Incentive

NORTH HOLLYWOOD — Experts are hoping for an economic jolt from a group of schmucks and a Chihuahua, among other players. The films “Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2” and “Dinner for Schmucks” were named Tuesday as two of 25 projects that will receive state tax breaks meant to curb the effects of “runaway productions,” which could lead to an economic recovery in Glendale and Burbank. The California Film Commission selected the projects and will offer the incentives to 30 movie and television productions this year that opt to shoot within the state, instead of pursuing generous tax incentives to locate elsewhere.

Paul Clinton CIVIC CENTER -- With work already underway on the largest retail project in Burbank history, the City Council took some additional steps to ease its impact on city streets. Acting unanimously, the City Council on Tuesday approved $2.27 million for traffic, landscaping and utility improvements in one of the Media District neighborhoods surrounded by the project. The allocation brings funding on the three-phase project to $6.34 million.

CITY HALL ? Burbank is battling back against dubious distinctions of late ? like the city's appearance on a list of top 10 sootiest cities in America ? with an official policy to promote environmentally friendly construction vehicles on city projects. The Public Works Department is forming a task force comprised of city agencies that either use high-emission construction equipment, or hire out private developers who use similar equipment for city projects, said Bob Van Hazelen, assistant director of public works.

BURBANK ? In an effort to promote affordable housing in an expensive property market, city staffers have provided the City Council with two proposed ordinances to encourage developers to construct affordable housing. With the approval Tuesday of the two ordinances for a second reading, Burbank could see more affordable housing in as little as two years, said Joy Forbes, a Community Development Department planner. The first proposal, called the inclusionary housing ordinance, would apply only to developers building five or more units within one project.

It never hurts to save a few cents, and in this case the savings was humongous. Just imagine -- yes, this may be difficult -- members of a City Council looking out for Joe Taxpayer when it comes to luring companies and a healthy tax revenue into town. Well, it happened in this fair city. Officials, in a 3-1 vote, refused to give a conglomerate (Sears, Roebuck and Co.) worth more than $13 billion a few measly thousands in incentives just to settle in Burbank.

Chuck Sambar Those who thought Regis Philbin was wowing the nation with his now-famous and often repeated question: "Is that your final answer?" better take note. We have a new show in California that far surpasses the $1-million Philbin giveaway. We have a billion-dollar giveaway show to those who answer a bunch of questions correctly and well! Gov. Gray Davis and the state legislature are sure to upstage Philbin with a new and far more spectacular and rewarding show.

Laura Sturza Keeping filming in California is a goal gaining steam through legislation and initiative programs. "A lot of the films and television shows have gone for good," John Hennessy said at a recent City Council meeting. A 30-year Burbank resident, Hennessy has worked in the industry for 35 years. Earlier this month, Mayor David Laurell sent a letter supporting Assembly Bill 2747 to State Sen. Jack Scott (D-Burbank) and Assembly speaker Herb J. Wesson Jr. (D-Culver City)

Ryan Carter With skills developed during more than 30 years of law enforcement, Joe Latta has found a new life after the Burbank Police Department. As a retired lieutenant, Latta discovered a market for his unique skill: property room organization and evidence collection. With pension plans that give officers incentive to retire as early as 50, Latta is one of many locally who is using his knowledge of police procedures since leaving the force two years ago at 55. Latta is the president of the nonprofit International Assn.

Laura Sturza MEDIA DISTRICT WEST -- Gov. Gray Davis announced an incentive plan Friday in Burbank to help stop film production's flight from the area to Canada and other states. "Hollywood is under siege and we have to come to their rescue because it is so identified with this wonderful state," Davis said. He has proposed a 15% wage-based tax credit for employees involved in California-produced films that would become effective in July 2004 if it passes the state Legislature.

Colony Theatre Company has a problem. Fortunately, it's of the "good" variety. The theater group, which stages its productions in the former Natural History Museum space in the Media Center Mall, across from IKEA, is trying to figure out how to raise $50,000 over the next year or so to help pay for its operations. That's hardly news. Performing arts groups -- and most other nonprofit organizations, from the Red Cross to PBS -- are in a more or less constant state of fundraising, largely because they receive little in the way of federal, state or local assistance and must rely on subscribers, foundations and plain old good luck to keep their operations in the black.