Ready-Made Sets Filling Filming Niche By SLAV KANDYBA Staff Reporter Seeing production sets costing more than $750,000 apiece destroyed after use in one feature film gave Alex Reid something to think about. The location manager for the NBC show “American Dreams” came to the conclusion that it made sense to purchase sets, consolidate under one roof, and rent them to studios. Next, he approach -ed some friends in the business and got the financing together. In December, Riverfront Stages Inc. opened its doors for business inside a Sylmar warehouse, close to a reservoir, hence the name. Riverfront is now one of a few production set stages in greater Los Angeles, including the San Fernando Valley, which provides ready-made sets on demand. Its clients, the owners hope, will be producers of feature and television shows that need to shoot scenes inside a hospital, a courtroom or a courthouse. Riverfront has all of those sets available for booking and can adjust them to fit a particular production’s needs. Some business has already started to trickle in, with two productions renting out sets in December, and Viacom deciding to stay for six weeks an unusually long amount of time to film some TV show pilots. Riverfront’s five owners expected business to be slow when the company opened its doors last December, but believe it will pick up, said Wayne Morris, one of the co-owners and head of transportation for David Kelley Productions. The main competition, according to an art director with Lifetime Entertainment who uses Riverfront, is Dos Carlos Stages near downtown. Convenient location Anthony Medina has used Riverfront several times because it is convenient and offers space for parking. The sets are what it’s all about, however, he said. “With little time you can tweak them to be different, you can customize them to your show,” Medina said, adding he found out about Riverfront from Reid. He decided to give Riverfront a chance based on the offer, and found the sound stages were worth it. “Most studios don’t have standing sets, they have stages and boxes and you have to bring in your own set,” Medina said. Riverfront’s owners committed to the Sylmar warehouse location for five years. They subleased the space from BEI Sensors and Systems Co., with NAI Capital Commercial handling the transaction valued at more than $2.2 million. While Riverfront may be a big business one day, Morris said, saving sets from destruction is nevertheless a good environmental deed, now. “At the end of a show, (studios) basically knock down these sets,” said Morris. “In a way, we’re helping to conserve them.” Before landing in Sylmar, Morris, Reid and the other partners scoured the Valley for a good location. Finding a building that would accommodate the large sets, and have room for storing props and stage dressing, was challenging, Morris, a 30-year Hollywood veteran, said. “We looked at a number of buildings and everything we looked at didn’t fit,” he said. “It was either too close to the train or there wasn’t enough parking.” Morris added Riverfront was looking for a home outside a 30-mile circular zone that starts near Fairfax and Beverly in Los Angeles to avoid paying city fees. Morris admitted the idea to open a ready-made production set isn’t original, but because it was kept under wraps, he thinks it has a good chance at success. “There are people that look at us and say ‘we always had this idea,'” Morris said. “We built under the radar and put it on the market.”

Valley Residents Cautious About Supercenter Law By Jeff Weiss Contributing Reporter Sun Valley-area business officials and residents are cautious about the idea of big box retail supercenters being in their neighborhoods under an ordinance being drafted for consideration by the Los Angeles City Council. Under the ordinance, the 150,000 to 200,000-square-foot stores would be limited in the city almost entirely to a narrow strip of the San Fernando Valley between Sun Valley and Northridge as well as the fringes of Marina del Rey and in Century City. The plan would ban the building of the stores, several which are being built throughout the country by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., near L.A. economic revitalization zones areas targeted for federal, state or local aid to spur development. Mayor James Hahn has already come out in favor of such a proposal. However, some members of the Sun Valley chamber worry about the negative impact the huge stores might have on small businesses. “I think that although the Sun Valley community would benefit from having major employment that would come from Wal-Mart. “We must be cognizant of small businesses that support the community and the chamber,” chamber member and president of the Sun Valley Neighborhood Council Dennis O’ Sullivan said. “Generally, I think the business community will look positively upon it if it doesn’t harm small locally based shops.” Wal-Mart has been criticized for undercutting small businesses with discount prices that are difficult to match, along with the limited health care plans it offers its non-union employees. But a recent study by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. indicated that Wal-Mart supercenters would actually spur the economy, providing jobs and low cost goods to the city. “Mayor Hahn believes that such stores have their place in the suburbs where there is low density and there might not be well-established places to buy groceries, merchandise, etc. all in one place,” Yusef Robb, a spokesman for Hahn, said. “The areas that this ordinance covers have established places for people to buy all the goods they need and we want to protect those existing businesses and the jobs, revenue and character that they contribute to the city and neighborhood. As for other parts of the city, we’re totally fine with superstores going there and the ordinance permits that.” However, Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce officials were not informed that their area could possibly be put at ground zero of Wal-Mart’s initial supercenter foray into the Los Angeles market which is expected in the next few years. Free market forces? Several members of the Sun Valley Chamber expressed dismay at Wal-Mart’s refusal to allow its employees to unionize. But others decried the possibility that a free market enterprise has become so politicized. “I think it’s an interesting proposition but I’d like to know more. I don’t think anybody should rush to a decision but I don’t think that decision should be based upon campaign contributions,” Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce member Jon Eschbach