WELCOME

Welcome to MediaDistrict.org, the official website of the Hollywood Media District, Business Improvement District. Business Improvement Districts, or commonly referred to as 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

Wishing everyone in the
Hollywood Media District
a safe and prosperous 2015!

December 17, 2014

We are here to serve you and we do so gladly!

DREAM BIG and BUILD CONSENSUS!
Message from the BID’s New
Executive Director, Steven Whiddon

November 21, 2014

It’s hard to believe that two months have passed since I became your Executive Director. I am amazed and excited by your creativity and the diversity of businesses within our Improvement District (BID). We have the best of what Hollywood has to offer. I am inspired by your plans. I have listened to your goals and dreams, and I am prepared to lead. I identified and met with experienced professionals who successfully took ownership of their portion of State Highway 2 / Santa Monica Blvd. Not only were they successful with relinquishment, they built consensus and then they created and implemented one of the best streetscape plans in Southern California. This is the time to dream big. This is the time when we must all work together to make good things happen. To build on our positive momentum, you can look forward to some exciting and informative presentations in the New Year!

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.

PATH in the BID
(People Assisting The Homeless)

November 21, 2014

Since 1984 PATH has grown into a family of agencies working together to end homelessness for individuals, families, and communities throughout Southern California. Each agency addresses homelessness in a different way – supportive services, permanent housing development, support for homeless families, and community engagement.

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 .

CA State Assembly Bill 1839,
California Film and Television
Job Retention and Promotion Act

September 11, 2014

On August 27th, Gov. Jerry Brown and Legislators reached a deal to expand California’s film and TV tax-credit program from its current amount at $100 million to $330 million a year for the next five years, more than tripling the funding available to productions. While this falls short of a hoped-for $400 million mark, this represents a huge victory for the California entertainment community.

The legislation, authored by Assembly members Mike Gatto (LA) and Raul Bocanegra (Pacoima), scraps the current lottery system in favor of a program that would allocate tax credits based on how many jobs projects would create. AB 1839 also allows more projects to qualify, including most one-hour drama series and big-budget studio features.

Over the past 15 years, California’s film industry has been increasingly threatened by film and television productions fleeing the state in search of better financial conditions. As other states have ramped up their incentive programs, California has lost nearly all big budget feature film production and most television production to other states with attractive tax credit programs. This is a very significant change in bringing jobs home to California, and also back to Hollywood!

City Approves BID Renewal for Another Ten Years

August 29, 2014

The Hollywood Media District BID completed all the City of LA requirements and has successfully been renewed for the next ten years. On July 29th, and after LA City Council approved the renewal, the office of the City Clerk tallied ballots. Overwhelmingly the owners of property in the BID voted yes for this renewal.

Since 2000 the BID has been providing 7-24 security patrols and daily cleaning services, and there have been over 600 new street trees planted within the District. These much-needed services, as well as the greening, have helped make central Hollywood’s Media District more desirable to businesses and prosperous. Property owners and their tenants, businesses and their employees, and visitors to the area have all benefited from having a BID. And now that the BID has been renewed for the next ten years, the BID will continue serving all the Media District stakeholders.

The challenges facing the Media District over the next ten years will certainly change and the BID will be ready to meet them. The BID will need to maintain competitiveness, continue to add value to the importance of having a BID, and provide more services as demands increase. Issues of homelessness, street crime, cleaning and greening, changes in land use and new development, parking, and the overall prosperity of the District are and have been the BID’s concerns and will continue to be. Also, the BID will need to maintain fiscally responsible as the needs for more services increase and change in the coming years.

The BID’s goals are many and multifaceted, but the basic core importance is to maintain and to enhance the security, cleanliness, beautification and commercial desirability of the area. The Media District BID is extremely grateful for the support received from the property owners, as well as the entire Hollywood community over the past 14 years. We also look forward to growing new relationships and partnerships that will further the BID’s goals. Also a big welcome goes out to the new property owners and businesses in the BID’s expansion areas, which are located to the north up Highland Ave. to De Longpre Ave., south down Vine St. to Melrose Ave., and to the west to Formosa Ave.

J. H. Snyder Co. begins Construction of
959 Seward St. Entertainment Office Campus

March 19, 2014

The J. H. Snyder Co. has begun construction at 959 Seward St. of a 245,000 sq.ft. entertainment campus. The project has been in the works since 2008, and it will consist of three structures: a five story West Wing, a four story East Wing, and an eight-level above ground parking structure with 735 parking spaces. Also the common areas will include a restaurant, fitness center, outdoor event space, screening room, and bike storage. Promoted as a creative work environment for creative people, the project should be completed in early 2016.

"Hollywood is undergoing a transformation with an entrepreneurial spirit of new businesses, job growth and a new wave of professionals," said Jerry Snyder, Founder and Senior Partner at J. H. Snyder Company. "959 Seward will provide creative companies the opportunity to be entrenched in a creative environment in the preferred tech and entertainment corridor." 959 Seward is ideally located at the corner of Seward St. and Romaine St., directly across from Hollywood Center Studios.

The J. H. Snyder Co. is one of the nation’s leading full-service real estate companies and one of the few firms in the country known for its multidisciplinary capabilities. In business for over 60 years, the J. H. Snyder Co. is known for investing to revitalize communities. For more information, visit jhsnyder.net .

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

February 21, 2012

The Hollywood Media District BID has a contract with the Hollywood Beautification Team (HBT) for cleaning and maintenance needs within the District. HBT’s responsibilities include emptying trashcans located along sidewalks, cleaning and removing all trash and debris from sidewalks, gutters, driveways, tree wells and from around trashcans. They also remove stickers and paint over graffiti on buildings, trees, poles, planters, utility bases or other surfaces on a daily bases. HBT also pressure washes bus stops and sidewalks throughout the BID. There is a minimum of 8 people per day to accomplish these services.

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

August 25, 2014

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

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Bombay Grill, 6775 Santa Monica Blvd.
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. Also lemon bars and peanut butter cookies for your sweet indulgences. Lunch and dinner daily, serving brunch on Sat-Sun 9am to 3pm, and catering available.

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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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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

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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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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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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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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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Mud Hen Tavern, 742 Highland Ave.
Chef Susan Feniger and Executive Chef and partner Kajsa Alger have reinvented the former STREET with refurbishing the space. Also they have an expanded bar with a draft beer system. For reservations or more information go to mudhentavern.com or call 323.203.0500.

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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.