If you’re out for a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard you may come across a short walkway filled with a few benches and trees nestled between an apartment complex and optometrist storefront. Standing watch in front of this promenade like some sort of sentinel for the city of Hollywood is a statue of Joseph W. Young, its first mayor.
If you’re not paying attention, it may fade into the background in favor of the sights along the boulevard but if you stop to examine the statue you’ll notice something a bit off about it. The statue, not cast in bronze or made of marble like most others, appears to be molded from a sort of plastic. The shoes look like someone decided to cut some corners by spray painting a pair, and over time it seems this likeness of Mr. Young has become rather windswept, tilting back in an awkward stance as if gail force winds have tried to knock him from his station. A closer look at his face would have one thinking his features are a child’s drawing come to life.
The poor quality of this city’s memorial has been noted by residents and visitors alike. It is no stranger to the stray cigarette butt between the fingers and has accumulated some “injuries” such as burns and the loss of a finger. While its appearance is unusual, there are also questions as to how something like that has been allowed to come into creation considering how much money the city has put into renovating the downtown area. Was an artist consulted? Was it nepotism? Misappropriated funds? No one really knows. Worth a look see if you happen to be in the area though.
Published
October 26, 2026
