Eric Garcetti's Weekly Newsletter: Downtown Football Stadium, Hollywood Children's Festival of the Arts

Here at Hollywood Patch we thought it would be helpful to readers to post City Council President Eric Garcetti's newsletter. Garcetti, who represents a portion of Hollywood, keeps residents informed of his happenings via this weekly e-newsletter. For direct delivery, visit his website and fill out the subscription form.

COUNCIL APPROVES AGREEMENT FOR NEW FOOTBALL STADIUM      

This week, Los Angeles took a step toward building a new downtown stadium and convention center this week with the approval of a non-binding agreement that lays out the terms of the project's financing. 

City Council President Eric Garcetti established a rigorous process -- including a City staff working group, independent expert consultant analysis and the creation of a Council committee to ensure the tough questions were asked and answered thoroughly and transparently.  Garcetti has been outspoken that any project should provide a significant boost to our economy and protect taxpayers.

"Taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for this stadium, and I created a tough review process to ensure they are protected in this agreement," Garcetti said. "This project will create jobs, attract new businesses, and showcase what Los Angeles has to offer.  I want football to come to Los Angeles, but more important are new jobs and a new City-owned convention center that will create jobs and boost our economy."

Key terms of the agreement are that no public dollars are used for the stadium; the project will not proceed unless an NFL team is committed to playing there; and the project must undergo a full environmental review that addresses traffic, parking and other issues.  City reports, terms of the agreement and more are at downtownstadium.lacity.org.

NEW STOPLIGHT COMING TO SILVER LAKE 

A new streetlight will soon be installed on Silver Lake Boulevard near the Neutra VDL House to give neighborhood residents a safe option for accessing the the Meadow and walking path at the Silver Lake Reservoir.

"We want residents to be able to safely cross the street and enjoy the amenities in their community,," said Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, who worked with the Silver Lake community to select the best location for the crosswalk.  

The Department of Transportation expects the light to be activated later this month.

UPCOMING EVENTS

On Saturday, Taking the Reins will host the Salsa Under the Stars benefit to support its youth programs from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Taking the Reins farmhouse in Atwater Village (3919 ½ Rigali Avenue). Taking the Reins is a non-profit organization that works with underserved girls. Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. The price includes dinner, margaritas, and valet parking. To purchase tickets or for more information, please call 323-906-1560 or visit www.takingthereins.org.

On Sunday, the Hollywood Art Council will host its 26th Annual Children’s Festival of the Arts from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Paramount Pictures Studio (5555 Melrose Ave.).  For more information, call 323-661-7299 or visit http://www.hollywoodartscouncil.org/.

On Tuesday, August 16, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) will host a workshop as part of the process of creating a new Regional Transportation and Sustainable Community Strategy from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the SCAG Main Office (818 W. 7th Street, Board Room, 12th Floor).  Come share your ideas for more eco-conscious transportation in Los Angeles.  For more information, please contact Marie Silva by phone at 213-236-1904 or by email at silva@scag.ca.gov. You can also click here.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:  Don't miss Atwater Movie Night Under the Stars's screening of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" at the Los Feliz Municipal Golf Course.  Gates open at dusk, and the show begins at dark. Blankets and picnics are encouraged. Concessions will be available, with all proceeds going to benefit local Atwater Village elementary schools. Please, no pets or smoking. This free event is presented by the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council. For more information, please click here.