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Serving the San Fernando Valley cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, San Fernando, and Santa Clarita
Valley Industry & Commerce Association || vica.com
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- VICA Host After Dark with Councilmember Imelda Padilla
- VICA Advocates in Sacramento!
- LA County Passes Eviction Moratorium
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VICA Board Takes Position on New State Legislation
- Internship Opportunities at VICA
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"California's economic dominance and success are grown locally, with the contributions of each diverse region of our state. From agriculture to clean energy to film to every industry in between, our Golden State owes its success to the people, communities, and industries that make it work. I am proud of the collaborative work of Californians from every region who developed this statewide Economic Blueprint."
Governor Gavin Newsom
Statement on California Jobs First Economic Blueprint
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VICA Hosts After Dark with Councilwoman Imelda Padilla | |
LA City Councilwoman, Imelda Padilla (CD 6) | |
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On Thursday evening, VICA hosted an engaging After Dark event featuring Los Angeles District 6 Councilwoman Imelda Padilla at Clay Lacy Aviation in Van Nuys. Councilwoman Padilla, whom LA City Mayor Karen Bass has just appointed to the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) Board, discussed her team's proactive efforts to revitalize local businesses, emphasizing the importance of supporting longstanding mom-and-pop establishments, especially with the introduction of new rail systems bringing increased traffic to the region
She highlighted collaborations with nonprofits like ICON-CDC, mentioning a matched $25,000 fund to assist constituents affected by recent fires. Additionally, Padilla addressed the need for accountability among service providers, noting that smaller nonprofits often outperform larger ones in delivering services. The event was made possible by our Presenting Sponsor and Host, Clay Lacy Aviation, and co-sponsors California Apartment Association and Southland Regional Association of REALTORS, and our leadership sponsors including Helinet Aviation, Starbucks, and Bechtel.
| From Left to Right: Sandy Sanchez (FivePoint), Wendy Furth (Southland Regional Association of REALTORS) Fred Sutton (California Apartment Association), LA City Councilwoman Imelda Padilla, Jim Theiring (Mission Community Hospital), Mary Rosas (Starbucks), Dondi Pangalangan (Clay Lacy Aviation) | |
Clay Lacy Aviation team with Councilmember Padilla | |
VICA Heads to Sacramento for Advocacy Day | |
From Left to Right: Ross Pendergraft (Gallagher), Neal Dudovitz, Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, VICA President Stuart Waldman, James Garrison (Mesa Pacific) | |
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VICA is Back in Sacramento!
On Tuesday, VICA President Stuart Waldman led a delegation to Sacramento on VICA's first advocacy trip of 2025 to engage with state legislators on critical issues, including taxpayer protections, housing proposals, permitting reforms, workforce expansion, expansion of the film & television tax credit, and support for investments in manufacturing.
The delegation met with Assemblymembers Mike Gipson, Juan Alanis, Stephanie Nguyen, Mark Gonzalez, Nick Schultz, State Senator Maria Elena Durazo, and the offices of Assemblymember Chen, Gallagher, and Michelle Rodriguez.
Click Here to Register for VICA's March 18 Advocacy Day.
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VICA with Assemblymember Nick Schultz, representing Assembly District 44 | |
VICA meets with Assemblymember Juan Alanis | |
VICA meets with former AD 52 District Director, now it's newly-elected Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez | |
VICA runs into State Senator Maria Elena Durazo and Assemblymember Mike Gipson, "Out of Office Hours" | |
VICA Advocates Against Countywide Eviction Moratorium | |
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On Tuesday, VICA opposed the LA County Board of Supervisors proposed countywide eviction moratorium - which carried no key accountability measures to protect housing providers.
Supervisor Mitchell introduced amendments to provide direct support for landlords and improve program oversight, with requirements to show proof of hardship. However, she was voted down. The final vote count was 4-0 in favor, with 1 abstention.
While providing relief to impacted individuals is crucial, this policy failed to ensure rental assistance is fully funded and paid directly to housing providers on time. Small housing providers will struggle to maintain properties without timely compensation, leading to reduced housing supply and increased instability in LA County's rental market.
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VICA Board of Directors Approve New Positions on State Legislation | |
The VICA Board of Directors has evaluated several legislative proposals to protect and advance the interests of our members and the broader San Fernando Valley business community. Below is a detailed overview of our positions, including descriptions of key bills, our stances, and any recommended amendments: | |
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Support:
AB 231 (Tri Ta): Income and Corporation Taxes: Credits: Work Opportunity Credit: AB 231 aims to incentivize small businesses to hire individuals with felony convictions. The bill proposes a tax credit of 40% on qualified first-year wages paid to eligible employees, capped at $5,000 per employee annually. To qualify, the employee must be hired within one year of their conviction or release and must work for the employer for a minimum of six months. This credit would be available for taxable years from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030.
By Offering a substantial tax incentive, AB 231 encourages small businesses (defined as those with fewer than five employees to expand their workforce by hiring from a pool of candidates who often face employment barriers. This initiative could lead to a more diverse and inclusive workplace while reducing hiring costs. Employers must verify hires' eligibility and maintain records to claim the credit.
VICA supports amendments that include expanding the scope of a "small business" from fewer than five to fewer than ten, expanding the claim of credit from the first year to 5 years, and indemnifying small businesses from liability if the work arrangement does not succeed.
