The Hollywood Bowl is included on the list of historic venues that will benefit from the new legislation. (photo by Adam Latham)

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 96, the Historic Venue Restoration and Resiliency Act, which will reinvest a portion of sales and use tax revenues generated by historic entertainment and sports venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and Rose Bowl back into the venues to upgrade their accessibility and infrastructure.

The bill was authored by Sen. Anthony J. Portantino (D-Burbank).

“California is the proud home to many large historic entertainment and sports venues, such as the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, which I am proud to represent,” Portantino said. “The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and the Cal Memorial Stadium in Berkeley are two others. These venues have been critical to California’s culture and economy for over a century. In order to keep them thriving, we need to invest in them so they can continue to do what they do best – entertain and enlighten us. I appreciate the governor’s support for the performing arts and the healthy communities it creates.”

“This is huge,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, 5th District. “The governor signing SB 96 into law clearly shows that we are ready to invest in keeping our vibrant historic venues refreshed and ready to serve anyone who attends a show, watches a game or enjoys a live performance in our county. Undeniably, time and use take their toll on our historic venues. We must be intentional about keeping them well maintained, secure and safe for all.”

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion in May co-authored by Barger and chair Janice Hahn, 4th District, to support the bill. The new law will go into effect Jan. 1.

Daniel Song, interim CEO of the LA Philharmonic, which manages the Hollywood Bowl, said the bill will create significant benefits for the historic amphitheater.

“This will help us keep up our efforts, in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation, to ensure Los Angeles County residents can enjoy the Hollywood Bowl for years to come,” Song said.

A historic venue is defined as a venue that meets certain criteria, including containing a structure built before 1940 or one has been located at a site continuously used for live, ticketed events for more than 50 years.