|
|
From Left to Right: CCA Senior VP of Govt Affairs, Victor Franco, Jr.; David Israel, L.A. Coliseum Commission; Gillian Zucker, California Speedway; Alicia Procello, Nike; Mark Rosenthal, JMBM; David Simon, So. Cal. Committee for the Olympic Games; and Tommy Lasorda, L.A. Dodgers
"Business of Sports in L.A."
Some of L.A. sports' finest joined CCA members this week for a look at the sports industry in Los Angeles. Sponsored by CCA member
Nike
, the panel discussion at the Marriott Hotel, featured
Tommy Lasorda
of the
L.A. Dodgers
,
David Simon
of the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games,
David Israel
of the L.A. Coliseum Commission, and
Gillian Zucker
of California Speedway. Los Angeles is an international sports city, drawing an incredible fan base. With booming niche markets, including expanding interest in car racing and other sports, the region has strong potential for market expansion.
Panelists touched on topics including L.A.'s 2016 Olympic bid, the future of an NFL team at the Coliseum, the 2006 Dodger season, and NASCAR and Indy Racing League events at the California Speedway.
Special thanks to our moderator
Mark Rosenthal,
member and sports law expert with
Jeffer Mangels Butler & Marmaro LLP
, and our gracious host
Alicia Procello
of
Nike
.
Bill Jackson (right) with (from left to right) CCA Chairman Steve Weston, Weston, Benshoof; CCA President & CEO Carol Schatz; and CCA Land Use Committee Chair Cindy Starrett, Latham & Watkins
CRA's Bill Jackson Visits CCA
This week,
Bill Jackson,
Chairman of the CRA Board of Commissioners, spoke to CCA's Housing, Land Use & Development Committee. Jackson discussed several topics including a new Agency director and the Board's priorities for 2006. Jackson commented that board members sometimes get involved in the "nitty gritty" of project proposals. He intends to establish a clear set of principles and guidelines for developers and board members to expedite the process and stop the guesswork involved in CRA transactions.
CCA has long been advocating against the CRA's often excessive requirements on projects in CRA areas, especially on those that are privately financed. In response to several questions posed by President & CEO
Carol Schatz
and members, Jackson stated that he does not believe the CRA has right to impose requirements, except when partially financing the project. While he is not alone in this philosophy, there are several board members who disagree. Jackson hopes to codify policies related to this discrepancy.
In addition to CRA issues, CCA members
Allan Kingston
and
Tim O'Connell
of
Century Housing
also joined the Committee to discuss the proposed Housing Bond. The Committee voted in support of a November 2006 ballot measure which will authorize a $1 billion bond for affordable housing. CCA in conjunction with several business organization first proposed this idea to the City two years ago in our housing policy entitled
West L.A. Industrial Land Policy Recommendations Released
CCA Chairman
Steve Weston
of
Weston, Benshoof, Rochefort
,
Rubalcava & Maccuish LLP
and CCA staff attended a workshop on the Westside this week regarding the City's proposals for West L.A. industrial land. The City's Planning team recommends that most of this area remain zoned industrial-only.
CCA has taken the lead on the industrial land policy, gathering the support of the L.A. Business Council and other organizations in offering the City land use recommendations.
CCA believes the City should allow mixed use development on the Westside's industrially-zoned land, as the area's jobs-to-housing balance is already heavily weighted towards jobs, and the area is mostly commercial uses adjacent to neighborhoods. The area has few parcels large enough to accommodate heavy industrial or larger users.
The workshop had a strong showing from the business community, and especially CCA members. Members who commented included
Hilary Norton Orozco
of
Palmer Investments,
Ken Kahan
of
California Landmark Group
,
Tim O'Connell
of
Century Housing
, and
David Gryczman
of
Manatt Phelps & Phillips.
|
• CCA President & CEO Carol Schatz held a private breakfast with new Planning Director Gail Goldberg, hosted by CCA Chairman Steve Weston of Weston Benshoof. Ms. Goldberg expressed her interested in creating a vibrant Downtown. She said that she has not seen great neighborhoods or parks in Downtown and wants to create solid design guidelines. She spoke on topics including industrial land policy, the project backlog in the Planning Department, and her Department reorganization strategy. • CCA staff, along with member Tara Bannister of the California Apartment Association testified at a Rent Adjustment Commission (RAC) meeting, where the Commission discussed recommending Council adopt a moratorium on condo conversions. Despite CCA's and others' strong testimony against, RAC decided to move forward with the recommendation. This will serve as an advisory document to the City Council and Mayor in future decisions.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|