Hollywoodland
100 Years - 100 Stories
The iconic Hollywood Sign was created in 1923 and originally read as Hollywoodland by developers for what is now the neighborhood where I live in Beachwood Canyon.
In early 2020, when the pandemic began, I was relegated to being homebound and was soon restless. It was my love for photography and a necessity to break the boredom of isolation that gave me the idea of photographing my neighbor. I was happy to be shooting again.
I applied the same process I was accustomed to for my commercial projects to the neighborhood portrait workflow: meet, location scout, plan, shoot. I had a skeleton crew which was myself and sometimes my wife, Susan, one camera, and one light.
Once I posted my first portrait on social media, others began contacting me, asking to be included. The initial portrait was evolving to become bigger than my original intention. Being immersed in this growing project for myself as well others now had more meaning. It was having a positive impact with others on a personal level, introducing people to each other. Conversations were being initiated between neighbors who had not previously met, referencing each other’s portrait. On walks through the canyon, at the café or market, people came up to me asking to be photographed or to refer a friend who wanted to be included. This was now our collaborative neighborhood project.
The series, first titled, 19 Stories, as a reference to Covid-19, grew beyond the single image to a tribute that celebrates the Centennial of Hollywoodland: 100 Years/100 Stories.
This body of work is dedicated to the wonderful families and individuals that are part of this special place in Los Angeles that we call home, an area that is brimming with wildlife, flora, and creativity that collectively make Hollywoodland all that it is.
xo jim
Steven Alper- Steven grew up in Palos Verdes, and even while living in fabulous places like Tokyo, Paris, and New York, he yearned to return to his native LA and live off the street-grid and on a hill. "Beachwood was the perfect location to land. Even before selling my Manhattan dental practice, I had begun exploring the connection between reality's digitization and intelligence's mechanization. With so much data collected by people taking selfies at The Sign, the Last House on Mulholland provided me a powerful opportunity to examine how our physical world is mechanically processed. It’s important to understand because digitization of intelligence is prioritizing quantity over quality, and I worry about the consequences. I have used various physical objects to send signals into the ‘metaverse.’ Gloriette-R1 is my latest project. There are many great things about Beachwood, especially the unique vibe, with people from so many different creative fields. I am at home Beachwood because it lets me be me."
Bingyi is a self-described painter, writer, filmmaker, and poet, and has this year completed a book on the philosophy of painting and a book of poetry. "Living in Beachwood Canyon, I am growing a garden of creativity. While contemplating my writing, I grew a magical garden in my house filled with plants from the Book of Odes, the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry. As these plants flourish and grow, I feel that the magic of poetry is growing into my life."
Sam Tilson- Originally from St. Louis, the former animator turned space explorer and photographer has called the hills home since 2018. Sam travels the world in a spacesuit and takes photos that look like other planets. "My favorite thing in the world is exploration, whether in my photography, travels, getting to know other people, or discovering new neighborhood corners. As someone with anxiety, the peaceful nature of this neighborhood gives me a place to feel at home."
Alexandra Daddario - The White Lotus, Percy Jackson, Baywatch, True Detective, American Horror Story, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre all have one thing in common - the talented actor Alexandra Daddario. Over twenty million Instagram followers also think she is very special.
Anuja Rane, Phoenix, and Rafi Ashkenazi- The creative duo Anuja Rane, a design director in the fashion industry, and Rafi Ashkenazi, an entrepreneur, continue reinventing themselves through fashion, art, and architecture. “We feel very fortunate to live in our unique neighborhood with our beautiful son Phoenix and three cats. We love the juxtaposition of being so close to the city where you can hear its heartbeat, yet far and tucked away surrounded by nature, wandering coyotes, deer, bobcats, and other wildlife.
Aaron, Jennifer Curry with their dog, Hashtag - Before moving to the Canyon in 2009, I had never seen the Hollywood sign in person, even though we had lived in LA for eight years. Since living under the sign, we have enjoyed the best walks and hikes, gotten to know many of the wonderful residents, and met the greatest group of dogs in the land. This our own little Shangri-La!" Now that you've found your paradise... Put on your slippers and sit by the fire You've reached your top, and you just can't get any higher You're in your place, and you know where you are In your Shangri-La - The Kinks
Mike - "As the owner of the Beachwood Cafe, I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of this vibrant and unique neighborhood. It's a place that's filled with history, character, and stunning natural surroundings. I've always been passionate about food and hospitality, and operating the cafe has allowed me to combine that passion with my love for this neighborhood. But beyond my work, my personal connection to Beachwood Canyon runs deep. It's a place that constantly inspires me, and I'm always looking for ways to contribute to its growth and prosperity while preserving the things that make it so special. As a small business owner, I believe in being an active and engaged member of the community. That's why we prioritize supporting local initiatives and working with other businesses and organizations to help ensure that Beachwood Canyon continues to thrive."
Hanna Yohannz - I am a stylist. I moved to LA a week before the quarantine went into effect I hadn't been able to meet any new people or accept any new work. While I couldn't do what I normally do, I had plenty of time to think about why and how I do it. This pause allowed me to feel the pulse of everything, the value of the small things, and the trivialness of the big ones. I was grateful to be able to stay inside and go inwards."
Lindsey DeMay - Costume designer, Lynds2y, describes her closets as "the window into my world, one is my personal, and the other is my work or kit closet." Lindsay moved to LA from New Orleans for work. "I was offered a job by a woman I worked with in New Orleans. While in LA, she introduced me to her friend, a photographer who lived on Beachwood Drive, and kept me busy working. That was my first experience with this magical place, and I knew instantly this was where I wanted to live someday. I walk the seemingly never-ending maze of streets with my dog, Sophia Louise. This is my form of meditation. A person can escape crazy Hollywood. The Hollywood Sign lets you sense you've entered the history of it all".
Tinker Lindsay - Tinker is an author/screenwriter who combines her two passions, mindfulness and murder, into her books and films. "Come. Slip through the gate. Step behind the wall. Let us once-upon-a-time this terrible, beautiful moment together. The light is mottled and mysterious - it needs its shadows to shine. Our machines have been put out to pasture, and their grumbles are stilled. Can you hear the birds calling? Mocking all our big plans? Such bittersweet lessons we are learning. Nothing will ever be the same, and that's exactly as it should be. Come. We can do this. We can weave new colors into our future. We can fall. We can fly."
Alex Papalexis - "The thoughtful intention that went into designing this hillside community one hundred years ago has stood the test of time well, from the architectural style of its initial homes to the inclusion of a central business and commercial center, which was made more easily accessible to many of the upper streets by the presence of numerous stairways which link upper streets to lower streets. As Hollywoodland marks its one-hundredth year, the Beachwood Market marks its ninetieth year. It's a privilege to continue the tradition of being the local market and serving the fine and diverse people that make up this neighborhood and community. A tradition started by relatives so long ago."
Diplo - Before relocating to Malibu, Beachwood was Diplo's gateway to the canyon. "Beachwood was a nice lil' home for the creatives I'll always cherish."
