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Welcome to MediaDistrict.org, the website of the Hollywood Media District Business Improvement District.

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are proven to work by providing services that improve the overall viability of business districts, resulting in higher property values and sales.

    Latest News

    Hollywood Media Arts Academy Offers Industry Training to At-Risk Youth

    March 10, 2010

    The Hollywood Media Arts Academy (HMAA) is a new school located in the Media District, in the building formerly occupied by Fuji Film at 1140 N. Citrus Ave. Launched in July 2009 as a partnership between the Hollywood Entertainment Museum, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, and the Los Angeles County Probation Department, HMAA is an alternative high school that acts as a safe haven for at-risk youth. Many students that come to HMAA have been at risk of dropping out of school; are youth on probation; foster children, or students otherwise not succeeding in large, over-populated high schools. At HMAA, students learn core academics along with a variety of media arts courses, and they have access to learning opportunities and field trips within the creative industries.
    The school is looking for members of the community to help out, whether it is by coming to speak with the students and sharing information and advice on finding jobs in the industry, through the "adopt a student" program, or by donating funds to the school.
    Hollywood Entertainment Museum first became involved with education when, in 1997, the Museum opened its Education Center for the Entertainment Arts in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Office of Education's Division of Juvenile Court and Community Schools and the Los Angeles County Probation Department. It offered a full curriculum to youth offenders on probation and other at-risk teenagers, enabling them to earn a high school diploma or equivalency. Over the years, the program expanded and worked with local industry partners to establish internships and employment opportunities for the students.
    In 2006, the Museum left its home of 10 years on Hollywood Blvd. in order to expand its educational programs, ultimately ending up in the heart of the Media District at its current location with HMAA.
    Last year, Hollywood Entertainment Museum served 2,600 youth throughout Los Angeles County with its services and programs, bringing media arts programs to elementary school students in addition to those enrolled at HMAA.
    Elective courses taught at HMAA include video production, editing, lighting, music production, graphic design, set design and construction, costume design, makeup, dance, scriptwriting; just about every aspect of the film, television, web, radio and other media are offered.
    To get involved or for more information, contact Kenton Haleem, Director of Education, at 323-960-4802 or khaleem@hollywoodmuseum.com.

    Grant Applications for 2010, 2011 Due April 1

    March 08, 2010

    The Board of Directors has set April 1, 2010 as the deadline for both this year and next year's grant applications. The Media District annually awards up to three organizations with grants of up to $2,500.
    In order to qualify, the organization must be a non-profit, which provides services within the Media District's boundaries. Categories which may be considered include cultural, economic, educational, health, recreational, social and aesthetic quality of life; historic preservation; volunteer motivation and leadership development; and youth and seniors.
    Grants are not considered for the following purposes: endowments; annual campaigns, dinners, event tickets or other fundraising activities; to pay obligations or to replenish resources used to pay for such purposes; routine operating expenses; private foundations; or professional, fraternal, political, religious, veterans or military.
    The grant application can be obtained online at http://mediadistrict.org/resources/grant_application or by contacting Devin at 323-460-6322.

    Officers Elected for 2010

    March 03, 2010

    At the February meeting of the Media District's Board of Directors, the newly elected board members drew their term lengths and the board elected its officers for the new year.
    Ron Groeper, McCaddenSpace, was elected as President of the Board of Directors. Carol Cassella, Red Studios, having served two years as President, was automatically elected Vice President I in accordance with tradition. Tim Mahoney, Hollywood Center Studios, was elected as Vice President II; Willie Maldonado, Milk Studios, was elected as Treasurer; and Wil Anabel, Mader Incorporated, retained his position as Secretary.
    Congratulations to Ron Groeper and the rest of the Executive Board, and all the newly elected board members.
    The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 25th, 3pm at the Musician's Union, 817 Vine Street. All Media District meetings are open to the public and stakeholders are encouraged to attend. For public comment, up to 5 minutes is allotted per speaker; up to 15 minutes are given for pre-arranged presentations. Contact Devin Strecker, 323-460-6322, about any upcoming meetings.

    LAPD invites you to attend Community Police Academy

    February 25, 2010

    On March 17, 2010, Operations-West Bureau will conduct a Community Police Academy for all community members.
    The eleven-week course will be held at the LAFD Training Facility, 2117 Butler Avenue, Los Angeles. Parking is available to the rear of the building. The class will meet each Wednesday evening between 6:30p.m. and 9:30p.m. The course will conclude with a graduation ceremony on May 26, 2010.
    Through the Community Police Academy, enrolled students will be encouraged to build a lasting partnership with the Department, with the ultimate foal of reducing crime and improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
    Each community members must meet the following criteria:
    · Must be 18 years or older;
    · Live or work in Operations-West Bureau;
    · No prior felony convictions;
    · No outstanding warrants;
    · No pending criminal cases; and
    · Must be approved by an Area Commanding Officer.
    Interested citizens should contact the Community Relations Office of their local police station. Visit www.lapdonline.com for more information or contact the Operations-West Bureau, Community Police Coordinator, Officer Ray Arnold at (213) 473-0277.
    As a graduate of the Community Police Academy, the Media District's Operations Manager, Devin Strecker, highly recommends this course to all business and property owners. The knowledge shared is very valuable and timely and the more stakeholders who build this partnership with LAPD, the safer we will all be!

