We did it!
Campaign Launched to Protect View of Hollywood Sign
By Editor | 02.08.10 | share | 18 comments
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8, 2010 - The view of the world-famous Hollywood Sign could be protected by purchasing Cahuenga Peak, the 138 acres behind and to the left of the sign which could have been developed into luxury homes, The Trust for Public Land (TPL) announced today.
"With the support of donors such as The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, TPL and its partners are in a campaign to raise a total of $12.5 million by April 14," said Sam Hodder, California State Director for TPL. After the purchase, which will cost $11.7 million, the land will be added to Griffith Park, the nation's 4th-most-visited park.
Some of Hollywood's biggest stars have also agreed to lend their support to the campaign including Julia Louis-Dreyfus (New Adventures of Old Christine), Academy Award Nominated Actress Virginia Madsen, Tippi Hedren, John Slattery (Mad Men), Aisha Tyler (FOX's 24), Julian McMahon (FX's Nip/Tuck), James Kyson Lee (Heroes), Beau Garrett (Fantastic Four) and Katherine Morris (CBS's Cold Case).
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase a spectacular property in the middle of one of our biggest cities. Opportunities like this simply do not come along very often," Hodder said.
The land was purchased by industrialist Howard Hughes in 1940 to build a home for movie star Ginger Rogers, his intended bride. When that relationship ended, Hughes kept the land, and in 2002, his estate sold it to the investors who now own it. Two years ago, they put it on the market for $22 million, but it hasn't sold. It is zoned for four homesites.
"Two things - the larger-than-life name HOLLYWOOD against the pristine rugged mountain make this world-famous landmark a symbol of ingenuity and hope to millions of people. Every day, I see tourists posing for snapshots in Beachwood Canyon just below the sign," said Los Angeles City Council member Tom LaBonge, chair of the City Council's Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee, whose district includes Cahuenga Peak. "The City of Los Angeles wants to acquire this land, not only to maintain the view of the Hollywood Sign, but also to preserve open space, hiking trails and wildlife corridors for the future health of our great city."
"The Tiffany & Co. Foundation works to protect historically, environmentally and culturally significant sites throughout the United States" said Michael Kowalski, chairman and CEO, Tiffany & Co. "As one of Los Angeles's most treasured and historic green spaces, the Hollywood Sign and the surrounding park area is clearly deserving of the Foundation's support. Like Tiffany & Co., the Hollywood Sign is an icon of American glamour and ingenuity that not only inspires, but also brings joy to visitors from around the world. On behalf of The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, we are honored to play a leadership role in preserving this important piece of Los Angeles's rich heritage."
Jon Kirk Mukri, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, said, "Griffith Park is an urban oasis with recreational opportunities that make the park such a glorious part of Los Angeles. There are many things to do, see, enjoy, and appreciate in this expansive area, with more than 4,200 acres. The Hollywood Sign, perhaps the most recognizable nine letters to grace a hillside in the world, is part of Griffith Park and it is important that the view of the sign as well as the spectacular views and trails of Cahuenga Peak be preserved."
Joseph T. Edmiston, Executive Director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, said, "Cahuenga Peak, while surrounded by urbanization and freeways, supports a remarkably intact ecosystem of native chaparral plants and animals seemingly unaffected by ecological isolation. The property provides an unparallel natural experience in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains."
Chris Baumgart, Chairman of the Hollywood Sign Trust, said, "The Hollywood Sign Trust applauds the efforts of Councilman Tom LaBonge and The Trust for Public Land for their initiative to purchase the 138 acres of land known as Cahuenga Peak, and secure it for the City of LA as permanent open space. Since 1923, this adjoining land has been an integral part of the world-famous view of the international icon of the entertainment industry."
Besides TPL and LaBonge, the partnership includes the Hollywood Sign Trust, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the Los Angeles Parks Foundation and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national, nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, community gardens, historic sites, rural lands, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since 1972, TPL has worked with willing landowners, and national, state, and local agencies to complete more than 4,500 projects in 47 states, protecting 2.8 million acres. For more, go to www.tpl.org.
Media Contacts:
Tim Ahern, TPL
415-710-9095
tim.ahern@tpl.org
Rachel Rogers
Atomic PR
(310) 689-7585
Rachel@atomicpr.com
Tags: cahuenga peak hollywood hollywood sign save cahuenga peak save hollywood tiffany tpl
comments
I 100% agree and have been watching this for years. I am glad The Trust for Public Land and LA City officials have stepped up. Please let us know besides money what else we can do to help.
If every person in the entire city gave $1.00, that would help.
Perhaps a TEXT drive? Text a number to collect donations?
