“As I walk home from school, I look down at the sidewalk and see stars. I reach the corner and see a group of punks hanging out. One of them asks if I have spare change. I reply that I do not and move on. I cross the street and notice an old lady, wearing way too much make-up, sitting at the bus stop. I reach the corner and an old homeless man asks for change. I tell him that I can’t. I pass the corner burger place and watch as a man with long black hair steps out of the entrance, wearing a long black coat and white make-up all over his face. Apparently he thinks he’s the Crow. After all this I finally arrive safely at home. For me, it’s just another day in Hollywood.
Since I’ve lived here most of my life, I’ve noticed that there are different ways of seeing Hollywood. For some, Hollywood is a world of movie stars, big time directors, producers, and plenty of money, a place where the rich and famous live and hang out. For others, it is world of bums, punks, drugs, and violence—a place you wouldn’t want to be at night. In my opinion both these views hold some truth.
Originally Hollywood was the center of the film world. During its golden era, the early 1930s to late 1950s, every major studio was located in the area. Movies were constantly being filmed through and around Hollywood. Anywhere you went you’d be sure to find a crew filming. In those days stars hung out at local restaurants like the Brown Derby or the Roosevelt Hotel. Fans came to the area to get autographs or catch a glimpse of their favorite stars.
Today the famous district has lost much of its sparkle. Some buildings, including some of Hollywood’s most beautiful theaters, the Pacific and Egyptian, are either being remodeled or have been condemned due to the ’94 Northridge Quake. Many businesses have left. The Metro construction has caused the street to sink. And to make room for construction, some of the stars on the Walk of Fame have been removed.
Once a place where the rich and famous hung out, Hollywood now plays host to a different crowd—the homeless, drug dealers, and prostitutes. Surprisingly, that’s changed in the last year. The Hollywood police department has been doing a great job cracking down on the drugs and prostitution. Hollywood is now patrolled by security officers that make sure the streets are safe for everyone.
Today Hollywood is one of Los Angeles’ most popular tourist attractions. People from all over the world visit the legendary street with hopes of seeing someone famous. Such stars as Tom Cruise, Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, Demi Moore, Jim Carrey, and many others come out for special movie premieres. You might also spot them when a new star is installed on the Walk of Fame—there’s a hand and footprint ceremony held at the Chinese Mann theater—or for the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade.
Even if you’re not into celebrities, you might enjoy seeing a movie at one of Hollywood’s fabulous movie theaters—the Chinese Mann Theater, the classic El Capitan, the Cinerama Dome and the futuristic Galaxy. Hollywood also is home to wonderful theaters for the performing arts—The Hollywood Bowl and the Pantages.
Hollywood isn’t as bad as it sounds nor is it as glamorous as it’s supposed to be. Either way it’s still my home. I’m not rich or a bum. I’m just a regular teen that lives with my family in a peaceful neighborhood in Hollywood. Where else can you spot a movie star at a premiere or a man with green hair and body piercings all over? Only in Hollywood.”
