Hollywood Center Project Hearing

The Hollywood Center project had a public hearing with the Department of City Planning yesterday where they presented their updates on different components of the design and entitlements. Diana Yedoyan, VP of Public Policy and Economic Development, spoke in support of the project highlighting the desperately needed housing units this project will create as well as the millions of dollars in investments and revenue generated. The Chamber looks forward to the ultimate final approval of Hollywood Center, and if you would like additional information on supporting Hollywood Center, please reach out to Diana@hollywoodchamber.net.

LA County Public Health Councils Report

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors continues discussions and negotiations with local stakeholders regarding the Department of Public Health proposal to establish “public health councils” within businesses across the county to monitor compliance and report code violations to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has been actively engaging with supervisor staff and stakeholders expressing extensive concern with the proposal. The Department of Public Health was asked to consult with labor organizations, worker advocates, and business community representatives to create these recommendations. The Department consulted with only 4 business representatives and 18 labor organizations, showing a clear bias. Our coalition is asking the Board of Supervisors to deny the recommendations made by the Department and work with relevant business groups to ensure all stakeholders are consulted. Read the opposition coalition letter here.

The State Senate went into emergency recess on Wednesday after an unnamed Senator tested positive for COVID-19. It is unclear whether the Senate will be able to hear all bills on the Floor before the legislative deadline on August 31^st. President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins may consider remote voting for Senators while Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon states that Assembly Floor Session will continue as planned with in-person voting.

Multiple bills that the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce took a formal position on will be heard in the legislature before the August 31^st deadline. SB 1383, requiring businesses with five or more employees to allow 12 weeks leave for employees, and AB 3216, requiring employers in specific industries to offer to recall employees previously laid off, were formally opposed by the Hollywood Chamber. Multiple bills to aide in the creation of housing opportunities will be heard in both chambers. SB 995, seeking to streamline CEQA paperwork for developers for large and small-scale projects and SB 1085, making changes to density bonus laws, will be heard in the Assembly. SB 1065, seeking to expand temporary housing options for families experiencing homelessness, will also be heard.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has been strongly advocating in opposition of Senate Bill 1383, which proposes a mandatory 12-week leave of absence on any employer with five or more employees and allows for private right-of-action against employers. Our coalition has held numerous meetings with CA State Assemblymembers to highlight the impacts on small businesses. We would like to hear from you and your business experience, to provide your testimony on how your small business would be affected in SB 1383 were passed into law click here. SB 1383 is scheduled to be heard on the floor any day and we need to mobilize our members to ensure your voice is being heard.

Congress is still at a stalemate in approving an additional coronavirus relief package. The House of Representatives met over the weekend to pass a $25 billion USPS relief bill which will unlikely be approved by the Senate. The White House is still actively seeking relief legislation.