L.A. Needs a Symbol, Not a Sign

It struck me while reading “Hollywood Sign Caught in Secession Tug of War” (May 6), about the squabble over possession of the Hollywood sign, that its pathetically sad history tells volumes about Los Angeles. Is that the best symbol this great metropolis can produce? How it pales in comparison with the Golden Gate Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower or the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.

It seems to me that Los Angeles is finally beginning to show signs of becoming a truly world-class city and that it should be able to come up with something better than a sign originally used as a real estate promotion. A few years ago, artist Brett-Livingstone Strong proposed an ambitious project, the “City of Angels Monument,” that has apparently disappeared off the map. I cannot say whether it was the best of all possible proposals but I hoped that it at least would have started some serious discussions about the concept.

Whenever one of our sports teams wins a title, it seems everyone within 50 to 100 miles is suddenly a loyal Angeleno--and we don’t hear as much about seceding from the city. A symbol comparable to those of other great cities in the world could possibly accomplish the same thing, except that rather than for just the season, or a year, it could instill a permanent sense of pride in being part of this city.

Dennis W. Kemper

San Dimas

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I have seen no reporting on how ownership of the Hollywood sign will affect the city of Los Angeles’ ability to appoint members to the Hollywood Sign Trust. Also, the trust has a contract with a company to license rights to the sign for use in postcards, movies, TV shows, etc. The contract is worth thousands of dollars annually.

Before the Local Agency Formation Commission sets the boundaries, I hope there is a follow-up story on Los Angeles’ interest in the Hollywood Sign Trust and the economic effect that a change in ownership of the sign would mean to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and others.

Steve Noodleman

West Hollywood

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Why not draw the boundary of the proposed new city of Hollywood where the famous Hollywood sign is? That way, both L.A. and Hollywood could claim bragging and marketing rights to the landmark and share maintenance duties as they see fit. What better way to materialize the historic link between the two cities?

Philippe P. Brieu

Los Angeles