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Trejo’s Coffee and Doughnuts Opens
Corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and N. Highland Ave.
May 16, 2017
Actor Danny Trejo has opened his newest food business venture in the Media District. Formerly called Donut Time, this new and improved grab-and-go donut shop is attracting a lot of attention. Not that there’s ever been anything subtle about this particular corner, Trejo chose this corner for that very reason and even painted it hot pink! Stop by and check it out.
Trejo is an East LA native that has been portraying tough guys in the cinema for decades, but more recently he started lending his face and name to an ever-expanding collection of restaurant concepts. After first debuting his Trejo’s Tacos along La Brea Ave. early last year, Trejo had quickly gone on to open Trejo’s Cantina on Cahuenga Blvd. right here in Hollywood. Also, Trejo has taken his Trejo’s Tacos concept out to the streets in a matte black taco truck.
Trejo brings his own crowds wherever his name pops up. The push behind the celebrity backer has been fierce, and Trejo and his team are now envisioning a companywide valuation at somewhere in the area of $100 million. Welcome to the Media District!
High-Fidelity Relocates to Media District
1027 N. Orange Dr.
May 22, 2017
The Media District welcomes High-Fidelity, a vinyl record store that has relocated from Hillhurst Ave. in Los Feliz where they had been since 2011. Carrying a large variety of LPs, both vintage and contemporary, they also have CDs and DVDs, and related memorabilia. Monthly in-store events include a Record Store Night with live performances dedicated to showcasing artists of all genres. For more information and store hours, call 323.466.9694, or go to: highfidelityla.com
Hollywood Center Studios
Sold to Hudson Pacific Properties Inc.
May 17, 2017
Los Angeles real estate company Hudson Pacific Properties Inc. is rapidly becoming one of the largest independent studio operators in the country with its $200-million purchase of Hollywood Center Studios, one of Hollywood’s oldest film lots. The company has renamed the facility Sunset Las Palmas Studios and plans a major $50 million expansion on the 15-acre lot. Hudson also owns Sunset Gower Studios and Sunset Bronson Studios nearby, along with five office developments at varying stages of completion.
Making it Safer for
Driving and Walking in the BID
May 09, 2017
In cooperation with LAPD Hollywood Division and LADOT, the BID has been successful in advocating for an all-way stop sign at the intersection of Romaine St. and Sycamore Ave. This had been an intersection where there only was a 2-way stop, and there had been a number of accidents. This intersection is now a 4-way stop, making it safer for vehicles as well as for walking pedestrians.
Construction Begins
New Los Angeles LGBT Center
Corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and McCadden Pl.
March 20, 2017
Architects rendering of north east corner
of Santa Monica Blvd. and McCadden Pl.
As part of a major expansion, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has begun construction of a new landmark mixed-use development directly across the street from one of their other locations, The Village at Ed Gould Plaza located at 1125 N McCadden Pl. The Village Center will continue its operation, although the LGBT Youth Center that has been located at 1220 N. Highland Ave. will be closed and relocating to the new Center once it’s completed.
The new location will be named the Anita May Rosenstein Campus and comprise three main buildings: one building with youth supportive services that includes 100 emergency and transitional housing beds for homeless youth and 35 units of permanent supportive housing for young adults and a new youth academy comprising education and employment services; a building for senior permanent housing with 100 affordable units; and a building with new administrative offices that will include ground-floor retail space.
Together with The Village at Ed Gould Plaza - this new site will form a cohesive campus along McCadden Place. “We hope the project will become an urban catalyst for the neighborhood, connecting residents, clients, staff, and neighbors alike,” said Chris Leong, partner at the architectural firm who designed the project. The BID Board of Directors are proud to unanimously support this project.
Funding for this new $118.5 million project includes $40 million from fundraising and $9 million from Federal funding. The contractor for the project is Swinerton Builders, the contractor who built the Staples Center.
The new Campus will take two years to build and complete, with an anticipated opening in early 2019. For more design details and information go to: leong-leong.com/anita-may-rosenstein-center/ or contact Stephen Burn, sburn@lalgbtcenter.org, 323.993.7633.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center traces its roots back to 1969 when the founders of the organization first began providing client services to the LGBT community. Today there are six locations throughout Los Angeles, employing more than 500 people and with over 3,000 volunteers. The Los Angeles LGBT Center is a non-profit organization serving the LGBT community, and it is the largestest organization of it’s kind in the world.