said. “It should be based on the best interests of the community.” With city councilpeople lining up on opposite sides of the issue, Councilman Tony Cardenas, whose district includes the Sun Valley area, has yet to take a definitive stand on the controversial topic. A statement released by Cardenas’ office said: “We will be studying what impact this particular ordinance has on our community. I’m looking for an ordinance that balances economic development, protection of local businesses and jobs that provide a living wage.” But the Valley Industry and Commerce Association has opposed such an ordinance that limits supercenters. “Generally speaking, we believe that business is best when it is left to free market forces. The generally speaking part of that is very important. Sometimes there have to be government restrictions and controls. We think that this particular issue is best left to economic forces rather then government trying to restrict who can enter the community and do business,” said VICA Chairman Martin Cooper. “Just to legislate for economic purposes is not in the best interest of both the business and residential community in that area. People should be able to shop where they want to shop.” With the exact date for the ordinance to be presented before the City Council still indefinite, the members of the Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce said they would like to hear from residents and businesspeople in other communities in Los Angeles that contain traditional Wal-Mart stores to find out the impact they have had on the areas. “We are going to check into it further, said Marylou Steinfeld, Sun Valley Chamber president.

NEWSMAKERS Advertising Encino-based Inter/Media Advertising has recruited specialist Amy Hanno to be its new vice president of affiliate sales at Mediapoint Network, the company’s per-inquiry division. Hanno will also head up Inter/Media’s new Minneapolis office. Hanno had previously worked for Cornerstone Media Group in Minneapolis, where she was marketing manager. Awards Jean and Wally Hollenstein, owners of the Calabasas Inn, received the Paralysis Project of America’s 2004 Donald G. Watt Award for outstanding service. The Hollensteins were recognized with Sid and Sue Lopez for creating the Tom Hollenstein Golf Tournament held each year in October at the Calabasas Country Club, followed by a banquet at the Calabasas Inn. In its 16th year, the annual Hollenstein Golf Tournament has raised over $1.1 million that goes directly to research in finding a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury. Boards Patrick F. Stone has been named vice chairman of the board of directors at Metrocities Mortgage LLC in Sherman Oaks. Stone was most recently CEO of Fidelity National Information Solutions Inc. He has served as an advisor to the Metrocities board for the past several years. Mayor Jim Hahn appointed Robert Simonds to the board of directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Simonds is a movie producer who has built a reputation in Hollywood for making profitable films at a relatively low cost. His credits include his studio debut, “Problem Child,” in addition to the more recent, “Big Daddy” and “The Waterboy.” The Arthritis Foundation, Southern California Chapter, has elected Mary C. MacKinney as its board chair. MacKinney, first vice resident of Private Banking at Comerica Bank in Los Angeles, is a long time La Crescenta resident who has been active with the Arthritis Foundation for 15 years, serving on the organization’s board of directors for the past 12 years. Amgen has appointed Leonard D. Schaeffer to its board of directors. Schaeffer is chairman and chief executive officer of Wellpoint Health Networks Inc. Named president and CEO of Blue Cross in 1986, Schaeffer is credited with converting the company to a for-profit status, creating Wellpoint in 1993, which now has a market capitalization of over $16 billion. Construction John H. Hill, owner of Hill Engineering in Canyon Country, has been selected a national finalist for the Contractor of the Year 2004. Hill joined 11 other finalists from around the country in Las Vegas for the award ceremony. Entertainment In a reorganization of the sales department and key operating group responsibilities, Universal Studios has appointed Heidi Geier to the post of senior vice president, food and retail and has promoted Tom Kiely to vice president, sales. Geier will oversee Universal Studios Hollywood’s retail operations as well as all food service at the theme park’s 17 restaurants and its 75 outdoor vending locations. Kiely will be responsible for developing new strategies for international and domestic sales channels, including overseeing the regional sales marketing team. Insurance Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company has named Thousand Oaks resident Ken Kilbane executive vice-president. Kilbane is responsible for Market Development for Transamerica Insurance & Investment Group (TIIG). TIIG markets an array of financial services and products designed to help individuals, families, and businesses, build protect, and preserve their assets. Kilbane joined Transmerica as vice-president of technology in 1996. Real Estate Grubb & Ellis promoted two of its brokers. Nigel W. Stout, an industrial specialist in the North Los Angeles office, has been promoted to vice president. Stout has been with Grubb & Ellis for nine years. Chris Jackson, an industrial specialist in the North Los Angeles office, was promoted to associate vice president. Jackson is a six-year veteran of Grubb & Ellis. John Westerhof has been named vice-president in NAI Capital Commercial’s office leasing division. Prior to joining NAI, Westerhof had been in the office leasing division of Charles Dunn Company where he represented clients including Holualoa Companies, Weingart Foundation, The Marks Properties, California National Bank and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. Manufacturing Sherman Oaks-based Earl Scheib, Inc. has two new faces on its board of directors: James P. Burra and Salvatore J. Zizza. Gregory Helm stepped down from the board, effective March 1. Burra comes to the nationwide operator of auto paint and body shops from Endural/Hoover Group, Inc., where he was CEO. Burra also is a director at Semtech Corp., a semiconductor company. His appointment fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Alex Kyman last December. Zizza was chairman of Hallmark Electrical Supplies Corp., a supplier of electrical parts. Scheib recently reduced the size of its board from six members to five, and is now full.

Wedbush Sets Up Shop for Valley Clients By Jeff Weiss Contributing Reporter Los Angeles-based Wedbush Morgan has opened an office in Calabasas. Although the securities brokerage and financial services company has maintained a longtime presence in Los Angeles, this is its first location in the San Fernando Valley. Joe Rubinstein has been selected to head up the location. “We believe that there should be a presence in the Valley and the best way to do this is to hire good brokers,” said Wedbush vice president Dennis Dieb. “Our goal is to open a satellite out there with three or four good brokers. We want to find good people and eventually have it mature into a full-fledged branch.” Rubinstein is investment executive for the Calabasas satellite and presently is the sole broker working there, although Wedbush has tentative plans to expand. The 35-year-old Rubinstein worked for UBS as a financial adviser in its Woodland Hills office before joining Wedbush. Prior to UBS, he worked for Dean Witter and Smith Barney as a financial adviser. “I had heard good things and looked into the company, I contacted the company, I knew people that worked for the company and they were very receptive to expanding in the San Fernando Valley,” Rubinstein said. “I look forward to new relationships, strengthening those relationships and trying to structure and balance portfolios for others that use those types of services.” Rubinstein grew up in West Los Angeles attending the University of Arizona. He has worked in the securities brokerage business.

BANKRUPTCIES Valley Health Medical Associates (business type n/a) c/o Progressive Healthcare Systems LLC 30125 Agoura Road #200, Agoura Hills 91301 Chapter: 7 Assets: $2,604 Debts: $2,286,550 Doc#SV04-11516-GM File-Date: 03/02/04 Attorney: Jon Drucker 323-931-6363 C.L.P.A. Inc. (business type n/a) 22030 Tulsa St., Chatsworth 91311 Chapter: 7 Assets: $80. Debts: $89,111 Doc#SV04-11413-GM File-Date: 02/27/04 Attorney: Gary Moll 661-269-5297 Verdugo Development Inc. (business type n/a) 20720 Ventura Blvd. Suite 270, Woodland Hills 91364 Chapter: 7 Assets: N/A Debts: N/A Doc#SV04-11349-AG File-Date: 02/25/04 Attorney: Shai Oved 818-992-6588 Smart Testing Supplies Inc. (business type n/a) 13741 Foothill Blvd. #130, Sylmar 91342 Chapter: 7 Assets: N/A Debts: N/A Doc#SV04-11328-AG File-Date: 02/25/04 Attorney: Linda Castro 818-285-5550 Giselko Enterprises Inc. (business type n/a) 5533 Edward Everett Horton Lane #5, Encino 91316 Chapter: 7 Assets: N/A Debts: N/A Doc#SV04-11362-GM File-Date: 02/26/04 Attorney: Charles Shamash 323-852-1600 Marwood Industries Inc. (mfg./dist. of furniture) 4411 El Caballero Drive, Tarzana 91356 Chapter: 7 Assets: $0 Debts: $710,168 Doc#SV04-11174-AG File-Date: 02/19/04 Attorney: Lauren Ross 818-953-3840 George F. Holmes DBA: Holmes Custom Framing (business type n/a) 4051 – C Adam Road, Simi Valley 93063 Chapter: 7 Assets: N/A Debts: N/A Doc#SV04-11144-GM File-Date: 02/18/04 Attorney: James Studer 805-582-9191

Students Practice Work Skills By SLAV KANDYBA Staff Reporter Dominique Smith, a Sylmar High School senior, is headed to either Missouri’s Columbia College or Hawaii’s Chaminade University this fall to study forensic science. But last Friday, she was one of 77 students who spent a day at Universal Studios learning business skills in workshops sponsored by the entertainment company, Girl Scouts of the San Fernando Valley and the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley and a host of other companies and community organizations. “These kids were chosen specifically because they already received training and this is a pilot program (the organizers) are looking to (expand),” said Sarah Kelly, development director for the Girl Scouts of the San Fernando Valley. The program, called the Student Leadership Senate, is free for students. Universal Studios provided space, Washington Mutual employees volunteered and Hometown Buffet took care of lunch, while other groups involved contributed manpower and gave in other ways, Kelly said. The idea for the workshops came about after the Economic Alliance surveyed local businesses from a wide variety of industries, Kelly said, and determined three specific areas that students applying for jobs needed to have. The areas were communication, ethics and teamwork. Next, they created a competition with 27 high schools throughout greater Los Angeles. Students were asked to write essays describing their ethical dilemmas and how teamwork was important. Sylmar High School emerged as the winner. Smith said she believes Sylmar students were selected based on the strength of their essays and experience with teamwork. “We have strong skills we’re pretty much already displaying, but we came to enhance them,” she said. In the morning workshop, she said, instructors presented the students with a mock situation that tested their ethics. Students were asked what they would do if they were corporate employees and saw a manager smoking marijuana. Smith said she would tell the manager’s supervisor. “We tell because (the manager) is only hurting the company, and if they need help, they can get it,” Smith said. Throughout the day, Smith and the other 76 students participated in three different workshops, each focusing on communication skills, values and ethics and teamwork, Kelly said. Smith, meanwhile, knows the value of the workshops not just for herself, but for other students too. “There are a lot of students that are shy to talk and nowadays it is a big part of any job,” she said.

