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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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- Legislature Hits Deadlines, VICA Continues Strong Advocacy Push
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"Americans that fought on behalf of our country, the people who have defended us, should never sleep one night outside on our streets. There are solutions to this crisis – so while we're fighting day in and day out to get people off the street, we have to bring the fight here to Washington, DC so that we can look at rules and regulations that need to be tossed aside, given the magnitude of the problem that we have today."
Mayor Karen Bass
Statement Made on Efforts from Mayoral Delegation to advance a national agenda to confront the homelessness crisis
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California Legislature Hits Deadlines, VICA Continues Strong Advocacy Efforts | |
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As the California Legislature approaches critical deadlines in its session, VICA remains actively engaged in advocacy efforts for the business community.
Fiscal bills now sit in the appropriations committees, while the last day for each house to pass bills introduced in that house is May 24.
In this crucial period, VICA continues to monitor and respond to legislative developments, ensuring that the interests of our members and the broader business community are well-represented and protected.
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Senate Bill 1103 (Menjivar): Tenancy of Commercial Real Properties: Agreements: Securities - OPPOSE
The VICA Board opposes Senate Bill 1103, authored by Senator Menjivar. This bill seeks to introduce protections similar to those in residential leases into commercial lease agreements, effective for leases executed after January 1, 2025. While intended to support small businesses and nonprofits, SB 1103 imposes significant burdens on commercial property providers, potentially harming California's commercial real estate market.
The bill mandates 30-day notices for rent increases up to 10% and 90-day notices for higher increases, as well as restrictions on terminating leases and capping security deposits. While these provisions aim to increase fairness, they could discourage leasing to smaller entities and reduce commercial space availability, ultimately stifling market dynamics and economic growth.
VICA believes the bill’s impacts could hinder rather than help the intended beneficiaries by limiting landlords' flexibility and risking investment in the commercial property market. We urge reconsideration of SB 1103's approach to commercial tenancy regulations.
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Senate Bill 937 (Wiener): Development Projects: Permits and Other Entitlements: fees and charges – SUPPORT
The VICA Board supports Senate Bill 937, introduced by Senator Wiener. This legislation proposes essential reforms to the permit and entitlement processes for housing projects, crucial for addressing California’s housing crisis. By extending entitlement periods and delaying the collection of development fees until after construction, SB 937 aims to reduce barriers and costs for housing developers.
This bill not only extends the life of housing entitlements by 18 months, but it also brings greater transparency and fairness to the fees charged by local agencies, promoting affordability and expediting project commencement.
VICA endorses SB 937 as a significant step toward more affordable and accessible housing in California, facilitating economic growth and supporting the construction industry in overcoming current challenges.
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Senate Bill 1372 (Newman): Airports: Third-Party Vendors: Security Lanes - OPPOSE
The VICA Board opposes Senate Bill 1372, proposed by Senator Newman. This bill would restrict public airports from contracting with private third-party vendors for expedited security screening services, potentially stifling competition and innovation in airport security operations.
Such restrictions could lead to longer wait times at security, impacting passenger satisfaction and the broader economic health of tourism and business travel. Additionally, it could deter future private investment in technologies that enhance airport security and efficiency.
VICA believes that maintaining a collaborative approach between public airports and private vendors is essential for continuing to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of security operations. Therefore, we urge the rejection of SB 1372.
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Assembly Bill 1886 (Alvarez): Housing Element Law: Substantial Compliance: Housing Accountability Act – SUPPORT
The VICA Board supports Assembly Bill 1886, authored by Assemblymember Alvarez. This bill clarifies and strengthens the Builder's Remedy provisions under the Housing Accountability Act, a crucial element in addressing California's housing shortage.
AB 1886 ensures more robust enforcement of housing element compliance and streamlines the approval processes for housing projects. It aims to reduce ambiguities and foster a more conducive environment for housing development, benefiting the community and the economy by increasing the availability of affordable housing.
VICA endorses AB 1886 for its potential to significantly impact housing development positively, urging its swift passage to provide immediate benefits.
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Assembly Bill 2216 (Haney): Tenancy: Common Household Pets – OPPOSE
The VICA Board opposes Assembly Bill 2216, introduced by Assemblymember Haney. This bill proposes to alter the dynamics of landlord and tenant interactions regarding pets in rental properties, potentially imposing undue burdens on property owners.
By restricting landlords' ability to inquire about pets during initial tenant screenings and limiting charges for pet-related damages, AB 2216 could lead to increased property damage and higher maintenance costs, possibly reducing the availability of pet-friendly rentals.
VICA believes the bill could adversely affect landlords and the broader rental market. It advocates for a balanced approach to tenant and landlord rights without imposing restrictive measures.
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VICA Congressional Officeholders Breakfast
Thursday, May 30
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Burbank Airport Mariott
This event is a unique and fun opportunity to directly engage elected officials from Washington D.C., who represent the San Fernando Valley in a "Talk Show" format.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsor Amazon and
Co-Sponsors The Garland and SoCalGas.
