Hollywood Civic Beat

Hollywood is more than studios and stars—it’s a living community with real people, real issues, and real voices shaping its future. Hollywood Civic Beat shines a spotlight on the civic life of our neighborhood, from City Hall decisions and local elections to state and national representatives who speak for us. Here, we follow the policies that impact our streets, the leaders who serve our district, and the community conversations that define who we are. Whether it’s public safety, housing, transportation, or cultural preservation, this is where Hollywood comes together to understand, engage, and be heard.

The Latest Hollywood Community News

High Hopes for a Low-Key Visitor Center at the Hollywood Sign

At the crest of Mount Lee, high above Beachwood Canyon and perched in the rugged open space of Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign equally embodies ambition and myth. Now, its guardians are proposing a new chapter: a dedicated visitor center that would transform tourists’ fleeting photo-stop into a fuller, more immersive experience of the landmark that was erected in 1923. 

Read more »

Community Information...

Elected Officials

Citywide elected officials

The main Los Angeles City Council representatives for the Hollywood area are Nithya Raman (District 4) and Hugo Soto-Martinez (District 13), as both districts contain significant portions of Hollywood. Other officials that may have jurisdiction depend on the specific location within the Hollywood area. 

  • Nithya Raman (District 4): Represents the western part of Hollywood, including the Hollywood Hills.
  • Hugo Soto-Martinez (District 13): Represents the eastern part of Hollywood and nearby neighborhoods like East Hollywood and Hollywood proper.
  • Adam Schiff: Represents the area serving as the junior United States senator from California, a seat he has held since 2024, which includes Hollywood and surrounding areas.
  • Laura Friedman: Represents the 30th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes Hollywood. 
  • Jimmy Gomez: Represents California's 34th Congressional District, which includes parts of Hollywood.
  • Luz Rivas: Represents California's 42nd Congressional District, which includes parts of Los Angeles County and can overlap with the Hollywood area.
  • Brad Sherman: Also represents part of the area in the U.S. House of Representatives as the representative for the 32nd Congressional District, though his district's coverage of Hollywood is less extensive than Schiff's.

Chamber of Commerce

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce:

The Chamber exists to promote and enhance the business, cultural, and civic well-being of Hollywood.

Emergency Contacts

For immediate emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies and general city services in the Hollywood area contact the Hollywood Partnership's Community Dispatch Center at 567-HLY-WOOD (459-9663) for assistance from their cleaning, safety, and hospitality ambassadors. For reporting a wide range of other city service issues like trash, potholes, or graffiti, use the City of Los Angeles' 311 system, which can be accessed online, by phone, or through the MyLA311 app. 

For emergencies

  • 911: Call immediately for any police, fire, or medical emergency. 

For non-emergencies and general assistance in Hollywood

  • Hollywood Partnership (Clean & Safe) - 567-HLY-WOOD (459-9663): The 24/7 Community Dispatch Center can dispatch ambassadors to assist with a variety of issues, including safety assistance, hospitality, graffiti removal, and recommendations.
    • How to use: Call or text the number and be prepared to provide your location, the type of service needed, and your contact information.
    • Who they are: Ambassadors wear emerald shirts with "Hollywood Partnership" on them and are available for both locals and visitors.
  • City of Los Angeles 311: This is the central system for a vast number of city service requests.
    • How to use: Access the online portal at lacity.gov/myla311, use the MyLA311 app, or call the 311 phone number. You can request services like trash pickup, pothole repair, and streetlight maintenance. 

 

For specific service needs

  • Emergency Alerts: Subscribe to NotifyLA for emergency alerts from the City of Los Angeles.
  • Police and Fire Department complaints: For complaints regarding the police or fire department, visit the LAPD website.
  • Housing or building code violations: Report these through the City of Los Angeles housing app or the Department of Building and Safety.
  • Wage or utility theft: Report wage theft at wagesla.lacity.gov or utility theft to the LADWP. 

Services

Hollywood  residents can access a wide range of city services and information primarily by dialing 311 or using the MyLA311 app/website. For emergencies, always dial 911

General City Services and Information

The primary point of contact for non-emergency city services in Los Angeles (including Hollywood) is the MyLA311 system. 