Burke Williams
Opens in Media District
925 N. LaBrea Ave.
October 24, 2016
Burke Williams newest Hollywood Spa is now open, with common areas for guests to relax and enjoy mini massage services while they wait for their full service. Nail care is available and includes the spa’s newest eco-friendly steam pedicure service. Also there is an innovative Custom Blend Bar that will allow guests to consult with an expert aromatherapist and personalize their service spanning every option imaginable including herbal blends, lotions, massage oils, bath salts and more. These personalized blends will be available for use in services, and also they would be for sale for use at home. Reservations are available by calling 323.822.9007, or go online to burkewilliamsspa.com .
More Traffic Calming
Medians for N. Highland Ave.
Now Under Construction
August 11, 2016
Soon, commuters on N. Highland Ave. will have something more pleasant to look at than a pair of break lights – two newly constructed median islands between Fountain Ave. and Sunset Blvd.
Media District BID Boardmember and community activist, Ferris Wehbe has spearheaded this project for the past 18 months. Funding for the project comes from a variety of sources: Council District 4, Council District 13, Lenar Construction and David Schwartzman. The total cost for the two medians is estimated at $325,000 which will be landscaped with drought resistant plants to help reduce water consumption. The two new median islands will improve the aesthetic appearance of the N. Highland Ave. corridor while enhancing the urban environment. An official ribbon cutting ceremony will be held in the early Fall of this year!
LA County Approves
Eliminating Tax Burden for Small Businesses
August 23, 2016
On Tuesday, July 19th, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved Chief Assessor Jeffrey Prang’s proposal to raise the minimum threshold for declaring business personal property from $2,000 to $5,000. This was a major initiative undertaken by Assessor Prang in order to reduce government bureaucracy and eliminate the property tax burden for some small business owners.
The County’s Office of Business Tax Assessments was previously required to assess the value of business personal property, which includes furniture, equipment, machinery, when the total value exceeds $2,000. Now, businesses with personal property valued less than $5,000 will be exempt. Raising this limit will completely eliminate personal property tax bills for an estimated 50,000 small business owners within LA County. If you would like more details, call Michael Kapp, Office of the Assessor, at 213.893.6913 or send an email to MKapp@assessor.lacounty.gov
SIM Group Moves into the former Eastman Kodak Campus, 1017 N. Las Palmas Ave.
August 11, 2016
Just another indication that Hollywood has become the preferred location for media and tech companies involved in the entertainment industry. The SIM Group moved over 100 employees from three of their companies – SIM Digital, Bling and Chainsaw – to a completely remodeled building at the site of the historic Eastman Kodak complex on Las Palmas Ave. in the Hollywood Media District BID. This new facility will allow each company to significantly expand services and work more collaboratively. The move is part of the SIM Group’s strategy to provide complete and fully integrated services for feature and television production and post production. By uniting these companies, the new facility will be unique in providing services from camera prep to final post in one location.
Santa Monica Blvd.
New Building Developments in the District
May 05, 2016
Onni Group Project, 6901 Santa Monica Blvd. Architects rendering of north east corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Orange Ave.
AvalonBay Project, 6687 Santa Monica Blvd. An early rendering of north east corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Las Palmas Ave.
Los Angeles LGBT Center, 6719 Santa Monica Blvd. Architects rendering of north east corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and McCadden Pl.
Onni Group Project
6901 Santa Monica Blvd.
This mixed-use development, slated for a 1.5 acre property between Mansfield Ave. and Orange Dr., would consist of a seven-story structure featuring 231 studios, one and two bedroom apartments, and 15 units for very low income households. Plans also call for 15,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and 390 parking stalls on two subterranean levels.
The design from Roschen Van Cleve Architects is an “Industrial Loft style concept,” which takes cues from the surrounding neighborhood’s legacy of industrial and entertainment industry uses. Exterior materials including board-form concrete, smooth plaster and metal cladding. The building’s mass would gradually taper proceeding north from the commercial boulevard to a two-story height profile, matching the adjacent residential buildings along Orange Dr.
