When members of the Hollywood community focus on an issue, they have a way of bringing the spotlight with them and galvanizing others to get involved. Fortunately for Los Angeles, some of that light has been focused on the city recently -- whether it's Johnny Carson's quiet annual contributions to the South L.A. youth center A Place Called Home or Tim Allen scouting new park space with Councilman Eric Garcetti. City leaders embrace these efforts and celebrate the positive impact industry philanthropy has had in their communities.

"Laurie David and Elizabeth Wiatt have been extremely involved in the effort to educate and pressure government to preserve our natural resources. There are some in government who need that kind of prodding and, frankly, only respond to that kind of pressure. As far as people making a difference in my district, I was just at a school with Anne and Kirk Douglas, both of whom have committed to providing playground space to every school in the city, which has made a tremendous impact. And, of course, there's Rob Reiner. There are few people I know who have done more to advocate for children and early education than Rob Reiner. He's a poster child for the Hollywood that cares about those who have no voice."
-- Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa, District 14, which includes the neighborhoods of Boyle Heights, Highland Park, Mt. Washington and El Sereno

"David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, the creators of (NBC's) 'Will & Grace,' have really been local heroes. Max is a national leader in gay-rights issues, and David has done a number of things, even though he does them more quietly. For example, he's on the board of an organization in my district called weSPARK, which provides support for people being treated with cancer. In my experience, people in Hollywood can have a big impact on a good cause right out of the starting gate; that should encourage others who perhaps always wanted to get involved but have wondered whether they can make a difference."
-- Councilman Jack Weiss, District 5, which includes the neighborhoods of Century City, Encino, the Fairfax District and Westwood

"The two organizations I would highlight in my district are Chrysalis and A Place Called Home. Chrysalis does a tremendous job of taking (homeless) people in the recovery process and helping them become more self-determining about rebuilding their lives. I've been extremely impressed with what they've done. A Place Called Home is another incredible organization. It provides attention and after-school care to children in the southern part of my district. It was founded by (former real estate professional) Debrah Constance, and she's done a lot of outreach in the community. There's a state-of-the-art dance studio, meals and all sorts of after-school activities. It opens up doorways to children who might not believe that they have alternatives. These organizations need and deserve as much support as we can possibly give them."
-- Councilwoman Jan Perry, District 9, which includes the neighborhoods of Downtown Los Angeles, Menlo Park and South Los Angeles

"One way that philanthropic Hollywood has had an impact in my district is through Habitat for Humanity, which built homes in Wilmington with the help of people like Bo Derek and Robin Williams; that project certainly transformed a neighborhood and a community. I was able to hand the key to a home over to one woman who was moving from a chicken coop -- she was literally living in a chicken coop -- into this beautiful home. People don't realize how a home can set someone on the right track."
-- Councilwoman Janice Hahn, District 15, which includes the neighborhoods of San Pedro, Watts and Wilmington

"I worked at DreamWorks for four and a half years before being elected, so I understand the connection between philanthropy and civic participation. I was one of the founding members of Workplace Hollywood, whose main mission is to provide trained, diverse young people to the (entertainment) industry. We knew we needed to do more to get people from the community into the industry, and we felt that no longer should there be an excuse for a lack of diversity. Workplace Hollywood has really grown into an organization that is fulfilling that service."
-- Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, District 2, which includes the neighborhoods of North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Studio City and Van Nuys

"Tim Allen is the chair of the annual fund-raiser for the Hollywood YMCA, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for the youth program. But he goes way beyond that. He's passionate about parks and green space. He was driving by some empty lots one day and thought, God, this city has no parks. He met with me, and he and I have been scouring properties for new park space. When you have a celebrity who not only lends his money and time but actually becomes an expert on an issue, that becomes a catalyst for change."
-- Councilman Eric Garcetti, District 13, which includes the neighborhoods of Atwater Village, Echo Park, Hollywood and Silverlake