Bel-Air is a neighborhood in the city of Los Angeles, California, USA. The faux-gated community was founded by Alphonzo E. Bell, Sr. in 1923 and is part of the so-called "Golden Triangle" of Bel-Air, Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills. About 12 miles west of downtown, it includes some of the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains and borders the north side of UCLA.

It lies within the 11th city council district, represented (as of 2004) by Cindy Miscikowski, and it is located in the 90077 ZIP Code.

Of several entrances, there are two main ones: The East Gate at Bel Air Crest Drive (accessible from Sepulveda Boulevard), and the West Gate at Bellagio Drive, right before UCLA on Sunset Boulevard.

As of the census of 2000, there are 7,928 people in the neighborhood. The racial makeup of the neighborhood is 86.24% White (82.95% non-Latino white), 1.93% African American, 0.06% Native American, 6.84% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.30% from other races, and 3.59% from two or more races. 4.65% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Residences in Bel Air range from mansions to modest ranch and story and half configurations. In general, the higher up the mountain, the smaller the building lot and more modest the homes; however those residences along roads such as Stradella Road have magnificent views of the Los Angeles valley and Catalina Island.

Popular television shows and movies have been filmed in Bel Air, or are said to take place in the community. Exterior shots for the Beverly Hillbillies were shot in and around the 1930's era Arnold Kirkeby mansion at 750 Bel Air Road, which was demolished in the mid-1980's . Exterior scenes from movie like Get Shorty have also been filmed in the area. The popular television sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was said to have taken place in the neighborhood.

Former President Ronald Reagan was a resident of Bel-Air from his retirement as President in 1989 until his death in 2004.

External links

• 11th council district