Jack McBrayer - Jack is an actor who has been in Beachwood Canyon since 2011. Originally from Georgia, Jack has discovered a newfound passion for plants. "This is all very different from the vegetation that I grew up with. I love strolling past the neighbors' gardens and yards and seeing all the growing fun stuff they've got. It's really beautiful." Jack considers his Mid-century modern home his sanctuary. "I just breathe more easily when I come home. Plus, ever since I was a little boy, I've dreamed of a swimming pool."
Bill Reichenbach - "Music has been a constant in my life. I was born in 1949, soon after my father, a jazz drummer, left the Tommy Dorsey Band. I started playing drums at an early age. At eleven years old, I decided to learn to play trombones. I began playing along with the 78 records my father had around the house and became interested in arranging and composing. My goal had been to play in the recording studios as a professional musician. I came to LA to record with Chuck Mangione, an experience that solidified my plans to move here, which I did in 1975. I played with several big bands. I met Jerry Hey, a great trumpet player, and arranger. We started scoring part business with composers such as John Williams, Alan Silvestri, and Michael Giacchino, to name a few. I've lived in Beachwood during this time, a wonderful place to come home to. My little corner of the bend in the road is a warm, welcoming small-town sitting above the massive city of Los Angeles. LA in the 20s is reminiscent of European architecture. You can see that influence, especially in Beachwood. This area is close to most of what happens in my business yet comfortably remote by being up in the hills. I've been very happy to live here for these many years".
Nikki - Nikki, a lawyer, and Bruno, the Mayor of Beachwood Canyon. "It was always my dream to live in the Hollywood Hills and I pinch myself every day that I get to call this place home. We are both from Miami and had never been in the mountains before. To live in the city yet feel so far removed, tucked away in the hills and under the Hollywood Sign really is like being on vacation every single day. We never leave home!"
Michelle Conrad and Louie - Michelle has a long history in Beachwood Canyon. "I have had the good fortune to live in wonderful Beachwood Canyon for the last forty-six-plus years. My husband, Jack, and I bought our lovely storybook home in 1974, not knowing how wonderful all our neighbors would turn out to be. Jack was a composer and musician, and at the time he wanted to live in Hollywood close to where all the studio work was being done. This canyon is like a little Mayberry in the heart of Hollywood, where everyone looks out for everyone else. Over the years I have developed a great love of gardening and now that I am retired I spend my time keeping something in bloom all year round."
Paul Cohen with band members Dale Fielder, Bill Markus, and Jane Getz- Drummer and Lawyer Paul Cohen and his wife Isabel came to Beachwood Canyon in 1972 by serendipity. They were lost in the hills, saw a beautiful house with a for sale sign, and bought it. they were taken with the serenity and peace of the hills. "We could lie in bed, look out the window, and see immense pines. We raised our two children and numerous litters of dogs and cats here. I love the camaraderie and close community of Beachwood Canyon." Paul started drumming in Pennsylvania when he was twelve years old. He met Isabel while playing in a club in Harlem. Paul formed the Paul Cohen Quartet with world-class musicians twenty years ago, playing and singing weekly in his Beachwood home. Pictured is Paul at drums, saxophonist Dale Fielder, bassist Bill Markus, and pianist Jane Getz.
Leanna Creel, Rinat Greenberg, with sons Milo and Levi - Photographer/Filmmaker Leane, and her wife, Rinat, a real estate agent who immigrated from Liverpool by way of London, and their two sons moved from a loft in downtown LA to their dream home in Hollywoodland. "We were longing for a garden and a place to play outdoors. We joke that we over-corrected when moving into our canyon treehouse. We have thirty-eight windows in our house and see the green from every one of them". Their second child, Milo, born in 2013, is a "lucky little sausage, having spent his entire life living in Beachwood Canyon. We love how close we are to the park, and with two rambunctious boys and two dogs, we need to assess to open space, especially valuable during this time of the pandemic. This place feels like home. It has from the moment we moved here. We love our neighbors, most of whom have lived here for twenty years or more. We get that. We have no intention of leaving either".
Adam Jones, Jama Mays, and son Jude - Adam and Jayma, both actors, live with their son Jude on a mesa overlooking a stretch of the downtown LA cityscape in Beachwood Canyon. After meeting in 2007 on a movie set, they lived in different apartments on Beachwood, developing a strong love for the area. "We used to walk the winding streets, peering into windows and gardens and marveled at how houses could be built on such extreme hillsides and dreamed of one day living in one of those stilt-balanced boxes." They married in 2019, had their son, Jude, and settled in Beachwood. "Within our first week, we'd met half the street. We love this area, primarily because of the mix of people: artists, geniuses, partiers, bookworms, even Brits." They have remained at home most of the time during covid isolation. "It hasn't been too bad - we haven't caught it. Jude has learned to swim, Jayma has become truly skilled at baking bread, and I have become competent at drinking Vesper Martinis!"
Barry Ibarra - Barry was born in the Philippines and is the second of seven children. His first job in America was working as a dishwasher. He worked his way up to vegetable cook and stayed for five years. He has been a mailman for twenty-three years plus. He is married with four sons. "Nothing is interesting about me except that I love to serve you guys delivering your mail and packages daily. I love the peaceful serenity and quiet nature and the people in the neighborhood." Everyone in Beachwood loves Barry - the man with a contagious smile and a warm, upbeat personality. We feel fortunate to have him here in the canyon. A truly good man.
Lisa D'Amato, Adam Friedman with sons Venice and Daxel - Lisa D'Amato, an America's Top Model winner, and husband, Adam Friedman, an environmental activist, live in The Hollywood Castle, a home built by Adam's father in 1976, with their two sons, Daxel and Venice, and dog, Walle. "Our family is three generations deep, living in Beachwood Cyn. We couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. The best place on Earth! We have 360 views of downtown LA, can see the ocean in Long Beach and Catalina, and see the entire canyon w/ the Hollywood sign. Beautiful sunny Southern California, where else would we ever want to be?"
Jacqui and Aldo King with Gunther - Jacqueline and Aldo have lived in Beachwood Canyon since 2017. Jacqui is an electronic musician, and Aldo works in tech. Gunther joined the family in 2020. "He's too smart for his own good!" All three like to hike through the canyon every morning. "Tip the world over, and everything loose will land in Los Angeles." -Frank Lloyd Wright
Alan Faye with Sophie - "Residing in the first building built in Hollywoodland has a certain magic that brings people together. I've always loved to entertain, which happens organically at Beachwood's crossroads. People we know meet people who join us on the patio and soon become old friends themselves. Sophie, my dog, has become a fixture herself, greeting neighbors and tourists from the patio and upper window with her smile and signature wiggle. Hollywoodland is an amazing community of truly special souls, with each day bringing a new adventure."
Denise DiCarlo, Aarica, and family - Chef Denise is also an animal advocate, fostering and rescuing animals in need, including, but not limited to: dogs, birds, and squirrels! "Beachwood Canyon is a very special neighborhood. The history is fascinating. All the secret staircases and meeting elderly neighbors that were in the business back in the 30s and 40s. Seeing the wildlife just sitting in front of your driveway is amazing! It is like being in the country in the middle of a huge city...magical!" Denise is pictured with her friend, Aarica, sharing space during isolation and her Chef's precious rescues.