Construction of the project would occur over approximately 18 months, as a start date is contingent on approvals from the City of Los Angeles. The draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) will be released soon.
AvalonBay Project
6687 Santa Monica Blvd.
This new residential and retail project will bring 695 new residential units to a stretch of Santa Monica Blvd. east of Highland Ave. The project by developer AvalonBay in now under construction at 6687 Santa Monica Blvd., on the site of the former Circus Disco and Arena Nightclub. Of the 695 units, 31 will be designated as affordable housing. The project will also have 24,900 sq. ft. of retail space.
The developer hopes the project will be a catalyst for the neighborhood and will encourage other developers to continue the revitalization along Santa Monica Blvd. east of Highland Ave. AvalonBay is also currently building a 371-unit development at the Movietown Plaza site on Santa Monica Blvd. west of La Brea Ave. in West Hollywood.
Los Angeles LGBT Center
6719 Santa Monica Blvd.
As part of a major expansion, the Los Angeles LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bi Transgender) Center has released renderings of a landmark mixed-use development directly across the street from The Village at Ed Gould Plaza. To be named the Anita May Rosenstein Campus, this project is scheduled to open in early 2019. It will consist of 100 affordable units for seniors, 100 beds for homeless youth, 35 units of permanent supportive housing for young adults, senior and youth centers, a commercial kitchen to feed homeless individuals, ground-floor retail space, and 350 subterranean parking spaces. Also the new campus will become the Center’s new administrative headquarters.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center traces its roots to 1969 when the founders of the organization first began providing client services. Today the Center’s more than 450 employees and 3,000 volunteers provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world.
LA City Council Approves
Minimum Wage Hike
November 19, 2015
On Tuesday, May 19th, the Los Angeles City Council approved moving forward to draft a minimum wage ordinance that raises the current $9/hr. minimum wage to $15/hr. for most businesses by the year 2020. This 67% increase was approved despite concerns expressed by the business community and even the consultants, who advised not going beyond the Mayor's $13.25/hr. proposal.
Beginning in 2016, the minimum wage in the City of L.A. will increase annually as follows:
July 1, 2016 - $10.50
July 1, 2017 - $12.00
July 1, 2018 - $13.25
July 1, 2019 - $14.25
July 1, 2020 - $15.00
Beginning in 2017, a modified minimum wage schedule for businesses and non-profits with 25 or fewer employees will go into effect as follows:
July 1, 2017 - $10.50
July 1, 2018 - $12.00
July 1, 2019 - $13.25
July 1, 2020 - $14.25
July 1, 2021 - $15.00
Starting in 2022, the minimum wage will increase every single year based on the previous year on the previous year's Consumer Price Index for the L.A. Metro area. Non-profit organizations with greater than 25 employees can apply for a waiver if their top executive earns less than five times the wage of the lowest-paid worker, or provide transitional jobs programs, or serve as child care providers, or are primarily funded by city, county, state or federal grants or reimbursements. Consistent with state law, the youth wage will stay as 85% of minimum wage for 160 hours for workers 14-17 years of age.
PATH in the BID
(People Assisting The Homeless)
November 21, 2014
As of 2013, a Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count determined that there are 58,423 individuals experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles on any given night, 74% (43,410) of whom go unsheltered and literally live on the street. These people become homeless for many reasons, including job loss, domestic violence, lack of affordable housing, under-employment, health issues, substance abuse, natural disasters, and more. Each person has a unique life history and unique issues that have contributed to their situation.
Of people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, 33% are living with a mental illness, many of whom are stable when receiving the support and/or medications they need. It is important to move past the stereotype that all homeless people are “crazy” and beyond the notion they can not be helped.
PATH has been working with our BID’s Security Patrol force, as well as the Hollywood Police Division, to mediate interactions with homeless individuals and ensure that the needs of the community and the homeless individual are addressed. For additional information you can contact PATH at path@epath.org, or go to epath.org .
Abandoned Shopping Carts?
What To Do
August 06, 2014
The California Shopping Cart Retrieval Corp. (CSCRC), located in Burbank, is your source for requesting pickups and removals of abandoned shopping carts left along public streets. (Please note that not all stores’ carts are serviced by CSCRC and carts containing homeless peoples’ belongings can not be removed).
