As police sirens blare and fill the apartment buildings with a red and blue ambiance, the children rush to a window in hopes of figuring out what may be happening outside. Washington Street. A community filled with countless amounts of sightings that continue to leave me wondering what it is that my parents were thinking when choosing here. Encountering farm animal chases, nightly talks between the old rangers, and the man with the big belly has earned the communities renowned name of “The Heights of Hollywood”.
In the heart of our neighborhood my mom and I rushed out of our new apartment in hopes of catching our 3:00 appointment when three chickens, seemingly out of nowhere, burst onto the scene. Creating a chaotic chase, these feathery fugitives flapped and squawked, zigzagging through the narrow streets, much to the surprise and amusement of our neighbors. As the crowd laughed at the trio of chickens darting past, their feathers ruffled in the wind as they each let out clucking noises. My mom and I joined the crowd watching the chase, as a sense of joy overcame the atmosphere. New and unaware of the odd sights that went on in the heights, we were kindly introduced by these chickens. An unexpected evening led to many as these three became a pet to everyone. At times the people from Apt 13 – 28B would take care of and feed them while the majority of our area Apt 29 – 42F sets out food around the evening time. No one knew where exactly they came from or why they were placed here, but rumor has it that the man from Apt 14C collects ducks, chickens, and even iguanas from the park across the street. Sickening as I don’t know enough to do something about it or what goes on behind all that is good in the heights.
Off the topic of the good, the bad, and the ugly in this neighborhood, we come across a group that I have named “The Old Rangers”. A tight-knit group of five elderly men, affectionately referred to as “The Heights’ Elders”, have formed unbreakable bond through the shared experiences of living there for four years. The neighborhood, with its fair share of crime and craziness, has seen the rise and fall of trends, yet the unwavering camaraderie of these five men remained a constant source of strength. They live in apartments adjacent to each other and their balconies have become the preferred meeting spot where laughter and the savory aroma of barbecue intertwines to create an atmosphere of genuine friendship. Every Sunday, like clockwork, The Heights’ Elders gather for their weekly barbecue ritual. They plan the menu, showcasing their culinary expertise as they share grilling techniques and secret recipes. The savory scent wafts through the air, drawing other neighbors into our community. As the barbeque sizzles, the men swap stories of the neighborhood’s past, recounting the escapades they’ve witnessed over the years. Through laughter, they reminisce about the resilience of their community that binds them together. The shared friendship and experiences of The Heights’ Elders illuminate the community with a warmth that passes onto others.
One of the most peculiar characters in this neighborhood is the resident who occupies one of the upstairs apartments. A rotund individual with a disproportionately large stomach routinely takes his place at the third step like a child waiting to be picked up at dismissal. His appearance never changing as he comfortably sits in Air Jordan basketball shorts, adidas slippers, and the exclusion of a shirt. Entering and leaving my apartment became something I dreaded as what the man was up to each day was a question no one had the answer to. On most occasions I could overhear him arguing over the phone about which NBA team is most likely to make it to the finals until one Thursday afternoon. As my mom pulls in the driveway, she makes sure I have all my belongings secured with my house key ready to open and lock the door. To our surprise, we notice the man has moved locations and is happily sat at the green electric box that is placed on the perimeter of the building. Immediately my initial thought is to move quickly and avoid eye contact but in the process of doing so for a few weeks, it has become a feeling of comfort. Comfort yes. What sets him apart in his daily habit of standing outside is no matter what crime that goes on, the unpredictable weather, and the sometimes-frightened neighbors, he manages to stay at his post to enjoy the comfort of outside. In my mind he acts as our neighborhood watch that I no longer should be afraid of. As long as he sits at his post engrossed in his mysterious chats that remain mystery, all will be just fine in the Heights.

The Heights paints a vivid picture of a community teaming with chaos and crime. Amidst the disorder, the charming elements such as the farm animal chase, the presence of the old rangers, and the man with big belly all make it worthwhile. Through these unique experiences I have navigated the challenges of my surroundings but discovered a genuine affection for the unconventional charm that makes Hollywood Heights home.