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

January 17, 2025

In This Issue

• Governor and Mayor Issue Recovery Orders
• Resources Available for Wildfire Victims
• VICA Ranks #1 Business Association in 2025
• VICA Heads to Lancaster for Public Comment
• Sponsoring a Committee

" This unprecedented natural disaster warrants an unprecedented response that will expedite the rebuilding of homes, businesses, and communities. This order is the first step in clearing away red tape and bureaucracy to organize around urgency, common sense, and compassion. We will do everything we can to get Angelenos back home."

Mayor Karen Bass

Statement on Issuing Sweeping Executive Orders To Rebuild Homes in Los Angeles

Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass Issue Orders to Accelerate Fire Recovery and Rebuilding

In response to the devastating Southern California wildfires, both Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have issued executive orders aimed at expediting the recovery and rebuilding process for affected residents and businesses.

Governor Newsom's Executive Order

On January 12, Governor Newsom signed an order to eliminate bureaucratic delays and streamline the rebuilding process for wildfire victims. Key provisions of the order include:

Suspend CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) and California Coastal Act permitting requirements for properties substantially damaged or destroyed by the wildfires.

Directing state agencies to identify other permitting and Building Code requirements that can be safely streamlined or suspended to accelerate rebuilding and reduce costs.

Extending protections against price gouging on building materials, construction services, storage, and other essential services in LA County through January 7, 2026.

Committing to work with the Legislature to explore statutory changes that expedite rebuilding while improving wildfire resilience and safety.

Mayor Bass's Executive Order

On January 13, Mayor Karen Bass ordered the rebuilding process in Los Angeles to be fast-tracked and strengthen the city's recovery efforts. This executive order includes the following actions:

Establishes task forces to coordinate debris removal in partnership with state and federal agencies while mitigating risk from wet weather.

Directs City departments to expedite building permit reviews and inspections, waives discretionary review processes, bypasses state CEQA requirements, and allows homes to be rebuilt "like for like".

Fast-tracks temporary certificates of occupancy for 1,400 housing units currently in the pipeline to provide immediate shelter options for displaced residents.

Instructs all city departments to report within a week with a list of additional regulatory relief and funding needed from state and federal agencies to accelerate recovery efforts.

For more details, you can read Governor Newsom’s Executive Order here and Mayor Bass’s Executive Order here.

Wildfire Relief, Support, and Resources

Community Resource Centers Open to Assist those impacted by wildfires

Blue Shield Promise and L.A. Care are keeping their network of Community Resource Centers open this Saturday, January 18, from 9 a.m. to noon to support residents affected by the devastating Los Angeles County wildfires.

The centers will connect visitors with resources, information, and referrals. While supplies last, N95 masks, travel first aid kits, and basic hygiene items will be available for distribution.

Below are the center locations available for assistance:

East L.A.: 4801 Whittier Blvd. (213.438.5570)

El Monte: 3570 Santa Anita Ave. (213.428.1495)

Inglewood: 2864 W. Imperial Hwy. (310.330.3130)

Long Beach: 5599 Atlantic Ave. (562.256.9810)

Lynwood: 3200 E. Imperial Hwy. (310.661.3000)

Metro L.A.: 1233 S. Western Ave. (213.428.1457)

Norwalk: 11721 Rosecrans Ave. (562.651.6060)

Palmdale: 2072 E. Palmdale Blvd. (213.438.5580)

Panorama City: 7868 Van Nuys Blvd. (213.438.5497)

Pomona: 696 W. Holt Ave. (909.620.1661)

South L.A.: 5710 Crenshaw Blvd. (213.428.1410)

West L.A.: 11173 W. Pico Blvd. (310.231.3854)

Wilmington: 911 N. Avalon Blvd. (213.428.1490)

Additionally, Blue Shield Promise’s Informational Resource Center in Huntington Park (5926 Pacific Blvd., 323.586.1610) will also be open during these hours.

For more details, visit www.CommunityResourceCenterLA.org.

Evacuation Centers:

Pasadena Convention Center

300 E. Green St.

El Camino Real Charter High School

5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills

Pomona Fairplex

1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona

Westwood Recreation Center

1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles

Ritchie Valens Recreation Center 

10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima 91331

Animal Shelters:

Augora Animal Care Center

4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park

Downey Animal Care Center

11258 Garfield Ave, Downey

El Camino High School

5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills

Pasadena Humane Society

361 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena

Los Angeles Equestrian Center (Large Animals)

480 Riverside Dr., Burbank

Industry Hills Expo (Large Animals)

16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry

Temporary Housing:

Airbnb.org Emergency Stays

Free, temporary housing for displaced individuals. Learn more: Airbnb.org

Facility Access:

Planet Fitness

Providing essential services for local residents and first responders, including free access to showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging stations. Learn more.

Transportation Services:

Uber and Lyft

Rideshare companies Uber and Lyft are offering free rides to shelter locations for evacuated residents. Learn more.

