Isn't it amazing that the holidays come every year and always catch everyone by surprise-or is it just me? Don't get me wrong, I love this time of year especially the Thanksgiving kickoff. Heading into the season in the spirit of gratitude is the perfect way to launch the annual abundance of celebration.
This was particularly true for me as I completed a 33 year run as president of the Hollywood Arts Council. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful community both as editor of Discover Hollywood and with an organization whose mission is to promote, nurture and support the arts of Hollywood.
The idea of this publication began with 1979 survey of the arts--at that time the best part of Hollywood. Our central core, Hollywood Blvd., was in decline much like Main Streets throughout the U.S. and any bad news in or near our community was broadcast around the world. As a community, we began to believe the bad press. The founders of the Hollywood Arts Council saw a different Hollywood and we've followed that vision for 37 years.
Today it's a different story. What many have worked toward for decades is coming to pass. It's a new day and today not only does everyone want to visit Hollywood, they want to live here too. Our new feature "Oscar's Hollywood" reports on new apartment projects.
Encouragement and promotion of the arts in communities is not new and a trip this year to Santa Fe, New Mexico, was inspiring. Because long ago it was artists who helped make Santa Fe what it is today. Over 100 years ago, the city and its artists decided that the pueblo style of architecture was important to preserve Santa Fe's unique character. They worked to build a city that celebrates its arts as well as its Native American cultural roots.
Hollywood, too, has worked to celebrate something unique to our culture and the first major development that opened in 2001, Hollywood & Highland Center, replicated the set of D. W. Griffith's epic 1916 silent film "Intolerance." Susan Hornik takes us on a tour of this unusual outdoor mall and around town to other shopping locations.
The advent of awards season coincides with the season to be jolly and the gratitude continues as statues and accolades recognizing Hollywood's premiere industry are presented. Scott Martin surveys the choices and the impact the awards industry has on the real part of Hollywood, those who work behind the scenes.
This holiday we had family in town who remarked "There's never a dull day in Hollywood." To that I say "Ain't it the truth" and aren't we blessed. The reel is real here and the real is reel as well. Be grateful and be joyful. Happy New Year!