Neighborhood Spotlight:
East Hollywood
Small Bite, Big Taste…Welcome to the International Community
2.38 square miles (bound by Hollywood Blvd. and Beverly Blvd. to the north and south, and Hoover St. and Western Ave east to west) makes up East Hollywood. At 31,095 people per square mile, the neighborhood ranks among the highest densities for the city of Los Angeles and the county.
Packed between these iconic streets is a unique diverse community. Home to Thai town, Little Armenia, and other immigrant groups (Mexicans, El Salvadorans, Guatemalans, Filipinos, Koreans, South Americans, Ukrainians, Russians, and more), East Hollywood offers sights and flavors from around the world.
History:
In 1887 the area was recognized as Prospect Park, filled with farms growing fruits and wheat. To attract more newcomers, they renamed the area East Hollywood in 1900.
Prospect Park (East Hollywood) in the early 1900s. The two men are standing on what is now Barnsdall Park. Courtesy of East Hollywood Neighborhood Council
The 1920s were very active, massive immigration began to enrich the area and set the groundwork for East Hollywood’s diversity today. As the Soviet Union was established Russian immigrants fled communism to settle in East Hollywood. Survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide also migrated to the neighborhood. As the population grew, so did the city: Los Angeles Community College was established, and Barnsdall Park was built. In the 1930s Cedars of Lebanon Hospital was formed, adding to a growing hospital district that today, comprises of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, and Kaiser Permanente at Los Angeles Medical Center.
In 1984 East Hollywood shared the Olympic spotlight. During the torch relay the Olympic flame came running through Vermont Avenue and passed between runners.
Here, the relay is running northbound on Vermont Avenue at Santa Monica Boulevard, zig-zaging its way around Los Angeles en route to the Coliseum. Courtesy of East Hollywood Neighborhood Council
East Hollywood underwent many changes over the years but notably continued to attract new immigrant families: Koreans, Filipinos, more immigrants from Russia (manly Armenian and Jewish), Arabs, and Armenians from Arabic speaking countries were welcomed into the neighborhood. By the 70s more than 50% of the residents were foreign born or the children of foreign-born parents. In the early 90s the Los Angeles Riots and Northridge Earthquake did serious damage to the city, destroying businesses and buildings, but in the late 90s East Hollywood was rebuilt and repaired. In 1996 the East Hollywood Community Association was established by residents to make a difference in improving the neighborhood. Today, the heartbeat of East Hollywood thrives on its vibrant community and continues to grow despite its heavily dense population.
Demographics:
With more than 66% of the residents originating from other countries, a median age of 31, as well as a heavy renter population of about 90%, East Hollywood is a unique, young renter community. There is a larger population living below the poverty line at 24.3% compared to the state average of 14%.
Neighborhood:
In East Hollywood there are numerous parks, coffee shops, bars, and restaurants with a dense urban atmosphere. Mostly young professionals rent in the area and crime is common in the form of burglaries. Though four different police jurisdictions cover the area, it does tend toward higher numbers in violent crime and property crimes. But overall, the neighborhood is considered good for families and exciting for young professionals.
What to do:
Barnsdall Art Park was built by Aline Barnsdall to establish a theatre company. She donated the grounds to the City of Los Angeles in 1927. Alice wished for Barnsdall Park to be an accessible arts center for the community and preserve the famous Hollyhock House designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. They offer multiple art programs along with numerous festivals during the year to celebrate cultural diversity.
East Hollywood Certified Farmer’s Market was established in 2012 by the Thai Community Development Center. Their mission is to improve access to fresh healthy locally grown food for low-income and vulnerable populations as well as encourage healthy eating habits. Located at the Hollywood/Western Metro Station, they are open every Monday and Thursday from 3:30-7:30pm. Stop by for some fresh local produce or enjoy browsing the market goods made by local vendors.
Where to eat:
What would you like to eat? Salvadoran? Filipino? There are plenty of choices, but most notable is Little Armenia and Thai Town. Thai Town’s Jitlada, a family-run restaurant on Sunset Blvd, is famous. And I’m not talking about its wall of celebrity photos, or Guy Feiri’s statement that this is one of the best Thai experiences he’s ever had, I’m talking about the menu of exotic flavors including a delicious savory jungle curry and authentic New Zealand mussels.
Then there’s Marouch. Established in 1982, Marouch is one of the founding Armenian/Lebanese restaurants in Hollywood, and its rich history is a bright light to the surrounding community. You can expect excellent shawarma and kabab platters from this family-run business. But don’t forget to try their mezze plate, covered in brilliant flavors and rich colors.
East Hollywood is an adventure of beautiful people and authentic delicious cuisine. Stop by one of the amazing restaurants and be immersed in cultures from around the world or visit one of the many parks and enjoy its beauty among vibrant company.
East Hollywood Certified Farmer’s Market was established in 2012 by the Thai Community Development Center. Their mission is to improve access to fresh healthy locally grown food for low-income and vulnerable populations as well as encourage healthy eating habits. Located at the Hollywood/Western Metro Station, they are open every Monday and Thursday from 3:30-7:30pm. Stop by for some fresh local produce or enjoy browsing the market goods made by local vendors.