Pedro Noguera, Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education

VICA opposes Assembly Bill 1074 (Gonzalez), which contradicts business relief efforts and places a burden on struggling businesses by imposing a rehiring mandate for janitorial and service workers.

Requiring businesses to recall employees would make operating businesses impossible during this ongoing economic crisis and would undoubtedly worsen staffing needs. Those who are just starting their careers will be unable to compete with the rehire requirements and would continue to find themselves in a situation where they are unable to pay for food, rent, or other essential needs. Further, AB 1074 specifically targets businesses that have already faced the brunt of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic due to business closures and reduced travel. This would further push employers in the hospitality industry, event centers, and building services out of business, making survival and recovery for these industries unfeasible.

As businesses are suffering and many are shuttering permanently, the legislature must act to ensure their survival. AB 1074 will open the door to frivolous lawsuits and contradict efforts to provide business relief.

Monday, April 5

10 to 11:15 a.m.

Online Video Conference

Thursday, April 8

9 to 10:30 a.m.

Online Video Conference

Tuesday, April 13

8 to 11 a.m.

Online Video Conference

Wednesday, April 14

Online Video Conference

Friday, April 16

9 to 10 a.m.

Online Video Conference

Wednesday, April 21

9 to 11 a.m.

Online Video Conference

California lifted the 120 mile leisure travel restriction this week, but still discourages travelers from leaving the state until higher vaccination levels can be achieved.

Drought is returning to California, but Southern California will face less of a shortage due to record reserves - enough to carry the region through this year.

After a year and $1 trillion, taxpayers don't know how many jobs were saved through federal PPP loans, as the Small Business Administration didn't track figures.

A new report estimates that the CA homeless population was 161,000 in 2020, and experts say the numbers are up by 20,000 and deaths are up by 32%.

This week, Los Angeles announced that $1.1 million would be set aside from the Mayor's budget for a centralized Youth Development Department.

For the first time ever, every school in the Final Four is located west of the Mississippi River, including our very own UCLA basketball team. Go Bruins!

U.S. employers added 916,000 jobs in March, a sign that a sustained recovery from the recession is starting as vaccines accelerate and businesses reopen.

The CDC has announced that fully vaccinated Americans traveling domestically do not have to get tested for COVID-19 or quarantine to travel.

Kristen Wesley - Anthem

Kristen Wesley is currently the Regional Vice President of Sales & Account Management and Strategic Accounts for Anthem Large Group Southern California. She has been with Anthem for 26 years in various roles selling, managing and leading the large group commercial and public sector business. Outside of Anthem, Kristen is a mom and a wife who loves the outdoors, spends countless hours on the soccer and football fields, and LOVES every minute of it!

Though I am relatively new to VICA, their advocacy on critical local and state issues has always been impressive to me. Anthem Blue Cross provides health care benefits to about 8.8 million Californians - and just as those members represent businesses large and small, so does VICA. The opportunity to work with staff and other business leaders to shape public policy that impacts all of our businesses is most gratifying.

I'm not sure that it would be as simple as just one experience. If I were to share, I would have to mention all the ways VICA makes it possible to connect with not only state and local leadership, but also with peers across a variety of industries. From First Sips in the morning to the State Officeholders events, there really is something for everyone.

Surviving and thriving through 2020! Just as so many businesses had to pivot to find new ways to reach and support customers, VICA had to quickly move advocacy, networking, and collaboration amongst stakeholders in a new direction. I know what it takes behind the scenes to make that kind of transition work. Kudos to the staff for doing that in such a seamless way for their members.

Whether or not it is our "greatest" accomplishment, I am so proud to have been part of our California team's larger effort to support our members and communities. Anthem Blue Cross California health plans and their Foundation provided more than $9.1 million in grants, sponsorships, and contributions from associates over the course of the year to help 587 nonprofit organizations statewide keep up their work to improve the health of communities. Additionally, despite COVID-19 restrictions, lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, Anthem associates found new and innovative ways to contribute nearly 12,000 volunteer hours to support Californians.

During a time when so much changed, VICA's support for its members never wavered. Strong participation in the many virtual events is a testament to the value elected officials and their membership see in VICA. The virtual platform has been a great bridge to keep us in touch - but let's get out there and get vaccinated so we can return to in-person work supporting Valley businesses!

> Please share a brief biography and a fun fact about yourself that people would love to learn, ie: you love skydiving, you have run a marathon, you started your own business at a young age, etc. (2-3 sentences) 

> Tell us about your belief in VICA, how has VICA been most valuable for you? 

> If you were to share an experience with someone about VICA, what would that be? 

> Share with us what you believe to be the greatest accomplishment VICA has achieved?

> What was your organizations and/or your greatest accomplishment in 2020?

> Can you share what VICA has meant for you and your business during COVID?

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.