Hollywood is definitely one for setting trends, which is why it’s a great thing for our environment that West Hollywood is setting an example by going green. The City of West Hollywood has in fact won the “Innovation in Green Building Award” for its environtmental-friendlt new program called the “WeHo Green Building Program.”

The Green Building Program is actually not an idea that grew overnight. It started out with a public vision exercise five years ago that showed the interest of those in West Hollywood (not just their planners!) to help the environment by making green building a priority. To show the city government’s dedication to the “green vision” they required all public buildings to adhere to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System and as proof get LEED certifications. It is also developing a new system for urban infill developments to be more environmental friendly.

Hollywood is known worldwide for theatre arts but what many do not realise is its commitment to arts as a whole. In fact, Hollywood is home to one of the most unique theme park in the world - and Arts Park.

The Arts Park, located at the Young Circle, is meant to be designed in such a way that each section of the park will not only be tastefully artful but functional in the sense that it will fit the activity meant to happen in that area of the partk. Though the park’s plan was first conceived back in 2003 till now it is still a work in progress. So far though visitors to the park will already find a good variety of things to enjoy including the:

• historic pavilion - historic building built using an indigenous material (oolitic limestone)
• grove - lawn built for more sedate activities such picnics, reading, and simply lounging around
• the meadow - built for the more active visitors who want to toss a frisbee around or play some board games
• “ancient” baobab trees - five baobab tree to marvel at
• millennium springs - artwork designed by Ritsuko Taho it has 3 major components: the water sculpture (water fountain and the baobab tree sound art), the dream wave patterned walkway, and an E-sculpture
• plaza - used for special events and festivals
• children’s play area - A place where children of all ages will certainly love to explore. Features an interactive fountain, entrance sculptures, and innovative playground equipment.
• visual arts pavilion
• performing arts pavilion (not yet constructed)

Hollywood is known for the glitz, glamor, and money… money lots of people frankly couldn’t afford or do not wish to shell out. Good news for those who want to experience Hollywood without totally emptying their pockets…there are actually lots of inexpensive hotels in Hollywood.

The benefit of staying in a budget hotel is that you’ll be able to save your money so you can afford to see all the sights and shows and maybe even dine in a special place or two.

Some budget-friendly hotels (compared to other hotels that offer the same level of service) include:

1-Star

• Days Inn Hollywood Hotel (5410 Hollywood Blvd.)

2-Star

• Days Inn Hollywood Near Universal Studios Hotel (7023 Sunset Blvd)
• Hollywood Metropolitan Hotel
• Hollywood Vermont Sunset Travelodge
• Liberty Hotel
• Rodeway Inn
• Saharan Motor Hotel
• Super 8 Motel
• Travelodge Sunset La Brea Hotel
• Westside Rentals Hollywood Hotel

3-Star

• Best Western Hollywood Hills
• Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel
• Holiday Inn Hollywood Walk Of Fame Hotel
• Magic Castle Hotel

If you wish to find quality yet cheap hotels in Hollywood I would also suggest that you use online booking sites since they usually offer lots of good deals year-round.

Silent night…Holly night…

Forget the silent part. If you are wondering how to get around Hollywood to enjoy the pumping night scene without having to fork out lots of money for cab fare after cab fare, all you need to know that it isn’t a problem in Hollywood thanks to the Holly Trolley.

The Holley Trolley is a public transportation run by the LA Department of Tourism (LADOT). The Holly Trolley is special in several ways:

• It runs only at night.
• Its route takes you through the most popular night clubs.
• Tokens (fare pass) can be bought at bar, night clubs, and restaurants.
• Its very distinct orange picturesque look.

So if you want to get to the Kodak Theater from Capitol Records without paying $4 for a cab then just hop on the Holly Trolley for a wholly wonderful time at Hollywood.

Holly Trolley Schedule
Runs every 12 minutes
Thursday - Saturday
6:30pm - 2:30am
No service on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

FARE: $1.00
LADOT Pass Holders: Free

Holly Trolley Route Map

Attention shopaholics there’s a new store to check out in Hollywood!