Michael Koch and Andrew Kohler with Sammie Michael and Andrew are textile mavens and artists. Michael transforms quotidian objects, such as yarn, and wire, into imaginative artworks. "Michael and I moved to LA from New York to revive a mid-century textile mill. Our love of LA began when we moved to Beachwood Canyon about ten years ago. Being close to nature in the middle of a city, distance running on the hills and crests of our local streets, and walking our dog and seeing our neighbors helps to make it special."
Alison Starr and Garret Shank - Alison Starr, a news media specialist, and Garret Shank, an events planner, joined the canyon in 2015. Parents to three very particular dogs, they love the space Beachwood allows them to meet kind-hearted animal enthusiasts and artists. Outside of that, it is all golf for Garret, and food, for Alison, who loves to cook, and branching back out to the life oft-thought-about pre-2020. They describe daily canyon life as "a reason for gratitude."
Chip Clements - "My family and I have lived on the upper ridges of Beachwood Canyon since 1992, and I've been keeping bees here since 2014. I love living in Beachwood Canyon because even though we're in one of the world's largest cities, we're adjacent to some of the wildest parts of Griffith Park, and sometimes it feels like living in the country. Many of us have been here for a long time, and our canyon community, with all its characters and quirks, reminds me of living in a small town. The hives in my apiaries are native to the area, coming from swarms and bee colonies rescued from the yards and homes of Beachwood neighbors."
The Hollyridge Goddesses - "We all arrived at the canyon at different times, from all different backgrounds, parts of the country, and the world. Our common drive, ambition, and love for the canyon have formed a unique bond and friendship/sisterhood between us all. Our hiking, cooking, love of art, and talks make our diversity an interesting way to relate and learn from one another. We all love being part of this community and feel lucky we all get to call Beachwood Canyon our home."
Bethany and Jason Winters, with sons Zane and Rex - Since the pandemic, Bethany has shifted her career, previously a stylist, and is focused on remote decorating. Jason is a portfolio director for a wine distributor. "One of our favorite things about the canyon is the serenity. After twenty-five years, we are still fascinated by the deep history and peace. It's never lost on us how fortunate we are to live where we do," says Bethany, "and we feel lucky to have our teenage kids, Zane and Rex, so close for such a long duration of time. While life with this pandemic has been a roller-coaster, I think some of us will look back on this time we have had with each other with fondness."
Kate Zankowicz and Bob Blumer - Kate and Bob are transplants from Canada, Utopianists, and lovers of the canyon. Bob is an artist, cookbook author, and Food Network host. Kate is a museum educator who works in yet another paradise, The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Their kitchen is a 31-year-old work in progress. Their son, Peter 2009 (pictured far right), speaks five languages - but prefers to remain silent.
Brian Birchfield - "I'm a native Angeleno from the South Bay. After graduating from the Art Center College of Design, I have enjoyed working mostly as an Art Director in the entertainment industry. I've developed projects for The Directors Guild of America, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Mercedes-Benz of North America. In the late 1990s, my partner Joe, and I, began looking around for a home to buy after renting in the Cahuenga Pass. I was always attracted to living in The Hollywood Hills at an early age, inspired by the Bob Segar son Hollywood Nights. I dreamt of a home where I could stare down at the light of LA. Hillside homes are always unique. They require architects to create a functional home, working with the natural terrain. There are often mysterious decisions made that we homeowners are left to interpret. My home, built in 1926, had a puzzling room on the entry-level. A small bedroom with its own bathroom and a side door leading to the garage. I was told by a realtor it might have been a chauffeur's quarters. So, channeling Dorothy Draper, I turned it into what I call my Hollywood Regency-style library with blue walls and white furnishings. It's a quiet room with great morning light. I use it mostly for meditation. It's also a popular room with friends when I'm entertaining.
Brock and Maris Bodell - Brock, a film editor and writer/director, and his wife, Maris, a creative director at Tinder, hail from Tennessee, where they met in college. They first relocated to New York City before coming to California two years ago with their French Bulldog, Bijoux. Their Mid-century modern home overlooks the layered hills of the Canyon as the Hollywood Sign and golden sunsets watch over them. "Our place isn't really Ours yet. Due to the virus, we haven't gotten to furnish or decorate it like we want. We have two balconies, one with a bathtub and one with a nice little sitting area. Both have epic views. It's the reason we bought the house. Maybe it will inspire."
Brooke Berry and James Boyd - A charismatic and dynamic entity, Brooke is a self-described "social media Swiss Army knife who has cracked the code to the digital world," always staying two steps ahead of the social media game. Along with her daily hikes in Beachwood, her passion for social media, people, and, most importantly, Game of Thrones. "I ride the highs of life and always push boundaries on all cylinders." James is a Texas-born actor and gentleman living in Los Angeles. He intertwines his passion for storytelling with work as a maintenance tech in the park, working with at-risk people. "Brooke and my relationship is such a beautiful thing because we are different in many ways, but we both embrace and cherish that. She is my best friend."
Cameron Keys - "Beautiful young actors here to break or break in. A-list directors are lunching at the cafe. Stars you dreamed of working with as a kid shopping for groceries at Alex's Beachwood Market. For me, it's a writer's neighborhood, this Beachwood. The happily unseen, weaving our dreams."
Christine O'Brien and Cheeto - Christine and her husband, Tim, have lived in Beachwood Canyon for forty years. She loves her rescue cat, Cheeto, who weighs twenty pounds. Their home is covered in magnificent wisteria in the Spring. "The animals and landscape create the uniqueness. Hearing the coyotes at night, the owls and the mountain lion prancing past our door is indeed magic."
Tiffany and Dana Sassenberg - Tiffany and Dana live in Beachwood Canyon with their cat, Clyde. Born and raised in San Francisco, Dana grew up and fell in love with motorcycles and cars. Tiffany describes him as a techno and mechanical wizard. "He can fix any car, bike, or computer. He can also whip up a cheesecake while you wait!" They met in New York over ten years ago. "We've been together ever since. She is the love of my life." An aspiring actress, Tiffany grew up in the Bronx. "We've been in Beachwood for over six years. The neighborhood is nice, quiet, and beautiful. We are honored to be able to share this moment with our neighbors and be part of this awesome project."
Daniel Miranda - Daniel moved to California at the age of fourteen from his home in Guatemala. His first job was in Santa Monica at a nightclub, washing dishes. In 2017 Daniel opened Beachwood Cleaners and Laundry in the village. "It's a lifelong dream to have my own business. You never write your future; it comes to you, and you must take it. Of course, Beachwood Canyon is the most harmonious place; it makes you feel that every day is a happy day and an opportunity to share love and kindness and enjoy the warmth and charm of our community."
Derek Powell with Murphy - Derek is a freelance writer who loves driving and writing about the car world for magazines and TV shows. When he is not driving, he is curled up on the couch with Murphy, who is "the best dog ever!" "One hundred years ago, Hollywoodland was touted as a respite from the bustle of the city below. That still holds true today. My home was one of the first to be built on Beachwood. To me, it exemplifies everything about this neighborhood: simple, tasteful, and timeless. A relaxing refuge. I told everyone I bought it because my dogs had a yard, so my cars had a driveway. And that was true. But sixteen years in, I can't imagine living anywhere else in Los Angeles.'
