Newsletter: The Media Messenger

Volume 6, No. 2: Jun, 2005

Summer 2005 | Volume No.6 | Issue No.2

Inside This Issue:

Planning for Tomorrow
HMD Welcomes Captain Ron Sanchez
New HMD President
Highland Grounds: Your Neighborhood Bar
Mark Your Calendar
Board Member Info
Names and Numbers
Hollywood Media District Contact Info

Planning for Tomorrow

For several months, the City of Los Angeles’ Planning Department has been considering zoning changes within the Hollywood Community Plan Area, including the area which has been historically home to the film and television production industry as well as the many people who live in the surrounding residential areas.

The Planning Department recently approached the BID and the Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council (CHNC) to seek their input on the proposed zoning changes. The BID and the Council were both extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in what is surely the most important planning process to have taken place in the last twenty years, one which will have the greatest impact on their collective life experience for far more than twenty years to come.

At the request of the Planning Department, a joint task force was formed to address the needs of the community and create a vision for the future. “The City has given us a great opportunity to come together, bringing the needs of the residents and the businesses to one place, looking at the area’s needs as a whole,” says Mike Malick, Board Member for the Hollywood Media District and Chairperson of the Zoning Task Force. The task force met several times and analyzed the entire area both as a whole, and also on a block-by-block basis, taking into consideration both residential and commercial needs.

"This unprecedented collaboration between all the stakeholders in Hollywood and the City government to create a special place with medium and long term planning based on the public's priorities is very encouraging. Hollywood is the crown jewel of Los Angeles, and the most famous community in the world due largely to our entertainment industry. It is our obligation to encourage, nurture, and support that industry," says Debbie Wehbe, President of CHNC.

The CHNC and HMDBID will be posting the dates of future forums on their respective websites at www.chnc.org and www.mediadistrict.org.

HMD Welcomes Captain Ron Sanchez

May was a special month for the Business Watch, as the BID welcomed new LAPD Hollywood Commanding Officer, Capt. Ron Sanchez, to the District. The BID provided lunch to all those in attendance. Capt. Sanchez spoke about his history with Hollywood and his excitement over his new position at the department.

Sanchez, who was appointed to the LAPD in 1975, took over for Commander Michael Downing. Downing moved on to be Assistant Commanding Officer, Operations-South Bureau, after nearly six years of serving as Captain in Hollywood.

Captain Ron Sanchez

The BID also took part in a “Changing of Command” ceremony which was held at The Hollywood Museum on April 18. HMD co-sponsored the event, along with the three neighborhood councils, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the Hollywood Entertainment District BID and the Hollywood Museum.

New HMD President

Jack Fleming, Advanced Digital Services (948 N. Cahuenga), has been elected President of the Hollywood Media District Board of Directors for the remainder of 2005. Fleming takes over for Interim President Tim Mahoney, Hollywood Center Studios, whose term expired in June. Fleming has served as a Director in 2003, and served as Treasurer in 2004.

“Given the problems of local and state governments, the BID is more important than ever,” Fleming said. “Projects that I support and want to continue and improve on are Clean and Safe, Parking and Campus improvements. In addition, I feel strongly that it’s crucial to retain the area’s character so that it remains media friendly.” Congratulations, Jack!

Highland Grounds: Your Neighborhood Bar

Highland Grounds, 742 N. Highland, is transforming beyond coffee bar straight to full-fledged neighborhood bar over the next few weeks. One of the first coffeehouses in the city, Highland Grounds has been serving our community for 15 years, evolving constantly to the bustling restaurant it is today.

For years working Hollywood has congregated here to get a lot of its work done - and still make time for a decent meal, some creative conversation and a chance to check in with friends. With the introduction of spirits, Highland Grounds is probably one of the few places in the city where you’ll be able to start a meal with a martini and finish it with a cup of organic coffee. All at very reasonable, down home prices.

Owner Rich Brenner says, “We want to become the official neighborhood bar of the Media District.” And co-owner Sarah Gregory is looking forward to booking parties, especially once the holiday season arrives. Call and ask for Sarah or Leslie, 323-466-1507, for reservations.

Situated just north of Melrose at the gateway to the Media District, Highland Grounds is open 10am weekdays, 9am on weekends, and closes midnight Tuesday through Thursday, 1am Friday and Saturday, 4pm Sunday and Monday.

Executive Committee Meeting
Wednesday, July 13, 2:00 PM
RenMar Studios Commissary
846 N. Cahuenga Boulevard
Please call Devin at (323) 460-4770 to RSVP.

Cleaning/Mantenance Committee Meeting
Wednesday, July 13, 3:00 PM
RenMar Studios Commissary
846 N. Cahuenga Boulevard
Please call Devin at (323) 460-4770 to RSVP.

HMD & LAPD Business Watch Meeting
Thursday, July 14, 12:00 Noon
Hollywood Community Room
6501 Fountain (Fountain and Wilcox
Lunch will be served. Please call Devin at (323) 460-4770 to RSVP.

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Presents
Breakfast with the Captain
Thursday, July 14, 8:00 AM
Renaissance Hollywood Hotel
1755 N. Highland Avenue
$35 Members / $35 Non-Members
Call (323) 469-8311 to RSVP or for more info

HMD Board Meeting
Thursday, July 20, 3:00 PM
Musician's Union Auditorium
817 N. Vine Street
Please call Devin at (323) 460-4770 to RSVP

Board Meetings are regularly held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 3:00 PM at the Musicican's Union, unless otherwise scheduled (as is the case this month).

Hollywood Media District Board of Directors

Jack Fleming, Interim President, Advanced Digital Services
Carol Cassella, Vice President I, RenMar Studios
Mike Parker, Vice President II, Mole Richardson
David Mozes, Treasurer, CMS Real Estate
Amie Moore, Secretary, Musicians Union
Wil Anabel, Mader Inc.
Jeff Anthony, Iron Mountain
Juan Cabral, Shakey's Pizza
Matt Chait, The Complex Theaters
Phil Feiner, Pacific Title
Ron Groeper, Groeper Photography
Mike Malick, Marcus & Millichap
Tim Mahoney, Hollywood Center Studios
Brian Scane, Paladin Group
Ron Stein, Crest National
Al Sweet, Al Sweet Development
Eliza Thorne, Seward Film Vaults

Names and Numbers

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Hollywood Area Police Station	(213) 485-4302
Hollywood Community Relations	(213) 485-4310
LA Fire Department Emergency	911
Damaged Parking Meters	(877) 215-3958
Lot Cleaning	(800) 996-2489
Department of Transportation	(213) 485-2489
Bulky Item Pick Up (Residents Only)	311
Animal Regulation	(888) 452-7381
Building and Safety	(213) 977-6966
Potholes, Curb, Street Damage BSM	(800) 996-2489