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Truckers to court: Industry reps are seeking an injunction to block the $1.6 billion clean trucks program at the ports of L.A. and Long Beach. The plan aims to improve air quality by replacing a fleet of 16,800 exhaust-spewing trucks with newer, cleaner models. But the American Trucking Association says that the program imposes "intrusive regulatory systems." A federal judge may rule as early as today. (LAT)
Disney, Universal back digital: The two studios will support a consortium of theater chains preparing for the transition to digital equipment. It’s an immensely expensive proposition, and the studios had shown only limited interest in helping finance the project. But that seems to be changing. Disney and Universal have joined Fox and Paramount. From the WSJ:
Digital projection would cut millions of dollars in annual costs for the studios by eliminating the need for film prints. It would give theater owners more flexibility to move films on and off the screens they operate. Digital projectors are also crucial to the rollout of equipment needed for 3-D movies, which Hollywood is increasingly planning to produce.
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Under the DCIP plan, the three big chains will be able to outfit several thousand of their combined 15,000 screens next year with the technology, with a goal of converting almost all in three to four years. The financing package, totaling $1 billion, will be led by J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., and paid for over eight to 10 years.
Housing plan gets mixed reviews: A proposal being prepared by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa would require developers to set aside up to 22.5 percent of the units in new projects for some level of affordable housing. Based on the preliminary draft making the rounds, business types say it would hamper development, while affordable housing proponents say it doesn't go far enough. From the Downtown News:
According to the draft, developers would not be required to keep the residences in their buildings. They could elect to build the affordable units off-site but within the same community, provide land for the housing, or pay the city to acquire land and construct the housing elsewhere, among other options. The requirements would be balanced with incentives, including allowing developers to apply for financial assistance for affordable units above the mandatory minimum and to utilize tenant-based Section 8 rental vouchers. But so far, the proposal has not been well received by local developers.
Mark Lacter created the LA Biz Observed blog in 2006. He posted
until the day before his death on Nov. 13, 2013.