Hollywood Sign Neighbors Deal with Tourists, Potential Safety Threats

Residents are continuing to sound off on their desire to shift tourists seeking to view the Hollywood sign away from their neighborhood.

In an Associated Press story published Saturday, residents say they they are at the boiling point in dealing with the influx of tourists who visit the world-famous Hollywood sign.

Residents say it wasn’t always that way. They said it began two years ago when GPS systems began to detail driving directions to the sign, leading tourists through the winding hills and into their neighborhoods. 

Not only do sightseers bring their cameras and star maps to the neighborhood. Residents are met with trash, tour vans and noise from many who want to get a glimpse of the sign.

Homeowners groups have attempted to curb the issues brought on by the tourists, but they haven’t been able to agree on the best solution to make everyone happy. Their central concern is safety for residents in the area where the hills are prone to brushfires. Congested roads could hinder response from the fire department. 

Councilman Tom LaBonge, trying to address all sides on the issue, told the AP, "We're doing our best to be sensitive to the neighborhood, but this is our Eiffel Tower.”

See the AP's full story here.

Related story: City Council Committee Discusses Access to Hollywood Sign and Runyon Canyon