History

History

Officially founded in 1984 as the 84th city in Los Angeles County, West Hollywood is a young, vibrant community with a colorful and entertaining past! Today, West Hollywood is one of the greatest gay friendly vacation destinations, is the pet friendliest city in Southern California and is Los Angeles’ hottest destination for the entertainment industry.

From its 19th century beginnings as a virtual “no man’s land,” the region soon became prime location for a railway, and in 1894, a man named Moses Sherman bought the land and designated it as the headquarters of the Los Angeles Pacific Railway Co. This venture sparked the need for housing, and West Hollywood (then a town called “Sherman”) started to see its first bout of immense growth. The little town grew fast, and by 1912 it was dubbed “The Queen of the Foothills” and guidebooks praised its climate, ideal location, and quality of community.

Shortly after, motion picture studios emerged and surpassed the railway as the major “hub” of Sherman. Movie moguls Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks bought film studios near Santa Monica Boulevard and in 1925, when the City’s name changed to “West Hollywood,” a dirt road a few blocks north now known as Sunset Boulevard served as the main commuter route between Beverly Hills and Hollywood. Sunset became a stomping ground for those in the entertainment world and the “Sunset Strip” was born, bringing with it nightclubs, hotels, and a number of architecturally fancy residences. People were drawn to this thriving western locale and celebrities of the Golden Era considered West Hollywood the swankiest, most glamorous nightlife destination. Upscale shopping district Sunset Plaza was born, and nightclubs such as Ciro’s, Mocambo, and the Trocadero were the center of social life for the stars and gangsters like Bugsy Siegel, making headlines around the nation, due in part to the county’s lax law enforcement.

Despite some slowdown in activity during later years, movie fans throughout the world knew the Sunset Strip was the place to find their favorite stars, and the Strip continued to prosper as an attraction for locals and tourists.

The strip saw its first major transformation in the 1960’s, becoming a “hippie mecca” when youngsters from all over flocked to West Hollywood and local clubs like the Whisky a Go-Go and the Troubadour, venues that were stepping stones to fame for many musicians. In 1966, the Doors were the house band at the Whisky and the city was on the heels of a 1980’s “hair metal” music boom, the Strip being home to wild rock bands such as Motley Crue & Guns N’ Roses. These major music movements lead West Hollywood to become known as a thriving hotbed for the music industry.

In the 1970’s the gay movement influenced West Hollywood’s direction, as gay and lesbian citizens became more assertive of their rights and felt free to ‘come out of the closet’. Because West Hollywood was unincorporated, it flew under the then-homophobic Los Angeles Police Department’s radar, and a thriving gay community was established. Due to the gay influence and citizens with money to spend, commercial and residential sections of the city were revitalized, and these new attractive properties made for a new vibrancy throughout the city making WeHo one of the best destinations for gay friendly vacations. Along with gays, Russian Jews sought out West Hollywood as a refuge, a mix of elderly citizens and young families flocking to what is now the East Side of West Hollywood.

At this time, citizens and leaders realized the problems of occupying an unincorporated city and after years of grassroots campaigning and fast mobilization by community members to take more local control, West Hollywood was formally incorporated as its own city in 1984.

At present, the City has grown to 39,000 residents and remains as Los Angeles’ hottest destination for the entertainment industry with its boutique hotels, celebrity-owned restaurants, unparalleled nightlife and shopping, and events like the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and the largest Halloween Street Party in the world. West Hollywood continues to be an example for progressive, creative individuals on the cutting edge of trends and new ideas, working together as a community in one of the most sprawling cities in the country.

Discover West Hollywood History in pictures! Take a “then and now” tour of historic hotels and buildings – and find out why “If these walls could talk” how much they could say.

For more information on West Hollywood History and for a historical Walking Tour of the Sunset Strip contact the Office of Historic Preservation in West Hollywood.

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West Hollywood Info: Just the Facts

What we are

A 1.9-square mile city founded in 1984 as the 84th city in Los Angeles County

– One of the smallest and densest in California!

