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“10th Annual Meeting”
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Latest News
A Bit About BIDs
September 08, 2010
A business improvement district (BID) is a defined area within which commercial property owners pay an additional assessment in order to fund improvements within the district's boundaries. BIDs may go by other names, such as business improvement area, business revitalization zone, community improvement district, special services area, or special improvement district. BIDs provide services, such as cleaning streets, providing security, making capital improvements, and marketing the area. The services provided by BIDs are supplemental to those already provided by the local municipality.
The first BID was the Bloor West Village BIA, which was established in Toronto in 1970. The first BID in the United States was the Downtown Development District in New Orleans in 1974. BIDs have been established around the world, including in New Zealand, South Africa, Jamaica, Serbia, Albania, Germany, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. A study in 2007 found 739 BIDs worldwide, but current estimates are that there are over 900 BIDs in the United States alone.
Legislation is necessary to permit local governments to create BIDs. The process for creating a BID varies from one jurisdiction to another, but generally three steps are involved. First, some number of property owners in the area organize and petition the local government to create the BID. Second, the local government determines that a majority of property owners, usually done by a vote, want the BID. Third, the local government enacts legislation creating the BID. Residences and some governmental entities are usually exempt from making any contributions, and the operating budgets of BIDs range from a few thousand dollars to tens of millions of dollars.
A BID may be operated by a nonprofit organization or by a quasi-governmental entity. The governance of a BID is the responsibility of a board of directors composed of some combination of property owners or their designated representatives. The management of a BID is the job of a paid administrator usually called an executive director or a management company and often other managing staff.
BIDs have also become a powerful lobby group, lobbying government for improvements such as new sidewalks, trees, park benches and other restorations. BIDs can also lobby different levels of government for a complete facelift on their area if they feel it is necessary. BIDs have been created in situations where neither the private sector nor government can adequately provide needed changes or services for the betterment of a specific area.
There are four BIDs in Hollywood: Hollywood Media District, Hollywood Entertainment District, the Hollywood & Vine Business Improvement District, and the East Hollywood Business Improvement District.
LA Department of Building & Safety New Online Newsletter
September 01, 2010
The Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety recently released its first electronic newsletter in an effort to improve communications with their customers.
Robert R. Ovrom, the new General Manager of LADBS said he is committed to making this quarterly newsletter truly informative and helpful. The first edition of the LADBS electronic newsletter offers information such as a review of year-end building statistics, an introduction to the Department's "Performance Enhancement Program," a highlight of service improvements of parallel design-permitting, restaurant case management, and the construction-inspection partnership. To find out how you can subscribe to this valuable resource, go to:
http://ladbs.org/LADBSWeb/newsletter.jsf .
James Perse Opens in Media District
September 01, 2010
A new James Perse store opened recently in the Media District. The opening was not publicized and kept very low key. Nevertheless, at 1128 N. Highland Ave. there stands the trademark James Perse black and white sign in front of a building painted entirely in matte black.
The new store is located in a large rehabbed building that looks to have once been an automotive garage. With the interior space open and high ceilings beaming with abundant natural light from large skylights, the store is bright, clean and uncluttered. It’s all very well done and is an excellent compliment to the James Perse styles inside.
This strip of Highland Ave. near the intersection with Santa Monica Blvd. is changing – and that is changing for the better. Not long ago and before the Media District put nicely landscaped street medians along the center of this section of Highland Ave., it was barren and less than desirable for anything like this. Highland Ave. is becoming more than just a commuter pass by, it is now a destination to buy gourmet Cupcakes at “Frosted” (1200 N. Highland, visit www.frostedcupcakery.com or call 323.467.1080), eat at the famed Susan Feniger restaurant named “Street” (742 Highland Ave., visit www.eatatstreet.com or call 323.203.0500), and now shop at the new James Perse store. For more information on new James Perse store, visit www.jamesperse.com.
Expanded “Business Tax Holiday”
Approved by LA City Council
August 19, 2010
In a move to make Los Angeles more business friendly, the LA City Council has approved an expanded “New Business Tax Holiday.” This Business Tax ordinance will remove the current $500,000 maximum gross receipts qualification and extend the Business Tax Exemption from two to three years (it had been only for two years). The extension to a three-year business tax holiday is in effect January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2012.
Prior to the Council vote, Mayor Villaraigosa held a press conference asking the council to pass the measure. “By approving these tax reforms, we will send the message loud and clear that Los Angeles is open for business,” the mayor said.
As posted on Aug. 6th by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on his blog, “I am proud to report that City Council has just unanimously passed the Business Tax Holiday and other tax-friendly reforms! This action will without a doubt create jobs in Los Angeles, and lay the foundation for future economic growth. The Business Tax Holiday, developed by my office, is a simple idea. To encourage businesses to start up or relocate to LA, we will exempt all new Los Angeles enterprises from any gross receipts tax for three years.”