This is so important (even though there are other things in the world going on right now too) but this will impact Los Angeles forever and this really is a once and a lifetime opportunity to purchase this land.
posted by Jon B. Patton on 02.09.10
I don't know this land, but I don't think this way of saving it is the right one. If it realy is important for ecosystem or environment, then government should protect it and not people. If you buy it, then company will get a lot of money fot what? You should protest and encourage everyone to be envolved. In this way, you will show how important this land is for you.
posted by observer on 02.10.10
I was born and raised in Hollywood and as a child the Hollywood sign always meant I was home. The sign is a landmark and needs to be preserved and protected from greedy corporate landowners. We complain about animals becoming extinct and not having enough natural surroundings but yet we continue to destroy the few natural places we have left in an urban mecca. Save the Hollywood Sign! It represents people of our past, present, and future who have made Hollywood their home.
posted by Carla Gonzalez on 02.12.10
Do you have facebook page??
posted by James Rojas on 02.12.10
How did L.A. allow the developers to obtain this land? Was it put on the market in '02 or was the Hughes Estate approached by them? The city of L.A. owes it's citizens an apology for allowing the greedy cockroaches in Chicago to pull off this act of extortion.
posted by Mike Smith on 02.12.10
I would like to make a contribution. how do I do it?
thank you
posted by dale reid on 02.12.10
@James Rojas - Yes, we do have a Facebook page! Please join and share with your friends.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Cahuenga-Peak-Home-of-the-Hollywood-Sign/199281778939
@dale reid - Here's the link to our donation page, thanks for your support!
https://secure3.convio.net/tpl/site/Donation2?df_id=1780&1780.donation=form1
posted by Editor on 02.12.10
Please put a ticker/money clock on your site so we can see how much money has been raised to date...thanks
posted by Pat on 02.13.10
Where are all the actors and actresses who have been made rich by the people of Hollywood? Why can't they step up and save the icon and the land that acts as a shrine of dreams--all those who admire the actors and actresses and those who hope to be one of them some day have added to the mystic of this historical symbol.
It wouldn't take many of them to donate money and save this land and sign for all the fans around the world. What are they spending their money on now--another mansion or fancy car? And all the talk show hosts who get so much attention for their charitable donations--where are they now? Why don't they try to save their own neighborhood. And where is PETA--don't they want to preserve the land for their precious animals? This is the height of hypocrisy!!!
posted by Stellina Tomcova on 02.13.10
I think many hollywood stars ARE donating, but it will take A LOT of money in order to save that piece of land. LA land goes for skyrocketing rates.
It would be most helpful if this site had a tracking bar for the donations so at least people could SEE how far a long this cause is, and the difference that their money makes.
posted by Melissa on 02.14.10
I don't have much money but I made a donation anyway. I want the sign to still be there when I make it big! I think SAG should get involved, as well as agencies and studios. This is an industry which routinely deals with millions of dollars, and there's no reason why the necessary sum couldn't be raised quickly if all the big players put some money in the pot.
posted by Eric on 02.14.10
How much has been raised already?
posted by Umreeh on 02.15.10
i move from Paris to Hollywood not even a year ago, and the sign has meant so much to me already! it has definitely been a source of hope and strength.
whenever i jog around Lake Hollywood and feel tired, looking up at the sign instantly reboots me by feeling blessed. i think of how lucky i am to be able to run here. just like when i used to run by the eiffel tower, i dedicate my runs to all the people who dream of seeing being where i am but never will.
yesterday for valentine's my husband and i hiked mount cahuenga. i needed to be with nature and see things in perspective again (looking for a job prevents it sometimes). when we reached the magic tree at its peak, i felt blessed. i had a very spiritual experience on that peak. the blessing, hope and love i felt there made me drop some happy tears.
keith and i got married recently and we make a point to take each visitor from Paris to the sign. we even got the 'Hollywood Sign Ambassadors' nickname!
this sign means too much to be the home to luxurious homes!
let's save the peak! let's preserve the sign!
posted by sylvie freshwater on 02.15.10
What will happen to our IF we do not raise enough by April?
posted by Umreeh on 02.15.10
What will happen to our money IF we do not raise enough by April?
posted by Umreeh on 02.15.10
I saw you on the news this weekend and it sounded as though you have made significant progress raising funds. Trying to figure out where you are at with this.
How can we see the progress that you are making?
How can we easily see how we can help? Donations? Time? I don't see a feature on this page that I can forward to friends and neighbors.
Thank you!
posted by Amy Gordon on 02.16.10
@Umreeh: In the unlikely event that TPL does not raise the full amount needed to protect Cahuenga Peak, we will offer to refund your donation with the hope that you will allow TPL to apply your contribution to the expense of the project.
posted by Editor on 02.16.10
I love it! I think this is great. Now if only the Hollywood sign would be lit up at night like all other world famous landmarks throughout the world....
posted by Vytas on 02.09.10