Eric's Blog

On Thursday, I was proud to give my eighth State of Hollywood speech to local business and community leaders at the historic Music Box @ Fonda Theatre.  Having just returned from witnessing history at the Inauguration of our new President in Washington, D.C., I couldn’t help but feel the same sense of optimism about the future of Hollywood that I felt — and continue to feel — about our nation, even in these difficult times.

Over the past eight years, Hollywood has become a cleaner, safer neighborhood for families and businesses.  We’ve attracted unprecedented investment and good jobs to the area through the Hollywood Enterprise Zone and the efforts of the Community Redevelopment Agency.

We’ve also improved the quality of life for residents of the area. Our crime rate is lower than it’s been in 50 years and last year alone we reduced crime by a remarkable 10% — the most in any L.A. neighborhood.  We have significantly reduced graffiti through my Uniting Neighborhoods Against Graffiti (UNTAG) program, which was recognized as a model program by the National League of Cities last year. We have improved education and opportunities for young people by opening the first new high school in decades, Helen Bernstein High, and bringing the At the Park After Dark program to Lemon Grove and Hollywood Recreation Centers, where teens have access to safe, fun activities during the critical summer months.

For the last eight years, I’ve been proud to be a partner in the resurgence of Hollywood and I must admit that the opportunity to see its continued revitalization through as Councilmember for four more was no small part of my decision to run for a third term. As I said in my speech, the state of Hollywood is ready, “ready to weather this economic storm and…ready to show the country and the rest of the world what economic recovery looks like.”

I’m ready as well.