Los Angeles (L.A.), the arts and entertainment capital of the world, is the second most populous city in the Untied States. Founded in 1781 by the Spanish, Los Angeles subsequently experienced both Mexican and American rule. In the late 1800s, Easterners came to settle in the area's vast, unspoiled terrain and enjoy its temperate climate, with an average annual temperature of 74 degrees. Spurred by the growth in agriculture, oil production and the creation of a deep-water port, the economy of the city expanded rapidly, as did its population.

Immigrants have brought to L.A. a rich diversity of food, fashion, architecture, entertainment, languages, world views and religions that are showcased in the largest number of community and ethnic festivals in the nation. L.A. is home to myriad museums and galleries, including The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Museum of Contemporary Art, The J. Paul Getty Museum and The Norton Simon Museum. Music and theater may be enjoyed under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theatre, or inside at the Music Center or Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

The history of this city also is reflected in popular destinations such as Watts Towers, the La Brea Tar Pits and Little Tokyo. Fame and celebrity abound at The Hollywood Wax Museum, Hollywood Boulevard's "Walk of Fame" and Grauman's Chinese Theater.

L.A. continues to be an economic powerhouse. The Port of Los Angeles has the highest volume in the country, contributing to the city's status as the largest trade center in the U.S. and the 15th largest economy in the world. The city continues to grow; the County of Los Angeles leads the nation in manufacturing, producing more than ten percent of the nation's aircraft and women's apparel.

As L.A. is home to industry giants such as Disney/Capital Cities, ABC, CBS Television City, Paramount, Columbia and Universal Studios, it's not surprising that the majority of projected new jobs in the city are in the technological and creative areas of the entertainment field.