With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
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.
'Hollyweed' Sign Vandal Arrested
On Monday, Zachary Cole Fernandez (also known as artist "Jesus Hands") was arrested for a prank wherein he temporarily altered the Hollywood Sign to read "Hollyweed" on New Year's Day.
Fernandez, who voluntarily surrendered to Hollywood detectives with his attorney at his side, was arrested for trespassing but not vandalism, as the sign was not actually damaged during the prank. Fernandez merely wrapped several of the iconic letters in tarp to temporarily change their appearance. According to an LAPD press release, Fernandez was booked on a misdemeanor trespassing offense and will be released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 15.
Fernandez had previously taken responsibility for the prank last Tuesday, when he told Vice that he—along with fellow artist Sarah Fern—had spent two hours pulling off the stunt on January 1. Fernandez told Vice that the sign switcheroo was "about being and staying youthful and living in the purest form.”
“The Hollywood Sign has seen many alteration attempts over the years for people seeking notoriety or commercial gain. Pranks of this nature deplete the resources of our valuable public safety personnel, in both responding to the prank and in responding to the increased crowds and copycat attempts that these incidents generate," City Councilman David Ryu, who represents the area, said in a press release after the arrest.
Support for LAist comes from
In fact, Fernandez's prank wasn't even the first time the sign was rebranded as "Hollyweed." The world-famous sign was first transformed to read "Hollyweed" way back in 1976, when Danny Finegood, then a young art student at Cal State Northridge, once hiked up to the sign with $50 worth of fabric and some friends and pulled a prank of his own. Here's what it looked like then:
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist