Hollywood Sign Gets Increased Security Over 4th Of July Week

LOS ANGELES, CA — Police will beef up security at the Hollywood Sign this Fourth of July holiday week as tourists flock to the iconic landmark, City Councilman David Ryu announced Monday.

"With a great sign comes great responsibility," Ryu said. "And during this busy summer holiday, we need to ensure the safety of all people around the Hollywood Sign, residents and visitors alike."

The increased security measures, which include traffic patrols and security enforcement by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and the Los Angeles Police Department , will continue through Sunday. The security measures will funded through each department's respective budgets, Ryu's office said. In previous holiday seasons, Ryu has used his office's discretionary funds to pay for heightened security around the sign, but more than $1 million for Hollywood Sign security and traffic enforcement is included in the 2018-19 fiscal year budget. It is the first time the Hollywood Sign has been given fiscal year budget funding for safety and security.

"With more and more visitors wanting to see our iconic sign, it's crucial we have the security and resources to match," Ryu said. "We cannot continue to fund security for such a popular sign in a piecemeal way -- we need real, dedicated funding from the city. That's why I'm proud to see Hollywood Sign security in this year's budget, and I look forward to more security and safety features around the sign in the years to come."

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report. Photo By: Philip Pilosian, Shutterstock