This week, VICA advocated against AB 1074, which would place a burden on struggling businesses by imposing a rehiring mandate for janitorial or hotel service workers who were laid off as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Requiring businesses to recall employees based on seniority would make operating a business impossible during this public health and economic crisis. AB 1074 would undoubtedly worsen staffing needs, as businesses would be required to wait after a recall offer has been made to an employee before offering the position to another available worker.

This bill would put companies governed by collective agreements in direct conflict with those agreements, which have been negotiated and agreed upon prior. Employers would need to choose whether to follow these collective agreements and risk violating the law or violate the provisions of their collective bargaining agreements and risk the filing of grievances and arbitration.

As businesses are suffering during this crisis, some of which have already shuttered permanently, the legislature must act to ensure their survival. It makes no sense for California to impose strict mandates on small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, let alone those working to rebuild a devastated industry. It is important to note that this bill does not have a sunset date.

This week, VICA's legislative team made the business community's voice heard as bills passed through the suspense process. There were a number of bills that we were monitoring and are currently being heard. VICA would like to give our members a status update on the pieces of legislation that could have significant affect on our communities and businesses in the San Fernando Valley. For the bills that have made it out of suspense, click the links below to send letters to your legislators and make the Valley voice heard!

Allows for streamlined CEQA judicial review for Environmental Leadership Transit Projects that meet transportation needs and emissions goals.

SB 4 (Gonzalez): California Advanced Services Fund - SUPPORT IF AMENDED: 

Helps deploy broadband infrastructure to households that do not have reliable access to internet, but lacks critical transparency and accountability.

Sets a dangerous precedent of joint liability by imposing a presumption for wage claims for the garment supply chain. VICA is disappointed with the Assembly Appropriations Committee's decision, and we will continue to advocate against this dangerous bill.

AB 14 (Aguiar-Curry): California Advanced Services Fund - SUPPORT IF AMENDED: 

Deploys broadband infrastructure to unserved households, but includes inconsistent and ambiguous provisions.

AB 61 (Gabriel): Business Pandemic Relief - SUPPORT: 

Enhances public oversight by requiring recipients of state homelessness funding to report data through a state information system.

AB 989 (Gabriel): Office of Housing Appeals - SUPPORT: 

Makes housing a priority in California by creating a dedicated committee to streamline appeals for affordable housing development.

AB 701 (Gonzalez): Warehouse Distribution Centers - OPPOSE: 

Increases cost of living and hurts small businesses by imposing costly regulations on warehouse distribution centers. VICA is disappointed with the Senate Appropriations Committee's decision, and we will continue to advocate against this harmful bill.

VICA is supporting the CEO of the Tierra Del Sol Foundation, Rebecca Lienhard, to complete her doctoral research at USC! She needs VICA's members to fill out a 10 minute survey on employment of people with disabilities.

Employment is an essential element for individuals with intellectual disabilities to feel valued, create work relationships, and ultimately find identity and self-sufficiency (Hall, 2009). Yet, unemployment rates are still high among individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Rebecca's study intends to identify positive experiences of people with developmental or intellectual disabilities employed within various corporate cultures. To create the greatest impact on employment rates for people with disabilities, the study's findings will be presented at local chambers, commerce associations, and businesses.

LIVE EVENT: Burbank Marriott

Tuesday, September 14

9 to 11 a.m.

Virtual Meeting

Wednesday, September 15th

9 to 11 a.m.

Virtual Meeting

LIVE EVENT: Hilton Universal

Outbreaks at school campuses are on the rise since Los Angeles County students returned for in-person learning this month, with unvaccinated students and those involved in school sports at higher risk, public health officials said Wednesday.

For a year and a half, protesters on both the left and the right have targeted public officials at their homes in Los Angeles, demonstrating at all hours to express their grievances over mask mandates, rent forgiveness and other issues.

According to the Los Angeles County Assessor, the annual property tax Assessment Roll has been completed leading to 3.7% growth during an unprecedented year in the Los Angeles real estate market.

Several wildfires are burning in Northern California, including the Caldor fire that prompted a mandatory evacuation of South Lake Tahoe and nearby communities this week. National forests are closed throughout the state, including Southern California’s popular Angeles National Forest.

After weeks of increases, the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in L.A. County appear to be leveling off, with only a small increase following 4 days of declines.

The deadline is fast approaching for millions of Californians who are about to lose their unemployment benefits. Federal money for pandemic relief officially expires on Saturday and yet there are still thousands of Californians waiting for benefits they never received.

> 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.