Los Feliz

Sometimes referred to as Rancho Los Feliz, Los Feliz is a neighborhood in Los Angeles, north of East Hollywood. The area is affluent and is home to the Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory, one of the most popular landmarks in the area. The area's boundaries include the Santa Monica Mountains to the north, and the neighborhoods of Hollywood and Silver Lake on either side. The area is just over 6,600-acres in size and was one of the first land grants in the state. It was given to Jose Vicente Feliz and his adobe home, constructed in the 1830's, is still located in Griffith Park. The land of Los Feliz passed from the Feliz family to Colonel Griffith J. Griffith who donated more than half of it to the city to build Griffith Park. Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney's most famous character, was born in Los Feliz when Disney drew the mouse in the garage of his Uncle's home. Disney's first studio was also located in the neighborhood. The neighborhood has been home to a number of other celebrities and features some of the best known architecture in the country including Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House and Ennis House. A part of Los Feliz and Griffith park were destroyed in wildfires in May of 2007, but the city has plans to restore the areas damaged by the fire.