Dorthy Lentini and David Livingston with Lulu - David, director of such gems as Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise, is a self-described "otherworldly guy." Along with his wife, Dorothy, a former long-distance runner, and actor, they are focused on helping the homeless in Los Angeles. David, in Beatles swag, and Dorothy and Lulu enjoy their walks in the neighborhood.
Doug Tornquist - Tuba Player, Doug, has been "...playing the tuba now for over forty years, a pastime that I developed while growing up on an almond ranch (yes, a nut farm) in the San Joaquin Valley. It became my passion and my livelihood after arriving here in Los Angeles for college and staying to build a career. "Beachwood Canyon has been my home for the last two years."
Eric Smith - Fellow photographer, Eric Smith, is also a director who documents the programs of the world's most effective non-profits. His residence of twenty years, a sanctuary mid-century glass home, was the former abode of the late Monkees keyboardist Peter Tork. Peter occupied the house with music legendary Stephen Stills, who threw infamous parties for fellow musicians Jimi Hendrix, Dave Clark, Cass Elliot, etc., before moving to Laurel Canyon. Eric takes advantage of his world travels, creating fine art photographs of wildlife from the Great Migration in Kenya's Massai Mara, to Twanda's critically endangered mountain gorillas, to the migratory grey whales in Baja's San Ignacio Lagoon.
Ferelith Young - Ferelith hails from The North Country but feels at home in Beachwood in her beautiful treehouse at the end of the lane. It was her first home when she moved here, and with a few brief interludes has been her home ever since. She uses her gravelly, soulful voice to bring characters to life. "I'm really grateful for the community, the beauty, and the neighborhood's creativity. I feel so lucky that I get to work from my home studio and spend so much time in my lovely garden."
Fernin Petrelli - If you'd been to The Beachwood Cafe on a Saturday morning during the pandemic you may have been served coffee by Ferin, but you may not be aware that she is a talented actor and filmmaker. During the quarantine, she has been filming iconic movie re-enactments in isolation. She is able to embody a gamut of characters and various archetypes. There are never enough Ferins.
Findlay Bunting - High School Resource Teacher Findlay, and his wife, Producer Lynn, are long-time neighborhood residents along with their son, Walker, a photographer, and their happy family of chickens. "Beachwood is my ideal neighborhood. It has wonderful neighborhood walks, a connection to historical LA, access to Griffith Park, a strong community sensibility with a lack of pretension, and the neighbors all enjoy my chickens."
Gary Kornblau - Gary dropped out of high school during an "existential crisis" before studying philosophy at the University of California, Berkley, then to New York City to learn classical piano and join the Ph.D. philosophy program at Columbia University. As an Adjunct Associate Professor at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, Gary encourages students to use their anxiety as a touchstone for artistic endeavors. He lives in a Mid-century modern marvel in the original Hollywoodland housing tract with his actor husband, cereal-loving Scott Freeburg, a flock of chickens, and his beloved Clumber Spaniel, Thurston. "I always wanted to live in Mr. Rogers' neighborhood surrounded by Bob Ross trees and Peewee Herman architecture."
Cheryl and Gabe Veltri - Cheryl, an artist, and her husband Gabe, a sound engineer, live and work in their historic Beachwood home. "Hollywoodland is a small village in the midst of a large city. A special sense of time and place gives a unique character and connection to the history of Hollywood's golden era. From the granite walls and historic stairs to the period architecture, the history of Hollywoodland and the special people that live here connect the community to each other. We love it!"
George Abbott Clark with Exey - George is an anthropologist who hails from New York City. "I grew up in NYC. I never ever wanted to move to Los Angeles. I am a quintessential New York snob. I eventually relocated to go to The American Film Institute and work in the biz. Being right next to Griffith Park, I loved the fact that nature was close to urban vibes. I have always been part city rat, part nature nut. Here, I felt whole all at once. I dreamed of someday being able to buy a house in Beachwood Canyon. I met the girl of my dreams, Jeanne, and married her, and we have lived in the Canyon ever since with our German Shepherds. Being able to step out our door and be in nature, yet really in the center of Los Angeles, has been a miracle. Most surprisingly, we found a community of wonderful people with whom to share our lives."
Geoffrey McCabe - Geoffrey left the Bay area in 1980 for New York City to record and perform jazz. Almost twenty years later, he returned to what he describes as "the lush green that can surround you in California." After finding his home in Glen Tower, he was greeted by two deer. "That was it! Nature and awareness can welcome you. I like that." In Beachwood, Geoffrey is recognized as The Barefooted Man. "It was after a long stay at the beach, where no one wears shoes, and it's summer all the time here in LA, that I decided to walk here barefoot in Beachwood. I started hiking almost as soon as I got here, first alone and then with friends. I've always been a runner, even as a musician, and I adjusted to long hikes in the hills. I was happy to end up in an area recognized by the great psychics back in the 20s and 30s. In fact, the Besant Lodge on Beachwood Drive remains to hold that consciousness. I'm attracted to those who are attracted to this creativity, consciously or not. Perhaps we can envision the Village as an open meeting place for poets, creative meetings, and music to support the creative community and incorporate clearer poetic and formal options. As part of the community, I am honored to offer my deep love back for this area and the community of creatives."
Greg Williams - Puppeteer and Author Greg began performing with The Bob Baker Marionettes at age fifteen. His illustrative career spans decades of work on projects such as Jim Henson's series of children's books and Stephen Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind. A family writing and research collaboration produced the book The Story of Hollywoodland, chronicling the subdivision in the canyon where he grew up. His most recent book, The Story of Hollywood: An Illustrated History, has won a National Best Book award.
Alexandra Crotta - Alexandra is a multi-talented artist who creates new-age pop music and operates a healing club. She is currently writing and directing a Sci-Fi series based on her healing club. Wrapped in the three-year practice of her paper project, she writes her mantra, Unlimited Abundance, on a continuous paper roll. "The canyon gives me energy and inspiration."
Heather Regnier and Matt Dines - Heather is a writer and native resident of Beachwood Canyon. She met her husband, Matt, a producer when he purchased a home down the street from her. Both Heather and Matt are artists working side-by-side along with their family of Pekingese dogs. "This is my hood," Heather says, "my safe space."
Guy Puhlman - Guy is a musician. This comes to him naturally as he grew up in the presence of some of the most excellent musicians LA has ever produced: Brian Wilson, Glen Campbell, Leon Russel - the list goes on. Guys father, Ray, was a member of The Wrecking Crew, a collective of session musicians whose recordings in the 60s and 70s were the top hits of the period: the Monkees Last Train to Clarksville, Nancy Sinatra's These Boots Are Made for Walking, Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass Whipped Cream and Other Delights - the list goes on. Listening to Guy play his piano and guitar as I photographed him was spectacular.
Heather and Dan Levitin - Heather, a neuroscience professor, and Dan, a neuroscientist and musician songwriter, connected me to many of the people in the canyon on this project, a gesture for which I am thankful. "What drew us to Hollywoodland is we feel like we have escaped from everything while staying right in the middle of Los Angeles. Every walk outside is full of magical plants and birds and interesting people. And most of the people we like spending time with are within fifteen minutes of where we live."
