The maps proposed by VICA were unfortunately not chosen by the Los Angeles County Citizens Redistricting Committee as a finalist. There are four maps under consideration and VICA continues to monitor the situation. Here is a breakdown of the four maps being considered and links to view them:

With only these four maps left as finalists, one of these maps will ultimately be adopted. VICA needs you to make the Valley's voice heard! We urge you to voice your concerns and oppose Option C. We also urge you to support Option B and let the Redistricting Committee know that while you prefer to keep the San Fernando Valley wholly in 1 district, you support Option B with some adjustments.

To Attend or Participate Virtually, Click Here

To Submit Written Comments Prior to the Meeting, Click here

This week, VICA sent a letter to the Los Angeles City Council urging them yet again to lift the temporary local eviction moratorium and residential rent freeze. For 20 months, the City has maintained these moratoria, lacking clear timelines and criteria for the phasing out of these temporary measures. Los Angeles is one of the last jurisdictions in the country to leave its housing measures unchanged.

With operational expenses skyrocketing and blanket rent freezes persisting regardless of COVID-19 impact, as well as rent deferrals allowed without proof of economic hardship, housing providers have been unable to address major issues. This includes the inability to evict tenants who cause damage or nuisance to their communities. The City must begin the process of tailoring these ordinances to today's unique circumstances. Unemployment rates are down, vaccination rates are up, people have returned to work, and both the state and federal government have provided massive direct monetary assistance to tenants most in need. This includes the state's "Housing is Key" initiative to alleviate residential debt concerns.

VICA believes that it is time to lift emergency eviction moratoria and rent freezes, and we will continue to urge the City to alter regulations to help our struggling communities.

VICA wants to know which of our members have served in the Armed Forces!

Please send information about your branch and year(s) served to Cathy@vica.com!

LIVE EVENT: FIVE on the Hill at Hilton Universal City

Join VICA for the opportunity to hear updates that impact the business community from the Metropolitan Water District CEO and General Manager.

Thursday, November 18

LIVE EVENT: Sheraton Universal

Tuesday, November 9

9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Virtual Meeting

Wednesday, November 10

9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Virtual Meeting

Friday, November 12

9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Virtual Meeting via Remo

IN PERSON: FIVE on the Hill at Hilton

Tuesday, November 16

1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Virtual Training

Thursday, November 18

5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

IN PERSON: Sheraton Universal

Fully vaccinated Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has tested positive for COVID-19 while attending the United Nations climate conference, and will quarantine in Glasgow until November 13th.

The West Hollywood City Council unanimously approved a minimum wage hike for hourly employees, bringing it to $17.64 an hour by January, the highest minimum wage in the nation.

Los Angeles County's median home price soared to an all-time high of $795,000 in September, with sales climbing 6.2%, surpassing Southern California's regional six-county median sale price of $688,500.

Los Angeles City are set to implement some of the nation's strictest COVID-19 vaccine verification rules next week, but the City doesn't plan on citing or fining those who do not comply until Nov. 29th.

Officially, California has a 7.5% unemployment rate, new studies find that 25.7% are "functionally unemployed", or seeking, but unable to find, employment paying above the poverty level.

America's employers added a solid 531,000 jobs in October, the most since July and a sign that recovery from the pandemic recession may be overcoming a virus-induced slowdown.

Sponsored by Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City

Alexander Russell is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Many Mansions. He is one of the leading advocates and experts in affordable housing in the southern California region and is currently the chair or past chair of the board of directors of three other local affordable housing nonprofits: the Housing Trust Fund of Ventura County, the Housing Land Trust of Ventura County, and the Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing. He has an M.B.A. from California Lutheran University, a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine, completed the Ross Minority Program in Real Estate at USC, and has his California real estate broker license. Fun fact: He loves adventure sports such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and he recently rappelled waterfalls in Maui.

Many Mansions is an award winning local non-profit affordable housing builder, property manager, and services provider whose mission is to provide quality affordable rental housing in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, and services (including free after school tutoring programs, summer camp, college scholarships, food assistance, and much more) that encourage our residents to thrive. Operating since 1979, Many Mansions was recognized as the 2020 Developer of the Year by the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing and is one of the leading local providers of affordable housing for lower-income people that are homeless, disabled, veterans, transitional age youth (TAY), seniors, and other vulnerable populations. While challenging, that past 18 months have been exciting as Many Mansions is currently experiencing unprecedented growth and our housing portfolio is expected to double in size in the next five years. We are continually seeking new volunteers, supporters, and partnerships with other community groups, builders, etc. so if you are looking to get involved with a mission-driven and innovative organization and to help make a positive impact in the community, please visit our website at www.manymansions.org.

Many Mansions is proud of our continued growth in the San Fernando Valley. In partnership with LA Family Housing, we are nearly complete with construction on the Summit View Apartments, located across the street from and with beautiful views of the Hansen dam. This gorgeous apartment complex will have 49 apartments and substantial community space and amenities to serve the homeless and disabled veterans that will move into their homes early next year. Additionally, Many Mansions recently broke ground on the Sun King Apartments, located across the street from Sun Valley high school. Given the proximity to several schools and the rise in homelessness among school-aged children in our community, this development, unlike most housing for the homeless, will focus on homeless families. In partnership with the LA Unified School District (LAUSD), this development will give a preference for households that are homeless and have a child attending an LAUSD school.

While Many Mansions is a nonprofit, we are a business too, and have over 75 employees and many of the same issues, concerns, and needs as all VICA members. Therefore, we appreciate the networking events, the opportunity to participate on local advocacy via the land use and not-for-profit committees, and the larger advocacy work and resources (e.g., action alerts, newsletters, etc.) that help keep us current on important events affecting our community.

As a local nonprofit, we are reliant on community outreach and support. Thus, despite the challenges of COVID, VICA has really helped Many Mansions grow its presence in the San Fernando Valley through innovative events, networking, and public relations opportunities.

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 cathy@vica.com or call (818) 817-0545.