Issue: Issue Winter 2007/2008

From the Editor

Over the past years, as Hollywood was struggling to regain its prominence as THE place to live, work and play, we’ve focused on the central core of Hollywood. That has left us with a lot left to say about Hollywood and its wide open spaces. In this issue, we’re intrigued not only by that uniquely Hollywood entity – the Western Movie, but also some interesting information about the man who left Los Angeles its own “wide open space” Griffith Park. Todd Everett takes us on a ride to visit the home of the man who invented the Hollywood Western as we know it, William S. Hart, stopping along the way at the museum that is the legacy of the town’s most famous singing cowboy, Gene Autry. Anthony Nelson brings it all together with a visit to Sunset Ranch – Hollywood’s own authentic ranch nestled just below the famed Hollywood sign. Each summer, thanks to the Hollywood Arts Council’s research into what’s happening on the arts and culture front, we turn up interesting events and opportunities. In September Ray Bradbury’s play “Falling Upward” will open at Theatre West, which presented an opportunity to talk to this illustrious man of letters and one never at a loss for words about our city and its future. Los Angeles in general and Hollywood, in particular, seems to have its share of scandal and famous trials. Cheryl Johnson, a lawyer herself, provides a fascinating look at the trial of philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith, whose statue graces the entrance to Griffith Park, the legacy that helped restore his name. Wrapped around these articles are our calendar and listings of what to see and do this summer. Make this the best summer of your life! Discover Hollywood.