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The Region
Los Angeles (L.A.), the arts and entertainment capital of the world,
is the second most populous city of the U.S. Founded in 1781 by
the Spanish, L.A. 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 a myriad of 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 Mann'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. |
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