L.A.'s Neighborhoods Defined and Mapped

"We've considered each [neighborhood]'s size and population density, its racial and ethnic makeup, its proximity to landmarks, its topography and history."

"Then we listened to what readers told us about the deeply rooted perceptions that make them see a block as belonging in one community instead of another."

"In February, we posted first draft of the map on latimes.com, inviting users to send us comments. We received more than 1,500. Today, we're posting an updated map, revised in nearly 100 ways."

"When we unveiled our first map, we were prepared for criticism, and it came. But we were astonished by the variety and eloquence of the responses. Our correspondents poured out feelings about where they lived, recalled historical tidbits that may otherwise have been forever lost and presented us the challenge of compelling, often contradictory and always passionate arguments."