VICA Holds First Virtual After Dark with Assemblymember Laura Friedman

Yesterday, VICA held a special Virtual VICA After Dark with Assemblymember Laura Friedman. VICA members joined via Zoom, conversed and shared tips on maintaining wellness while staying at home.

Assemblymember Friedman spoke about her work and the work of other California elected officials to aid those affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The Assemblymember said, "w e continue to look for gaps to ensure we can provide the support needed and notify the G overnor's  office." Assemblymember Friedman also spoke about efforts to help individuals experiencing homelessness, providing them safe shelters, and to further minimize the spread of the disease. 

When asked about the consequences of AB 5 amidst this crisis, the Assemblymember said that the Legislature had been working on adjustments and amendments to the independent contractors law, but also noted that tackling COVID-19 will take precedent. "It seems most of" the bills addressing AB 5 "have been pushed to next year," the Assemblymember said, noting changes would have to come from the Governor via executive action. Friedman wrapped up her remarks by saying, "we should engage in discussion to be more resilient for these times of shutdowns and planning for the future." 

Thank you to all who participated in our first ever Virtual VICA After Dark.

Mayor Garcetti Issues Emergency Order on Paid Sick Leave

Thanks to VICA's efforts and the efforts of the Los Angeles business coalition group, Mayor Garcetti decided to return the Supplemental Sick Paid Leave Ordinance approved by the City Council on March 27. In place of the Ordinance, Mayor Garcetti issued an Emergency Order on Paid Sick Leave, which requires an Employer to provide Employees classified as full-time Employees or who work at least 40 hours per week 80 hours of supplemental paid sick leave. The Emergency Order also addresses many of VICA's concerns. The Order included the following changes suggested by VICA:

• Exemptions for collective bargain agreements which include COVID-19 related sick leave provisions;
• Exemptions for emergency and health services personnel, and critical parcel delivery employees, making the Order consistent with other state and local orders which provide exemptions for essential workers; and
• Offsetting the requirement to provide supplemental paid sick leave with every hour an Employer allowed an Employee to take paid leave in an amount equal to or greater than the requirements in the Order.

Board of Supervisors Will Hear Report Back on Countywide Worker Retention and Sick Leave Policies

VICA Labor & Employment Co-Chair Sue Bendavid Covers Employer Concerns During Crisis

State Bill Would Reduce Tax Deductions for Homeowners

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

10 to 11:30 a.m.

Via Online Video Conference

Councilmember David Ryu

Join VICA for a special Newsmaker Connection with City of Los Angeles Councilmember David Ryu.

Event information will be e-mailed to all those that are registered.

VICA's 2019 Annual Report is now available!

Click here to read the 2019 Annual Report.

VICA Member Spotlight: Alex Kasendorf

Alexander Kasendorf serves as VICA Vice Chair and is a member of the Board of Directors.

Alexander Kasendorf, Esq., is a Partner at

Alpert, Barr & Grant, APLC. The firm assists their clients in all facets of real property, business and lobbying matters and have been members with VICA for 28 years. Alex and his firm have a broad involvement with the San Fernando Valley and find it incredibly valuable to connect clients and organizations to assist in effectively accomplishing goals. Alex is also a dedicated family man, married with three children and loves sports, including playing, watching and coaching his kids. As one of VICA's Executive Board members, Alex plays a key leadership role with the organization.

Tell us about your experience with VICA, how has VICA been valuable for you?

VICA has connected me to our region's leaders helping me provide a pipeline to our clients and assist them with achieving their goals.

If you were to tell a peer or friend about VICA, what would be your sales pitch?

There is no better place for you to invest your time and resources if you want to make a difference for you, your business and your community in Los Angeles.

What is your favorite experience or memory with VICA?

Being honored with the rest of my firm when we were inducted into the Hall of Fame. 

Has your company made commitments or taken action to support employees and/or the community during the COVID-19 pandemic? 

Our firm remains intact and have converted to a virtual/remote law practice in a matter of days. We participate in daily Zoom calls to check in on each other and offer support.

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 [email protected]  or 

call (818) 817-0545.