Call them toll free at 800.252.4613, or go online to cartretrieval.net .
BID Services Keep Your Property
and Business Clean and Safe
March 14, 2016
Highland Ave. looking north from Melrose Ave.
Also, the Media District contracts with Universal Protection Services (UPS) to provide Security Patrols within the BID. These patrols are by foot, on bicycles, and in the Media District’s security vehicle. Patroling security officers are present throughout the District 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. If needed, they can be directly contacted by calling 323.871.4150.
If you are having any problems keeping your property or business clean and safe – trash dumped or graffiti, suspicious or nuisance individuals coming onto your property or into your business – please consider completing two very important forms that can help. These forms are: a “Trespass Authorization” form and a “Graffiti Paint Out Agreement” form.
The first form is a “Trespass Authorization” that gives permission to Officers of the LAPD and the Media District to come on to your property and exercise enforcement of your No Trespassing signage. (Please note, you must have No Trespassing signs posted.)
The second form is a “Graffiti Paint Out Agreement” that allows HBT to come on to your property and paint out tagging and graffiti. Also, upon request they will accept paint from property owners and businesses in order to match your existing colors.
To obtain these Authorization and Agreement forms, or to request any other services within the BID, please contact Jim Omahen, Operations Manager for the Media District at 323.860.0088 or email jim@mediadistrict.org .
A Bit About BIDs
January 22, 2014
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 well over 1000 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.
Media District Dining Guide
October 25, 2016
Serving up traditional Indian cuisine for lunch and dinner.
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Chinese Express, 6775 Santa Monica Blvd.
Inexpensive chinese food, good combo deals available.
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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.
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Eat This Café, 6547 Santa Monica Blvd.
Offering seasonal sandwiches, fresh salads, and panini in an eclectic space in the heart of the Media District. Lunch and dinner daily, 10am to 8pm, serving brunch on Sun 10am to 3pm, beer and wine available. eatthiscafe.com
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Fat Sal’s, 1300 N. Highland Ave.
Counter-serve featuring over 40 unique sandwiches, wraps, burgers, hot dogs and sides in a hip space. 855.682.4373.
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Grub, 911 Seward St.
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
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Hudson Lobby Café, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd.
A coffee house style full service espresso bar, light dining and wifi service. www.hudsontheatre.com
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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
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La Carmencita, 1156 N. Highland Ave.
The main theme of this new eatery is fresh seafood in the form of familiar starters like tostadas, ceviches, and even fish tacos. The owners hail from Guadalajara. 323.701.2063
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Marino Ristorante, 6001 Melrose Ave.
This family owned business has been serving up the finest traditional Italian food for nearly thirty years. With an upscale atmosphere and a great wine list. Serving lunch and diner. marinorestaurant.net
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Providence, 5955 Melrose Ave.
Chef Michael Cimarusti’s fine-dining delivers innovative seafood in a tranquil setting. Known for their seafood focused tasting menus. 323.460.4170
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Rao’s Italian Restaurant, 1006 Seward St.
With locations in New York’s East Harlem and inside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, this Southern Neapolitan family-style upscale eatery is now open in the Media District. Serving dinner Monday through Friday only, with a full bar. Reservations recommended, 323.962.7267. raosla.com
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Salt's Cure, 1155 N. Highland Ave.
With an upscale atmosphere and an air of sophistication, serving inventive California-sourced dishes, including housemade charcuterie. With a full bar, a great place for lunch or dinner. www.saltscure.com
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Shakey's Pizza, 7001 Santa Monica Blvd.
Known for their large buffet, Shakey’s is a favorite lunch time spot for many employees in the District. Mojo Potatoes are just one of the highlights here. www.shakeys.com
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Subway, 6775 Santa Monica Blvd.
A healthy alternative to fast food, who doesn't love a Subway sandwich? www.subway.com
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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!
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Tasty Thai Restaurant, 718 N. Vine St.
Great lunch specials at this hole-in-the-wall asian eatery.
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Trois Mec, 716 N. Highland Ave.
Simple but interesting with an open-kitchen interior and offering an exclusively French wine list. Pre-paid ticket reservations only, serving one nightly 5-course dinner Mondays through Fridays only. troismec.com
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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
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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
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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. Email Jim Omahen, jim@mediadistrict.org with your information.