Original Architect of Capitol Records Tower Honored

The iconic Capitol Records Tower, owned by Millennium Partners/Argent Ventures, was honored on Sunday by the L.A. Conservancy, which placed a plaque on the building honoring the architect responsible for the unique design.  Louis Naidorf, formerly of the firm Welton Becket, was present to receive accolades for the building he designed as a 24-year old architect.  The building was the world’s first circular office building when it opened 52 years ago.  “As its owners, we are proud to have been part of preserving the Capitol Records Tower so that generations of Hollywood and Los Angeles locals and visitors can enjoy it for years to come,” said Tom Trynin, the local representative for Millennium Partners/Argent Ventures.

Feasibility Study for Freeway Cap Park Nears Completion

A feasibility study on the proposed Hollywood Freeway Central Park is expected to be released next week for public comment. In preparation for the release of the study, members of the Chamber’s Hollywood Freeway Central Park Coalition met with Cal Trans District Seven Director, Doug Failing to discuss the project. Failing expressed his support of the Park and noted the great need for green space in Hollywood.

The concept behind the Park is to construct a cap over a portion of the U.S. 101 Freeway where it goes below grade between Hollywood and Santa Monica boulevards as the freeway travels through the heart of Hollywood. The project committee has already raised more than $160,000 from public and private funding sources and has garnered support from Federal, State, and Local Government officials including Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti who has been instrumental in moving the Park project forward. Other elected officials supporting the Park include: Senator Dianne Feinstein, Congressman Xavier Becerra, Congresswoman Diane Watson, California State Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas, California Assemblymember Kevin DeLeon, California Assemblymember Mike Feuer, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge.  Community support for the park has been overwhelming with more than 450 people in attendance at the three public meetings held to solicit input used in the Feasibility Study.  

The California Legislature recently approved Assistant Majority Leader Kevin de León’s AB 31, which would prioritize $400 million of Proposition 84 park funds, the largest investment in local parks in the nation, to underserved and park-poor communities throughout California.  If signed into law by the Governor, AB 31 allow Hollywood an opportunity to seek funding for the creation of new parks in our community including the Hollywood Freeway Central Park 

Hollywood Freeway Central Park will be accessible by two subway stops and numerous bus lines, and will be regional in its attraction.  Additionally, more than 100,000 people, including 23,000 children live within just one mile of the Park area.  As the Hollywood community continues to grow with an estimated 80,000 residents per square-mile, rising land acquisition costs, and over 6,000 additional housing units slated for construction, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has proposed Hollywood Freeway Central Park as a way to create a much-needed street-level public park in one of the lowest resident-to-park space communities in California.   

For more information on the Hollywood Freeway Central Park please contact the Chamber’s Vice President of Public Policy, Nicole Shahenian at (323) 468-1373 or via e-mail at Nicole@hollywoodchamber.net .  You can also visit the Park’s website at www.hollywoodfreewaycentralpark.org.

Ground Broken for Three Median Islands by Media BID

Ground was broken this week for three new, landscaped media islands on Highland Avenue.  Councilmember Tom LaBonge joined members of the Media BID and other city officials to mark the beginning of construction for the three islands that will be located on Highland Avenue between Melrose and Santa Monica Blvd.  Funding for the project came from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the City of Los Angeles, Proposition C, and from matching funds provided by the Hollywood Media BID.    This is the continuation of a project begun several years ago by the BID, when it received a $1-million Metro grant, that has already seen three landscaped islands installed along Highland Avenue.  In addition to the islands, the project will see the addition of 53 pedestrian lights, and stamped asphalt concrete crosswalks.

Bring Your Employees to All Hallows Eve Party

Hollywood Chamber Foundation's 7th annual fundraising ALL HALLOW’S EVE is back by popular demand. Bring your friends or reward your employees to a fun outdoor event. Join us on Thursday, October 30, 2008, 5:30 - 8:30pm at  Hollywood Forever Cemetery located 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. This year’s “All Hallow’s Eve” mixer is presented by the generosity of Millennium Partners / Argent Ventures, The Original Farmers Market, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, The Clarett Group, Sunset Gower Studios / Sunset Bronson Studios. Bronze level sponsors are Ramsey Shilling, Andrews Int’l, NAI Capital, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The Foundation also would like to thanks Mole Richardson, Continental Airlines, Advent Visual, Azul Tequila, Ciroc Vodka, Premiere Events, Bob Gail Events. For more information on sponsorship or donations, please contact Kaylee Kiecker at kaylee@hollywoodchamber.net.

ALIST Young Professionals Hold Successful Mixer at Farmers Market

Some 100 guests enjoyed the hospitality of the The Original Farmers Market last week at the September A-LIST mixer. Great networking, food and beverages were ‘served’, complemented by the ambience of one of Los Angeles’ most famous and historic venues. Following the mixer, those adventurous attendees continued networking while enjoying a night of Karaoke hosted by A-LIST co-chair Nicole Mihalka of Daum Commercial Real Estate.

Free Business Seminar to Explain Enterprise Zone

Council President Eric Garcetti and the Los Angeles Community Development Department are hosting a free business seminar on Tuesday, October 14^th, to highlight the economic benefits of the State Enterprise Zone.  A host of benefits, including DWP rate discounts, grants and tax credits are available to qualifying businesses.  The seminar will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Lockwood Elementary School, 4345 Lockwood Ave. For further information, phone (323)957-4500 and ask for Heather Repenning.

Public Invited to Participate in High School, College Dedications

Two celebrations are planned next week at Hollywood-area campuses.  On Monday, October 6, at 10 a.m. a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at the new Helen Bernstein High School, at Sunset Blvd. and the Hollywood Freeway.  The state of the art campus has been under construction for more than two years, and alleviates overcrowding at Hollywood High School.  On Tuesday, October 7, at noon, Los Angeles City College will be dedicating the campus’ new state-of-the art Martin Luther King, Jr., Library and will celebrate the historic inauguration of Dr. Jamillah Moore as president of the College.

Support
Hollywood’s
Hail-A-Taxi
Pilot Program

A six-month test program is underway in central Hollywood and Downtown to see if there is enough demand by passengers to make a permanent policy allowing people to hail taxis. The Chamber, a strong proponent of the new policy, encourages its members to help make the test a success by taking advantage of the opportunity to hail taxis.

Talk to Marty:
Addiction Counseling Services (213)500-8865 • Take $50 dollars off first visit!

KBKG reduces taxes with Enterprise Zone Tax Credits

Members Take 15-20% Off with I&A Dry Cleaners: Call 323-953-9988

Click here for Chamber Member News, Events and Discount Offers

Free business counseling at the Hollywood Chamber
Offered by the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
Richard Krelstein, a retired business turn-around specialist
Consulting services will be available most Fridays 9:30 - 11:30am 
To schedule an appointment, call Vivian at (323)469-8311.