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Another Hollywood Film Studio Embraces Solar Energy

Source: ECORAZZI - Yesterday was James Cameron’s moment to shine with news that his “Avatar” sequels will be solar-powered. Today, the spotlight shifts to a new state-of-the-art film lot outside Philadelphia, PA called Sun Center Studios.

Constructed to attract big-budget filmmakers to PA, Sun Center is the first purpose-built campus and sound stage facility specifically designed for feature-length films and episodic television programs. The $85 million studio sits on 33 acres and includes five studios, seven soundstages, a 4-D movie theater and a high-tech museum encompassing some 370,000 square-feet.

In addition to a geothermal energy system, the studio also recently unveiled a new 216 kilowatt photovoltaic array.

“Sun Center Studios’ commitment to sustainability extends throughout the entire facility from the efficient design of the campus’s new buildings and stormwater management, our use of organic and locally grown foods whenever possible, to our participation in ‘smart-grid’ technology programs through integrated demand response and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations along with a fleet of hybrids for our production company clients,” commented Adam Rotwitt, Senior Vice President of Sun Center Studios. ‘We believe our studio will serve as a role model for other local Pennsylvania businesses as well as companies operating in the film and television industry.” Read more at ECORAZZI...

Design for Downtown Neighborhood Park Completed

Source: Blogdowntown.org - A little over 18 months after the surprise announcement that a parking lot on Spring street would become a new park for the Historic Core, the final design is set.

Don't expect to be tossing around a frisbee this year, though. Those involved in the park's development hope to see it ready for the summer of 2012.

An oval-shaped lawn and a rectangular plaza are the central characteristics of the design for the space, as of now simply being called the Spring Street Park.

Plans for the park were first announced in January of 2009, when the city revealed that it had negotiated a deal with Downtown Properties to purchase the parcel that sits between the Rowan Lofts and the El Dorado Lofts. The original $5.6 million purchase price was eventually whittled down to $5.1 million.

Early plans by Lehrer Architects LA featured more decorative elements, continuing a series of geometric paving features through the lawn.

That didn't sit well with some nearby residents. "The whole point of the park should be to escape from the urban and not have to walk into a space that's totally programmed," explained Bert Green, who attended each of the community meetings on the park.

Through those meetings the design was simplified with an emphasis on green space.

"They listened to what we were saying," said Patti Berman, chair of the Downtown L.A. Neighborhood Council's Parks, Recreation and Open Space committee.

Now the city's Bureau of Engineering has begun work on construction drawings, a process that should take four to six months. The construction timeline will depend partially on what the city finds when it starts to dig into the foundations of the torn-down buildings that once stood on the site between 4th and 5th streets.

Still to be resolved is who will operate the park once it does open. Talks have included the creation of a non-profit similar to the one that operates Grand Hope Park, which was built by the city but is operated privately.

Berman, who plans to hold a town hall meeting to present the final design once the current neighborhood council impasse is resolved, said that some of those decisions may not be made until closer to opening day. "We need to see what the city's [financial] position is once we get that far," she said.

Iron Man Loves Mercedes' New Hybrid

Source: Ecorazzi - Well, that’s the impression were getting anyways from a new PR release focusing on the brand’s acceptance by Hollywood celebrities.

And why not?

With the Toyota Prius getting bad press recently - and more luxury car makers finally offering green models — the stage is wide open to capture a spot in some actor or actresses 8-car garage. Mercedes counts Sarah Jessica Parker, Liv Tyler, Rosario Dawson, Christina Applegate, Molly Sims, Giles Marini, Felicity Huffman, Gerard Butler and Robert Downey Jr. as fans of their 2010 S400 hybrid luxury sedan. And yes, it’s safe to assume these celebs were given early access to the cars — much like Toyota did back in the day with the Prius.

In Robert Downey Jr’s case, the automaker provided him (pictured above) with a hybrid sedan when off-camera while shooting his upcoming film Due Date.

Check out the full release after the fold.

Major Newspapers Against Villaraigosa's Clean Energy Plan?

Source: Laist - Once again, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's vision of a clean energy city is coming under fire. It's not the goal--have L.A. powered by 20% renewable energy by the end of 2010--it's the how you get there part, says the Los Angeles Times in an editorial today.

"There is a familiar and disturbing whiff of deception," the Times says about the proposed increased rates. "The plan throws in so many other objectives, spoken and unspoken -- paying for a jobs program, shoring up the DWP's credit rating, building new plants instead of buying available green energy, keeping money flowing from the utility to City Hall -- that ratepayers won't really know what their higher bills (with increases up to and perhaps exceeding 28%) are paying for."

And in true Villaraigosa fashion, the plan wasn't even available to the public on Tuesday, even though it will be voted on in a Thursday meeting, bemoaned the Times.

The Daily News also said no to the plan earlier this week.

Jack Johnson Will Donate 'All' Tour Profits To Charity

Source: ecorazzi.com - Can anyone remember the last time a popular musician donated his entire tour profits to charity? I’m at a loss to think of anyone, but in the future you can peg that label on Jack Johnson.

The Hawaiian surfer/songwriter/guitarist has announced that 100% of profits from his 34-date tour between July and October will go to charity. The new tour is set to celebrate the release of his new album, To The Sea, which once again sets the example of how a green album should be made. It was recorded at Johnson’s two solar-powered studios: The Mango Tree in Hawaii and the Solar Powered Plastic Plant in Los Angeles.

Once again, Johnson’s tour will be eco-friendly. Greening actions include fueling tour vehicles with sustainable biodiesel, offering eco-friendly tour merchandise, and promoting ride share programs. In addition, venues and fans are encouraged to reduce waste, recycle, use water refill stations and offset carbon emissions.

The tour will also collaborate with over 150 hand-chosen community groups around the world as part of Johnson’s All At Once Community. This year’s All At Once campaign will focus on supporting non-profit groups and engaging fans in the realms of plastic waste reduction and sustainable local food systems.