Brentwood, Los Angeles facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brentwood
Neighborhood of Los Angeles
Brentwood neighborhood sign
Brentwood Location in Western Los Angeles
Country	United States
State	California
County	Los Angeles
City	Los Angeles
Elevation	96 m (315 ft)
Time zone	UTC−8 (PST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP Code	90049
Area code(s)	310, 424

Brentwood is a neighborhood in the Westside part of Los Angeles, California. It is a suburban area known for its beautiful homes and green spaces.

History of Brentwood

How Brentwood Started

Brentwood began to grow in the 1880s. This was after a large area, about 600 acres, became the Sawtelle Veterans Home. This home was for soldiers and sailors who had served their country.

A small town grew up near the home's west gate. It was first called Westgate. In 1916, the City of Los Angeles took over Westgate. This area included parts of what are now Pacific Palisades and Bel-Air. Westgate Avenue is a street that still reminds people of the old name.

Local Traditions

One special tradition in Brentwood is the Maypole celebration. Each year, a Maypole is put up at the Archer School for Girls. This tradition comes from the Eastern Star Home that used to be there.

Archer School for Girls maypole tradition

Fire Safety in Brentwood

Brentwood has areas that are officially called "Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones." This is because of the many hillsides and canyons. These areas have a lot of dry plants, which can catch fire easily. The community works hard to prevent fires and keep everyone safe.

For example, in 1961, a big fire started nearby. Strong winds, called Santa Ana winds, helped the fire spread quickly. Many firefighters worked to stop the blaze. Residents had to leave their homes for safety. This event showed how important it is to be prepared for fires in the area.

Geography of Brentwood

Where Brentwood Is Located

Brentwood is at the bottom of the Santa Monica Mountains. It has clear borders:

• To the east: the San Diego Freeway
• To the south: Wilshire Boulevard
• To the southwest: the Santa Monica city limits
• To the west: Sullivan Canyon/Westridge Trail
• To the north: Mulholland Drive

Brentwood's Environment

Brentwood has a mild climate. This is because cool breezes blow in from the Pacific Ocean. Many mornings, residents wake up to a "marine layer" (a type of fog) and sunshine.

A view of Wilshire Boulevard westbound, toward the ocean, 2005. Brentwood is on the right side of the street.

The land in Brentwood changes. North of Sunset Boulevard, you'll find hills and canyons. South of Sunset, the land is mostly flat. There's even an underground spring south of San Vicente Boulevard. It forms a small creek near the Brentwood Country Club.

People in Brentwood

Population and Diversity

In 2000, about 31,344 people lived in Brentwood. By 2008, this number grew to about 33,312.

Most people in Brentwood are White (84.2%). There are also Asian American (6.5%), Hispanic or Latino (4.5%), and African American (1.2%) residents. About 21% of residents were born in other countries. Many came from Iran and the United Kingdom.

The average yearly household income in Brentwood is quite high compared to other parts of Los Angeles.

Cool Places in Brentwood

Local Landmarks

Brentwood Country Mart

Brentwood Country Club private golf course

St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 11967 Sunset Boulevard

San Vicente Boulevard has a wide grassy area in the middle. Many large coral trees grow there. This green space used to be a track for a trolley. The trees are now a special historic monument for Los Angeles.

Brentwood has several smaller areas, each with its own feel:

• Brentwood Circle: A private, gated community.
• Brentwood Glen: A small area with many single-family homes.
• Bundy Canyon: Home to Mount St. Mary's College.
• Crestwood Hills: Known for its unique, modern homes from the mid-1900s.
• Mandeville Canyon: A long canyon road, popular for walks and drives.
• Sullivan Canyon: A neighborhood where many people enjoy horseback riding.
• The "Polo Field": Located near Will Rogers State Park.
• Brentwood Park: An area with large, grand estates.
• Brentwood Terrace: Found between the Brentwood Country Mart and Brentwood Country Club.

Each of these areas has its own group that helps manage the neighborhood.

Fun and Recreation

Barrington Recreation Center

Barrington Recreation Center

The Barrington Recreation Center is a great place for activities. It has an indoor gym that can also be used as a small theater. Outside, you'll find:

• Lighted baseball fields
• Indoor and outdoor basketball courts
• A children's play area
• Picnic tables
• Lighted tennis courts

The community has worked hard to improve the park's facilities. Across the street is the Barrington Dog Park, where dogs can play.

Businesses and Economy

Local Shops and Services

Brentwood businesses hosted an annual Memorial Day parade in the 1970s and 1980s

Chevron station on Sunset Boulevard, Brentwood, Los Angeles, photographed by John Margolies in 1977

Most offices in Brentwood are for professional services. These include accountants, lawyers, and doctors.

There are three main shopping areas:

• Brentwood Country Mart
• Barrington Plaza
• San Vicente Business District

These areas have restaurants, clothing stores, and other nice shops.

Some businesses have been in Brentwood for a long time:

• Brent-Air Pharmacy: This pharmacy served Brentwood for over 50 years. Many famous actors worked there when they were young.
• The Brentwood Country Mart: This shopping and food center opened in 1948. It's near San Vicente Blvd and 26th Street.
• Vicente Foods: This grocery store has been serving Brentwood since 1948. Other grocery stores include Whole Foods and Ralphs.

Brentwood Village, at Barrington and Sunset, is a popular spot for dining and coffee. You can find many different kinds of restaurants there.

Dutton's Brentwood Books, a well-known local bookstore, closed in 2008.

Education in Brentwood

Schools in the Area

Brentwood Science Magnet Elementary School

Kenter Canyon Elementary School

Milken Community High School, 2008

Brentwood School

Many adults in Brentwood have a college degree. This is a high percentage for the area.

Here are some of the schools in Brentwood:

Public Elementary Schools:

• Kenter Canyon Elementary School (a charter school)
• Brentwood Science Magnet Elementary School (an alternative school)

Public Middle School:

• Paul Revere Charter Middle School

Public High Schools (students attend nearby):

• University High School in West Los Angeles
• Palisades Charter High School in Pacific Palisades

Private Schools:

• Westland School (elementary)
• The Mirman School
• Berkeley Hall School (elementary)
• Milken Community High School
• Brentwood School (K–12)
• Archer School for Girls
• Saint Martin of Tours School (elementary)

Public Libraries

The Los Angeles Public Library has a branch in Brentwood called the Donald Bruce Kaufman - Brentwood Branch Library.

Famous People from Brentwood

See also

In Spanish: Brentwood (Los Ángeles) para niños