Los Angeles’ new mayor, Karen Bass, recently rescinded an order to light up the Hollywood sign. Eric Gercetti, her predecessor, originally signed the order on December 11th, writing that, “There is perhaps no symbol more significant in the world and in Los Angeles’ civic imagination than the Hollywood Sign, As the centennial of the Hollywood Sign approaches in the coming months, it would seem fitting to build on these successful efforts to illuminate our city’s most famous landmark.”
Gercetti had put out an outline of an 18 month pilot program that would show off, “new technology, that allows the sign to be seen on special occasions at night.” Continuing to say, “The sign was originally always lit, but understandably neighbors and others have worried about the effect of lighting up the sign on their neighborhood, The tests have demonstrated how new technologies can focus lights and help reduce the impact of lights on wildlife and ambient light on local residents.”
The order stated that the sign to be lit no more than six times per year and no more than three days per lighting, with the Trust being responsible for the costs of all city services and other expenses from the lighting.
However, Bass rescinded the directive on Wednesday, with her spokesperson saying that it was “because there were concerns about the legality of the order.” The idea put forward to light the Hollywood sign had gotten pushback for years from groups such as Friends of Griffith Park and the Hollywoodland Homeowners Association, on top of local residents, who have environmental, traffic and safety concerns.
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