We've climbed back from the pandemic; three years ago, the world shut down. We're not quite out of the woods yet, but life is returning to normal-whatever that is. We're grateful for the Hollywood Partnership, the organization that is the caretaker of our town (not an easy task). A new team is making a difference and its Ambassadors are on the job. We're safer and cleaner because of their effort. Read about their new Dispatch Center.
Just prior to Covid-19's arrival, Funko opened its only retail store outside of its Everett, Washington home. If you don't know what Funko is, Michael Darling takes us on a tour. More than toys, Funko is a phenomenon loved by collectors and influencers as well as children. Since being introduced to their store, I've enjoyed asking "Do you know about Funko?" If the answer is "no," take a trip to Hollywood Boulevard-it will be a revelation.
Speaking of revelations, occasionally we discover something so familiar that it's just part of the backdrop of our town. Architectural historian Mary Mallory shares the history and importance of the building on the northeast corner of Sunset and Vine. Here is one of the shining examples of the billionaire philanthropist and art enthusiast, Howard F. Ahmanson, Jr. and noted California artist Millard Sheets collaboration, an example of public art at its finest.
Leaving the best for last, one of only three JAPAN HOUSEs in the world, Hollywood is blessed to have a piece of Japan in our midst. Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, the exhibits it has presented have opened our eyes to innovation and tradition as well as beauty. Located at Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood and Highland) and well worth a visit.
In this issue, I hope you learn that there's a lot more to see and do in Hollywood than a visit to the Walk of Fame. We've had our challenges recently, but the downs of life make the ups that much sweeter. Be grateful we're still here.
His life was a metaphor for living in Los Angeles. Somehow, against all odds, he survived the freeways, the drought, the fires, the mud, the rain, roaming a wilderness in the midst of a city. Known as P-22, a mountain lion, he was the King of our Jungle-Los Angeles.
"He changed us. He changed the way we look at LA. And his influencer status extended around the world, as he inspired millions of people to see wildlife as their neighbors. He made us more human, made us connect more to that wild place in ourselves. We are part of nature and he reminded us of that. Even in the city that gave us Carmeggedon, where we thought wildness had been banished a long time ago, P-22 reminded us it's still here."
- Excerpt of P-22 eulogy by Beth Pratt, National Wildlife Federation