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We Came, We Saw, We Celebrated!

November 18, 2009

Each year, the Hollywood Media District invites all our stakeholders to our Annual General Meeting. It's a chance for business and property owners alike to meet their neighbors and board members, and find out what the BID has been up to for the past year. 2009 marked the 10th Annual Meeting, so the board of directors decided a little more glitz and glamour was in order, this being Hollywood!
Although heavy rainfalls cause the event to be delayed one week later than scheduled, the turnout on Thursday, October 15, proved to be the highest of any Annual Meeting yet.
The meeting was once again held on the rooftop of Iron Mountain Film and Sound at 1025 N. Highland Avenue. The 14-story building, built in 1939 as the Hollywood Storage Co. and later bought by Bekins, is the tallest building in the District and allows for a view of the entire BID and surrounding area.
Unlike in past years, guests were treated to live entertainment in the form of Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys (www.janetklein.com) as well as piano performances by brother Zach and Eden Markos, two young members of the Boys and Girls Club of Hollywood.
Rather than having one company cater the event, six local restaurants were on hand to provide a "taste of the BID": ACME Grill, Ammo, Cafe Muse, The Corner Cafe, Crown of India, and Grub. This new format proved very popular with the guests. Refreshments were also provided.
Operations Manager Devin Strecker welcomed the crowd and acknowledged the board members as well as the city and government officials in attendance. Board President Carol Cassella then delivered her remarks, highlighting the accomplishments the BID has made over the past ten years.
Former State Assembly Member Jackie Goldberg, currently the President of LACER, addressed those in attendance, followed by Councilmember Tom LaBonge (District 4), his field deputy Stacy Marble, and John Darnell from the office of Councilmember Paul Koretz (District 5).
As the sun went down, stakeholders and guests were treated to a slideshow of photographs featuring many new shots of businesses and employees in the District, as well as vintage and current pictures of the area. Many of the stakeholder photographs had been printed, poster-size, and displayed throughout the event. Tables were adorned with candles and large reproductions of past annual meeting invitations.
The board of directors would like to give special thanks to the following for helping make the 10th Annual Meeting such a success: Iron Mountain (hosting); Ren-Mar Studios (Administration and Decorations); Mole Richardson (Lighting and Props); Angstron Lighting (Projector); Hollywood Center Studios (Sound System and Podium); Ron Groeper (Photography); Milk Studios (Tables and Chairs); and of course all the restaurants.
We'll see you all back up on the rooftop next year!

Beck Named New Chief of LAPD

November 18, 2009

In a meeting hosted by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce on November 5th, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa introduced the new Chief of Police, Charlie Beck. The meeting of business leaders included members of the Hollywood Community; among them was Devin Strecker, Media District Operations Manager; Kerry Morrison, Executive Director of the Hollywood Property Owners Alliance; Gary Minzer, Media District stakeholder and civilian chair of the Hollywood Community Police Advisory Board; Thad Smith, The Music Box Theatre; Bill Ferrar and LeRon Gubler of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
Beck, a 32-year veteran of the department, replaced departing Chief William Bratton to become the 56th Chief in LAPD's history. He was previously involved in rehabilitating the infamous Rampart Division, which had been at the center of a corruption scandal. Beck is well-recognized by police and civic leaders alike for blending a tough stance on crime with a progressive approach to community relations.
“Beck is a proven leader who was integral in former Chief Bratton’s efforts to restore public trust in the department,” said Gary Toebben, President & CEO, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
After explaining his reasoning for selecting Beck, Mayor Villaraigosa let Beck himself explain his history and his goals for the department.
"Policing is not like paint -- you don't spread it evenly," Beck said. "You have to put it where the rust is; where the problem is."
Many in attendance were representatives of Business Improvement District; several of them had already worked with Beck in the past, backing up his statements of support for BIDs and his willingness to work together.
Beck was sworn in on November 17, 2009 to oversee the third largest police department in the country. Beck was appointed to the Los Angeles Police Department in 1977 after serving two years with the Los Angeles Police Reserve Corps. In June 1984, he was promoted to Sergeant, to Lieutenant in April 1993, to Captain in July 1999, and Commander in April 2005. In August 2006, he achieved the rank of Deputy Chief, the same rank his father, a retired Los Angeles Police Officer, had attained. Two of Chief Beck’s children are also Los Angeles Police Officers. Beck has served many communities during his time with LAPD, including Hollywood.
Beck would like to extend an invitation to you to join him at his swearing in ceremony on Thursday, December 3, 2009, at 0900 hours in front of the new Police Administration Building (PAB) located at 100 West First Street, Los Angeles, California 90012.

