Brentwood is one of the wealthiest areas of Los Angeles, populated by affluent professionals, political figures and celebrities. Known for its Spanish-style homes, condos and traditional homes, Brentwood has prosperous commercial districts along each of its major east-west thoroughfares, Wilshire, San Vicente, and Sunset. The Spanish-style and traditional-style homes of Brentwood are located at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains. Brentwood was once part of the Rancho San Vicente y Santa Monica, a Mexican land-grant ranch sold off in pieces by the Sepulveda family after the Mexican-American War. Inspired by the community of veterans resident at the former Soldiers and Sailors Home, Brentwood once regularly hosted a Memorial Day parade, complete with a string of classic cars and an elephant named Tiny. Local traditions include the annual decoration of San Vicente Boulevard's historic coral trees with holiday lights and a Maypole erected annually on the lawn of the Archer School.