The newest Chanel store is set to open this Friday, May 30, at Robertson Boulevard in West hollywood. The new store would is uniquely packaged compared to other Chanel stores in that it is like a mini-Chanel store. This makes it blend in with the quaint look of the other boutiques located in Robertson Boulevard. Robertson is after all known for its indie boutiques.

The Channel “mini-store” is actually a 5000 plus square foot two-storey building done in the classic black and white Chanel is known for. Clearly the store is not a mini-store for the size but because it will feature only select pieces of this season’s collection. It will showcase the best of this season’s pieces from jewelry to nail polish, and of course ready-to-wear clothes.

Lots of visitors coming to Hollywood do so to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars. The great thing about the place is that anywhere you go the chances of being star struck is there.

If you want to spot some big stars but start feeling hungry from all the sightseeing you might as well visit restaurants that are the favorites of your favorite celebs including:

Spago Beverly Hills - The original Spago used to be located in west Hollywood but after Wolfgang Puck opened the Beverly Hills branch he had to let the first one go. If you want a sure shot at seeing big names this is the place to go especially during peak hours (7-9pm). The problem with the place though is that it is that you would need to book reservations days or even weeks in advance. Unless you’re a celeb or going out with one you also wouldn’t be able to get a table during the peak hours. Still the food is really excellent and at the very least you can say you’ve dined in the place where Sir Elton John, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Cruise, Robin Williams, Sydney Poitier, Tom Hanks, and so many more have dined.

Formosa Cafe - Fancy a drink? This is the place to go. Actually the place offers a lot more than drinks and has an excellent full menu everynight. Formosa Cafe is really frequented by the celebs though mostly just for cocktails. The great thing about Formosa Cafe is that the prices are relatively reasonable and the ambiance will make you fill at ease. Big names that have been spotted there include Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, James Dean, etc (although you surely wouldn’t see them coming again!). Among those alive and breathing big stars that have been seen there include Bono, Nicolas Cage, Britney Spears, Jodie Foster, Kevin Spacey, an more.

Yesterday around 35 guests came to Ever After Teahouse in Studio City to have a good time with happy mommy to be Jess Alba. Guests ,ostly gave gender-neutral gifts since they had no clue as to the baby’s sex prior to the baby shower. Before they left they were on the know though because Jessica happily told every one that they are expecting a baby girl come June.

Presents that were given included lots of clothes, Dr. Seuss books, a giant stuffed bunny, flower bouquets, and lots of other high-end stuff. I guess Jess’ baby girl will definitely be living in the lap of luxury as soon as she comes out. Aside from the gifts in yesterday’s baby shower Jess has already been amassed quite a few cool gifts thanks to Tyra Banks.

Last February Tyra asked help from MomLogic to be able to give Jessica a surprise baby shower when she guested in the Tyra Show. Jessica Alba loved all the gifts since she confessed that many of them were the things she was actually looking at and wishing for whenever she went online. With the beautiful gifts given who wouldn’t be happy?

Here’s a peek at some of the gifts the baby has received so far.

Want to know where all the prettiest girls, models, and aspiring actresses hang out? It’s the
Garden of Eden (LaBrea and Hollywood), one of Hollywood’s best clubs — and one of the hardest to get into. Owned by the Mood creator, has a very picky doorman; girls will usually get in within 15-20 minutes — less if you’re gorgeous — while the guys wait for an hour at least. Tip: wear black. The crowd consists mainly of twenty-somethings. Entrance fee is $15-25 for entrance. 7080 Hollywood Blvd (at LaBrea). (323) 465-3336.

Treat yourself like a star the next time you’re in Hollywood at the Estee Lauder Spa. it’s got amazing beauty treatments including anti-aging facials and scrubs to release that natural glow.
Try to get the “Oscar Room” for a completely private and utterly relaxing head to toe treatment.

9700 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Tel. 310-550-2044

Looking for a restaurant near your hotel in Hollywood? Check out this directory to get addresses, reviews, and a general idea of the kind of menu you can expect. Many of them require reservations so — use those numbers!!!