LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS VOICE ECONOMIC JITTERS VICA LUNCH FORUM FOCUSES ON POTENTIAL RIPPLE EFFECTS.

Byline: JULIA M. SCOTT

Staff Writer

NORTH HOLLYWOOD -- Billed as a chance for San Fernando Valley political and business leaders to address common issues, Thursday's annual VICA luncheon focused on concerns about the impact of the nation's weakening economy on the local business climate.

During the fast-paced Q&A session at Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn, many business owners worried about the potential ripple effect of layoffs at Amgen in Thousand Oaks, credit troubles at Countrywide in Calabasas, and the roller-coaster stock market.

The fate of AmeriTel in Northridge is tied to the health of the local economy as the company installs and upgrades telecommunications systems for area businesses, owner Scott Murphy said.

"If they cut back from fear, then we lose," Murphy told the 250 participants at the Valley Industry and Commerce Association luncheon.

Roy Marshall, president of the Child & Family Guidance Center in Northridge, said economic troubles will create a greater demand for social services.

"You're going to have more people without the resources to pay, but who don't qualify for Medi-Cal," Marshall said.

But Marvin Selter, a former business owner who sits on the boards of numerous companies, predicted the impact of the market upheaval will be minimal.

"If there is an effect -- and I don't think there will be -- it will be very light," Selter said.

He noted that the Valley economy has a strong base because of its proximity to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the nation's busiest.

But others complained that the truck traffic from the ports contributes to Southern California's notorious traffic congestion, and they asked City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel her ideas for relief.

The Valley councilwoman said that synchronizing traffic signals, widening roads, installing more left-turn lanes, and completing a car-pool lane on the northbound 405 Freeway will help. She added, however, that community opposition frequently makes it difficult to get things accomplished.

"Nobody wants to change their behavior, pay for it, or have it in their backyard," Greuel said.

Councilman Richard Alarcon, whose district includes parts of the Northeast Valley, was asked about his support for the expansion of the Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills.

He said he favors the expansion but believes a thorough environmental review should be completed to help define the scope and timing of the project.

And Councilman Dennis Zine, who represents the West Valley, was asked about his support of medicinal marijuana dispensaries, which are allowed under voter-approved Proposition 215.

"There are reputable people in our community who need marijuana just to survive," he said, like those fighting cancer or undergoing chemotherapy.

Laws about the shops help officials separate the legitimate shops from those selling the drug for recreational use, Zine said.

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