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Abandoned Shopping Carts?
What To Do
June 23, 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 .
Albert Sweet Awarded
Honorary Doctorate Degree
June 23, 2014
Albert Sweet, a prominent philanthropist and Co-Chairman of Occidental Entertainment Group Holdings, Inc., was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Technion University in appreciation of his devotion to the university and support for Israel.
The Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, located in Haifa, Israel, was founded in 1912 and is the oldest university in Israel. The university offers degrees in science and engineering, and related fields such as architecture, medicine, industrial management and education.
Located in the Media District BID, Occidental Entertainment Group is a diversified entertainment and real estate company with 12 sound stages and roughly a million square feet of production, executive, editorial and creative office space, and offers a vast array of lighting, grip, props, and technical services.
SMUGGLER
Comes to Media District, 829 Seward St.
June 23, 2014
This Spring SMUGGLER, a world renowned commercial, film, theatre, and entertainment company, will be relocating to 829 Seward St. in the Media District. After making extensive renovations and restorations to their newly acquired historic Art Deco building, they will be better able to provide the much needed space for their business to grow and prosper.
SMUGGLER was founded in 2002 by Patrick Milling-Smith and Brian Carmody. Their awards and credits include “Production Company of the Year” by the Clio Awards, British Arrows and twice by Creativity Online, and they have also twice been awarded the Cannes Lions Palme D’Or in addition to the Grand Prix, Hugo Award and an Emmy.
MEDIA DISTRICT
Begins City of LA Required
BID Renewal Process
March 19, 2014
The Hollywood Media District BID is up for its renewal this 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 14 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 this year. A renewal allowing the BID to continue to help property and business owners prosper.
TIMELINE FOR RENEWAL
In the first quarter of this year all property owners within the current boundaries and the proposed expansion areas for the BID will receive a petition. This petition is to verify property owners’ support, and a greater than 50% majority of all total assessments is required to successfully move the renewal process forward to an official ballot vote. This is the first critical step and it will be very important that owners sign the petition and return it.
In the second quarter of this year and once the City Clerk’s Office has verified all petitions, the official ballot will be mailed out to all property owners. This ballot ultimately determines property owner support to renew the BID. Once all ballot votes are counted and the LA City Council approves the Media District’s renewal, the City Clerk’s Office will update their data files. This renewal will go until 2024, when again the BID will be required to renew.
J. H. Snyder Co. begins Construction of
959 Seward St. Entertainment Office Campus
March 19, 2014
Architect’s rendering of completed project at the corner of Seward St. and Romaine St.
"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 .
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
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
December 16, 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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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.