LA’s new mayor rescinds the ordinance requiring the Hollywood sign to light up at night

Mayor Karen Bass has rescinded former Mayor Eric Garcetti’s recent executive order that would have created a program to light up the Hollywood Sign, a Bass official confirmed today.

The Los Angeles Times first reported that Bass dropped the policy Wednesday, citing a memo she wrote to city officials that said there would be no replacement order.

Garcetti signed the policy on Dec. 11, his last day in office. The city charter states that executive policies take effect 15 days after publication and are “binding on all departments, commissions, officers and employees of the city” unless “revised or revoked by the mayor.”

Zach Seidl of Bass’ office confirmed to the City News Service that Bass canceled the warrant “due to concerns about the legality of the warrant.”

Photo Gallery: The Many Faces of the Hollywood Sign

Garcetti’s order would have instituted an 18-month pilot program to light the world-famous sign. It requested a report to the city council on the impact of the pilot project and its success after 18 months.

According to The Times, some local residents have spoken out against lighting the sign due to traffic and safety concerns and possible impacts on wildlife. A representative for Garcetti declined to comment for the newspaper.

The sign was illuminated when it was first erected in 1923. It had 4,000 lights, making it very visible at night.

The Hollywood sign will turn 100 next year, Garcetti noted in his statement. Garcetti said the nonprofit that oversees the sign, the Hollywood Sign Trust, “has been testing new technology that will allow the sign to be viewed at night on special occasions.”

Responding to neighbors’ concerns, the guide claimed that tests “showed how new technology can focus lights and reduce the impact of lights on wildlife and ambient lights on local residents”.

The City News Service contributed to this report.