  • Phone: Dial 311 (within LA City limits) or (213) 473-3231 (from outside LA). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, and weekends/holidays, 8 am to 5 pm.
  • Online/App: Submit service requests 24/7 via the MyLA311 website (https://myla311.lacity.gov) or by downloading the MyLA311 mobile app.
  • Common Requests handled by 311:
    • Pothole repair
    • Graffiti removal
    • Bulky item pickup/trash collection issues
    • Street light problems
    • Abandoned vehicles
    • General city government information 

Emergency and Non-Emergency Public Safety

  • Emergencies (Police, Fire, Medical): Dial 911 immediately.
  • Police Non-Emergency: For non-violent issues like noise complaints, dial 877-ASK-LAPD (877-275-5273). 

County and Social Services

For county-wide social services, mental health resources, and shelter information, residents can use the 211 system.

  • 211 LA: Dial 211 or 1-800-339-6993, or visit the website at www.211la.org

Specific Department Contacts

For direct contact with specific departments, the MyLA311 website provides a comprehensive "Who To Call" list. Some key numbers include: 

  • LADWP (Water & Power) Outages/Billing: 800-342-5397
  • LA Sanitation: 800-773-2489 (for bin replacement, etc.)
  • LA County Animal Services: 562-940-6898
  • Housing Department (Renter Assistance): 866-557-7368 

Emergency Alerts

To receive emergency alerts from the City of Los Angeles, residents can subscribe to the NotifyLA system via phone, email, or text. 

Basic Needs Assistance

A number of non-profit organizations in Hollywood provide basic needs assistance, including food, shelter, clothing, and supportive services. For general navigation of services in LA County, residents can also dial 211

Key Non-Profits for Basic Needs in Hollywood

Several non-profits offer basic needs assistance in Hollywood:

: Provides nightly meals, basic daily necessities, and referrals.

: Offers meals, day shelter, and various services for homeless youth and their children.

: Provides meals, addiction programs, housing aid, and youth shelter services.

: Offers shelter, food, clothing, and support for homeless or trafficked youth and young adults.

  • Saban Community Clinic

: Provides comprehensive healthcare, shower programs, and case management.

: Offers meals, clothing, and a program focused on employment and housing.

  • PATH (People Assisting The Homeless): Works to end homelessness through housing development and supportive services. 

General Resources

  • 211 LA: Connects people to social services throughout LA County via the 211 phone line.
  • SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition: Provides food and supplies and connects unhoused individuals to professional services. 

Are there organizations providing legal aid to homeless individuals?

Yes, several non-profit organizations and initiatives in the Los Angeles area, including those serving Hollywood, provide free legal aid to homeless and low-income individuals

Legal Aid

Key organizations and initiatives include:

  • Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA): A non-profit law firm that provides free, high-quality legal services to the underserved. They have a strong focus on housing and homelessness, including eviction defense, preserving affordable housing, and upholding the civil rights of unhoused individuals. They operate neighborhood offices and courthouse self-help centers.
  • Inner City Law Center (ICLC): Located in Skid Row, this non-profit focuses on housing and homelessness issues, public benefits, and legal services for veterans and people with HIV/AIDS. They help people obtain case management services and clear legal records that can be barriers to housing and employment.
  • Bet Tzedek Legal Services: This organization provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals, including services related to landlord/tenant issues, public benefits access, and record expungement. They are part of the Preventing and Ending Homelessness Project (PEHP) and work with the Stay Housed LA initiative.
    • Phone: 323-939-0506
    • Website: https://bettzedek.org/our-services/justice-for-tenants-homeowners-unhoused/
  • Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA): NLSLA helps with a wide range of issues, including housing, public benefits, family law, and "clean slate" services to clear criminal records.
  • Public Counsel: The largest pro bono law firm in the nation, Public Counsel offers various services, including a bankruptcy clinic, consumer rights assistance, and support for children and youth, which can address underlying issues contributing to homelessness.
    • Phone: 213-385-2977 

For general social service and housing referrals in Los Angeles County, residents can also use the 211 LA County Helpline by dialing 211 or visiting www.211la.org. 

Libraries

The main public library branch serving Hollywood is the Frances Howard Goldwyn - Hollywood Regional Branch. Other nearby branches that serve the community include the Cahuenga Branch LibraryWill & Ariel Durant Branch Library, and John C. Fremont Branch Library

 

Schools

High schools

Elementary schools

Your Community Voice...

Please share your comments below and let us know any issues, concerns, problems—or even praises—you have about Hollywood’s public services so we can spotlight the voices that keep our community informed.

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