West Hollywood

West Hollywood
West Hollywood is an incorporated city in Los Angeles, California. History states that the land was first inhabited by the members of Tongva Tribe back in eighteenth century. The tribe and the land were explored by a Portuguese explorer named Cabrillo.

Due to an outbreak of some disease the members of the tribe if not completely, then nearly wiped out, hence the land was overtaken by the Spanish mission who changed the name of the tribe to Gabrielinos.

The land took its first step towards development as a connecting road between El Pueblo de Los Angeles and western ranches was built with the name of Sunset Strip. The road stretches across one and a half miles. The road was named Sunset Strip because it is considered the best spot for the sunset. After 1780, the land went through different names with a series of different owners, with the series finally ending on Hancock Family.

The town of Sherman was a major step towards development in the history of West Hollywood. The town was established by the end of 19th century by Moses Sherman in partnership with Los Angeles and Pacific Railway. Due to the rail road, town of Sherman became an ideal spot for different kind of shops and bars, since the working class of the rail road started to reside in the area nearby the railroad.

In order to avoid governments interference in couple of illegal activities like gambling, drinking and night clubbing, the town remained un-incorporated and called itself the West Hollywood. However later on it became the part of Los Angeles County but not the city, because stuff like gambling etc. is legal only in the county. Hence this gave opportunity to a lot of businessmen to open casinos or nightclubs in the county.

Due to its immunity to most of the restrictions of city, the county also attracted lots of Movie stars due to which a lot of apartment buildings and houses were built. But gradually the number of stars in the area started to reduce. But still citys attraction towards it locals and other visitors didnt reduce. However, later on November 29, 1984, West Hollywood was incorporated with L.A.

As of the most recent census records of 2000, the total estimated population that is residing in West Hollywood is 35,716. 41% of the total population consists of gay and lesbian community; hence it is sometimes also known as WeHo and Boys town. This was due to StoneWell Riots of 1969, between New York Police Department and gays.

After which a large number of gays took refuge in the West Hollywood. Hence West hollywood is the centre of events like Lesbian & Gay Parades etc. Apart from that, rest of the major portion of population consists of Soviet Migrants, who migrated to West Hollywood during the dissolution of Soviet Union; hence 13% of the total population is comprised of Russian Jews.

The population of 35,716 is further divided in to 23,120 households and 5,202 families. As of racial division the citys population consists of 86.43% of Caucasian, 3.78% Asian, 6.40% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 8.80% Hispanics, 2.87% of other races and 3.35% were from two or more races.

As of the census records the median income of the family was $41,463, while the median income of a household was $38,914. The per capita income $38,302 as of the records. The median income of males was $45,598, which was greater as compared to the median income of females that is $35,750. Out of total population 11.5% of them were living below the poverty in the city as of 2000s census records.

The city of West Hollywood has a lot to offer to its visitors. The main attractions of the city are mainly restaurants, bars and night clubs. Since the major portion of the city is comprised of Gay community, there are quite a large of gay-oriented business which is why the city of West Hollywood is sometimes also known as the Gay Village.

Boys town that is located in West Hollywood is unarguably one of the most famous gay neigborhood in the world. It stretchs from La Cienega Boulevard to Robertson Boulevard and consists of various nightclubs, bars and restuarants. One of the main attractions of the city is Pacific Design Center which is also known as the blue Whale.

The city is also famous for its West Hollywood Halloween Carnival, which is held annually on 31st of October. It is undoubtedly the largest Halloween street party in America, attracting around 500,000 attendees both local and from other places.

Due to the gay majority, West Hollywood is also home to Christopher Street West. It is Lesbian & Gay pride parade which is usualy held in June in the memories of Stonewall Riots of New York. The Parade was held in June 1970 for the very first time and since then it is being held annualy.