J.J. Blair - J.J. moved from Chicago in 1990 to find entry into the music business. He evolved from recording to becoming an accomplished producer and engineer. Over the years, he has recorded everyone from June Carter Cash, Johnny Cash, Smokey Robinson, Jeff Beck, and Rod Stewart, to name a few. He has "...been very blessed to have all the opportunities I have and to live in a neighborhood that is buzzing with great people who have made careers out of being creative, some of whom I grew up with in Chicago."
Hollywood Fire Station 82 - Fire Station 82 houses Engine 82 and Rescue Ambulance 82 at 5769 Hollywood Blvd. Fire Station 82 replaced the old fire station on North Bronson Ave, which has been protecting the Beachwood community and the greater Hollywoodland area since 1951. FS 82 is staffed by six members each day: Captain, Engineer with two firefighters, Rescue Ambulance with two firefighters/paramedics, and are able to provide EMS and Fire Protection to the Beachwood Community twenty-four hours, seven days a week. Fire Station 82 also houses a Brush Engine, which the crew will staff for deployment anywhere in California during major brush fires. A debt of gratitude to these brave and dedicated men who selflessly put their lives in harm's way to benefit us all. It was an honor to meet and photograph them.
Jade Roy - "I believe in old-fashioned customer service, so working at the Beachwood Market suits me perfectly. It's a special place so it's important that the customers feel just as special." When Jade is not at the market, you can find her onstage performing burlesque as she alter ego, Cosmic Candy. The Barbarella/Angelyne-inspired galactic girl can't get enough of the retro Hollywood charm that Beachwood Canyon brings. It totally suits this sparkly space babe!
Jason Matzoukas - Jason is a much-loved comedic actor, writer, and podcaster. "I don't always like this city. In fact, some days, I fucking hate it. But then, the minute I turn onto Beachwood, my shoulders go down, there are no more muttering expletives under my breath, and I stop giving people the finger, except for that one dude, who knows what he did!" Inspo for this photograph was the Alfred Hitchcock movie Rear Window. The voyeurism, narratives, and symbolism in the movie seem a parallel for the forced isolation during the pandemic due to the virus turning the lens of our normally myopic pursuits to daily life beyond the windows and into the windows and lives within our neighborhood. Like the movie, the photoshoot had its element of suspense, as everyone was waiting for me to fall off the ladder.
Näir - Näir is a singer and songwriter. She came to the US from Amsterdam thirteen years ago. "The canyon has been part of my LA love story since I got here. My daily walks, styling, and selling vintage clothes have led me to meet some incredible local people. This is how I was introduced to Jeniffer Bennette, the owner of the flower shop in Beachwood where I became a florist for a year. Through my work at the shop, I have met an exceptional mixture of people from every age group and ethnicity, and background, such as my band member, who later became my life partner. I feel so lucky and privileged to be here, especially during these times, where my personal connections in this place and the people are where I find my strength, muse, and inspiration to keep on going."
Jean Clyde Mason - Jean Clyde was an artist, musician, designer, dancer, and MG car enthusiast. She was loved throughout the canyon and could be found regaling friends and new acquaintances with her stories about the lifestyle in San Francisco in the 60s and hanging with her illustrator friend R. Crumb, as well as the musicians of the day.
Jonathan, Jamie, Juju, and Jesse Gordin - The Gordin Family loves to cook together in their wonderful, streamlined, modern kitchen.
Jeff Suhy with wife Becky Jungmann, daughter Ava, son Truman, and Duke - Jeff grew up in the Midwest and moved to Los Angeles in 1988. He joined A&M Records in 1989 to help the label's alternative artists' recording and marketing efforts. Becky, a director's rep, moved to the Canyon in the 1990s. "I wanted the kids exposed to the dynamics of Hollywood's urban reality while living inside the natural beauty, amongst the unique personalities of Hollywoodland." Since the pandemic-induced free time, Becky has been conjuring gourmet meals for her family. Classic car enthusiast, Jeff has a soft spot for restoring 1960s Citoens.
JK van der Gaag and Wilber with dogs Brando and Bogart - JK and Wilber, pictured in the "Bat Cave" in Bronson Canyon, have been together for seven years, with JK having lived in the canyon for twelve years. "We adopted Brando, our Apricot Brindle English Mastiff, through a rescue five years ago. A Reverse Apricot Brindle English Mastiff, Bogie joined when he was eight weeks old. They are gentle giants who love swimming and floating in the pool. Wilber is a Tailor/Designer creating traditional intricate ceremonial garb for humans and dolls. JK is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice and leads the Clinical Social Work Department at a local world-class Cancer Center and affiliates. Since Covid19, Wilber and JK have continuously worked more hours than ever to meet the needs of their clients -- Covid19 didn't stop Spirituality or Cancer. "We're grateful we can retreat into our canyon home, overlooking the city and enjoying the peace of the hills."
John DiCarlo, Maria Zambrano, and Lily - Jon and Maria met at a roller rink. Jon loves his 1971 VW Microbus. Every nook and cranny has been reworked. "This project is my passion," says Jon. Maria loves to roller-skate to the Beachwood Market, and collects and sells comic-related art by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Joe Simon, and Bob Kane, "the epic comic book master artists, love them." Lily wakes up and dresses in cowboy-related regalia. "She loves rides in the '71; the loud exhaust soothes her to sleep." Their beloved VW has taken the three of them across the USA on an epic road trip adventure. "Beachwood Canyon is our oasis."
Jodi Long - "Close enough to all the studios that it's a bit like being in the country!" Actress and native New Yorker, Jodi, discovered Beachwood Canyon when a fellow New Yorker introduced her to the area and she fell in love. "I was working on a film in Australia and came back to LA for pilot season. Then the pandemic hit." Making the most of this time, Jodi purchased a used Gibson Blues Hawk electric guitar and is actively pursuing her lessons. "My mantra during the shutdown is to stay safe, be well, and create!"
Jonathan Del Arco and Kyle Fritz - Actor, Director, and Political Activist, Arco, has lived in the canyon for over sixteen years. While the industry was down, Kyle, a well-known talent Manager in the industry for over thirty years, taught actors the business of acting - online. Kyle reps many well-known celebrity clients, including Jonathan. Jonathan is best known for his ten years on Major Crimes and The Closer, and has most recently appeared on Star Trek: Picard, in the role of Hugh, which he first played on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Both immersed themselves in home life, which included caring for their two dogs, Roxy, and Buster. "Kyle and I both agree that we were all so lucky to be quarantined in this spectacular community, surrounded by nature and friends."
John Brancato - "I write movies, thrillers, and action, mostly." John and his wife, Jennifer, an estate planning lawyer, have lived in Hollywoodland since the early 90s. "The house was built in 1929. We're the third owners. Once you're here, you can't leave - it's like a roach motel. The prior residents, who died here, had tried to turn the place into a Mid-century modern by painting the woodwork white and decorating it with lava rocks and orange shag carpets. The best things about it were the art deco bathrooms and the lamppost in the middle of the driveway. In Double Indemnity, James M Cain talks about how much he hates kitschy Spanish revival architecture. I think this was a common feeling in the 1950s. Products of a different generation, we both loved it. Once we started renovating, we found connections for sconces, beautiful wood and tile floors, remains of murals, and bits of wrought iron in the basement. Along with rotten pipes, cloth wiring, and asbestos. Anyway, we've tried to bring it back while making it functional."