According to independent analysis from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California, the tax holiday will create revenue for the City and will serve as an incentive for businesses to locate in the City of Los Angeles. The USC study also suggests that it could create 55,000 new jobs.
Under the plan developed by the Mayor's Office of Economic Development and the ad hoc Business Tax Advisory Committee, new businesses that open in Los Angeles through 2012 will be exempt from the city's gross receipts tax for three years to help them minimize expenses while they establish themselves. The legislation, which city officials have termed a “tax holiday,” comes as the city is grappling with an unemployment rate of 13.5 percent, higher than the countywide rate of 12.3 percent. Businesses have been fleeing Los Angeles and locating in surrounding areas in part because of the city’s high business taxes. Los Angeles has the highest business tax of any city in the nation. Also, Los Angeles finds itself at a disadvantage in trying to keep businesses from migrating to neighboring cities, many of which have no business taxes at all!
The legislation also included a “Taxpayers Bill of Rights,” a series of 10 principles designed to make the business tax system clear and understandable to local and prospective businesses. This Bill of Rights also outlines the Office of Finance's mission to provide effective and responsible revenue collection services through a customer-service based approach to taxpayers.
The principles include:
1. Fair and consistent application of the law
2. Professional treatment
3. A clear explanation of rights
4. Confidential treatment of tax information
5. An explanation of charges due
6. Information about tax exemptions
7. Administrative appeal if issued an assessment
8. Installment Agreements
9. Taxpayer representatives
10. Taxpayer Advocate assistance
For more information contact City of LA, Office of Finance, Customer Service Center: Phone (213) 473-5901, M-F, 8am-5pm; Fax (213) 978-1548, Attn: Special Desk Unit;
Email: Finance.CustomerService@lacity.org; Mail to: Office of Finance, Special Desk Unit, 200 North Spring Street, Room 101, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Fueling the Future of Film
August 13, 2010
It's no secret that the film industry requires an enormous amount of energy. Perhaps most extravagant is the amount that's needed to keep the sets beautifully lit, the base camp functioning properly and the avalanche of power required to move people and resources around. The good news is that help is on the way in the form of new technologies and fuel, resulting in significantly greener productions. Some of the biggest game-changers are solar panels, biofuels and a revolution in LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting that's film-friendly and requires only a fraction of the energy.
Although the occasional panel is cropping up on film sets here and there, Warner Bros. Valentine's Day took a commitment to solar to a new level. An impressive solar energy system was sourced and incorporated under the watchful eye of Executive Producer Diana Pokorny along with Jon Romano, Sustainable Production Manager for Warner Bros. Pictures, and Shelley Billik, VP of Environmental Initiatives. A first-of-its-kind "hybrid" base-camp power system furnished by Pure Power Distribution and affixed to mobile trailers and the roofs of some of the Star Waggons trailers combined solar-powered and biodiesel generators, and the savings were substantial. According to Romano, "The production saw a 35% decrease in the amount of fuel required to power the set, a savings of 30–36 gallons per day." Multiply that over the course of the 54-day shoot and you can immediately see an economic and environmental savings. What's more, these impressive-looking panels appeared as a sort of mascot during the shoot, helping to reinforce the need for environmental action throughout the production. Pokorny loved being a central part of this initiative, which she says, "really got the rest of the production excited and motivated." Warner Bros. and Shelley Billik have been instrumental in instituting sustainability efforts that include recycling, composting and alternative fuels, such as a permanent array of solar panels and a biodiesel fueling station directly on the lot. Warner Bros. maintains that the energy they save from their alternative fuel program could power 500 average American homes over the course of a year. In 2008, on the East Coast there was a breakthrough in the use of biofuels, starting with the Universal/Focus Features release Away We Go. At the same time, a study took place on the set of Sony Pictures Entertainment's The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, where a thorough analysis of fuel consumption and effect was conducted during filming by Cornell University researchers and City College of New York Graduate students. In June of 2009, the New York City Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting (MOFTB) announced that according to the study, the use of biofuels resulted in a 21% decrease in carbon monoxide emissions, a primary contributor to greenhouse gases.