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VICA University: Employers Required to Conduct Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Tuesday, May 14
1 - 2:00 PM (Non-supervisors)
1 - 3:00 PM (Supervisors)
Via Zoom
VICA invites you to join us for this informative, 2-hour program that will cover California law required sexual harassment prevention training which applies to all employers with five or more employees. Mandatory training must take place within six months of hire or promotion, and again every two years.
Thank you to JorgensenHR for conducting this workshop.
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VICA After Dark with LAPD Deputy Chief Ruby Flores and LA City Councilman John Lee
Tuesday, May 14
5:30 - 7:30 PM
PALS - LAPD Devonshire Youth Center
(8721 Wilbur Ave, Northridge)
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In January 2024, Deputy Chief Ruby Flores became the first Latina promoted to Deputy Chief within the LAPD, and the first woman to lead the Operations-Valley Bureau - the largest command within the Department, spanning Devonshire, Foothill, Mission, North Hollywood, Topanga, Van Nuys, and West Valley.
Deputy Chief Flores is the President of the Los Angeles Women Police Officers and Associates, and she has also been honored with the prestigious "Champion of Women Award" by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2022. The Deputy is also a member of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, the Police Executive Research Forum, the Latin American Law Enforcement Association, the California Peace Officers' Association, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
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LA Councilman John Lee (CD12) was first elected to the Los Angeles City Council during an August 2019 special election, and he was re-elected to his first full term in March 2020. As a CD12 resident of over 40 years with John found his passion for public service at an early age when he first began volunteering for local nonprofits while in middle school.
A lifelong public servant, Lee has been serving this community his entire adult life. His extensive understanding of the City’s legislative and budget processes and day-to-day operations gives him tremendous insight into what works and what doesn’t at City Hall. With an agenda focused on public safety, supporting local businesses, and providing core city services, Lee is committed to putting the neighborhoods of the Twelfth District first and ensuring that his constituents have a voice at City Hall.
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Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be provided by Presenting Sponsor & Host
LAPD Devonshire PALS.
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Not-For-Profit Committee
Wednesday, May 8
8:30 to 10:30 AM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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SPECIAL: International Trade Committee with Consul General of India: Dr. K Srikar Reddy
Tuesday, May 14
8:30 to 10:00 AM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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Government Affairs
Committee
Wednesday, May 15
Noon to 2:00 PM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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Transportation Committee
Tuesday, May 21
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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LA City Looks to Ban Cashless Businesses
Los Angeles City Councilmembers are considering banning cashless businesses in the city. Many businesses have transitioned to cashless payment methods during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce contact between employees and customers; others have gone cashless due to crime concerns. The motion, first introduced by Councilmember Hutt in August 2023, ensures an inclusive and equitable economy for all Angelenos. The motion must go through the Trade, Travel, and Tourism Committee before moving to the City Council for a final vote this summer.
Court Ruling Overturns SB 9 as Unconstitutional
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge struck down SB 9 as unconstitutional on Monday, impacting property development and the business community throughout California. SB 9 allowed homeowners to split lots and build multiple units, but was invalidated for not prioritizing housing for low-income residents. An article by the Los Angeles Times, focusing on an early adopter of the law, highlights the financial success of some projects and underscores the uncertainty for and disruptions to businesses currently involved in such developments.
Tesla Layoffs Draw Suit Claiming Not Enough Warning for Workers
Tesla is being sued by a former employee who claims the company's decision to lay off about 10% of its workforce in a global retrenchment violated the law by failing to provide required advance notice. Tesla allegedly "acted intentionally and with deliberate indifference and conscious disregard to the rights of its employees" by not giving a warning 60 days ahead as mandated by California law. Elon Musk revealed the job cuts last week in an email to staff, citing duplication of roles and the need to reduce costs. It was projected that if the dismissals apply company-wide, they would amount to more than 14,000 employees. Tesla faced similar claims in 2022 near Reno, Nevada.
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Congress Eyes Short-Term FAA Extension
Senate Minority Whip John Thune said on Thursday that he believes Congress will likely need to pass a short-term extension on the FAA reauthorization bill before next week's deadline. Negotiations over the FAA reauthorization have been littered with amendment requests. It is the last piece of major legislation the Senate has to address until the fall, making it the last opportunity for members to try and tack on their policy priorities. A short-term extension would likely require a time agreement, with members slated to leave town Thursday and return next week. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he'd like to get the FAA reauthorization done quickly and avoid a short-term extension.
LA City Council to Create New Department of Homelessness
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council approved a motion calling for a Department of Homelessness to oversee the city's efforts to reduce the problem. In a 13-0 vote, council members instructed staff to report back on how best to create a department or other means of centralizing coordination and oversight of homelessness efforts. Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield and Katy Yaroslavsky were absent during the vote. The report is expected to include information on how city funding is spent on sanitation and encampment resolution in partnership with county efforts, among other requirements.
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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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