Valley Industry & Commerce Association | |
|
- VICA Newsmaker Connection: Council District 6 Candidates Forum
- Join Metro's East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project Leadership Council
- VICA's ACCESS D.C Trip
- LA County Economic Opportunity Program
- Serve on a City Commission
| |
|
Quick Jump - Register to Attend!
| |
"The success of our business community is key to the success of our city. Our team will work to make sure the challenges our businesses face are prioritized as we work together to make it clear that Los Angeles is open for business." | |
|
Mayor Karen Bass
Statement on the Appointment of Rachel Freeman as Deputy Mayor
| |
VICA Newsmaker Connection: Council District 6 Candidates Forum | |
|
On Thursday, VICA hosted a Newsmaker Connection Candidates Forum with all seven candidates running in the special election for City Council District 6. The candidates include Marissa Alcaraz, Rose Grigoryan, Isaac Kim, Imelda Padilla Marco Santana, Antoinette Scully, and Douglas Sierra.
The forum, moderated by VICA Past Chair Coby King (High Point Strategies) focused on an array of questions concerning the most pressing issues facing CD6 and the San Fernando Valley.
Following their opening statements, the candidates were asked one of the most important questions on everyone's mind; how will they work to alleviate the city's ongoing homelessness crisis. Answers ranged from the need for more sanitation and social workers, to building relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness. Imelda Padilla answered by stating, “we have to build, and I am a builder.”
Candidates were also asked about tackling the city’s housing shortage, a very closely related issue to homelessness. Isaac Kim stated that “we need to focus and make sure our resources are going to the right places.” This sentiment was echoed by others, alongside streamlining the development process and incentivizing developers to build more affordable housing.
| |
|
When asked to touch upon the economic vitality of the Valley and share a proposed approach to helping the business community, Marco Santana responded with a call for decreased bureaucracy, stating that “small businesses are the backbone of our economy." Many candidates shared this belief, stating that there is a need for increased government aid for local businesses.
As the forum drew to a close, the candidates were asked to share the role diversity would play in their service as a city councilmember. This question served as a call back to the recordings released in the fall of 2022, which served as the catalyst for the current CD6 special election. Marisa Alcaraz stated that “it is a tough time in our city, and we are still healing,” a sentiment many of the candidates solemnly agreed to. The candidates also stressed the need for increased transparency at City Hall and the development of an independent redistricting commission.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors State Farm and Southland Regional Association of Realtors.
| |
Join Metro's East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project Community Leadership Council | |
|
Metro is currently taking applications for their Community Leadership Council (CLC) for the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit (ESFV LRT) project.
This project will bring light-rail to the Valley and serve some of the most equity-focused communities in all of Los Angeles County. VICA has been a supporter of this project for nearly a decade, working hard to bring more transit projects to the San Fernando Valley to support the local business community.
All CLC applicants must either live, work, attend school, own a business or commercial property, or be an active community interest stakeholder within the project area. The project area map is below, but it is also included on page 4 of the application (linked below).
The application can be filled out online, or you can pick-up/drop-off a hard copy at your local City Council office. Click the buttons below to apply online, download a hard copy of the application, or visit Metro's website for more information. Applications must be submitted not later than 5:00 PM on Friday, March 24. Feel free to contact Abby King with any questions.
| |
Join VICA for Access D.C. | |
|
ACCESS D.C. is the region's largest annual advocacy trip, connecting more than 200 business and civic leaders with federal lawmakers on issues ranging from immigration and education to transportation and health care.
ACCESS D.C. ensures the region is a leading voice in federal policy discussions. The coalition of business and civic organizations travel to D.C. to advocate with a united voice on critical national issues that impact our region.
Our 3-day trip will include a full day of VICA-only advocacy meetings and a lunch with Congressman Brad Sherman, followed by two additional days of programming and advocacy meetings with other advocacy organizations and program speakers.
If you are interested in attending and participating in our crucial advocacy work, click below for more information and to register.
| |
LA County Economic Opportunity Grant Program | |
|
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity recently launched Phase 1 of its Economic Opportunity Grant Program.
