In Los Angeles, Hollywood Is the Symbol For Entertainment - By: Matthew Paolini

The term 'entertainment' is synonymous with Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA, if nowhere else. Hollywood is the location of many famous studios, and has turned out blockbuster after blockbuster over the decades. Not for nothing is it known as the 'entertainment capital of the world.'

In geographic terms, Hollywood is a district in Los Angeles, situated northwest of the downtown area. Currently, much of the movie industry has relocated to surrounding areas such as Burbank and the west side of Los Angeles, but significant supporting industries, like footage editing and special effects.

A number of the old Hollywood theaters are made use of as event venues for major motion picture releases, and for such special events as the Academy Awards. The city is also a very popular destination for tourism, and contains the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Five years ago, a number of Hollywood residents initiated 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 Los Angeles politicians. 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 district of Los Angeles, Hollywood does not possess its own city government but has an appointed ceremonial honorary mayor. At present the position is held by Johnny Grant, who has done so for over twenty years.

Infrastructure-wise, after many years of decline, Hollywood is undergoing a revitalization. Of note, the Hollywood and Highland complex is an important focus for area redevelopment. Additionally, a good number of bars and clubs opened in the area, causing it to be a hot nighttime spot. Numerous older buildings have also been transformed into lofts and condominiums.

The aforementioned Walk of Fame is a sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. The street is embedded with more than 2,000 five-pointed stars featuring the names of Hollywood notables for their contributions to the entertainment industry. Joanne Woodward was presented with the first star back in February 1960.

About the Author

Matt Paolini is an entertainment writer for CityBook.com, the family-safe online yellow pages, which carries an extensive directory on Los Angeles clubs and nightlife.

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