Konstantine Valissarakos - Konstantine is a connoisseur of seeking out, restoring, selling, and designing wonderful homes for thirty-one years. He is passionate about his personal relationships with friends, neighbors, and clients.
Kristi Head - Kristi is a painter who explores floral abstractions and movement. She is also a design and branding specialist who consults on all creative aspects of the business. She found her way from Brooklyn to Beachwood Canyon in 2013. "The Canyon, with its constant blooms and Southern California light, is a constant source of inspiration for me."
Michael Collins - Micheal, a lifelong drummer, guitarist, singer, and songwriter, always had a fascination with Los Angeles. A native of Oklahoma, he moved to LA in late 2015 with his girlfriend, her sister, and their cats. "We get to soak up Beachwood's enchantment every day. I love taking walks, hearing other musicians plucking out songs through the open windows, the sound of birds, and the presence of wildlife in the neighborhood. I am inspired every time I go out on my deck with just sticks and a practice pad. It reminds me of why I am here. I feel small, but like I can get things done."
Larry Meeks - Larry is a retired attorney, an avid reader, and a photographer, as well as a lover of foreign drama series. He has lived in the canyon for over thirty years and enjoys his natural environment as one can see from the proliferation of roses in his garden. He is a thoughtful and much-loved neighbor.
Lauren Mann and Adam Novak, with Mrs Kravitz - Lauren, pictured here holding Mrs. Kravitz, is a producer. She and her husband Adam, a novelist, made time on a sunny Sunday morning for their portrait. "What's your dream? Everybody comes here; this is Hollywood, the land of dreams. Some dreams come true, some don't, but keep on dreaming - this is Hollywood. Always time to dream, so keep on dreaming." -JF Lawton, Pretty Woman
Lola Scarpitta with her dog, Reggie - Lola was born in Rome and raised in Manhattan and Rome. She is a fourth-generation artist and working Sag actor. Her father, the Arte Povera artist, Sal Scarpitta, grew up in the house where Lola lives in Beachwood Village. "The canyon makes me feel like I'm in a beautiful, verdant womb with precious memories and lovely new ones being made regularly with fascinating neighbors. Nothing fully describes this heaven. But thank you for this project." During the pandemic, Lola worked on her retrospective for the Gallery Spazio Centotre in Palermo for the Spring of 2021. Lola is pictured with her dog, Reggie. He is not an artist or a member of SAG.
Mark Hood - Mark competed in the famous Baja 500 Enduro Race on his Montesa motorcycle. Late in life, he became a litigation attorney and met the love of his life, Lilly. He is ninety-five years of age in the photograph above. He and Lily were very happy together in Beachwood Canyon.
Lucas Carter with wife Federica and son Balthazar - Film Agent Federica, originally from Paris, and her husband, Writer Lucas, who hails from New York City, reside in the Benjamin Le Carre House, a Mediterranean Revival house built in 1923. The history of the house is intriguing. Le Carre, one of the founding members of AMPAS, built the home as his working studio. "This is the room where he painted the Emerald City backdrop for The Wizard of Oz." they are keen on hikes with their son, Balthazar, three years old, and dog, Monte. Their cat, Pepper, prefers to stay home. "We head out with a journal and pen and a sense of wonder that only Beachwood provides, which is why we call this home our most perfect street in the world. We couldn't be more in love with the cast of characters in this hideaway in Hollywoodland." At the time this photo was taken, they were awaiting the arrival of their daughter in the fall.
Nancy Girten - "Way back in 1995, I saw the listing for my house in one of those booklets that you pick up at the grocery store or used to. It was like karma - my house was on the page I opened in the booklet, and I immediately scheduled an appointment to tour. When I walked in, it felt like I had lived there in a prior life. I felt like it was home and made an offer the same day. It was the only house I looked at. Driving up Beachwood never disappoints - through the tunnel of sycamore branches bending over the street and my house coming into view."
Mack Murdoc - "I am Mack Murdoc, a seasoned Astrophotographer and light painter who has spent all thirty-four years of my life in the breathtaking Beachwood Canyon of Hollywood Hills. Growing up, I fondly remember exploring the hidden trails of the mountains with my best friend and father figure, Jack Conrad. The Secret Garden of Oz was also a special place for me, where as a kid, I happily donated my favorite childhood toys to be cemented in. Later, I worked at the iconic Beachwood Cafe and the charming Beachwood Market for several years, forging lifelong friendships in the tight-knit neighborhood and observing the next generation of kids grow up, just as previous employees did with me. Today, as a passionate adult, I occasionally choose these hills as a location to capture captivating images of distant galaxies and nebulas. Living amidst such stunning natural beauty has been a true honor and pleasure, allowing me to find peace and solitude whenever I desire while being only a stone's throw away from all the conveniences of city life. Beachwood Canyon is more than just an area: it's a thriving community, a close-knit family where residents can always count on their neighbors for comfort and support.
Marie Avgeropoulos - Marie grew up on the shore of Lake Superior in Thunder Bay Ontario, Canada, after chasing her dreams as an actress, musician, and philanthropist. She now finds herself nestled into the Hollywood hills, playing to the beat of her own drum. She found an inspiring community within Beachwood Canyon, sharing smiles with the neighbors, who definitely all know when she's practicing.
Michael Morrow - Michael has lived in the canyon for over seventy years. During the Vietnam War, Mike's job was working with heroin-addicted soldiers in treatment. Upon his return, he became a high school teacher. His passion now is to share with people "how to get to heaven."
Oskar Frye - Oskar lives in the same house he grew up in, in Beachwood Canyon. He is a musician and songwriter in the band, Liquidstone, which was formed with a vocalist he met "up the road," and finds this enclave to be one of the most moving and eclectic places around. "I grew up in my dad Bruce's camera shop in this garage, watching him build and design parts and mechanisms for motion picture film cameras. He showed me how he machined parts on the lathe and mill. We built and worked on many projects over the years, and I became obsessed with all things mechanical." Bruce has since passed away in 2017. "Whenever I'm in here working on something, I think of my dad and all I learned while spending time with him in this shop, so it's a very special place for me. His spirit and love for the shop live on, and he's very much missed as he was a most inspiring, phenomenal person all around."
Pam Meyer - Pam Meyer, and retired Swiss-born architect, Kurt, both experienced Himalayan travelers, spent ten years in Nepal, immersing themselves in the peoples and cultures of the Himalayas before moving to Beachwood Canyon in 1992. "During this pandemic, I love the stillness of my early morning walks, exploring streets and trails, while my only companions are birdsong and a few other sunrise walkers."
Cheryll and Peter Desberg - Cheryll has been playing the accordion since she was three and a half years old. For over twenty years, she has sung with the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Peter has spent most of his life as a university professor, a psychologist, and a writer. Their French Normandy house was designed by Joseph De Lario and is coming up on its one-hundred-year anniversary. "Every house on our street is from the 20s. It's like walking back in time."
