Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photo: A Crumbling Hollywood Sign in 1978, Before It Was Torn Down and Replaced
View of the Hollywood sign, damaged and in badly need of repairs. August 8, 1978. (Photo by Ken Papaleo/Courtesy Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection)
()
This week the Hollywood Sign is shining and sparkling once again on the slope of Mt. Lee, thanks to a recent nine-week "makeover" that saw to it all the letters were completely re-painted.
Though a big refurbishment like the iconic sign just underwent is born of necessity thanks to years of beating by the elements, once upon a time not so very long ago in Hollywood history the sign was so badly damaged it needed to be completely torn down and resurrected.
We've explored the storied past of this globally-recognized landmark, but the Hollywood Sign Trust, who are in charge of the famous letters, has details about a sad time in the sign's history:
"During the 70s, as Hollywood continued to decline, the top of the 'D' and the entire third 'O' toppled down Mt. Lee, and an arsonist set fire to the bottom of the second 'L.'"
Support for LAist comes from
In 1978, things were so dire on the hillside there wasn't much to do but scrap it and start over--a costly proposition. Images of the sign as it was about to come down are pretty stunning. (If you've seen the 2012 film "Argo" you may have seen these images at the start of the flick. Totally real!)
It was in 1978 that Hugh Hefner gathered his famous friend with deep pockets at the Playboy Mansion for a fundraiser to help get the sign reborn. Each letter was "sponsored" by a generous philanthropic celeb; rocker Alice Cooper "bought" one of the Os, and the late crooner Andy Williams rescued the W, for example.
Pacific Outdoor Advertising won the bid for the renovation, and the old sign was removed starting on August 8th, 1978, and rebuilt over the following months.
The new sign, made of corrugated metal on steel poles driven into the hillside in the exact same spot as the old sign, was completed on October 30th, 1978. The new sign is 5 feet shorter than the original, to help it maintain stability against wind and other elements.
Fast forward to 2012, and the sign was once again ready for a little spiffing up. This time around, though, the "face" of Hollywood just needed a little "tightening"--like any respectable showbiz icon nearing 90 years young might!
Previously
LA Landmarks: The Hollywood Sign
Time-Lapse Video Shows Refurbishment of the Hollywood Sign
Photo: The Hollywood Sign's Facelift Is Halfway Done
The Hollywood Sign Is Getting A Mini-Makeover
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist