Developers Top List of Big Spenders in City Lobbying

TrizecHahn Centers Inc., developer of a major shopping and entertainment complex in Hollywood, topped the list of big spenders on lobbyists working Los Angeles’ city government this spring, according to a report released Thursday by the city Ethics Commission.

The commission provides information on lobbying activity based on quarterly reports filed with the panel. In the second quarter of 1998, most of the top 10 spenders on lobbying were commercial or residential developers, including those involved in four major developments on the Westside.

TrizecHahn spent $105,327 on lobbying in the second quarter, the report said. The company has proposed a $385-million complex, to be called Hollywood & Highland, comprising restaurants, shops, movie houses and a theater for the Academy Awards. The project also has a provision for the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency to finance portions at a cost of $90 million.

Just below TrizecHahn on the list was Village Center Westwood LP. Village Center, which spent $101,303, has proposed a mixed-use development in Westwood and has asked for changes to the city’s so-called specific plan for that area.

JMB Realty Corp., which is developing a 38-story office tower in Century City, spent $84,719 on lobbying, and Regent properties, which has proposed commercial complexes in Westwood and Hollywood, spent $69,652.

Following them on the list were Hollywood Orange Land LLC, which spent $66,989 related to a commercial development in Hollywood; Foothills Golf Development Group, which spent $62,306 related to a proposed golf course in Tujunga Wash; and the Official Police Garage Assn. of Los Angeles, which spent $46,333 related to towing programs.

The Self Realization Fellowship Church, which is seeking to make changes at its Mt. Washington facility; Cox California PCS Inc., which erects antennas; and Castle & Cooke California Inc., which is proposing a Westside luxury home development, each spent less than $46,000