meeting – Journo James's Journal

Santa Monica City Council & S.M. Civic Auditorium Report

Post author:journojames
Post published:February 10, 2012
Post category:News

Originally published Mar. 14, 2011

SANTA MONICA, CA – The Santa Monica City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to work with one of the nation’s top concert producers in an effort to revitalize the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium despite serious concerns about the projected $45 million commitment in renovation.

smpatch — Santa Monica City Council, Photo courtesy of Santa Monica Patch

City Council members and citizens were enthusiastic about partnering with the Nederlander Organization, which has produced successful musicals like “Wicked” and “The Lion King” as well as presented such headlining music acts like Paul Simon and U2.

Nederlander would take over and manage the neglected 3,000-seat historical landmark that has either sat empty or been relegated to hosting occasional gem and cat shows. In better times, the Civic Auditorium was home to the Academy Awards ceremony and to popular concerts like Bruce Springsteen. (more…)

Atwater Village and the West Doran Street Crossing

Post author:journojames
Post published:January 17, 2012
Post category:News

Originally published Oct. 25, 2010

ATWATER VILLAGE – The Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (A.V.N.C.), in an effort to help local businesses and decrease traffic congestion to the area, passed a motion on Thursday to oppose the closing of the West Doran Street railroad crossing.

The California Public Utilities Commission (C.P.U.C.) found the crossing to be unsafe and unnecessary after doing a study and issued the proposal.

The council plans to send a formal letter of its stance to Los Angeles City Hall and attend C.P.U.C. evidentiary and public proceedings for the next several months to officially voice its opposition, but C.P.U.C. has exclusive jurisdiction over railroad crossings in the state and would ultimately make the final decision. (more…)