Where we are

118 21' longitude, 34 5' latitude, midway between Downtown Los Angeles and the beach

Bounded on the west by Beverly Hills, on the east by the Hollywood area of Los Angeles, on the south by Los Angeles, and on the north by the Santa Monica Mountains and an honor guard of giant billboards

- Taking care of business in downtown, tanning at the beach? It’s all exactly 12 miles away!

Who we are:

• 39,000 full-time residents
• 1/3 of West Hollywood's are gay or lesbian
• 12% are recent immigrants from the former Soviet Union
• 25,617 households with an average income of $35,162
• The weekend population swells to 78,000 as neighbors from nearby communities take advantage of shopping, dining and entertainment
• West Hollywood claims LA County’s “Largest Singles” population

What we were

Its 19th century roots as Rancho La Brea sprouted Moses Sherman's Los Angeles Pacific Railway terminal (the original Red Line), and the un-incorporated township of Sherman.

By the early 20's, it was far too hot a spot to be "Sherman." The little rebel cast aside its given name and began to call itself "West Hollywood."

-“It is as it was” - celebrities of the Golden Era considered West Hollywood, the swankiest, most glamorous nightlife destination

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The Pet Friendliest Destination in Southern California

Searching for a pet friendly hotel in Southern California? Look no further than West Hollywood. Home to 1,000 dogs per square mile, West Hollywood’s pet policies truly reflect the core values of the city. West Hollywood designed a law that pets are to be called “companions” and their owners “guardians” and was the first city in the country to outlaw the de-clawing of cats. The City of West Hollywood has also recognized the therapeutic benefit of animal companionship for seniors who are 62 years or older, for the disabled and for persons living with HIV/AIDS. These persons may keep up to 2 pets despite any prohibition in the lease agreement. The City of West Hollywood also fully supports the California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act which is intended to prohibit the confinement of farm animals in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up and fully extend their limbs. Recently branding itself with the slogan of “Living Forward,” the city considers itself tolerant and progressive and animals are no exception.

Many of West Hollywood’s hotels are pet-welcoming. The Le Montrose Suite Hotel, The London West Hollywood Hotel, and The Sunset Tower Hotel all offer various pet amenities such as doggy bowls, treats, beds, and can arrange for a dog walker. The London West Hollywood Hotel has a bulldog ‘mascot’ named Garbanzo who makes appearances throughout the week. The Sunset Marquis Hotel and Villas, Chamberlain West Hollywood, Grafton on Sunset, Le Parc Suites, Palihouse Holloway, The Standard, and Le Petit are also pet friendly. Below find a list of pet friendly hotel fees, weight restrictions, and special services:

• Sunset Marquis Hotel and Villas -- small dogs up to 15 lbs, with a flat fee of $150
• Best Western Sunset Plaza Hotel – no pets
• Chamerlain West Hollywood -- Pets up to 25lbs, $100 fee
• Grafton on Sunset – pet friendly, $100 fee
• Le Montrose Suite Hotel -- Up to 100lbs -- $100 one time fee, Doggy bowls, can arrange dog walking service
• Le Parc Suites Hotel – $75 fee, no weight limit
• The London West Hollywood Hotel – Mascot Garbanzo – every wed and sat, allow dogs under 25lbs, $100 fee, walking service, beds, bowls
• Mondrian Hotel – no pets
• Palihouse Holloway – pet friendly, $150 fee, under 45lbs, can find services
• Ramada Plaza West Hollywood – no pets
• The Standard Hotel – pets up to 125lbs, $100 fee
• The Sunset Tower – $100 deposit, pet amenities – bed, bowl, treats, could arrange for someone to walk dog
• Le Petit – small dogs, $150 pet fee

Once settled, take your pet shopping and dining! In West Hollywood, you’ll often see people out walking and dining with their pets at outdoor cafes and coffee shops. Located around the city are several unique pet stores such as Elite Pets or D.O.G. Pet Boutique. Around Santa Monica Boulevard are several dog washing services, animal hospitals, and curbside dog stations. Wells Fargo Bank branch on Santa Monica Boulevard allows guardians to open pet accounts where the pet receives an ATM card with the animal's name, and while you wait there are dog treats and water bowls available.

