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Latest News
Annual Election of Media District
2014 Board of Directors
Slate of Nominees Announced
December 02, 2013
Once a year the Hollywood Media District BID holds an election for seats on the Board of Directors. Only property owners or those they designate qualify to become a Member of the Board. These positions are voluntary and come without pay or compensation. Terms are for two years and approximately half of the Board comes up for re-election each Fall. Most Board Members re-apply, but there are often a few that do not. This Fall there were six Board Members who applied for re-election and there were two new nominees accepted on the Slate of Nominees for next year’s Board.
The Nominees are:
Wil Anabel – Mader, Inc.
Michael Ankney – Musicians Union Local 47
David Bass – Producers Film Center
Carol Cassella – Red Studios
Ron Groeper – Ron Groeper Photography
Thor Lee – Avison Young Commercial Real Estate
Mike Parker – Mole-Richardson Co.
JL Singer – Hollywood Center Studios
If this Slate of Nominees is not contested, then these property owners/representatives shall be declared as 2014 Board Members at the December 13th Board Meeting of the Hollywood Media District BID.
Any Parcel Owner in good standing has a right to contest the Slate by nominating one or more additional persons for election by submitting to the Nominating Committee by December 12, 2013, a petition signed by no less than twenty parcel owners in good standing for each person nominated for the election. If the Slate is contested, the Nominating Committee shall conduct a general election.
If you should have any questions or for more information, please contact:
Jim Omahen, Operations Manager, at 323.860.0088, or email jim@mediadistrict.org .
UPDATE
Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition “Food Line,”
Corner of Sycamore Ave. and Romaine St.
December 02, 2013
This past Summer there has been an escalation of transient problems in the area, and to a great extent the Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition’s (GWHFC) food line attracts many of these transients to the area. The GWHFC sets up nightly at the corner of Romaine St. and Sycamore Ave., and has done so since being banished from West Hollywood by way of that city passing an ordinance not allowing street feeding programs. The problems have included more trash on streets, human waste, people camping out in alleys and sleeping on sidewalks, and a considerable increase in the number of motor-homeless parked in the area. But of greatest concern has been the criminal reports and violent incidents involving transients.
For a number of years the Media District, as well as the greater Hollywood community, have all been asking the GWHFC’s organizers to change their operation and find an off-the-street indoor facility. A facility where there would be public health professionals to evaluate and to better help the individuals served.
On October 16th Councilmember LaBonge and O’Farrell responded to our concerns by initiating the first step in creating a City of LA Ordinance regarding non-commercial meal service in public rights-of-ways. This first step was to have the Public Works Committee hold a hearing, hear public testimony, and to then have the Committee make recommendations. Recommendations that hopefully will move forward legislation resulting in better serving the homeless and transient populations, with sensitivity to the neighborhoods where these programs may exist. Included in the recommendations from the Public Works Committee are: put forth requests to the City Attorney, Board of Public Works, Department of Disability, LAHSA, County Health Department, and the Los Angeles Police Department to report on measures which address providing meal service to individuals in the public rights-of-way; and to request the City Attorney to report on efforts by other municipalities to address non-commercial feeding in the public rights-of-way. Once all these reports are done and received by the Public Works Committee, the City Attorney’s Office will draft an ordinance that will be submitted back to the Committee for further hearings and review.
MEDIA DISTRICT
Begins City of LA Required
BID Renewal Process
December 02, 2013
The Hollywood Media District BID will be up for its renewal next year, as required by the City of LA. The BID, originally established in 2000, has many times over proven its effectiveness in creating change for the better.
Over these past 13 years, the BID’s Security Officers have patrolled the area looking out for everyone’s safety, trashcans have been placed and maintained throughout, and over 600 new street trees have been planted and there will be more to come. Also, new landscaped street medians have been constructed along Highland Ave., streets and sidewalks are being properly maintained, and other such infrastructure improvements have been made to the area.