While solar power and biofuel technology are important steps in the right direction, the most power-hungry feature on any set, from a small independent project to a big-budget feature film, is the massive amount of lights needed to make the shots look beautiful. Thankfully, LED technology is coming to the rescue and is being used everywhere; from on-the-fly electronic news gathering (ENG) to the biggest live events in the world, including the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies and the impressive Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show. Paramount's Morning Glory, directed by Roger Michell, is an example of a recent film that successfully harnessed the use of LED lights. The electric department did so with the added challenge of having to light a set within a set, incorporating tungsten and florescent lighting. Despite these added lighting requirements, it was still able to achieve a savings of more than 50% in energy costs. That's because LED technology, according to Paul Kobelja of PRG (the company responsible for lighting big events including the Olympics and the Super Bowl Halftime Show), "consumes 70% less energy than traditional lighting while giving off 80% less heat." In addition to the direct energy savings, the sets populated with LEDs also require significantly less air conditioning, another added bonus.
Energy is the one thing a film production will always need, so reducing carbon emissions through alternative fuels and fuel-saving technologies will make a big difference in lowering costs and helping the environment at the same time, a win-win situation.
For more info and resources visit: www.pgagreen.org .
Councilmember LaBonge Visits BID
July 05, 2010
Councilmember Tom LaBonge visited the Hollywood Media District on Tuesday, April 13, and met with Executive Director Susan Levi, Operations Manager Devin Strecker, Board President Ron Groeper, and Vice Presidents Carol Cassella and Tim Mahoney.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge addresses stakeholders within the Hollywood Media District while Stacy Marble, Hollywood Field Deputy, looks on.
Photo by Devin Strecker
Riding around together in a van, the group first looked at the poor condition of the asphalt on Santa Monica Blvd. between Highland and Las Palmas.
The lack of left-turn signals on Highland Avenue at Santa Monica Blvd. was pointed out.
Groeper said that he had done a traffic study on Highland Avenue, which he presented to LaBonge, which indicated that there is only light traffic southbound on Highland between 3-4pm. Currently, this area is a no-parking tow-away zone from 3pm-7pm and the business owners are desperate for parking. Groeper suggested tightening up the time to 4pm-7pm, as it is on LaBrea, at least on the southbound side. LaBonge said generally both sides of the street are posted with the same hours for consistency. He also said it might be possible to eliminate the no parking from 3pm-4pm south of Santa Monica but he didn’t think they would be able to do anything about it north of Santa Monica because it feeds traffic from Santa Monica Blvd. up to and from the 101 Freeway.
The group then visited Citrus Avenue north of Santa Monica. Groeper pointed out the poor condition of the street, which was covered with potholes, ruts and bumps. Strecker said that it hadn’t been repaved in 40-50 years, and he stated that the property owners had been told that the city wouldn’t repave it until sidewalks were installed. However, Strecker pointed out that some of the buildings extend right up to the street so there would not be any way to install a sidewalk on the east side. He stated that several of the large tenants on the street, including Calumet, Out of Frame, and the Los Angeles County Office of Education are growing increasingly frustrated with the condition of the street and the lack of attention paid to it. He added that the blighted condition attracts homeless people, often who live in their cars or motor homes; one was currently parked there during the visit. LaBonge agreed that the street is in poor condition. Regarding the homeless sleeping there, he asked if we would like to put up signs that prohibit parking from 10pm to 6am. Levi said the board would have to discuss that first. LaBonge agreed that the street needs to be repaved. Mahoney pointed out that the children who attend the school on Citrus have to walk down the street to get to the bus stop and it is unsafe for them.
Groeper asked LaBonge if there were any updates on the relinquishment of Santa Monica Blvd. LaBonge stated that there has been no recent progress as the city and state are both struggling just to survive with their current budget situations.
The group drove over to the feeding program and Levi pointed out that there were already a few clients loitering and waiting for the food truck, although they are not supposed to arrive until 6pm. At the time it was around 4pm.
At Sycamore and Willoughby, the street is very damaged where the Cemex Trucks turn around. At the time of the visit, there were two safety barricades that the City had placed there; however they had been knocked over. LaBonge and Groeper got out and put the barricades back up. Groeper said this is definitely the worst intersection in the BID and LaBonge agreed that something needs to be done about it.
The Monument Sign at Fountain was mentioned as Levi reminded LaBonge that he had asked his staff to draft a motion to push it through the approval process.
Lastly, the group looked at the intersection of Santa Monica and Seward, where the BID has been advocating for a traffic signal. Groeper said that we want this intersection to spark some redevelopment on Santa Monica Blvd. Mahoney pointed out that the intersection is right next to the audience entrance of two of the main stages at Hollywood Center Studios, and that there is a population of about 1,000 people working at HCS that would use the signal to cross Santa Monica to access the restaurants on the north side of the street.
LaBonge asked for notes to be provided to him so he can follow up on the issues now that he has seen them.
Beautification Begins on Santa Monica Blvd.
July 05, 2010
Volunteers from Mars, Inc, assisted with the Media District's tree planting on Friday, April 23rd, 2010.