Step Up on Vine

November 25, 2009

In Santa Monica, near Third Street Promenade, there is a housing facility for individuals who were chronically homeless and suffering from mental illness. Those individuals call Step On On Second home now, and receive support, training, and education to become part of society again. They run a convenience store, Fresh Start, and a catering business on the premises. Customers often don't even realize the store is part of a homeless housing project.

Now, the organization behind Step Up On Second is coming to Hollywood. In August, the group purchased the Galaxy Hotel, just south of Santa Monica Blvd. at 1057 Vine Street. The property will be completely rehabilitated and converted into 44 modern efficiency apartments. Built in the 1920’s, the building has been severely neglected and needs a complete facelift. Step Up on Second plans to invest $5 million to create a fresh, attractive building. Construction is projected to begin in late Fall, 2010, and be completed in early 2012.
Step Up on Vine will provide homes for individuals now homeless on the streets of Hollywood due to a mental illness. In addition to providing supportive housing, Step Up on Vine will also provide comprehensive wrap around support services for relapse prevention, and to build self sufficiency. Step Up on Vine will offer life skills classes, supported employment training and placement, psychiatrists for medication, case management, transportation, and other services. Two full time on-site case managers, as well as two resident managers, will live in the building, as well as an evening security presence.
On November 5, Step Up On Vine invited many in the surrounding community to visit the location and learn more about the project. HMD Board President Carol Cassella and Operations Manager Devin Strecker attending the luncheon, along with Jacques Massachi, stakeholder. Tod Lipka, CFO of Step Up On Second, discussed the timeline of the project, as well as showing renderings and answering questions from the audience.
Since 1984, Step Up on Second has been providing comprehensive services, including award-winning supportive housing accomplishments. Currently, Step Up on Second operates three apartment buildings in Santa Monica; Step Up on Second (on 2nd Street next to the NRDC), Step Up on Fifth (next to Fred Segal), and Daniel’s Village (on Santa Monica Blvd. at 26th St.).
For the
past year, Step Up on Second has been working with the Hollywood Media District, Hollywood Property Owners Alliance, government officials and others to create its first housing program serving the needs of the Hollywood community - Step Up on Vine.
If you’d like to learn more about Step Up on Second or the Step Up on Vine, contact Lipka at 310-394-6889 x 26, or email tod@stepuponsecond.org. Visit the website at www.stepuponsecond.org.

LaBonge Visits Business Watch

November 25, 2009

Councilmember Tom LaBonge was a surprise guest at the October Business Watch, when he stopped in to say hello to the stakeholders at the meeting. "The key to our success [in Hollywood] is hwat we do extra," LaBonge said, "and the BID is extra. It's nice to see how the focus of a private organization working with the LAPD can benefit the community.
"I'd love to say that we don't need a BID, but we do."
LaBonge then took some time to answer questions from stakeholders.
The regular guest speaker at the meeting was Officer Scott Frus from LAPD gang detectives unit. Frus said that Hollywood is unique in that there are a lot of different gangs in close proximity to each other. The task force has had success in gathering intelligence from citizens, so he encouraged those in attendance to call him with any information pertaining to suspected gang activity. His phone number is 323-957-6805.
Will Rivera, neighborhood prosecutor for the City Attorney's office, credited the vacant building ordinance with cutting down on gang activity in abandoned houses and other buildings. He said to please let him know if there are any abandoned buildings in your area. You can always call the city's 3-1-1 number to reach the City Attorney.
Business Watch is usually held the second Thursday of each month from noon to 1pm at the Hollywood Neighborhood City Hall, 6501 Fountain. Lunch is provided. Please check www.mediadistrict.org for upcoming meetings.

The Stage is Set... for Thanksgiving

November 25, 2009

On Sunday, November 15th, studio 5 at Ren-Mar Studios was abuzz with music, food and families. But this was no movie scene or television special; it was a thanksgiving feast for the families of the Boys and Girls Club of Thanksgiving.
Nearly a hundred volunteers, including actor Wilmer Valderrama (of "That 70's Show" and "Handy Manny"), served and entertained around 500 children and their parents. ACME Location Catering prepared the meal, which included turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a desert bar.
One highlight of the event was a performance by the club's Advanced Twirling troupe, led by . The troupe is raising money and rehearsing to perform at Staples Center.
Valderrama encouraged the kids to write letters to our soldiers serving abroad, saying that when he has visited troops overseas, they always say they appreciate receiving letters.
A magician, balloon artist, face painter,crafts table, and a "guess how many beans are in the pumpkin" game kept the children busy before and after the meal. Finally, a raffle was held with many prizes such as DVDs, toys, and brand new Nike shoes being awarded.

