IN THIS ISSUE

Help Defeat Anti-Business Propositions, Educate Your Employees

New Holiday Decorations Planning for Hollywood

East Hollywood BID Moves Forward

Chamber Testifies for Clarett, Continental Development Proposals

All Hallows Eve Party Raises Funds for Charities

LaBonge to Report to Chamber, Entertainment District to be Honored

Save the Date

Tom Labonge

Xmas Parade VIP Ticktess

Help Defeat Anti-Business Propositions,

Educate Your Employees

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce sent its members a business voters guide this week to provide our analysis of the November ballot measures.  This is an important election, with measures before the electorate that will finally move the State toward investing in our long-neglected infrastructure.  At the same time, there are many special interest measures, that may sound good on the surface, but which have actually been written by special interest groups that have included bad policy in the fine print.  A couple of cases in point – propositions 89 and 90.  Proposition 89 says it will promote fair elections and reduce the influence of special interests and lobbyists.  In reality, it was written by the California Nurses Association to give them an unfair advantage by limiting the voice of business.  To add insult to injury, it will raise the taxes on all incorporated businesses, both large and small, to fund this measure.  Proposition 90 is written to take advantage of the public’s opposition to eminent domain.  In reality, proponents are using it to undermine the authority of local communities to decide what types of projects get built in their jurisdictions.  A similar measure in Oregon has led to thousands of lawsuits, which the taxpayers will have to defend against.

We urge you to share our ballot recommendations with your employees.  It is legal for employers to share information with their employees.  You just can’t include it in payroll stuffers.

For more detailed information on your rights to communicate about legislation with your employees, check out this link:

Guidelines for Political Communications to Employees

View a summary of the

Chamber’s ballot recommendations:

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New Holiday Decorations Planned for Hollywood

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has signed an agreement with Nationwide Displays, Inc. for new holiday decorations.  The decorations are being funded by the Chamber and the Hollywood Historic Trust.  A Hollywood star theme will be used on 22 pole decorations that will include moving lights.  In addition, 58 palm trees along Hollywood Blvd. will be wrapped with rope lights to give the community a festive appearance.  The new decorations will be installed by Thanksgiving.

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East Hollywood BID Moves Forward

A six-year effort by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to organize the businesses in East Hollywood into a business improvement district (BID) is finally nearing completion.  The City Housing, Community, and Economic Development Committee voted this week to recommend to the L.A. City Council to proceed with mailing the ballots to property owners to create the district.  The district runs along Vermont Avenue north of the 101 Freeway to Hollywood Blvd., wrapping around Barnsdall Park, down Edgemont, and then East on Sunset Blvd. to Hollywood Blvd.  If approved, the BID will be operational in early 2007.

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Chamber Testifies for Clarett,

Continental Development Proposals

Chamber staff and volunteers were on hand this week at hearings for two important Hollywood projects, both supported by the Chamber.  The Clarett Group’s Boulevard 6200 project, which includes 1,000 apartments and 175,000-sq.ft. of retail space east of the Pantages Theatre, garnered virtually unanimous support from the community.  However, Council President Eric Garcetti and the CRA both detailed a list of areas where they would like the project changed.  Chamber President Leron Gubler noted the importance of the project to Hollywood and urged the city officials and Clarett meet and quickly resolve the issues. 

Continental Development is developing the Sears site on Santa Monica Blvd. into Paseo Plaza, a 377,000-sq.ft. retail project, with 437 residential units and a rooftop park.  Chamber V.P. of Public Policy Rochelle Silsbee testified on behalf of the Chamber, noting the importance of the project as a catalyst for a long-neglected area of the community.  This was the first hearing for the project, with more to come.

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All Hallows Eve Party Raises Funds for Charities

The Chamber’s sixth annual All Hallows Eve party at Hollywood Forever Cemetery this week raised more than $20,000 for Hollywood charities. The popular event drew about 300 people who enjoyed a balmy Hollywood evening. We thank everyone who helped to make the evening special.  Gold level sponsors included:  Iron Mountain Film & Sound Archives, AT&T, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Alliance Realty Partners, Mexicana Airlines, and Allen Matkins.

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LaBonge to Report to Chamber,

Entertainment District to be Honored

Reservations are now being taken for a Chamber general membership luncheon on Thursday, November 9^th, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where Councilman Tom LaBonge will report on Hollywood issues he is pursuing.  Tickets are $55 for chamber members, or $600 for a reserved table with preferred seating. 

The Chamber will also be recognizing the Hollywood Entertainment District on the occasion of its 10^th anniversary.  The HED has been a major factor in the revitalization of Hollywood Blvd. Sponsors for the luncheon are Iron Mountain Film & Sound Archives and Andrews International.  Reservations and payment can be made by going to the Chamber website: www.hollywoodchamber.net.

To RSVP, go to Chamber Events.

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Hollywood Christmas Parade Grand Marshals

Celebrate 75th Anniversary!

Exclusive “Members Only” Parade Tickets Now Available

VIP Grandstand Ticket Packages for the 75^th world-famous Hollywood Christmas Parade are now available to members of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. This exclusive package, valued at $60, includes reserved VIP seating, preferred parking, a free souvenir program and a limited edition Parade lapel pin – all for the incredible price of $27 each! The Parade will be held on Sunday, November 26th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (reserved ticket holders are required to arrive no later 3:30 p.m.)

Join the community and the Chamber in celebrating the Diamond Anniversary of this treasured Hollywood tradition! The special member’s only VIP packages are extremely limited, and will be reserved (for chamber members only) on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t delay! To reserve your tickets please contact BJ French at (323) 468-8311 x28, or bj@hollywoodchamber.net.  More Parade information can be found at www.HollywoodChristmasParade.org.

The 75th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade souvenir program is a great way to advertise. Your company's ad will be placed in 8500 color programs which will be sold in the grandstands and along the parade route as well as given to all of our celebrity and VIP guests.

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