Councilman David Ryu, 4th District, has allocated $68,668 in discretionary funds for increased security around the Hollywood Sign from Dec. 21 of this year to Jan. 2.

(photo by Edwin Folven)

Anticipating increased tourism and activity around the sign during this time, Ryu’s motion for increased funding was approved by the City Council on Dec. 5, the first of two Hollywood Sign motions approved by the council this month.

“The Hollywood Sign is one of the most iconic and world-renowned symbols we have in Los Angeles, and the safety and security of nearby neighborhoods and visitors must remain a top priority,” Ryu said. “Increased police and LADOT presence around the Hollywood Sign is key to ensuring a happy holiday season for all our communities.”

The funding will pay for increased LAPD and Department of Transportation patrols in the area to ease traffic flow, provide security and monitor fire safety by curbing smoking and ensuring emergency vehicles have full access to the hillsides. Additional “No Smoking” signs have also been placed in Griffith Park and the hillsides.

In addition, the Department of Recreation and Parks is preparing for heavy traffic in Griffith Park during the holiday season. LADOT traffic officers have been requested along Los Feliz Boulevard at Vermont Avenue, North Commonwealth Avenue and Fern Dell Drive. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of increased DASH shuttle service to Griffith Observatory and the Greek Theatre. In July and August of this year, this DASH service saw record ridership of 48,678 and 44,587 passengers, respectively. A one-way fare to the Griffith Observatory is just 35 cents with a TAP card.

“Councilmember David Ryu’s motions to increase funding for additional traffic support in the neighborhoods surrounding the Hollywood Sign demonstrate Council District 4’s ongoing sensitivity to the residents’ concerns about the impact of tourism in their communities,” said Chris Baumgart, chair of the Hollywood Sign Trust.  “Dedicating significant resources towards immediate and long term solutions are impressive, proactive steps taken by CD4.”

The City Council also approved a motion on Dec. 6 to submit a budget request for the 2018-19 budget to better manage traffic and safety around the Hollywood Sign in the future.

The budget request motion instructs the LADOT, LAPD, and RAP to develop and submit a budget request for consideration as part of the 2018-19 Mayor’s Proposed Budget, identifying needed resources to adequately manage traffic and public safety issues around the Hollywood Sign and in adjacent neighborhoods year round.