Paul Krekorian Goes Hollywood
Local Assemblyman Paul Krekorian is chairing the new Select Committee on Preservation of California's Entertainment Industry, charged with developing policy to combat runaway production and piracy. Have to admit -- it could use a snappier name. Or just use the initials! SCPCEI --pronouced "sep-see." Awesome.
Also on the committee is Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, whom I once knew as Santa Clarita Councilman Cameron Smyth when I used to cover THAT valley, and whom I've read is a snappy dresser, according to at least one gay Republican blogger.
Click the link to see the full release...
SACRAMENTO, CA- Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez today announced the formation of the Select Committee on Preservation of California’s Entertainment Industry, which will be chaired by Assemblymember Paul Krekorian. Krekorian represents the heart of the nation’s entertainment industry -- his district includes the areas of Burbank, Glendale, North Hollywood and Los Feliz/Silver Lake, and encompasses most of the major motion picture and television studios and countless other entertainment businesses. Before his election to the Legislature, Krekorian, a Democrat, represented entertainment industry clients as a lawyer specializing in intellectual property and First Amendment matters.
“California’s entertainment industry is a treasured part of California’s heritage, and it is also an invaluable foundation for our economic future,” said Assemblymember Krekorian. “So many other states and countries are working overtime to lure this industry away from us because they know it produces tremendous economic benefits and revenues with good middle class jobs. Let me make clear -- we are going to fight hard to keep those jobs here, keep California competitive and make sure the state is a great partner for this industry. I’m grateful to the Speaker for entrusting me with this responsibility, which is of enormous importance to working people throughout the state.”
Besides Krekorian, the members of the Select Committee are Assembly Majority Leader Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles), Assemblymember Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo), Assemblymember Mike Davis (D - Los Angeles), Assemblymember Kevin de Leon (D - Los Angeles), Assemblymember Betty Karnette (D - Long Beach), Assemblymember Mark Leno (D - San Francisco), Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (D – Pasadena), and Assemblymember Cameron Smyth (R - Santa Clarita).
Krekorian stated that the committee will hold hearings throughout the state to study the economic impact of the loss of entertainment industry jobs, and will develop a range of policy options to address the problem. The Select Committee will focus on a variety of issues important to the industry, including:
· Runaway production due to incentives outside California;
· Piracy, counterfeiting and other intellectual property crimes;
· Work force development and investment in arts and career/tech education;
· Tax policy that encourages development of jobs and infrastructure in California;
· Promoting California locations and reducing impediments to production in the State.
Assemblymember Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank) represents the cities of Burbank and Glendale, and the Los Angeles communities of Atwater Village, Los Feliz, North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, Valley Village and Van Nuys.