I really hope it isn't on the westside. I want some options for tech work that don't require me to buy a house on the westside or drive 1 1/2 hour one way for my commute.
However, I have to think that Techstars, of anyone, has the data to back up the arguments in favor of accelerators being located near a region's startup ground zero.
Even if Disney was insistent, what would the first advice be from every advisor? Put the central location on the Westside or you're a B player.
And I don't think Disney would necessarily be insistent. For example, Grantland's offices are off on their own in downtown LA. Especially since they can just do a deal with one of the many tech office spaces that operate on the Westside.
Still, perhaps there can be a compromise, like two demo days (one in the studio area, one on the Westside). But I've seen the Westside win too many times to hold out much hope...
Forcing people to work out of the most congested and expensive parts of LA is going to compound the misery. Why anyone thinks it's a good idea to base themselves West of the 405 is beyond me.
I sincerely hope they base this out of Burbank/Glendale which gives ready accessibility to Pasadena, East LA, Hollywood and further North without commute hell.