The Media District is a 40 square block area that includes well over 200 individual commercial property owners and includes studios, production companies, entertainment related businesses and office spaces, theatres, restaurants, and shops. The BID’s mission is to bring back and to sustain this area so that:
– Studios can attract more television, film, and commercial productions.
– Production and post production firms can prosper and expand.
– Local restaurants and shops can thrive.
– The theatre district becomes a thriving hub of live theater productions.
– The area is safe and pleasant for employees who work in it, visitors to it, and the residents around it.
But the BID’s work is not done, and with your continuing support, we are looking forward to a successful renewal next year. A renewal allowing the BID to continue to help property and business owners prosper.
Media District
Annual Meeting and Party
Hosted by Musicians Union Local 47
October 28, 2013
Once a year the Hollywood Media District invites BID stakeholders to an Annual Meeting and Reception. This year’s event was held on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 26th, and it was generously hosted by the Musicians Union Local 47, 817 N. Vine St. Guests included property and business owners, the BID Board of Directors, State Assemblymember Richard Bloom, Councilmember Tom LaBonge, and new LAPD Hollywood Capt. Pete Zarcone.
Mike Malick (center), BID President, accepts certificate of recognition from LA City Councilmember Tom LaBonge (left) and LAPD Hollywood Division Capt. Pete Zarcone (right).
For the nearly 100 guests who attended, it was a great opportunity to meet others with interests in the Media District. As well, it was an opportunity to meet the BID’s Board of Directors and to find out what the BID has been doing during the past year and what’s coming up for 2014.
Mike Malick, President of the BID’s Board of Directors thanked all those who have made the Hollywood Media District BID possible – helping to make the area a safer, cleaner, and a more prosperous place to do business. President Malick also thanked the Musicians Union for hosting not only the Annual Party, but also for hosting monthly and special BID meetings throughout the year.
A Salute to the Professional Musicians Union, Local 47
The Professional Musicians Union, Local 47, is a labor organization with more than 8,000 members. Formed by and for musicians over a century ago, Local 47 promotes and protects the concerns of musicians in all areas of the music business assuring professional standards and treatment for all their member musicians. Local 47 is affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, the largest organization in the world with 424 Locals and 85,000 musicians in North America.
The Musicians Union charter dates back to 1897, as this country’s labor movement began to gain momentum. Originally located in downtown Los Angeles, the Local 47 building was far from the emerging entertainment and movie-making area of Hollywood. By the late 1940s and after the end of WWII, Local 47 had acquired land in Hollywood and built a new building located at 817 N. Vine Street. The new Local 47 building was dedicated in 1950, and today continues to serve its member musicians.
9 Dots Learning Center
931 N. Highland Ave., Opening Soon
October 28, 2013
9 Dots was founded in 2011 by a group of engineers and educators to help underserved students develop a passion for innovation and master the skills required to pursue professional careers. As the only after-school program in Los Angeles that offers science, technology, engineering, and math enrichment to underserved students, 9 Dots programs will be dedicated to helping students cultivate a passion for innovation, build confidence in their abilities, and master the knowledge required to succeed in the 21st century.
For more information go to: 9-dots.org , ph. 323.524.8328, or email info@9-dots.org.
New Captain
at LAPD Hollywood Division
October 18, 2013
Capt. Pete Zarcone, Commanding Officer for the LAPD Hollywood Division.
Captain Zarcone was born in Inglewood and raised in Granada Hills, CA. He attended John F. Kennedy High School in Granada Hills and graduated from California State University, Northridge, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, serving as an Infantry Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer. Upon leaving active duty, Zarcone entered the Los Angeles Police Academy in September of 1988. As a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, Zarcone was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2002. While serving as the Civil Affairs Officer for the 1st Marine Division during the invasion of Iraq in 2003, Zarcone was responsible for planning civilian population and resource control in the Marine sector. Upon reaching Baghdad, he coordinated Civil Military Operations, including the rebuilding of civil infrastructure, coordinating non-governmental organizations’ relief efforts, and restoring police and fire services. Zarcone attained the rank of Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve in 2008.
