California’s image has been tarnished by homelessness, taxes, unaffordable real estate, and Hollywood’s full embrace of woke culture.
But just because the state is taking a hit doesn’t mean the Hollywood sign has to. The iconic symbol that has drawn millions of people to the Golden State is getting a facelift as it gears up for its 100th birthday in 2023.
An eight-week process of restoring the sign and making it sparkle started with a big-time pressure wash and rust removal.
Next up is a fresh coat of paint. According to the Associated Press, two hundred fifty gallons of primer and white paint have been budgeted to get the sign looking the way it should.
Do you know the history of this historic landmark? Built in 1923, it originally read “Hollywoodland” because its initial role was to promote a housing development in the area.
It endured decades of neglect before forward-thinking leaders realized it was an iconic element of LA’s brand. The sign was shortened to“Hollywood”; in 1978, the original sign was replaced with a new one, smaller than the original.
The Hollywood Sign Trust is tasked to take care of the sign. Here’s what Jeff Zarrinnam said earlier this week.
“It’s now representing not only the place of Hollywood, but it signifies the entertainment industry, and LA is the entertainment capital of the world.”
The sign doesn’t look overwhelming from a distance, but each letter is 45 feet tall. Each year it receives a new paint job but what is happening with the upkeep now is unique.
Fun fact: In 1973, the sign was in disrepair and needed a costly overhaul. Who stepped up to save the day? Hugh Hefner. He hosted a fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion, and each of the old letters was auctioned off at $28,000 apiece to make money needed for the re-do.
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