The word 'entertainment' is synonymous with Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA, if nowhere else. Hollywood is home to many famous studios, and has produced blockbuster after blockbuster over the decades. Not for nothing is it known as the 'entertainment capital of the world.'
Geographically, Hollywood is a district in Los Angeles, situated northwest of the downtown area. Presently, much of the movie industry has relocated to nearby areas such as Burbank and the west side of Los Angeles, but significant supporting industries, like film editing and special effects.
A number of the old Hollywood theaters are utilized 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 includes 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 posited that community desires were not being properly handled by LA authorities. The County Board of Supervisors put 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 two decades.
Infrastructure-wise, after many years of decline, Hollywood is undergoing a rebirth. Notably, the Hollywood and Highland complex is a major 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. Numerous older buildings have also been transformed into lofts and condominiums.
The already mentioned Walk of Fame is a sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. It is embedded with more than 2,000 five-pointed stars displaying the names of Hollywood notables for their work in the entertainment industry. Joanne Woodward was awarded the first star back in February 1960.
Matt Paolini is an entertainment writer for CityBook.com, the family-safe online yellow pages, which carries an extensive directory on Los Angeles music and recording.
