Councilman O'Farrell Shines Spotlight On Positive Growth In State Of Hollywood Address

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O'Farrell gave his annual State of Hollywood address Thursday and shined a spotlight on positive growth in the past year.

O'Farrell addressed a full house during the annual Hollywood Chamber of Commerce State of Hollywood luncheon at the Taglyan Cultural Center on Vine Street.

"I want to see every corner of Hollywood prosper and evolve to safe, vibrant corridors," said O'Farrell, who represents the heart of Hollywood in his district.

When the subject of crime was raised, not many appeared concerned, according to CBS2's Dave Lopez.

"Hollywood, I've been there now 16 years. It has cleaned up enormously. It is so much safer. So much more friendly than it ever was 16 years ago," Philip Ferentinos, the Starline Tour Director, said.

LAPD Captain Pete Zarcone said: "We've had dramatic reductions for the past 10 years. I mean, really spectacular reductions."

Sunday night, there was a stabbing near Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, which marked the third such incident along the boulevard in the last 18 months.

O'Farrell said those attacks did not involve tourists and the area is swarming with police.

"We have a 64-workforce-strong team focused entirely in the entertainment district," O'Farrell said.

Among those in the audience were longtime chamber members and longtime business owners along Hollywood Boulevard.

"The progress that has been made in Hollywood for over the last 10 to 15 years has been incredible," David Green of the Pantages Theatre said.