Support Services:

American Red Cross

Emergency shelters and assistance. Visit Website

California Fire Foundation

Financial aid for victims. Visit Website

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

Food assistance. Visit Website

Health and Saftey:

Air Quality

Stay updated on air quality alerts. Visit Website

Evacuation Orders

Monitor evacuation orders and news via local alerts. Visit Website

VICA Ranks #1 for Business Association on SFVBJ 2025 "The List"

VICA is honored to be named the #1 Business Association in the San Fernando Valley by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to advocating for policies that support the region's businesses, promoting economic growth, and ensuring the Valley receives its fair share of resources.

Thank you to our members, partners, and supporters for making this achievement possible. Together, we will continue to champion the voice of the business community and work toward a thriving future for the San Fernando Valley.

VICA Heads to Lancaster for Public Comment

On Tuesday, VICA traveled to the City of Lancaster to speak out against the proposed ban on energy drink sales to certain demographic groups—a measure that was ultimately passed unanimously by the City Council.

While VICA appreciates the intent to promote public health, this ordinance is unnecessary, harmful, and sets a troubling precedent by equating energy drinks with tobacco and alcohol—substances regulated due to their addictive nature and significant health risks. The requirement for identification to purchase a beverage that previously required none highlights the arbitrary nature of the regulation, with real economic consequences for businesses in Lancaster.

This overreach poses compliance challenges for local retailers already operating on slim margins and risks driving customers to neighboring cities, reducing sales and hurting Lancaster’s economy. It also signals to businesses that Lancaster may impose arbitrary regulations without fully considering economic impacts or adequately engaging the community.

Although the ordinance passed, the Council has agreed to revisit the measure in six months, providing an opportunity to reconsider its economic and community impacts. VICA will continue to advocate for sensible policies that balance public health with economic stability.

Are you interested in Sponsoring a VICA Committee?

We’re looking for sponsors to support our committees in 2025!

Committee sponsorship opportunities are a great way to support VICA’s mission while gaining valuable visibility among industry leaders. You can choose to share sponsorship with others or become the sole sponsor for exclusive recognition.

Use the button below to view the form and express your interest in becoming a sponsor!

2025 Committee Calendar

RSVP for Upcoming Committees

Aviation Committee

January 21 | 8:30AM to 10:30AM

Clay Lacy Aviation

RSVP

Labor & Employment Committee

February 5 | 8:30AM to 10:30AM

Hilton Universal City

RSVP

Education Committee

February 6 | 8:30AM to 10:30AM

Los Angeles Valley College

RSVP

Members

VICA Thanks Our Renewing and New Members

Platinum Partner:

• Health Net (2013)

Gold Member:

• Cowe Communications (2018)
• Jacobs (2023)

Silver Members:

• The Airtel Plaza Hotel & Conference Center (1993)
• Los Angeles Marriott, Burbank Airport (2018)
• HNTB (2014)
• Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (2015)
• Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton (2015)

Bronze Members:

• Helinet Aviation Services (2023)

Other Renewing Members:

• AS Design (2006)
• Western Los Angeles County Council, Boy Scouts of America (2014)
• Girls Athletic Leadership School Los Angeles (2021)
• Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce (2004)
• Marathon Petroleum (2023)
• Western States Petroleum Association (2012)

Hot News

With 72 hours to go, TikTok Ban Sends Washington Scrambling

As a historic TikTok ban looms, lawmakers are hunting for ways to save the app — sending Congress, the White House and possibly federal enforcers into unknown territory.

A group of Democrats on Capitol Hill, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have personally appealed to President Joe Biden’s White House to delay the Jan. 19 deadline for TikTok to divest from Beijing-based ByteDance or face a ban from U.S. app stores. Read more.

Mortgage Rates Top 7% for First Time Since Mid-2024

Mortgage rates rose above 7% for the first time since mid-2024, an early setback for a housing market that is coming off two consecutive years of poor sales. 

The average rate on the standard 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 7.04% this week, according to a survey of lenders by mortgage-finance giant Freddie Mac. That marked the first time since May that it rose above 7%, an important psychological threshold for buyers and sellers.  Read more.

How the California Fires Are Remaking the L.A. Economy

On a typical weekday, lunch hour is bustling at Toscana Brentwood, a popular restaurant with the Hollywood elite where it isn‘t uncommon to see Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger dining while agents table hop looking for the next big deal.

Since the fires that have destroyed the Palisades and forced much of neighboring Brentwood and Santa Monica to evacuate, Toscana is a ghost town. With no Aston Martins or Teslas to park, the valets are talking among themselves. Read more

How the Biden and Trump Teams Worked Together to get the Gaza Ceasefire and Hostages Deal Done

When Qatar’s prime minister emerged Wednesday to declare — at long last — that a ceasefire-for-hostage deal had been struck in Gaza, representatives for two American administrations were on hand in Doha to bask in the victory.

The cooperation between the two was “almost unprecedented,” a senior Biden administration official said after the deal was clinched, made possible by a rare intersection of interests between bitter rivals who both saw an opening following Trump’s victory. Read more.

Events

Member Messages

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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.

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