Peter Baxter, wife Margo, and daughters Zoe and Eve - "Our family is really quite competitive, but it's true; a family that plays together stays together. We love this game, and we're noisy playing it." Peter is a filmmaker and runner for Slamdance, an annual film festival focused on emerging artists. He moved to the US in the 90s. "I've always wanted to ride my own bike here." Hence he procured his 1960 Triumph Tiger Cub. During the pandemic, he was quarantined in his Beachwood home with his wife, Margo, an attorney, and daughters, Zoe and Eve.
Penny Morse - "I grew up in The Hollywood Hills while my Dad headed the casting at Paramount. After I graduated from Hollywood High, I started my hair-cutting business in 1970, when hair was king, never thinking I'd be here fifty-three years later. I was surrounded by music through the 70s and 80s, and many of my clients were in the entertainment and music business. The clientele was built by word of mouth, including Davy Jones of the Monkees, Linda Ronstadt, songwriter Billy Steinberg, music producer John Boylan, SIMPSONS director Mark Kirkland, cinematographer John Daly, and many others, some of whom are still my customers today. I found my permanent home in Beachwood Canyon. The Hills, the architecture, the wildlife, and the sunsets - I'm so grateful to be a part of the canyon. Hasn't changed much in my fifty-three years here except for the tourists. It's my home away from home...and will always be Home!"
Ranger Pete Steur - "My first involvement with the Beachwood Community was when I was hired in June of 1990 as a Park Patrol Officer with the Park Ranger Division, assigned to a security detail at Camp Hollywoodland. During the detail, I patrolled the Hollyridge Trail and other surrounding trail areas of the canyon late at night. The Canyon is at the easternmost ridges of the Santa Monica Mountains, providing a refuge for our native wildlife and endemic plants 9native). A wide variety of wildlife makes its home in Griffith Park, most of what can be found in Beachwood Canyon throughout the year. Over two-hundred bird species have been identified in the park, from year-round residents, like the California Quail, the Coopers Hawk, and the great horned owl, to the migratory geese that visit annually. Reptiles and amphibians in the park include the Western Rattlesnake, California Kingsnake, the Western Toad, and two species of salamander. The Mammals of Griffith Park consist of species that can be found throughout the urban environment of Los Angeles, such as opossums, raccoons, and coyotes, as well as those rarely seen in the city lights like, the bobcat, the grey fox, and one very famous mountain lion." It was an honor to photograph Ranger Pete. We are all grateful for his integrity and dedication to his work which is to the benefit of us all in Beachwood Canyon. A good man!
Ray Moshay - "I am Los Angeles born. LA has always meant home to me. Music and acting have occupied sixty-plus years of my life, sprinkled with lots of fun motorcycle rides. From Beverly Hills, then to West Hollywood to raise a family, I've now settled into the warmth of our Hollywood Beachwood community, with the charm of meandering roads, grand mature trees, and most of all, the joy of sharing it with some of our city's best neighbors. Stop by almost any morning to find me at our local Oaks Gourmet. I'll be there with my boy, Yoshi, my golden retriever."
Robbie Silverman and Lilah Richcreek - "Our first impression of the canyon was, "WOW! We can literally hear the silence. What a luxury!" We feel a sense of community up here even though we haven't moved in yet. That's really nice for us because we developed that in our apartment building. The vibe is easy, steady, safe, and serene. The feeling the canyon gives us is a sense of relief. We're coming from living right on Hollywood Boulevard, so the fact that we can drive up into the mountains a little feels relaxing. Once we pass the village where the cafe and grocery store are, we both feel our energy shift into a calmer, meditative state."
Rives Grande with daughter Paloma and wife Sonny Rusche - Rives, an artist, and his wife Sonny, a development consultant, spend the early morning hiking in the Hollywood Hills with their daughter, Paloma. "Beachwood is so special to me because it is a place that I sought out, a magical place to put down roots and start a family. I started a family in the canyon because of its qualities - the beauty of the hills and animals, the kindness and creative qualities of its inhabitants, and the freshness of the air and fauna just above the city proper. The canyon provides us with the most wonderful walks whenever we need them. It allows me to clear my head and escape from my studio downtown. I love walking out my door to smell the smoke hovering in the canyon from neighbors' wood-burning hearths. I cherish the jasmine smell wafting down the street in the spring and the scent of freshly turned horse manure from the ranch on a hot summer's day. I don't mind the tourists. I like The Sign, and I like looking at it. I find the Hollywood Sign an inspiration as simultaneously sculpture, language, and identity. We have been fortunate to call the canyon home."
Robert Brandow - Robert volunteered in the Peace Corps in West Africa for four years. He later became a banker and has since retired from his most recent station as an executive at Boeing Company. He and his wife, Wendy, divide their time between the canyon and South East Asia. "For me, Beachwood Canyon has a great sense of place. Whenever I return from a trip, I feel peace when driving up Beachwood Drive to our home. Living here for over three decades in the neighborhood is a constant. Always welcoming, it is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to call this home."
Sandra Gray - California native, Sandra, has enjoyed a storybook life in the film industry, beginning her profession as a dancer at the age of ten, dancing in the Bolshoi Ballet at the Shrine Auditorium. In 1977, she was chosen from hundreds of dancers auditioning at Paramount for the film, Grease. She has since worked with Mel Brooks, Francis Ford Coppola, and choreographers Kenny Ortega, Alan Johnson, and others. Her first intro to Beachwood was in 1975. "I fell in love with the canyon. It has been a great life. A dream comes true. I found my house in the canyon after a year's search. It was love at first sight, but I love the people that live here the most. I've found that Beachwood people have a similar sensibility to the NYC people I knew: creative, open-minded, and a little quirky. It suits me perfectly." Sandra lives with her thirteen-year-old daughter, Beatriz, and their two Tortie cats, Frida and Georgia. "The quarantine has allowed me to be creative again. I've been shooting self-portraits and am finally getting on to Instagram."
John and Sarajane Schwartz - Sarajane Schwartz is an actor, neighborhood activist, wife, and mother. John is a business attorney and writer. They have lived in the canyon for over thirty years. Sarajane's activism is focused on ensuring that the delicate, natural environment of the neighborhood is protected along with the safety standards of the neighborhood.
Skøt - Skøt has many talents: musician, videographer, handyman, and antique restorer. He has lived in Beachwood Canyon for thirteen years. "Hollywoodland is my life's blood. Sometimes my life can get as chaotic as this old garage, but there is a method to one's madness."
Scott Freeburg - Scott is a self-described "sometimes TV actor and always house husband." He has realized his childhood dream of one day living in a hybrid world of The Golden Girls and Mister Rogers Neighborhood, with a dog, a husband, and a mid-century modern house. Who says vision boards don't come true? And he loves Corn Flakes. "The hills have their very own ecosystem. And everyone here looks like their dogs."
Stefanie von Pfetten - Stefanie is a Canadian-born actor who has lived in Beachwood Canyon for over a decade. When she's not working, she can be found in the secret garden of her cottage surrounded by dogs she has rescued or is fostering, drinking rosé, and listening to music with her friends. Her Beachwood cottage was built in 1924.
Paula Saker and TJ Escot - Paula Saker is a former New York fashion designer with her own label. TJ is the former owner and CEO of a successful talent agency in Los Angeles and New York City. He is recognized in the neighborhood as the daily mountain biker of the Hollywood Hills.
