
New Member
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Extraordinary Women in Leadership Breakfast
Friday, April 26
8:00 - 11:00 AM
Sheraton Universal Hotel
VICA's Extraordinary Women in Leadership Breakfast brings together women from all walks of life to share their experiences and challenges in the businesses world, and their stories of overcoming the odds and leading successes.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors California State University, Northridge and the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, and Co-Sponsors Amazon, Cowe Communications, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Kaiser Permanente, SoCalGas, US Bank, and Wells Fargo!
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Sacramento Advocacy Days
Wednesday, May 8 and 9 | Two-Day Trip
VICA's regular advocacy trips to the State Capitol are crucial for ensuring that legislators hear the business community's voice.
These members-only trips allow attendees to interact directly with statewide elected officials and discuss 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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VICA University: Employers Required to Conduct Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Tuesday, May 14
1 - 2:00 PM (Non-supervisors)
1 - 3:00 PM (Supervisors)
Via Zoom
VICA invites you to join us for this informative, 2-hour program that will cover California law required sexual harassment prevention training which applies to all employers with five or more employees. Mandatory training must take place within six months of hire or promotion, and again every two years.
Thank you to JorgensenHR for agreeing to conduct this workshop.
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VICA After Dark with LAPD Deputy Chief Ruby Flores
Tuesday, May 14
5:30 - 7:30 PM
LAPD Devonshire Youth Center
(8721 Wilbur Ave, Northridge)
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In January 2024, Deputy Chief Flores received a historic promotion to lead Operations-Valley Bureau, the first woman to receive this command and the first Latina promoted to Deputy Chief within the LAPD. Valley Bureau is the largest command within the Department and includes seven areas within the city - Devonshire, Foothill, Mission, North Hollywood, Topanga, Van Nuys, and West Valley.
Deputy Chief Flores not only holds the distinguished position of President within the Los Angeles Women Police Officers and Associates, but has also been honored with the prestigious "Champion of Women Award" by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2022. She is also a member of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, the Police Executive Research Forum, the Latin American Law Enforcement Association, the California Peace Officers' Association, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be provided by Presenting Sponsor & Host
LAPD Devonshire PALS.
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Aviation Committee
Tuesday, April 16
Noon to 2:00 PM
Hosted by Aeroplex-Aerolease
RSVP
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Government Affairs Committee
Wednesday, April 17
Noon to 2:00 PM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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CA Legislature Seeks to Curb Retail Theft without Addressing Prop 47
A handful of proposals to reduce retail theft in California cleared an initial hurdle at the state capitol on Tuesday, hours after Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and a bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled the legislation they touted as a sensible approach to curb shoplifting and commercial robberies in the state. The bills, passed by the Assembly Public Safety Committee, include provisions to toughen penalties and make it easier for law enforcement to arrest and charge theft suspects. They represent a bold and controversial legislative vision: that retail theft can be reduced without changing Proposition 47.
Speaker Johnson Warns of Chaos Should He Be Ousted
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson warned on Wednesday that an effort to oust him from his leadership post would not be helpful for the Republican majority. Johnson, who has faced pushback from conservatives over his handling of government funding, argued that it was important to keep the government open and cautioned against any push to strip him of the gavel. GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has filed a motion to remove Johnson from his speakership but has not moved to force a vote yet, and she has declined to say when she would move forward with such a vote.
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CA Fails to Track Homelessness Spending
The state doesn't have current information on the ongoing costs and results of its homelessness programs because the agency tasked with gathering that data - the California Interagency Council on Homelessness - has analyzed no spending past 2021, according to the State Auditor Grant Parks' report. Three of the five programs audited - including the state's main homelessness funding source - didn't even produce enough data for Parks to determine whether they were effective. As the homelessness crisis has intensified, California, under Governor Newsom's leadership, has allocated $24 billion to address the crisis in the last five years.
Health Secretary Becerra May Exit Cabinet to Run for California Governor
Xavier Becerra, the health and human services secretary, is reportedly considering leaving his post to run for California Governor. Becerra has discussed in private conservation his desire to leave Washington in November and join an already crowded field of candidates to succeed Gavin Newsom. Should he enter the governor's race, he will be facing off against several fellow Democrats including the Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis, former California Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and former Controller Betty Yee.
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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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