2010 Slate Announced

November 25, 2009

Once again, the Nominating Committee was extremely pleased to meet with the passionate and highly qualified individuals who had been nominated for the 2010 Board of Directors. After conducting interviews, the Nominating Committee has prepared the following slate of nominees.

If this slate of nominees is not contested, then these property owners shall be declared at the annual meeting of the Hollywood Media District Board in December (contact Devin at 323-460-6322 for more information). When the slate has been declared, there shall be a class of nine (9) directors elected for two (2) year terms and a class of three (3) directors elected to one (1) year terms. These terms will be determined through random selection.

The nominating committee is pleased to announce the slate of nominees for the 2010 Board of Directors for the Hollywood Media District Property Owners Association.

The nominees are: Wil Anabel, Mader Inc..; Carol Cassella, Ren-Mar Studios; Isador Chait, 1025 N. McCadden; Ron Groeper, McCadden Space Studio; Rick Howard, Occidental Entertainment; Thor Lee, Ramsey Shilling; Steve Loverro, West Coast Photo; Tim Mahoney, Hollywood Center Studios; Amie Moore, Musicians Union; Mike Parker, Mole Richardson; C. Drew Planting, JH Snyder Co.; Eliza Thorne, Seward Film Vaults.

Any Parcel Owner in Good Standing has a right to contest the slate by nominating one or more additional persons for election by delivering to the Nominating Committee, by December 10 2009, a petitioned signed by no less than twenty Parcel Owners in Good Standing for each alternate person nominated for the election. If the slate is duly contested, the Nominating Committee shall conduct a general election.

Security Team Honored by LAPD

August 20, 2009

On Friday, June 19th, a gang-related shooting occured at the corner of Santa Monica and Vine at the eastern border of the Media District. HMD Security Officers arrived on the scene immediately and Capt. John Irigoyen was able to pursue and get a description of the suspect.

Thanks to the help of our officers, LAPD was able to apprehend the suspect within days.
Captain Beatrice Girmala was very appreciate of our officers, saying "Capt. John and your team were awesome yesterday at the shooting scene at Santa Monica and Vine. Capt. John, without his leadership & cooperation as a witness, we couldn’t put this investigation together. ...I appreciate everything he did yesterday, and all of your guys were fantastic. They initially helped with hanging on to witnesses and directing traffic. Awesome, awesome team.”
On June 23rd, Captain Girmala visited the HMD Security Office to personally thank the team members, and to award certificates of appreciation to those involved in the case.
Good work, team!

No BID Assessment Increase for 2010

August 21, 2009

Each year, the Board of Directors must decide whether or not to increase the budget up to 3% as allowed by the Management District Plan, or to leave it at the current level.
Many factors were taken into consideration this year when reviewing the proposed 2010 budget. While there was a general consensus that all property owners are having difficulties in this economic climate, it was also expressed that our contractors, especially Universal Protection Services and Hollywood Beautification Team, are doing great work and may need to raise their prices. Ultimately, David Mozes (CMS Group) made a motion to leave the assessments at their current level, which was seconded by Matt Chait (The Complex Theatres). The board voted to approve the motion.

Food Line Controversy Heats Up

August 21, 2009

Although it has been a contentious issue within the District for many years now, the Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition's nightly feeding program on the corner of Sycamore and Romaine has recently been cast under the spotlight once again. Currently, the Media District's Board of Directors is involved in a mediation process along with the Melrose Action Neighborhood Watch, LAPD Hollywood, the office of Councilman Paul Koretz, and the Food Coalition.
Peter Robinson and Dawn Osborne-Adams from Pepperdine University are working pro-bono on the case to help all the parties come together and form a solution.
A recent article in the Hollywood Independent has highlighted the mediation efforts and the feeding program itself, along with the alleged issues resulting from the program. Residents complain that the program brings in a criminal element, and enables the homeless rather than helping them.
"Concerned residents have met twice with the facilitators, and we are very appreciative of their efforts," said Paul Lerner, co-founder of Melrose Action Neighborhood Watch. "We hope that the process they have started will enable everyone to find common ground - so that the food line has less of a negative impact on the residential and business neighborhoods in our community."
The Media District's Board of Directors has already spent a great deal of time discussing the program and it's impact on the business community, not least of which is the amount of BID resources that have become necessary to prevent issues from occurring during and after the feeding time, and the clean-up involved afterwards. In the past, the Board has voted that the program's current location is not supported by the BID. At the most recent Board Meeting, a Core Values Statement was adopted by the Directors, stating what values the BID represents with regards to a feeding program that would garner the support of the property owners in the district. To obtain a copy of the Statement, please e-mail Devin, dstrecker@mediadistrict.org.
The mediators will now disseminate each groups' Core Values Statements and bring leadership from all parties together on August 31st for a discussion on the Statements. On Sept. 8, each group will have the option of continuing in the mediation process, with another meeting in mid-September on how best to accomplish shared values and how to resolve the remaining conflicts.