Simons Finnerty - "I love the ability to connect with people through my images and the opportunity to collaborate with individuals. The array of architectural styles and winding roads in Beachwood Canyon make dog walks with Otto my favorite time of day."
Teddy Russell - "You don't choose Beachwood Canyon; it chooses you. I am a Yankee from New York. We hold onto things. We respect objects with histories. There's a lot of history here. Four years ago, my dear friend, Los Angeles realtor Patricia Carroll, allowed me to keep my dollhouse collections in the former watch shop of the historic Hollywoodland Realty Company building. Patti's father bought the real estate firm and building from the original landowner seventy years ago. In my snug spot at Hollywoodland, I paint, make collages, and move the dollhouses around. It's my personal cabinet de curiosités. I lived in Beachwood Canyon thirty years ago when I first came to Los Angeles from New York. Back then, not everyone knew where it was. It has always been a kind of hidden place in the big city of Los Angeles. I am a collector. I love dollhouses, dollhouse furniture, all sorts of tiny things, and etiquette books, and I am a one-man rescue society for precious things once loved by others. They have become precious to me. Antiquing and thrifting: they are my joys. Dollhouse collecting is a charming if somewhat esoteric practice. Beachwood Canyon is a charming, if somewhat esoteric, place. Beachwood Canyon has always been a place for creative types; people make things here. Everyone has a story...if not two. I suppose we chose each other."
Tara Stephenson-Fong and Waymond Fong - "Hollywoodland is home to me. I was born and raised here. After my husband, Waymond, and I married, it was time for us to settle into a home and lay down roots. Hollywoodland was the place we returned to, the home I grew up in. The neighborhood feels you get when you pass through the gates comfort me. I have fond memories of eating at the Village Coffee Shop as a child and shopping at the Beachwood Market with my parents. When my father bought this house, he chose Hollywoodland, partially because of its proximity to the Film and Television Studios. He was a three-time Emmy Award-winning Production Designer. I have somewhat followed in his footsteps as a set decorator. As my father did, I also appreciate the ease of work is close. My father always felt like he was on vacation while living here in the city but away from it all, up in the hills, with the views all around. We feel the same way. Every day is a vacation when we can look out and enjoy the beauty of the natural, unspoiled environment. Our quaint neighborhood has so much history, and I can't imagine living elsewhere."
Lisa Coleman, daughter August, and wife Renata Kanclerz - Lisa Coleman, daughter August, and wife Renata Kanclerz - Lisa's roots in Hollywoodland run deep as her family moved here in the early 70s. When Lisa was looking for her home, she returned to Beachwood Canyon. Lisa says there is no place in the world like Beachwood, and she knows, having traveled and toured most of her life. Lisa has lived here for nearly 40 years and still feels that living in Hollywoodland is like being in the countryside. Lisa and Renata live in their 96-year-old French Normandy home with their daughter August. Lisa toured with Prince and the Revolution and is one half of the musical duo Wendy & Lisa. The 1964 Mercury Montclair pictured inspired the song Little Red Corvette. "Prince would borrow the car to take a date out in it. He put a few dings on it as well."
Wendy Brandow - For over thirty years, Wendy was a gallerist in Los Angeles and has remained engaged in the arts since the gallery closed and she retired from business in 2014. She is now a Trustee of a foundation dedicated to protecting cultural heritage by implementing conservation projects worldwide. When we photographed her home, I noticed a consistent motif of black and white. "I respond to contrast, to black and white. It's unequivocal."
Todd and Amy Helbing, with sons Ethan and Julian - Todd, a TV writer/producer, and his wife, Amy, an archivist for musicians and directors, live in Beachwood Canyon with their two sons, Ethan and Julian. "Beachwood Canyon is a magical place to call home. From the beautiful landscape to the wonderful neighbors, we truly feel blessed and are incredibly thankful to have spent the past five years living in such an extraordinary area of Los Angeles."
Tony Clark - Multi-faceted artist, Tony Clark, resides in a sequestered home in Beachwood Canyon with Tulip, his dog. The leading expert on the life of Jean Cocteau, Tony is a much-loved neighbor with a palpable appreciation for the arts and deep history of his heritage and dedication to his art. He was sponsored by Jean Marais, France's leading actor, into the Academie Francaise, which led to "...my Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for my performances, producing, curating, and education of the French Arts. Being the only American in my family, I feel embraced by the other foreigners that have graced our shores, like my godmother, Tamara Tourmanova, and many other members of the Ballet Russes that migrated to Los Angeles. Today, Jim Krantz just walked out of my door after opening my heart about my life, influences, and loves. One of my great loves is Hollywoodland, an oasis of friendship and a true neighborhood like none other that I have Known. These are more than people that live within proximity, but true friends that embrace diversity in architecture as well as lifestyle. This inclusion was her from conception in 1923. Proudly, I say it lives on today."
Molly Creeden - Molly Creeden is a journalist. "I'm a pretty curious and nosy person. Besides the staggering beauty of Beachwood Canyon, what I like most about living here is that I'm always learning something - about history, wild animals, architecture, Hollywood, an eccentric neighbor, or the Harry Styles fans at the Beachwood Cafe. It's a neighborhood that lends itself to both curiosity and calm."
Kelly Kathleen - "I live in an enchanted turn-of-the-century building that serves as an unofficial artist enclave. Life here is wrapped in raspberry-colored bougainvillea and tendril-climbing emerald vines. Coyotes howl, and French doors creek while stained glass stares on like a voyeur. Quirky neighbors point out portals to other dimensions and tell stories about the resident ghost cat that I have yet to encounter at the time of print. Beachwood Canyon is a bizarre beauty; it's hard not to fall under its spell."
Lindsay DeMay - I love the serendipity of life. I had pulled over on the way home to photograph an abandoned vacuum cleaner. As I composed the image, a person walked by wearing an orange scarf as a mask, the perfect color in the stark light to compliment the golden-colored vacuum. I asked if she would sit in for the photograph, which she did, and I learned her name was Lindsay, a neighbor. We visited for a few minutes, and I mentioned by Covid:19 Stories project. She agreed to become part of it. Costume Designer Lindsay DeMay describes her closets as "The window into my world, one is my personal, and the other is my work/kit closet." Lindsay moved to LA from New Orleans for work. "I was offered a job by a woman I worked with in New Orleans. While in LA, she introduced me to her friend, photographer Richard Cartwright, who lived on Beachwood Drive. That was my first experience with this magical place, and I knew instantly this was where I wanted to live someday." After six years of back and forth for work, she settled in Beachwood Canyon. "The seemingly never-ending maze of streets mixed with some of the most spectacular homes I've ever seen makes for a form of meditation on my walks with Sophia Louise, my Great Dane pit bull mix. I love how just a quick turn off Franklin Avenue and you feel you've escaped crazy Hollywood. Yet, the sign directly above lets you feel you've escaped crazy Hollywood. Yet, the sign directly above lets you sense you've entered into the history of it all."
Brian Lane & Lucy Gonzales - Brian is an architect and lives in a treehouse that he designed. The isolated and natural environment evokes a sense of peace and calm. Lucy Gonzalez is a designer, and together they have created a lovely nest in the canyon.
Jim and Susan Krantz - "To this beautiful community of family-friends, thank you for allowing us to enter your lives."