Indulge your dog in the ultimate luxury. The Club Beverly Hills, nestled on the border of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, is an exclusive country club where expert staff provides unprecedented care and attention to each dog. The Club Beverly Hills teaches socialization, manners, nutrition, health and fitness and is the perfect spot for LA’s most powerful dogs to socialize with like-minded peers, enjoy a Jacuzzi soak, grab a gourmet meal, see their private doctor or fit in a quick workout. Members enjoy state of the art facilities including a fitness course, day cottages and overnight villas, spa, salon and restaurant-grade kitchen, concierge.

During special events in the city, pets can get in on the action too. The City of West Hollywood sponsors an animal walk and pet appreciation days throughout the year, which have in the past featured pet psychics and dog activities. During Halloween the week prior to October 31st, animals can participate in a doggie costume contest in West Hollywood Park. If you’d like to take your dog hiking, West Hollywood is in close proximity to Runyon Canyon hiking trail and dog park in Hollywood, a popular moderate workout through the Hollywood Hills with a view of the Hollywood Sign and a chance to take your dog off-leash and socialize with other Hollywood dogs out for a stroll.

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Filming a movie? Shooting a Commercial?

Location, location, location!

LIGHTS: Film your production in the City that lives it daily. West Hollywood is one of the top 10 most filmed sites in the world! With over 150 restaurants, 14 hotels, and unique features like the Sunset Strip and Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood shines in front of a camera. West Hollywood’s 1.9 square miles are home to unparalleled historic venues, incredible views, and access to the most desirable locations in Los Angeles. From reality shows to episodic TV hits to blockbuster movies, West Hollywood is always ready for its closeup!

Here is a sampling of some notable films shot in West Hollywood:

• As Good As It Gets — 9039 Beverly Boulevard
• The Big Lebowski — 1011 N. Fuller Avenue
• LA Confidential — Formosa Café
• The Negotiator — Fountain Avenue, Spaulding-Ogden, 9039 Beverly Boulevard
• A Night at the Roxbury — The Argyle, Key Club, Viper Room, Whisky-a-go-go
• Scream 2 — Formosa Avenue
• Lions for Lambs — Pacific Design Center, Lucques
• I Still Know What You Did Last Summer — Key Club, Sunset Strip

Like many film and television locations in West Hollywood, the Sunset Strip has starred in an abundance of notable screen appearances including "77 Sunset Strip" (visit the sidewalk just east of the Tiffany Theatre) and "Annie Hall" (Cajun Bistro, formerly The Source). Richard Gere and Julia Roberts climbed the fire escapes of the Argyle in "Pretty Woman." Other movies filmed around town include "Jerry Maguire," "That Thing You Do," "Indecent Proposal," "The Bodyguard," "LA Story," "Lethal Weapon," "Get Shorty" and "Oceans 12."

For a Complete Listing of Films Shot in West Hollywood, please click Here

For a Complete Listing of Reality TV Shows Shot In West Hollywood, please click Here

West Hollywood has also served as the backdrop for countless television shows including "Melrose Place," "The L-Word," "Beverly Hills 90210," "Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "NYPD Blue," "General Hospital," "American Idol," "Ugly Betty," "Desperate Housewives," "Nip/Tuck," "Blow Out" (filmed at Jonathan Salon on Westbourne Avenue) "Entourage." Commercials are also an important part of filming in West Hollywood, recently including names like Hyundai, The GAP, Verizon and VISA.

CAMERA: The City of West Hollywood Film Division is the backbone of filming in the city and helping make your production a success. The West Hollywood Film Liaison will analyze your request, determine what special conditions may be required, and coordinate your request with all other departments of filming. Once all conditions are met, the Film Liaison may issue you a permit for filming. In some cases, the City of Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles film office, the EIDC, may issue you the permit, depending on whether or not you have other locations outside of West Hollywood jurisdiction.

ACTION: West Hollywood continues to be a popular locale for the industry. Please call the West Hollywood Film Liaison at 323.848.6489 with any questions you may have about filming, videotaping, or still photography in "The Creative City" and visit the City of West Hollywood Filming Department for more information.

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Myths & Legends

"Because Every Hollywood Hotshot has some"

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