Springtime, 2024, Hollywoodland CA USA

The 1923 development of Hollywoodland tract 6450 has existed for more than one hundred(100) years. It’s unique characteristics have shaped Los Angeles, hillside communities, open-space and people. During 2023 I was immersed in the tract’s history, determined to tell its
history and stories. Legacy families Greg Williams, Patti Carroll and the Hollywoodland Homeowners Association helped me do that.

To get a peek into these stories please view Hollywoodland at 100 channel on You Tube that includes information about our residents, our land and some of the special historic spots.

A few years ago I shared my mission of regenerating native Hollywoodland oak seedlings from acorns found in the tract. Some of the successful seedlings were shared with property owners and others continued to grow in our garden while I waited for clearance from city agencies to plant in the public spaces of the tract. Well, I waited and waited. Despite former Mayor Garcetti’s edict “to plant thousands of trees” and my requests to non profit park related agencies there was no approval, no agreement. Sad , but an expected response from bureaucrats with little understanding of history.

Below is an excerpt from Mayor G’s 2019 “green” intent.
“Today represents an important milestone — not only are we beginning an inventory that will be
a key component for building our Urban Forestry Management Plan and informing how we
manage our urban forest, but we are here to remind Angelenos that everyone can be involved in
planting for the Mayor’s ambitious 90,000 trees goal,” said City Forest Officer Rachel Malarich.”
Pictured is one of my prize seedlings ready to plant. I think it is impressive. I may go rogue and
defy city planting policy since most city regulations are ignored here ( crime, graffiti, homeless).
Maybe when people see the beautiful oak they will reflect like this writing about an Italian leader
who fought fascism in the 1940’s: The truth is that Salvemini did not sow for the satisfaction of picking the fruit. He planted the tree, in the hope that it would not be uprooted by the storm and that one day men who came after him, would rest in its shade, even if none of them had ever heard his name.

Most Sincerely,

C. Mills O’Brien

 

Without the vision of Hollywoodland’s unique elements like  the historic granite features, the wildlife, Hollywoodland would be like any other hillside neighborhood:  old homes on narrow streets with 1920 vintage lampposts.  Instead it immerses all land elements that defined southern  California: mountains, granite, underground streams, dry riverbeds, native plants, land forms with adaptive integrating structures, ocean views, ocean breezes.  All these elements are juxtaposed and surrounded by open space.  This is not Outpost, or the Oaks, Los Feliz or Bel Air.  It is an integrative vision of how a unique California environment  exists and flourishes within the natural resources.  This is why it must be preserved, documented and saved for the next one hundred years and greed and promotion dismissed and fought.   And a post note is this:  the living instills a privilege for those who are fortune to see this and understand it.   Join us in celebrating and preserving the heritage of Hollywoodland tract 6450!Most sincerely,                                                             

C. Mills O’Brien

 

Year twenty-twenty was life on pause.  While in this ”pause”  many of us had time to enjoy the open space and document it.  Hollywoodlanders shared visuals of animals and stunning native plants in bloom as well as observations of animal habitat under lockdown conditions.  What was evident is this:  when the gift was on lockdown it began to flourish.  It came into its own.  Observers noted how lush it was, how illegal paths and trails grew over, how more animals ventured out.

Why is this not standard care for HGP?

Observation of animals during the “pause” identified interesting attributes. One neighbor shared how his home with a ridgeline view and pool became a social scene for a pack of local coyotes.  Those coyotes cut through his parcels into the HGP open-space while claiming  the area for their sunbathing and communion.  As a new property owner he fenced the pool and then a point of contention occurred.   Coyotes protested by leaving  “deposits” on the new owner’s front steps reminding him:  you wronged us!  These coyotes continue  depositing, but less frequently now.   No denying the intelligence of the wildlife that share this space!

I have been observing a family of red tail hawks who have placed themselves on the flat top portion of a tall pine on the street beneath us.  Many mornings the big guy watches for his meals.  Sometimes he is spotted teaching the younger ones to fly and swoop the air currents.   We need him to control the rodents.  His majestic presence reminds us who we share our space with, to admire the  sunsets, ridge lines and clouds,  to see beauty and applaud it!

Neighbors have also reported more than one mountain lion in the HGP area.  We have discussed this with the city and they have chosen to ignore our observations.

As the Hollywoodland development approaches its 100th birthday in 2023 we need to make sure its character is preserved and history recognized.  This fall I began collecting acorns and planting these seeds from tract 6450 oak trees.  This was an inspiration  from my father who also took acorns produced from trees on his rolling Wisconsin farm. Southeastern Wisconsin is known as an oak savanna where strong sturdy trees, dot the rich loamy soil of the Midwestern plains.  At one point, my dad planted four acorns that flourished into four oak trees representing one for each of his children.   That simple gesture created a longevity of life expressed through nature.  It became a marker of time and family history and an inspiration.  So, I intend to visit nostalgia and

recreate and celebrate Hollywoodland’s history.  My goal is to plant 100 acorn/seedlings throughout Hollywoodland residential and open-space. A tree for each year, a rejuvenation within itself.  Who will help foster care the seedlings, document location, etc?