As a member of the Los Angeles Police Department, Zarcone has worked as a Patrol Officer, Gang Officer, Self-Defense Instructor, Patrol Supervisor, Detective, Gang Unit Supervisor, Task Force Supervisor, District Lieutenant, Gang Impact Team Officer-in-Charge, and most recently as Patrol Commanding Officer of the Olympic PD Division.
Newest “Hollywood Production Center”
Opens at 6350 Santa Monica Blvd.
October 18, 2013
Rendering of Hollywood Production Center in renovated building at corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Lillian Way.
Hollywood Production Centers (HPC) has now opened their newest location in the Media District located at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Lillian Way. After extensive renovations were made to the long empty building, the new HPC incorporates contemporary office space design and spa-like amenities for entertainment industry businesses.
With three other locations, two in Glendale and the original facility located at 1149 N. Gower St., HPC now has more than 10 years experience in offering all-inclusive turnkey office space to the entertainment industry.
This newest Hollywood Production Center offers offices and adaptable suites designed to accommodate almost every need, with an extensive list of services and amenities that include: gated 24 hour security; office furnishings; available communal conference rooms and separate copier rooms; a café and salon; valet service and a car wash; a fully equipped gym with lockers and showers; a personal trainer and even a masseuse! For more information go to: hollywoodpc.com
Historic Hollywood Home of Eastman Kodak Sold
July 03, 2013
The Eastman Kodak Co. site consisted of the original building built in the 1920s along Santa Monica Blvd., and another larger building behind it built in 1994. The gated property covers nearly one entire square block.
The Hollywood home of Eastman Kodak Co. located on Santa Monica Blvd. at Las Palmas Ave. has been purchased by developers Lincoln Property Co. Future plans for the two-building campus-like complex are to turn it into smaller office sites and studios for creative businesses. At the purchase price of $24.5 million, Lincoln Properties plan to make about $5 million worth of renovations to the gated former Kodak compound.
The Hollywood location for the Eastman Kodak Co. dates back to the early days of the movie industry. In the late 1920s, Eastman Kodak scientists working there helped develop the first motion picture film specifically designed for movies with audio.
TELEVISION CENTER
Building for the Future,
Expansion and Parking Structure
April 05, 2013
Currently Television Center, located at 6311 Romaine St., has over 163,000 sq. ft. with creative and traditional workspaces. The original building was built in the 1920s by the Technicolor Corporation, and it was a grand statement in the emerging Art Deco style of the day. Also when the building was the Technicolor Corporation, it was the primary Hollywood business that provided film producers color processing through the 1950s. Today, fully restored and well maintained, Television Center is home to creative production and technical services companies, to artists, photographers, film labs, casting agents, and Hollywood’s Gold’s Gym.
Media District Business Watch Meetings
with LAPD and BID Security
November 06, 2013
In cooperation with the LAPD Hollywood Station, The Media District holds bimonthly BID Business Watch meetings. These meetings are held at Hollywood Neighborhood City Hall, 6501 Fountain Ave. (corner of Wilcox and Fountain). They are free and open to the public, and a light lunch is provided. For each meeting a guest speaker is featured, providing information on topics that will be useful to business owners. Security issues are discussed and there is always an opportunity to speak with the Hollywood Senior Lead Officer (SLO) and the BID’s Security Patrol staff.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 9th, from 12 noon until 1pm. Please come and join us.
BID Services Keep Your Property
and Business Clean and Safe
February 21, 2012
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
April 08, 2013
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.
Media District Dining Guide
October 11, 2013
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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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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Little India Restaurant, 6775 Santa Monica Blvd.
Serving up traditional Indian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Offering a terrific all you can eat lunch buffet. Also offering catering for your next event.
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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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Susan Feniger's Street, 742 Highland Ave.
Inspired by exotic street food from around the world, this relatively new eatery is in the space formerly occupied by The Dive (and earlier, Highland Grounds). www.eatatstreet.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.