    Save L.A. Parks

    February 24, 2010


    Hollywood Park, located at Santa Monica Blvd. and Cahuenga Blvd. in the Hollywood Media District.
    Photo by Devin Strecker
    The City of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation operates 160 neighborhood parks and organizes numerous sports, arts and exercise programs. Most of these services are for youth at risk of joining gangs.
    On July 1, the city is threatening to begin laying off hundreds of recreation staff to close a $500-million budget gap.
    An alliance of parents, teachers, non-profit organizations, AYSO, the YMCA, environmentalists, and athletes has banded together to as for support to save public recreation at our city's parks. They believe that Los Angeles cannot afford the increased calls to the police, vandalism and gang activities that will come if the safe parks and programs are lost.
    These programs help young men and women who are at key development stages in their lives. Without programs like these in our parks, our young people are at risk of becoming involved in inappropriate behavior. Our parks could soon become crime scenes.
    If you agree and thing that the City Council should avoid cutting recreation programs for young people, call your Councilperson and ask for their budget plan, and tell them to preserve recreation programs in L.A. Parks.
    The Media District is proud of the Hollywood Park and Cole Avenue Recreation Center located within our district and would like to see the facility continue to successfully provide youth with safe and enriching activities.
    For more information, contact Devin at 323-460-6322, or call your Councilperson. The Media District includes parts of Council District 4 (Tom LaBonge, 213-473-7004); District 5 (Paul Koretz, 213-473-7005) and District 13 (Eric Garcetti, 213-473-7013).

    We Came, We Saw, We Celebrated!

    November 18, 2009


    Carol Cassella, HMD Board President, and Tom LaBonge, Councilmember, address the crowd at the 10th Annual Meeting
    Photo by Steve Loverro, West Coast Photo
    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.

    Attendees enjoy the food and refreshments as the sun went down during the 10th Annual Meeting.
    Photo by Steve Loverro, West Coast Photo

    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.

    Mike Malick, who serves as board members for both the Hollywood Media District and the Boys and Girls Club, thanked the performers from the club, and thanked the District for continually supporting the Boys and Girls Club.
    Photo by Devin Strecker

    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


    Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa tapped Charlie Beck to become William Bratton's replacement as LAPD chief. Beck discussed his history with the department and goals as Chief with business leaders on November 17th.
    Photo by LA Chamber of Commerce
    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.


    Tod Lipka, CFO of Step Up On Second, outlined plans for the new Step Up On Vine project.
    Photo by Devin Strecker

    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.

    A rendering for the Step Up On Vine project was shown at a luncheon on Nov. 5 at the location.
    Photo by Step Up On Second

    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


    The Boys and Girls Club advanced baton twirling team performed for the families and volunteers.
    Photo by Cesar Toledo
    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.

    Wilmer Valderrama poses with some of the children at the Boys and Girls Club Thanksgiving.
    Photo by Cesar Toledo

    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.


    Sergeant Damian Reed, Corporal Jessie Cordoba, Dispatcher Maria Galeano, LAPD Captain Beatrice Girmala, HMD Captain John Irigoyen, and Corporal Michael Palmer.
    Photo by Ron Groeper

    Thanks to the help of our officers, LAPD was able to apprehend the suspect within days.

    The award given to Capt. John Irigoyen from LAPD.
    Photo by Ron Groeper

    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


    Volunteers with the Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition serve clients each night beginning around 6:30pm on the sidewalk by Sycamore and Romaine.
    Photo by Steve Loverro
    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.

    Members of the Media District's Board and Security Team met with representatives from LAPD, The Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition, and Melrose Action Neighborhood Watch to witness the nightly feeding program and related services.
    Photo by Steve Loverro

    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 new stamped crosswalk at Highland and Willoughby was completed in mid-June, 2009.
    Photo by Devin Strecker
    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.

    UPCOMING
    MEETINGS

    Security and Public Relations Committee

    Wed, Mar 10, 2010
    2:00 to 3:00
    Red Studios, 846 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Commissary

    Cleaning and Maintenance Committee

    Wed, Mar 10, 2010
    3:00 to 4:00
    Red Studios, 846 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Commissary

    Business Watch

    Thu, Mar 11, 2010
    12:00 to 1:00
    Hollywood Neighborhood City Hall, 6501 Fountain Ave.

    Board of Directors

    Thu, Mar 25, 2010
    3:00 to 4:30
    Musicians Union, Auditorium, 817 N. Vine St.