Some of the area's most politicised inhabitants cannot vote because they are technically citizens of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills or West Hollywood.

ECONOMIST: A little more like angels

One day, on one of our trips, Corky went to visit a friend in the hills above West Hollywood but missed a turn.

WSJ: The House That 'Hound Dog' Built | House Call

It rumbled through Beverly Hills and West Hollywood like it owned the place, and the long hood, angular fenders and taunt haunches have become icons of American motor history.

FORBES: Cruising L.A. In A 1970 Dodge Challenger

And various independent cities, such as Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, have taken large chunks out of what looks, on the map, as if it ought to be the mayor's territory.

ECONOMIST: Los Angeles

The L.A. house, nestled between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills and blessed with terrific views, is by far his most modern creation, but it retains a classic Romualdez mix: High-gloss white terrazzo floors and flokati-upholstered Ricky Clifton settees share space with an Italian olive wood pyramid from Carlton Hobbs, one of his favorite dealers.

WSJ: All The Pretty Houses

But until the dust settles downtown, when it comes time to make deals, do lunch (or dinner) and bed down for the night, business travellers will likely head to stylish west side haunts in Beverly Hills, Century City, Santa Monica and West Hollywood.

BBC: Business trip: Los Angeles

Not to mention that, from downtown LA, one is only about 8 miles from Hollywood, 10 miles from Beverly Hills, and 15 miles due West to the Pacific Ocean and its assortment of beaches and tourist traps in Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and the like.

FORBES: Downtown LA Tops City of Industry as Ideal Site for New Football Stadium

In August 2011, Perry listed a condo in West Hollywood and traded up to a 3, 101 square foot, 3 bedroom, 4 bath Hollywood Hills mansion, and now it seems like his Malibu estate must go too.

FORBES: Matthew Perry Selling Modern Malibu Home