Are You Feeling Like a Slave to Your Own Business? Guest Column By Jonathon Goldhill To begin, let me ask you some revealing questions. As a business owner, can you walk away from your business today for one or two months and come back to find it operating smoothly and profitably? Can you even escape for two weeks? Have you ever had a work-free vacation? If your answers are “no”, you don’t have a successful business, you have a glorified job in which you are trapped. You don’t have an effective business system; you are the business system. In a large sense, you are a prisoner of your own success. Please do not be offended by these very direct and frank statements. You must realize I get paid to help my clients “face reality” and then hold them accountable for the changes and goals they desire. Facing reality is a critical step owners must take to begin to build a better business and a better life. Go ahead, ask yourself the following questions and be brutally honest with yourself: Do I often question, “Why do I have to do every darn thing myself”? Am I still working too hard and making too little? Am I trapped working “in” my business instead of “on” my business? Do I ever wonder if business ownership is truly worth the time, effort, headaches, hassles, and sacrifices? Do I feel trapped on a treadmill, moving faster and faster, but going nowhere? Do I constantly face frequent interruptions and repetitive questions from my staff? Do I go home many nights feeling mentally and physically drained? Do I dread the drudgery of facing and solving the same issues and problems each and every day the burden of re-creating the wheel time and time again? Do I daydream about regaining my sense of freedom, joy, passion, and peace-of-mind? Do I have anxiety about drowning in projects, problems, deadlines, crises, meetings, employee issues, unanswered voicemails, e-mails, customer complaints, administrative trivia, and on and on? Do I feel like a master juggler with too many balls up in the air and dreading they will soon begin hitting the floor? Am I forever chained to a phone, computer, e-mail, or pager? Am I tired of having customers rely on me personally for services, solutions and satisfaction? Am I fed up with missing family time, family events, and making other personal sacrifices on a semi-regular basis? Do I crave more free time to do the things that matter most to me? Backward approach If you answered, “yes”, to a majority of these questions, your approach to business management is broken. No matter what industry you are in, you should not be a slave to your business. If you are, you have it backwards. Your business should serve you and your dreams. It should give you greater freedom, not less. In fact, your business, properly designed, should function practically without you, not because of you. It should run predictably and automatically whether you are in the office or not, in the store or not, out in the field or not, on vacation or not. Your business should not depend upon your presence, personality, problem solving and perspiration for its daily survival. If so, your business does not work, you do. Bottom line, you should run your business; it should not run you, your family or your life. Your business should work harder so you don’t have to. It should be systems-dependent and not owner-dependent or expert-dependent for its success. It should have its own heart, mind, and soul it should not steal your vital organs and spirit. Stop for a moment and think of the consequences. If everything in your business flows through you and is dependent upon you, then you are restricting dramatically the growth and profits of your company. As a single human being, there are natural limits to the amount of work, transactions, problems, and decisions that can flow effectively through you in a given day. Stop being a bottleneck or clog. Otherwise, you will continue to restrict the potential of your employees and business and ensure your persistent exhaustion. Stop missing out on greater personal freedom, money and happiness. You need to face reality, admit to certain problems, and then resolve to change your thinking and approaches. Jonathan Goldhill is CEO of The Growth Coach in Los Angeles, a small business coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs get more out of their businesses and personal lives. He can be reached at (818) 716-8826 or e-mailed at [email protected].