This week, VICA provided comments to the California Citizens Redistricting Commission to ensure a fair and balanced redistricting process. Specifically, we provided our support for the later January deadline in order to allow for maximum time to complete a thorough process with the delayed census information.

VICA believes that the later deadline would be more fair to Californians, and will protect the San Fernando Valley as a community of interest. If the process is rushed, it will hamper the Commission's ability to develop maps with sufficient public input and confidence. Additionally, the December deadline overlaps with the holidays. The Commission's decision to extend its own deadline could also have a beneficial ripple effect, paving the way for cities and counties to have more time to redistrict as well.

The success of the redistricting process will determine public faith in state and local government for the next decade, and allowing extra time for redistricting will ensure prioritization of community input.

VICA opposes Assembly Bill 650 (Muratsuchi), which would impose an estimated $6 million in hazard pay retention bonus costs on health care providers and jeopardize access to affordable healthcare for all Californians.

VICA acknowledges healthcare workers' selfless contributions that have been essential to our recovery. However, with the COVID-19 crisis, the healthcare industry, like many other industries, has faced significant losses in revenue. Adding onto these losses through the provisions in AB 650 would have a detrimental impact on providers and services, financially devastating the healthcare industry and thus affecting those most in need of services, as costs will inevitably have to be passed to patients.

AB 650 would put accessible and affordable healthcare at risk at the worst possible time. VICA urges you to put a stop to this damaging bill by sending a letter to your legislators today!

Thursday, May 6

9 to 10:30 a.m.

Online Video Conference

Wednesday and Thursday, May 12-13

Online Video Conference

Noon to 1:30 p.m.

For Sponsorships, contact Shauna@vica.com

LA County remains in the orange tier, but it may meet the threshold to move into the yellow tier, the least restrictive of the color-coded reopening plan, as early as May 5.

California will lose one seat in Congress for the first time in history, according to population data released by the US Census Bureau.

People fully vaccinated for COVID-19 can safely stop wearing masks in outdoor settings, but masks are still recommended in crowded outdoor settings.

The LA Board of Education has appointed Megan Reilly as interim superintendent after Austin Beutner's contract expires on June 30th.

LA City officials announced that the Dodger Stadium mass vaccination site will cease operations by the end of May, a sign of slowing demand for the vaccine.

Microsoft is retiring Calibri as its default font, and is asking the public to vote through social media on one of five new fonts to be Calibri's successor.

The UC and CSU systems announced that they will require COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone on campus in the fall, once the FDA approves vaccines.

Governor Newsom Recall supporters submitted more than 1.6 million voter signatures, meeting the threshold to force a special recall election.

Darnell Tyler - NBCUniversal

Darnell Tyler is the Director of Real Estate Planning & Community Relations for NBCUniversal’s Global Real Estate department. Darnell’s responsibilities include managing and overseeing internal and external communications for the Universal City Evolution Plan. The plan is a comprehensive 25-year blueprint for future development of the 391-acre Universal City property which is home to Universal Studios – the world’s largest working studio – as well as CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park, Los Angeles’ leading tourism destination. He’s also responsible for working with the local community groups and business organizations around Universal City and works closely with Councilman Ryu and Councilman Krekorian's offices on various community projects. He managed the restack of the 10 UCP office building after NBCUniversal purchased the building which allowed NBCUniversal to bring employees and production from a Comcast facility in West LA. He has worked for NBCUniversal for over 20 years and several changes in ownership. Prior to Universal, Darnell worked for the National Weather Service at Los Angeles International Airport briefing international pilots. Darnell served seven years with the United States Air Force with 4 years supporting President George W. Bush. In addition to Supporting Air Force 1 and President George W. Bush, he was a member of the USAF Drill Team and has performed in many parades. Darnell attended Memphis State University. Darnell grew up in Memphis, TN and Chicago, IL and he enjoys traveling, golf and attending live entertainment and sporting events. He currently resides in Simi Valley with his wife, Debbie. Darnell serves as a Board Member for the following organizations: Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association, Central City Association, East Valley YMCA, Ford Amphitheatre, Hollywood Heritage Museum, LAEDC, Los Angeles Headquarters Association, and as a Vice Chair for VICA.

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

VICA has been the voice of business and an advocate protecting business interest in the San Fernando Valley, at City Hall, Sacramento as well as Washington DC. The various events like the State Officeholders Dinner, Local Officeholders Luncheon and VICA After Dark's have been opportunities for many to hear from political and business leaders and engage with them one on one.

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

In the early days of the pandemic, VICA staff started the research on new ways to keep their members informed and engaged. They were able to quickly transition from in-person to virtual meetings and events. VICA created an experience that was second to none in a virtual world that included dinner and framed photos of Stuart, just like an in-person event.

What do you believe to be the greatest accomplishment VICA has achieved? 

VICA's greatest accomplishment is to have had consistent leadership and staff, engaged membership and continued growth through market turmoil, housing boom and bust, and now a pandemic. Only strong organizations can withstand these changes!

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

NBCUniversal worked with other Governors Office, County Health and other studios and production companies to create a return to Production Playbook of safety protocols and guidelines. Protocols include frequent testing of cast and crew, temperature checks, social distancing, face coverings, and regular deep cleanings of offices, workspaces, and filming locations. At the start of the pandemic, the Studio Operations team along with the Environmental Health and Safety group began making hand sanitizer that was shipped across businesses. Employees in the drapery department also pivoted from sewing for shows to sewing masks for the essential workers on the lot. A news clip was shown of the masks being made.

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

VICA has continually tracked legislation that would negatively impact our business and was quick to galvanize membership and advocate for the reopening of our theme park.

> 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.