A Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied an attempt by three local organizations to intervene in a lawsuit that has resulted in the closure of a popular Hollywood Sign access point.

(photo by Patricia Sanchez)

“The court ruling doesn’t deter us from our ultimate goal: to restore trail access at Beachwood Canyon and ensure that residents and visitors alike are able to enjoy Griffith Park,” said Gerry Hans, Friends of Griffith Park’s vice president of science and conservation. “The judge recognized the serious nature of our claims and supported our ‘day in court,’ but just not her court.”

The access point closed on April 18 as part of a settlement of a lawsuit between the city and Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables. There had been a dispute between the two sides over the use of city-owned land for which the stable had a right of way. The court ruled earlier this year that the right of way did not give Sunset Ranch exclusive usage of land adjacent to the trailhead. It also ruled that the city “unreasonably and unduly interfered” with the land by increasing pedestrian traffic and having city officials turn away Sunset Ranch customers.

Friends of Griffith Park, Griffith J. Griffith Charitable Trust and Los Feliz Oaks Homeowners Association filed the motion to intervene in part to try to keep the trail open.

“In the meantime, we will continue to make our case to city leaders with the hope that they will respond to a growing coalition of residents and park users who would simply like to walk into the park from Beachwood Canyon. At the same time, work needs to be stepped up to minimize impacts to residents in all tourist-affected Griffith Park communities.”