FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hollywood – Mayor Jim Hahn today welcomed the endorsements of Councilmembers Eric Garcetti and Tom LaBonge as they discussed the dramatic revitalization Hollywood has experienced in the last three years.

“The heart of the city is Hollywood and the heart is beating strong once again.  Mayor Hahn has been key to the revitalization of Hollywood.  This team works and we have much more to do,” said Councilmember Garcetti.

“If you were walking down Hollywood Boulevard five years ago at night, you were either looking for trouble or trouble was looking for you.  Mayor Hahn has made public safety his top priority and has joined forces with the LAPD, the business community, and the residents of Hollywood create a new and better Hollywood,” Councilmember LaBonge said.  “He has been involved both in front of and behind the camera in helping to revitalize Hollywood.  Not only Angelenos, but visitors from near and far are coming back to touch the magic of Hollywood.”
    
“Over the last three years, I have been proud to team up with Councilmembers Eric Garcetti and Tom LaBonge – Hollywood’s dynamic duo – who’ve worked closely with me to bring sparkle to the stars of Hollywood.” Mayor Hahn said.  “I am honored to have their support for my re-election.  This is a great team and together we’re going to keep up the momentum that’s brought Hollywood back into the spot light as a great place to live, work and vacation.”

Mayor Hahn cited his efforts to reduce crime as a leading contributor to Hollywood’s resurgence.  Violent and property crimes are down almost 17 percent in the Hollywood Area this year compared with last year.

“We are proving across the city that when you bring down crime, you bring in
investment,” Mayor Hahn said.  “Today, Hollywood’s safer streets are attracting tourists, businesses and housing development.”

Mayor Hahn worked to increase recruitment and retention of LAPD officers to put more police on our streets and neighborhoods.  He worked with the Police Commission and the LAPD to reinstate the department’s community policing program to encourage greater partnership between the community and the police.  Mayor Hahn also signed into law vehicle seizure ordinances, that allow the LAPD to seized vehicles used in prostitution or drug transactions.  In addition, he worked to expand the nationally-recognized LA’s BEST after-school program to give kids a safe and educational place to go during the crucial hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. 

As crime has declined, Mayor Hahn has worked to increase investment and tourism in the Hollywood area by facilitating establishment of the Hollywood Entertainment Business Improvement District (BID).  The BID allows businesses to establish and fund safety, sanitation, aesthetic and marketing programs to improve the business climate in a 15-block area in the heart of Hollywood.  Mayor Hahn also continues to urge state officials to designate Hollywood as a State Enterprise Zone, making businesses eligible for tax credits and other incentives designed to retain, expand and attract businesses, create jobs and revitalize neighborhoods.

Hollywood has seen more than $1 billion in development during Mayor Hahn’s Administration, including the major development at Hollywood and Highland that serves as the permanent home of the Academy Awards and residential-retail projects at the landmark intersections of Hollywood and Vine and Sunset and Vine.  Mayor Hahn today joined Councilmembers Garcetti and LaBonge at the Schwab’s pharmacy at Sunset and Vine, which is a new incarnation of one of Hollywood’s most storied businesses.

According to a Hollywood BID report released last year, Hollywood’s economy has seen a dramatic increase in the last few years.  Since 1998, sales tax revenues have increased 242 percent and assessed property values in the Hollywood Entertainment District have more than doubled.

In addition to promoting construction of market rate housing, Mayor Hahn in partnership with the Community Redevelopment Agency has worked to bring into construction over 500 new units of affordable housing in Hollywood.

To address traffic in Hollywood, Mayor Hahn’s Traffic Safety and Congestion Relief Plan has made improvements to problem intersections in Hollywood.  Mayor Hahn’s plan continues to identify and fix Los Angeles’ 25 worst intersections every year.  Mayor Hahn appointed Councilmember Tom LaBonge to the Metro Transit Authority where they have worked to increase access to public transit for the residents and tourists of Hollywood.

Finally, Mayor Hahn has worked to dramatically change the way city hall works by bringing government closer to communities through the Los Angeles system of Neighborhood Councils.  These community organization are now involved in the decisions on issues that most directly affect them -- ranging from development of the city budget to the process of street closures for Hollywood movie premieres.  

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