The word 'entertainment' is one and the same with Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA, if nowhere else. Hollywood is home to many famous studios, and has produced blockbuster after blockbuster over the years. It is understandable why it known as the 'entertainment capital of the world.'
Geographically, Hollywood is a district in Los Angeles, situated northwest of the downtown area. Currently, 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 footage editing and special effects.
A number of the historic Hollywood theaters are utilized as event venues for major motion picture releases, and for such special events as the Academy Awards. The city is also a much-traveled destination for tourism, and contains the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A few years ago, some Hollywood residents initiated a campaign for the district to secede from Los Angeles and become its own incorporated municipality. Supporters argued that community desires were not being taken care of by Los Angeles authorities. The County Board of Supervisors placed a secession referendum for Hollywood on ballots for a citywide election. It failed, however, by a wide margin in the vote.
As a part 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. Notably, the Hollywood and Highland complex is an important focus for area redevelopment. Additionally, a lot of bars and clubs opened up in the area, making it 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 displaying the names of Hollywood notables for their work in the entertainment industry. Joanne Woodward was presented with the first star back in February 1960.