Eat at Street... And Get a Discount!

August 21, 2009

The Media District's newest restaurant, Susan Feniger's Street, has already become a vital component of the Media District. Now, Street is giving something back to the community: any employee within the Media District will receive a "good neighbor" card by mentioning this article and presenting his or her business card showing that they work within the District. The card is then good for 15% off any future meal at Street. Talk about a sweet deal!
Street is located at 742 N. Highland. For more information about Street, visit the website www.eatatstreet.com.

Media District Dining Guide

August 21, 2009

Ammo, 1155 N. Highland Ave. - $$ With an upscale atmosphere and an air of sophistication, AMMO has been located on Highland Avenue since 1996. With a full bar, AMMO is a great place for lunch or dinner. www.ammocafe.com

Cafe Baccio, 6541 Santa Monica Blvd. - $ Intimate Cafe mainly catering to theatre goers, right next to the Hudson Theatre. Sandwiches, snacks and beer, plus a cool vibe.

Cafe Muse, 6547 Santa Monica Blvd. - $$ This cafe/coffeehouse has already garnered a devoted following, thanks to their delicious mainly-vegetarian menu, nightly live entertainment, and selection of organic coffees, teas, and treats. www.cafemusela.com

Chinese Express, 6775 Santa Monica Blvd. - $ Inexpensive chinese food, good combo deals available.

Crown of India, 6755 Santa Monica Blvd. - $$ Come see why people are flocking to this authentic Indian eatery! Amazing food with great lunch specials keep this place bustling.

Del Taco, 6768 Santa Monica Blvd. - $ When you want a quick lunch and can't decide between tacos or burgers and fries, Del Taco is the place! Taco Tuesday is a very popular night. Drive through available, open late. www.deltaco.com

Grub, 911 Seward Street - $$ Serving up California Comfort Food with a side of sass and a quirky and inviting atmosphere! Now open for lunch or dinner everyday, plus weekend brunch on Sat-Sun (and also now serving wine and beer). www.grub-la.com

Hollywood Canteen, 1006 Seward St. - $$ This place has a lot of history to it, but the food and atmosphere are what keeps customers coming in today. www.hollywoodcanteenla.com

The Hollywood Corner, 1156 Highland Ave. - $$ This place has a little of everything, including wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, an amazing breakfast menu, beer and wine, and red velvet mini-cakes to die for! Sign up for their loyalty program and get 15% off your meal. callthecorner.com

Jack in the Box, 1243 N. Highland Ave. - $ Fast food with an eclectic menu - everything from salads to burgers, to egg rolls and tacos. Drive-thru open late. www.jackinthebox.com

Raffallo's Pizza, 716 N. Highland Ave. - $ Great pizza and sandwiches in this little italian place tucked into a strip mall. Beer and wine available, too.

Shakey's Pizza, 7001 Santa Monica Blvd. - $ Known for their large buffet, Shakeys is a favorite lunch time spot for many employees in the district. Mojo Potatoes are just one of the highlights here. www.shakeys.com

Subway, 6775 Santa Monica Blvd. - $ A healthy alternative to fast food, who doesn't love a Subway sandwich? www.subway.com

Susan Feniger's Street, 742 Highland Ave. - $ Inspired by exotic "street" food from around the world, this relatively new joint is in the space formerly occupied by The Dive (and earlier, Highland Grounds). See article above to find out how you can get a 15% discount. www.eatatstreet.com

Taqueria La Pinata, 6751 Santa Monica Blvd - $ This taco stand, formerly Benitos and more recently Hoagie's and Wings, is now operated by the same folks that run the Crown of India Restaurant directly behind it. So expect the same quality food and service but with a latin flavor!

Tasty Thai Restaurant, 718 N. Vine Street - $ Great lunch specials at this hole-in-the-wall asian eatery.