The City of Los Angeles microbusinesses are eligible to apply, if located in the County of Los Angeles, and have less than $50,000 in annual gross revenue.
Phase 1 will close on February 23, 2023, and Phase 2 will be a grant program that will be expanded to include non-profit organizations. The County is currently confirming specifics, but the City of Los Angeles microbusinesses and nonprofits will also be eligible to apply.
For more information about the program, click the button below.
| |
Apply to Serve on a City Commission! | |
|
In the City of Los Angeles, City departments and bureaus are headed by General Managers. However, some departments are also headed by an advisory or controlling board or commission appointed by the Mayor.
The San Fernando Valley makes up 40% of the City of Los Angeles, yet is vastly underrepresented on the City's boards and commissions. Help improve San Fernando Valley's representation and apply to serve on a commission by clicking the button below!
For more information on LA's boards and commissions, click here.
| |
|
VICA Thanks Our New & Renewing Members! | | |
|
|
Platinum Members:
Bronze Member:
Other Renewing Members:
New Member:
| | |
|
|
State Officeholders Dinner
Friday, February 24 | 5:30 PM
Stage 29 at Universal Studios Hollywood
VICA's State Officeholders Dinner is a unique opportunity to engage with officeholders in a casual Q&A format. Cocktails, appetizers and dinner are provided, along with great networking and conversation opportunities with our elected officials.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors Amazon, Comcast NBCUniversal, and Kaiser Permanente.
| |
|
VICA After Dark: Councilwoman Traci Park
Thursday, March 2 | 5:30 PM
Hilton Universal City
Councilwoman Park has advised businesses around California on workplace laws and best practices. She also works shoulder to shoulder with leadership in cities and counties. As outside litigation counsel, she has saved taxpayers millions of dollars in legal costs. For over 20 years, Park has proven to be a leader and problem solver. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Park was called into action, and she and her team helped cities and businesses navigate the maze of new government regulations and directives.
Thank you to URW for being our Presenting Sponsor of our VICA After Dark.
| |
| |
|
|
Extraordinary Women in Leadership Breakfast
Wednesday, March 15 | 8:00 AM
Hilton Universal City
VICA’s Women’s event brings together women from all walks of life to share their experiences, challenges in the
business world, overcoming odds and leading successes.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors Los Angeles Department of Water & Power and the University of Phoenix, in partnership with CSUN Nazarian College
| |
|
ACCESS D.C.
March 28 - March 30
Washington, D.C.
ACCESS D.C. is the region's largest annual advocacy trip, connecting more than 200 businesses and civic leaders with federal lawmakers on issues ranging from immigration and education to transportation and healthcare.
For more information on ACCESS D.C., including registration information, pricing, and a tentative schedule, click the button below:
| |
| |
|
|
Congressional Luncheon
April 13 | 11:30 AM
Sheraton Universal Hotel
VICA's Congressional Lunch is a unique and fun opportunity to directly engage elected officials from Washington D.C. who represent the San Fernando Valley in a "Fireside Chat" type format.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors Amazon and Comcast NBCUniversal.
| |
|
Sports, Entertainment, Tourism, and Hospitality Committee
Wednesday, March 1
8:30 - 10:00 AM
VICA Office
Sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal
RSVP
| |
|
Energy, Environment, Manufacturing, and Utilities Committee
Thursday, March 2
Noon - 1:30 PM
VICA Office
Sponsored by Metropolitan Water District
RSVP
| |
|
Healthcare Committee
Wednesday, March 8
Noon - 1:30 PM
VICA Office
Sponsored by Hospital Association of Southern California
RSVP
| |
|
Transportation Committee
Tuesday, March 14
8:30 - 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
| |
|
Gail Gibson
Multicultural International Motion Picture Association (MIMPA)
President/Founder
Gail Gibson is the President/Founder of The Multicultural International Motion Picture Association (MIMPA) formerly MMPA, an organization with a focus on diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry. MIMPA presents the Annual Lady in Red Diamond Rose Awards which will be celebrating its 15th year in 2023, celebrating the accomplishments of phenomenal women in their various fields of expertise.
Gibson is also the Executive Producer on the First Annual MIMPA Diversity Awards slated for winter 2023.
