Issue: Spring 2014

From the Editor

It’s Springtime in Hollywood.  Even with the drought, Spring rains helped bring out the wild flowers and green hills. Sunrise Service will happen at the Hollywood Bowl this year and promise is in the air.

When I heard our new Councilmember speak at the State of Hollywood luncheon, I wanted to share his story.  The excerpt of his speech and his personal story was real and very moving.   For those not familiar with our city government, each of our 15 city council members represent over 200,000 constituents.  It’s a big role and having roots in show business certainly doesn’t hurt.  Mitch O’Farrell is a man who clearly sees the possibility and allure of Hollywood.

These days there’s no escaping the celebrity factor and TMZ and Starline Tours have joined forces to create a fun tour.  Although there were no celebrity sightings on the tour the day our writer, Karen Yin, was on the bus, she fills us in on this uniquely Hollywood experience.

Business improvement districts have played an important role in our community’s comeback. Scott Martin’s article sheds light on Hollywood through the Hollywood Media District. The district includes scores of companies, large and small, that serve the industry both newly established and those, such as Mole Richardson, that helped establish Hollywood as the entertainment capital of the world.

And like birds building their nests, construction on many new apartments is happening all over Hollywood.  Blvd. 6200 is nearing completion at Hollywood and Argyle and over on Sunset, CIM’s new building at Gordon and across the street from newly opened Emerson College is sure to get a lot of action.  Kilroy Properties just broke ground and is in the process of not only renovating the historic CBS building but constructing a long-stay hotel and apartments as part of the project.  Alliance Residential is building another project at Wilcox near Melrose.

New life is springing up everywhere.  Each day a new experience and each day new hopefuls come searching for their dream.  Maybe someday they too will find their future in politics.  Yes, promise is in the air.