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| | | | | | The term 'entertainment' is synonymous with Hollywood, Los Angeles, if nowhere else. Hollywood is the location of many famous studios, and has turned out blockbuster after blockbuster over the decades. It is understandable why it known as the 'entertainment capital of the world.'
In geographic terms, Hollywood is a district in Los Angeles, located northwest of the city's downtown area. Currently, much of the movie industry has moved to nearby areas such as Burbank and the west side of Los Angeles, but important supporting industries, like film editing and special effects.
A number of the historic Hollywood theaters are made use of as event venues for major theatrical releases, and for such special events as the Academy Awards. Hollywood is also a much-traveled destination for tourism, and contains the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A few years ago, a number of Hollywood residents started a campaign for the district to secede from Los Angeles and become its own incorporated municipality. Supporters argued that community needs were not being taken care of by LA authorities. The County Board of Supervisors placed a secession referendum for Hollywood on ballots for a citywide election. It failed, however, by a wide voting margin.
As a part of Los Angeles, Hollywood does not have its own city government but has an appointed ceremonial honorary mayor. Presently the position is held by Johnny Grant, who has done so for over two decades.
As far as infrastructure, after many years of decline, Hollywood is undergoing a rebirth. Notably, the Hollywood and Highland complex is an important focus for area redevelopment. Additionally, a good number of bars and clubs opened up in the area, causing it to be a hot nighttime spot. Some older buildings have also been converted to lofts and condominiums.
The aforementioned Walk of Fame is a sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. It is embedded with more than 2,000 five-pointed stars featuring the names of Hollywood notables for their work in the entertainment industry. Joanne Woodward was presented with the first star back in February 1960.
Matt Paolini is an op-ed writer for CityBook.com, the family-safe online yellow pages, which carries an extensive directory on Los Angeles sports and entertainment associations. | |
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