As the owner of Gibson Public Relations & Marketing (GPR), Gail Gibson has over the past 30 years contributed to the success of individuals and corporations looking to identify their niche with strategic marketing, creative and public relations executions that work.
Gail's philanthropy over the years includes being a former member of the board for Hands4Hope, an organization that provides after school programs for children of single parents. Gail is a current Advisory Board Member for The Shelter Partnership, an organization that provides services to the homeless of southern California. She also supports the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Revlon Run Walk, St. Jude, Red Cross and many other humanitarian efforts. She has been a member of West Angeles Church of God in Christ for over 30 years and is the mother of her only daughter, L.B. Alexander, an accomplished romance novelist.
| |
|
Feinstein Not Running for Reelection
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, announced Tuesday that she will not run for reelection after her term is up in early 2025 but will continue serving until then. Feinstein, 89, has served in the Senate since 1992, winning several senior posts along the way. However, she recently faced pushback from progressives in Washington and California over some of her more centrist leanings, and concerns over her cognitive faculties became an open secret on Capitol Hill. In a statement announcing her retirement, Feinstein insisted that she will remain focused on passing legislation important to Democrats through the end of her term, including curbing gun violence in the face of a string of mass shootings and ameliorating homelessness and wildfires.
CARE Court Implementation Begins
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to help some of California’s most vulnerable homeless residents sailed through the Legislature last year with near-unanimous support. Now comes the hard part. On Tuesday, members of the CARE Act working group met for the first time to chart a course for implementing the new mental health arm of civil courts set to launch in seven counties in October. The success of these first counties will set the tone for the other 51 California counties, where the program will launch in 2024. It will also matter to other states, cities and federal actors eager to evaluate a novel approach to homelessness.
California Population Dropped
The California exodus has shown no sign of slowing down as the state’s population dropped by more than 500,000 people between April 2020 and July 2022, with the number of residents leaving surpassing those moving in by nearly 700,000. The population decrease was second only to New York, which lost about 15,000 more people than California, census data show. California has been seeing a decline in population for years, with the COVID-19 pandemic pushing even more people to move to other parts of the country, experts say. The primary reason for the exodus is the state’s high housing costs, but other reasons include the long commutes and the crowds, crime and pollution in the larger urban centers.
| |
|
Bass Appoints Deputy Mayor
Rachel E. Freeman has been appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as Deputy Mayor for Business and Economic Development. Freeman will be responsible for citywide economic policy, business development, land use and development services, and trade and tourism. She will also oversee the non-safety operations of Los Angeles World Airports and the Port of Los Angeles. “The success of our business community is key to the success of our city,” Bass said in a statement. “Our team will work to make sure the challenges our businesses face are prioritized as we work together to make it clear that Los Angeles is open for business.” Freeman currently serves as senior vice president of real estate for Tejon Ranch Company.
Nikki Haley Announces Presidential Bid
Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador, announced her candidacy for president Tuesday, becoming the first major challenger to former President Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination.
The announcement, delivered in a video, marks an about-face for the ex-Trump Cabinet official, who said two years ago that she wouldn’t challenge her former boss for the White House. But she changed her mind in recent months, citing, among other things, the country’s economic troubles and the need for “generational change,” a nod to the 76-year-old Trump’s age.
California Housing Politics Heat Up
California housing politics have reached a crescendo recently — and Sacramento is looking to turn up the volume even higher.
Few political issues burn hotter than housing. The debate’s molten core has been the state compelling cities to build more, faster and offering tools to do so. Sacramento has passed bill after bill fortifying state-issued housing goals and expediting project approval in various circumstances. Gov. Gavin Newsom has had the state’s housing enforcers flex their muscle from Orange County to San Francisco. Attorney General Rob Bonta has cracked down. It's come to a head with a critical planning deadline.
| |
|
Member Messages
Get Your Message in VICA Weekly!
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 yoko@vica.com or call (818) 817-0545.
| |
ABOUT VICA
Presenting the business perspective on behalf of employers in the
San Fernando Valley cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas,
Hidden Hills, San Fernando and Santa Clarita.
| | | | |
