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News


Panelist Anita Mangels (Yes on Prop 23), VICA Board Member Samona Caldwell (State Farm Insurance) and panelists Brendan Huffman (Huffman Public Affairs and No on Prop. 23), Kit Cole (Waste Management) and Valerie Liese (Jack Jones Trucking and California Trucking Association President)

Panelists discuss Prop. 23 and AB 32
Debate about suspending climate change law gets heated

The latest installment in VICA's Newsmaker Connection series featured a panel discussion about Proposition 23. The measure would suspend AB 32 (California’s controversial climate change law) until unemployment reaches 5.5 percent for four consecutive quarters. Both supporters and opponents of Proposition 23 were represented. Kit Cole (Waste Management) and Brendan Huffman (Huffman Public Affairs), who are on the no side, argued that Prop. 23 does nothing to address concerns about AB 32 and only creates uncertainly for businesses who must comply with the law. Prop. 23 supporters Valerie Liese (Jack Jones Trucking and California Trucking Association President) and Anita Mangels (Yes on Prop. 23) contended that the law needs to be suspended until the economy improves to save jobs and keep businesses in the state. San Fernando Valley Business Journal Editor Jason Schaff moderated the panel. The event was presented by State Farm Insurance.
 

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Watch the latest episode of The VICA Show


 

Events

San Fernando Valley Leadership Political Action Committee Reception (sponsored by VICA) 
Wed., Sept. 15, 6-8 p.m. 
Home of Stuart and Nicole Waldman 
Van Nuys
RSVP to
monique@vica.com


Upcoming VICA Events

Leaders Forum with Rick Caruso 
Wed., Sept. 22, noon-1:30 p.m. 
The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn 
4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood
RSVP to
monique@vica.com or register online

VICA After Dark with First Deputy Mayor Austin Beutner
Wed., September 29, 6-8 p.m.
Location TBD
RSVP to
monique@vica.com or register online

Newsmaker Connection with Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield
Thurs., Oct. 7, noon-1:30 p.m.
VICA Office
5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks

RSVP to monique@vica.com

Business Forecast Conference
Thurs., October 28, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 
Warner Center Marriott
21850 Oxnard St., Woodland Hills
(NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION)
RSVP to
monique@vica.com or click here to download a registration form. See advertising and exhibit opportunities here.

61st Annual Meeting
Thurs., December 9, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 
Airtel Plaza Hotel
7277 Valjean Ave., Van Nuys
RSVP to
monique@vica.com

Click here for our Valley Business Calendar, which includes VICA Policy Committee information


 

Advocacy

VICA releases November 2010 voting guide
Initiatives address everything from taxes to redistricting

VICA has released its voting recommendations for the propositions on the November 2010 general election ballot. Propositions 20, 21, 22, and 26 received the organization’s backing. The initiatives would expand the responsibilities of the Citizens Redistricting Commission to redraw congressional districts (20), establish a vehicle license surcharge to help fund state parks (21), protect local taxpayer funds for public safety and transportation (22) and increase the legislative vote requirement to two-thirds to prevent taxes being passed as “fees” (26). VICA recommends a no vote on propositions 23, 25 and 27. Prop. 23 suspends AB 32 until unemployment reaches a certain level, causing uncertainty in regulation for business. Prop. 25 lowers the two-thirds legislative requirement to pass a budget to a simple majority, and Prop. 27 would eliminate the Citizens Redistricting Commission. No position was taken on Prop. 19, the measure to legalize and tax marijuana.   

Click here to read VICA's 12 solutions for a better California

Follow business-related bills with VICA's Legislative Tracker

 


 

Local Update: VICA's monthly column in the San Fernando Valley Business Journal

Parking law another obstacle for businesses

It is no secret that the restaurant industry was hit particularly hard by the economic downturn. When consumers begin reducing their discretionary spending, dining out is often one of the first places they cutback. While hard times present their own set of challenges for restaurant owners, a strong economy does not guarantee success either. Even in good times, many establishments close their doors within the first two years. With the many obstacles faced by the restaurant industry, one would think the City of Los Angeles would find ways to support and encourage these businesses, rather than erecting additional barriers. Click here to read the entire column in the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.