Xiomara Restaurant, 6101 Melrose Ave. - $$ A favorite of the Media District Board of Directors, this exotic restaurant features Cuban-inspired food and a full bar where you would think the mojito was born. Great lunch specials, too! www.xiomararestaurant.com

Yoshinoya, 6300 Santa Monica Blvd. - $ Home of the Beef Bowl, Yoshinoya is fast food with a Japanese Twist. Drive through available, open late. www.yoshinoyausa.com

Did we miss you? We aimed to include every restaurant within the boundaries of our District, so please let us know if we failed to include something. E-mail Devin, dstrecker@mediadistrict.org with your information.

Stamp of Approval

June 18, 2009

The crosswalks on Highland Avenue were recently given a facelift.
In Mid-June, the Bureau of Street Services installed new stamped crosswalks on the intersections of Highland Avenue at Waring, Willoughby, and Lexington. This project was part of the Pedestrian Improvement Grant, which also funded the other improvements on Highland Avenue such as the Medians and Pedestrian Lighting.
The stamped crosswalks were the final element of the project to be completed.

Chamber to Host Annual LaBonge Luncheon

August 24, 2009

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual luncheon with Tom LaBonge, Councilmember to the Fourth District of Los Angeles, on Thursday, September 24, at 11:30 am at the Avalon Hollywood. Councilman LaBonge’s presentation will inform and enlighten the audience, and will provide information to help guide Hollywood through the next year. The Chamber’s annual LaBonge Luncheon is a perfect opportunity to get the latest updates on our community while solidifying relationships.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce invites you to take part in supporting this important and informative event through sponsorship. Sponsorship is an exceptional way to promote and raise awareness of your business in the community. Hollywood has much to be proud of and much of its success is due in part to your participation and civic engagement!

Sponsorship opportunities include a $1,600 Gold Sponsor Level which includes a reserved table for 10, with reserved, preferred seating; acknowledgement as a Gold sponsor in pre-publicity and press releases; a written greeting in the program for the event. Also, upon request, tabletop exhibit space during the reception, prior to the luncheon and your logo on invites and programs. A $2,500 Presenting Sponsor Level is available which includes 1 seat at the head table as well as all of the above items, plus a special story about your business in upcoming Chamber newsletter.

For more information, please contact Kaylee Kiecker, VP of Marketing and Business Development, at kaylee@hollywoodchamber.net or (323) 469-8311 ex 15.

Head for the Wild Wild West

August 27, 2009

On Thursday, September 10th, the Hollywood Police Activities League (PAL) will hold it's 6th annual Hollywood PAL Awards dinner at the Music Box Theatre, 6126 Hollywood Blvd.
This year's theme is "PAL's Wild Wild West" and will including themed activities, silent and live auctions, dinner, and an awards presentations. Attendees are encouraged to dress in western costumes.
Honorees include Asst. Chief Earl Paysinger of the Los Angeles Police Department; Asst. Battalion Chief Craig Fry of the Los Angeles Fire Department; Aileen Getty, founder of GettLove; corporate honors go to Andrews International Security.
PAL is a youth crime prevention program first instituted in the 1910's that relies on education, athletics, and other recreational activities to cement a bond between police officers and youth. Hollywood PAL offers martial arts, soccer, the Hollywood Fit Club, Junior Police Academy, the Youth Leadership Council, a college scholarship program, and various enrichment classes and special events throughout the year. PAL is completely reliant upon private donations and grants to stay operational. Every year, hundreds of underprivileged kids take part in these programs on a daily basis.
To join as a sponsor or table buyer, or to take a tribute ad to one of the honorees, call the event office at 818-994-4661. For more information, visit www.hollywoodpal.org. The Media District is a proud sponsor of Hollywood PAL.

LACER's Star Celebration

August 27, 2009

LACER Afterschool Programs will hold it's 14th Annual Brunch and Silent Auction on Sunday, November 15, from 10:30am - 2:00pm at The Highlands, Hollywood and Highland. The event is co-hosted by Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti and City Council Member Tom LaBonge.
LACER, which stands for Literacy, Arts, Culture, Education, and Recreation, supports after school programs for students in middle and high schools in the central Los Angeles Area. Their programs serve more than 3,100 youth annually by providing challenging and stimulating academics, artistic, and recreational workshops which take place Monday through Friday during the traditional school year, and in some schools, all year round.
To become a sponsor, or for more information, contact Linda Horner, Executive Director of LACER at 323-957-6481. The Media District is a proud supporter of LACER Afterschool Programs.