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Support:
SB 17 (Ochoa-Bogh - Grove): Personal Income Taxes: Exclusion of Tips from Gross Income: SB 17 proposes excluding tip income from the taxable wage base for personal income tax and unemployment insurance calculations. This change simplifies payroll reporting and reduces the tax burden on service industry employers and employees. The bill is set to take effect for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
For service industry employers, excluding tips from taxable wages could lower payroll taxes and reduce administrative complexities associated with reporting variable tip income. This may result in cost savings and streamlined operations. Service workers could see reduced taxable income, potentially leading to lower personal income taxes. However, since unemployment benefits are calculated based on taxable wages, this change might reduce employee benefits during unemployment.
While reducing tax liabilities is very important for employers and employees, careful consideration is needed regarding the potential decrease in unemployment benefits for service workers. Balancing tax relief with adequate employee support during unemployment is essential.
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Oppose:
SB 222 (Wiener): Climate Disaster: Civil Action: SB 222 seeks to allow individuals, businesses, and insurers to file civil lawsuits against Energy providers and gas operators for damages resulting from climate-related disasters, provided specific criteria are met, including damages of $10,000 or more. The legislation imposes joint, several, and strict liability on responsible parties and permits insurers to seek damages to recoup losses from such events.
The bill introduces significant legal and financial risks to the fossil fuel industry, as companies could face extensive litigation and substantial damages. This may deter investment and innovation within the sector. Insurers gain a legal pathway to recover payouts from climate-related claims, potentially stabilizing the insurance market. However, increased litigation could lead to higher operational costs. As companies pass on litigation expenses to consumers, the potential for increased energy costs could impact various industries reliant on affordable energy. The broad liability framework may also create an uncertain business environment, affecting economic stability.
SB 222's approach may lead to unintended economic consequences. The expansive liability provisions could result in excessive litigation, increased energy prices, and a deterrent effect on business investments in California. A more balanced solution that encourages environmental responsibility without imposing disproportionate burdens on businesses is advisable.
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VICA Internship Opportunities
Apply Now!
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VICA is looking for motivated interns to join our team! Gain valuable hands-on experience in legislative affairs, administrative support, and membership development while working alongside business and policy leaders in the San Fernando Valley.
📌 Legislative Affairs Internship – Contact Victor@vica.com; Mikayla@vica.com
📌 Administrative Internship – Contact Cathy@vica.com
📌 Membership & Development Internship – Contact Yoko@vica.com
Don't miss this opportunity to build your skills and grow your professional network. Apply today!
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VICA Thanks Our Renewing and New Members | | |
Renewing Members:
New Member:
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Save the Dates: Committees | |
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Energy, Environment, Manufacturing & Utilities Committee
March 6
At Burns & McDonnell at Noon
RSVP
Healthcare Committee
March 12
At the VICA Office at Noon
RSVP
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Transportation Committee
March 11
At The Garland at 8:30 AM
RSVP
Joint Meeting: International Trade + Government Affairs Committee
March 19
At the VICA Office at Noon
RSVP
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The Home Depot Foundation Supports Southern California Rebuilding Efforts with $500,000 Investment in Skilled Trades Programs
Following last month’s announcement of a $3 million commitment to support wildfire relief in Southern California, The Home Depot Foundation is investing $500,000 of those funds into skilled trades programming in the region, impacting students pursuing trades careers through post-secondary education.
Through the Path to Pro program, which aims to help fill the skilled labor gap, the Foundation will work with its nonprofit partners to support rebuilding efforts in an area that saw thousands of structures damaged or destroyed by the fires. Those partners include: Read More.
California Governor Asks Congress for Nearly $40 Billion for Los Angeles Wildfire Relief
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked Congress to approve nearly $40 billion in aid to help the Los Angeles area recover from January’s devastating wildfires, which he said could become the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.
Newsom sent a letter Friday asking for support from lawmakers including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), the House Appropriations Committee chair.
“Los Angeles is one of the most economically productive places on the globe, but it can only rebound and flourish with support from the federal government as it recovers from this unprecedented disaster,” Newsom wrote.Read More.
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Top Trump Aide Says Conditions on Federal Aid to L.A. Will Target California Coastal Commission
The Trump administration is planning to set conditions on federal disaster assistance to Los Angeles as it rebuilds from the Eaton and Palisades fires, a top aide to the president said Friday, indicating that the California Coastal Commission would be a central target of the White House.
Ric Grenell, a longtime ally to President Trump, serving as his presidential envoy for special missions, said at the Conservative Political Action Conference outside Washington that “there will be conditions” to the coming aid, echoing previous warnings from both men in recent days. Read More.
California Legislators Propose Bills to Expand Film and TV Tax Credit Program
California legislators are proposing two bills that would make changes to the state’s film and TV tax credit program in an attempt to lure production back to the Golden State.
The details of the bills are still being negotiated by stakeholders, state legislators said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon at the Los Angeles headquarters of SAG-AFTRA.
The idea is to modernize the program’s components to ensure California’s film and TV tax credit program is more competitive with other states’, Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, one of the bills’ co-sponsors, said during the press conference.Read More.
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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.
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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.
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