Photo by Devin Strecker
HBT worked with volunteers from Mars, Inc., to plant 34 Hong Kong Orchid trees on Santa Monica Blvd. and the side streets, west of Highland Avenue.
Photo by Devin Strecker
During the installation of the tree wells, HBT conducted a pilot program through the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering designed to capture runoff water to irrigate the trees. A new device called a Groundswhale was installed in one tree well per block, which was designed by the BOE to filter rainwater down into the tree's rootball. HBT hopes to incorporate the new device into future tree plantings in an effort to conserve water.
A new Hong Kong Orchid tree is planted in front of Shakey's Pizza, 7001 Santa Monica Blvd.
Photo by Devin Strecker
The planting is the first landscape beautification project for Santa Monica Blvd., which is still under the jurisdiction of CalTrans as it is a State Highway. The BID has been advocating for the relinquishment of the thoroughfare to the City of Los Angeles but the process has slowed down as the city and state struggle to come to an agreement regarding the funding of the relinquishment.
Recently, members of the Media District's Board of Directors met with Councilmember Tom LaBonge to show him first hand our requests for improvements to the Boulevard and discuss the ongoing relinquishment proceedings.
Due to the changes in the weather recently, many of the trees appear to be under duress; however the arborist from HBT has assured us that the trees' health should improve after being planted. If any of the trees fail to survive after planting, replacement trees will be planted.
No Increase For BID Assessments
July 05, 2010
On June 24, the Board of Directors of the Hollywood Media District voted for "no increases" for BID Member Assessments for this fiscal year. As per Board President Ron Groeper, McCaddenSpace, "Despite property owners having difficulties in these economic times, the Hollywood Media District has been very successful in managing our operations to maintain the high standards of the BID's excellent security force, the quick responsiveness of Hollywood Beautification Team, in addition to all of the other improvements that we are planning and implementing."
Each year, the Board must decide whether or not to increase the assessment budget up to 3% as allowed by the Management District Plan, or to leave it at the current level. This year is the second year without increases.
Harris & Ruble Now in the Media District
July 05, 2010
6424 Santa Monica Blvd. is now home to Harris & Ruble, Attorneys and Counselors at Law.
Harris & Ruble is a boutique law firm specializing in commercial litigation for plaintiffs, including antitrust, bankruptcy, class action, intellectual property, entertainment law and employment law matters. The firm delivers quality legal services to clients with matters in labor, and also furnishes general transactional representation and counseling in the entertainment industry.
Clients include actors, directors, cinematographers, producers, gaffers, stage hands, grips, PA's, drivers and other crew-members in the production of motion pictures, television programs, music videos, and television commercials.
Harris & Ruble attorneys are experienced litigators at both the trial and appellate level and are equally skilled in arbitration and mediation. They have a long track record of successful cases before the California Labor Commissioner ("DLSE") for nonpayment or late payment of wages. With their entertainment industry expertise, they're able to compete favorably with firms at all levels of size and sophistication and in cases that have the potential for rulings that have industry-wide impact, including high profile and class action cases presenting complex issues.
Whether clients have a dispute or are negotiating an employment contract with an entertainment company, Harris & Ruble provides them with quality service and industry expertise.
For more information, telephone (323) 962-3777 or email law@harrisandruble.com.
New Operations Manager of Media District
June 25, 2010
This month we welcome Jim Omahen, the new Operations Manager of the Hollywood Media District BID. Jim has worked for City of Los Angeles Council President Eric Garcetti, and most recently for Councilmember José Huizar. His experience in City services and public projects will be a valuable asset as the Media District continues with improvements. Also, he has been involved with a number of nonprofit organizations and their operations.
Devin Strecker, the previous Operations Manager, has accepted a position as Communications Manager for the Hollywood Property Owners Alliance, the company which manages neighboring Hollywood Entertainment District and the Sunset/Vine District.
"I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed nearly 8 years working for the property owners of the Hollywood Media District," said Strecker, who started as an Executive Assistant in 2002 and was promoted to Operations Manager in 2005 after the BID successfully expanded and renewed for 10 years. "As much as I hated to leave the Media District, this is a great opportunity for me and for me, it's great that I get to stay in the BID world while remaining in the Hollywood Community, and I'm sure I'll be seeing you all in the future."
if you have any questions or concerns regarding the transition, please contact Jim Omahen at 323-460-6322 or email jim@mediadistrict.org.
Media District Dining Guide
August 20, 2010
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. - $$ Come see why people are flocking to this authentic Indian eatery! Amazing food with great lunch specials keep this place bustling.
Grub, 911 Seward Street - $$ 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.