Hollywood Chamber leaders were in Washington, D.C. this week for their annual lobbying trip. Among the top priorities on the fifteen-person delegation’s agenda were to research funding sources for the Hollywood Freeway Central Park and to educate congressional lawmakers about the park, envisioned as a cap over the 101 Freeway between Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards as it travels below grade. Hollywood Chamber and civic leaders hope that federal funds can be secured for the eventual construction phase.

The delegation, led by Chamber Chairman, Jeff Briggs, lobbied on behalf of Hollywood’s transportation needs, such as securing funding for Hollywood area roads, the Exposition Line’s second phase, and the Metro Red Line extension. The delegation also met with the Senior Vice President of the Motion Picture Association of America to discuss global anti-piracy initiatives and runaway production legislation.

Tourism, immigration and homelessness were also topics of discussion as the delegation met with Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, Congressman Henry Waxman, Congressman Xavier Becerra, Congresswoman Diane Watson, and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard as well as several other congressional staff members. The group also had an exciting behind-the-scenes White House West Wing tour.

A larger delegation, comprised of representatives from the Hollywood Chamber, the Los Angeles Area Chamber, and other local chambers from the region, held a press conference with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to demand that Los Angeles receive its share of federal funds.

The trip was organized by the Hollywood Chamber’s Vice President of Public Policy, Rochelle Silsbee. Other attendees were:

Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles City Council President; Leron Gubler, Hollywood Chamber President & CEO; Dick Castner, U.S. Chamber; Drew Colquitt, Alliance Residential; Sarah Dusseault, Office of Council President Garcetti; Bill Farrar, Andrews International; Laurie Goldman, GO! Goldman Organization; Rob Katherman, Grumpy Old Men; Coby King, Coby King Communications; Stacy Marble, Office of Councilman Tom LaBonge; Sharon O’Rourke, The Gas Company; Eric Sanjurjo, Office of Councilmember Janice Hahn; Don Scott, First Financial Bancorp.

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Johnny Grant Visits Troops in Cuba

Vice Admiral Michael K. Loose, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics welcomed Johnny Grant.

Hollywood's Honorary Mayor, Johnny Grant and Chamber Sr. Vice President, Todd Lindgren, returned this week from a trip to U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Grant, who made his 59th oversees trip to visit the troops in "Gitmo", was a special invited guest to the first ever Guantanamo Bay Short Film Festival and at the 65th Anniversary Seabees Ball, held at the base.

Grant, who holds the record for overseas trips by any combat entertainer, has entertained service men and women in Korea, Vietnam, Kosovo, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, and Cuba. "I've entertained five generations of men and women in our armed forces. Their laughter has a certain sound you don't hear anywhere else and their smiles are unforgettable. They're the most appreciative audience you'll ever play to," said Grant.

According to Lindgren, a highlight of their Guantanamo visit was a private reception with the Commanding Officer of the Base, Captain Mark M. Leary, at his private residence.

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Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service

The 86th Anniversary of the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service will take place Sunday, April 8, 2007, 5.30am – 7am. Gates open at 3.30am. Approvals to use the Bowl this year were late in coming, and organizers are urgently trying to raise $25,000 to cover the cost of the free event. If interested in making a tax-deductible donation, make a check payable to HBESS and mail it to P.O. Box 93667, Hollywood, California 90093. Chamber members could call 323-460-7170 and ask for reserved box seats for a free will donation.

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Reduce taxes with Enterprise Zone Tax Credits

Hollywood Chamber Attends CalTia Conference

This month Chamber Vice President of Tourism and Special Events, Elizabeth McDonald, attended the California Conference on Tourism in Sacramento. The conference is held each year by the California Travel Industry Association. This year the conference focused heavily on new trends in travel booking and research. Due to the surplus of information via travel ‘blogs’ like www.tripadvisor.com, vacationers are much more educated than ever before. The practice of searching one’s destination on a regular basis on these sites has become vital to understanding the modern traveler. Hollywood still enjoys the best name recognition in the world, and the Chamber continues to fight antiquated perceptions that it is not a desirable ‘end destination’, or place in which to spend more than a few hours. By attending conferences like these and strengthening relationships with other destinations, the Chamber is changing this perception.

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Make Reservations Now for 86th Installation and Awards Luncheon

One of the most popular Chamber yearly events is the annual Installation and Awards Luncheon, which will be held this year on April 5^th at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. This year a Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Bob Barker of The Price is Right, who is celebrating his 50^th year in broadcasting. In addition, Jeff Briggs of Briggs Law will be installed for a second year as Chairman of the Board of the Chamber, as well as other officers and directors. Tickets are $75 each or $800 for a table. Reservations can be made online at www.hollywoodchamber.net or by calling the Chamber. Presenting sponsors for the event this year are AT&T and CRA/LA. Supporting sponsors include: Andrews International Security, Briggs Law, Paramount Contractors and Developers and Ramsey-Shilling Commercial Real Estate.

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Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Hollywood & Highland Center Shuttle Service for WICKED