Your involvement is needed  for the oak tree project, but also other lobbying efforts. We need to push the city to adopt the wildlife plan intended to identify and encourage native California plants/trees and animals in the Santa Monica hills.  We need to demand the city obtain the much needed concessionaires agreement with the Hollywood Chamber for the use of the Hollywood(land)sign.   We need to stop commercialization of the gift and park and focus on preserving, eliminating excessive use, recognize and correct all the illegal and unauthorized actions the city has created in tract 6450.  Help us continue a legacy of preservation for the next 100 years!

Most Sincerely,

C. Mills OBrien

Twenty- nineteen (2019) was a year of celebration for me and for the Hollywoodland tract 6450.   On a personal note, I celebrated Leonardi Day, a tribute to my Grandma Gina Leonardi and her family.  This took place in the mountains of a small northern village in Pievepelago, Italy.  Italian and American Leonardi’s visited hillside communities and saw the home where my grandmother  and brother were born.  In preparation of  Leonardi Day I read a variety of books and revisited my Grandma Gina’s life history.  This celebration and its preparation, made me reflect on how history and preservation of land are vital no matter where we live.

The last quarter of the 2019 was significant for HGP, marking the 75th anniversary of the 444 acre land “Gift” to the City of Los Angeles.  Through our celebration we expressed our appreciation  of the “Gift” through various artistic mediums while  dining with our neighbors, eating celebration cake and listening to the Hollywoodland Orchestra.  Submissions included poems, prose, paintings, songs, videos of documented wildlife and imagery of how the neighborhood is misused through the city’s continued promotion. Several historic artifacts were shared, but two pieces particularly highlighted the significance of tract 6450; a portion of the historic Hollywoodland metal sign with its electric light socket configurations and the Hollywoodland Tract wooden telephone.  Both artifacts were essential in making the open space  acreage function in conjunction with the tract’s  residential area ( era 1920-1930).

Twenty- twenty ( 2020) should be a fulfilling, productive year as we delve into substantiating  wildlife and plantings in tract 6450.  In November the LA City Planning Department held its second Planning Sustainability Wildlife Pilot Study Seminar.  Three (camera trap) Hollywoodlanders attended; Mike Morrow,George Clark and myself.  It was well organized and we were able to share some of our animal images and thoughts about what is needed to preserve Hollywoodland’s unique habitat.   We were especially excited about planning’s addition of staff ecologist, Kat Superfisky who will add a level of knowledge to the development of the program.  Hollywoodlanders already have some key environmental study elements in place, the camera trap program and the indigenous planting guide , (developed by Peter Baxter in conjunction with the Theodore Payne Foundation).  We also had an opportunity to comment on some of the suggested study topics.  Specifically, we are concerned about fire prevention, destruction of trails, natural water springs and the fact the city will regulate how private property is managed by setting guidelines for plantings, retaining walls, spacing for animal trails etc., while ignoring the impact of  the bordering public government agencies.  This is particular problem in the HGP and Hollywoodland residential.  Since we are surround by 80-85% open space peninsula configuration within the park and have the backdrop of the Lake Hollywood Reservoir, our good environmental practices will be moot without city adhering to the same standards.   Per the current proposal, government agencies bordering the residential area do not have an obligation to adopt the plantings, use materials, setbacks etc.  We hope the city will consider our suggestions that DWP, Public Works and RAP adopt the same criteria for plant preservation as the city is expecting the private property owners.

We also would like to see more wildlife officers on staff.  In this vast city there is only ONE officer!  This seems to be cheating the environment and the good citizens who participate in protecting it.  As an aside, the “homeless” have a dedicated animal regulation officer and they typically do not participate in the democratic process of paying taxes, improving our environment, voting and caring lovingly for  properties both public and private. As in the past, we have requested the mayor’s budget include a  biologist for Rec and Parks and at least two  more wildlife officers so the open-space can be better managed.   We have a meeting scheduled with Planning to discuss HGP, Hollywoodland’s environment and our possibility of becoming part of the  pilot program.

Wildlife seminar

https://planning.lacity.org/odocument/75496da9-a23d-423c-813f-85503331cb26/2019_Wildlife_Workshop_Display_Boards.pdf

We have received interesting images of wildlife migration into the residential portion of Hollywoodland.  Currently we are documenting  frogs and associated natural water springs.  Wildlife sightings have included 4 different fox, lots of bobcats and the week of January 3 one resident saw Moses Sherman (aka P-22) wander his street and then scoot into the HGP.

We will continue to substantiate and collaborate our findings and documentation by engaging with the city.

The Friends of Griffith park , Los Feliz Oaks and Griffith J Griffith Charitable Trust  (represented by former Assembly person, Mike Gatto) took legal action against the city regarding the closure of the Beachwood Easement Road. Appeal, B290637 was denied in October.  The appellant is now encumbered with paying back the city’s court cost for the initial action and the appeal.

The Beachwood Easement Road has been in place since the early 1941 before the HGP was given to the city.  Below is an excerpt from that appeal doc:

Throughout  2020 I will share the  “Gift’s” historical highlights from 1945 and the legislative process it went through.  Follow me to understand and celebrate the affects of tract 6450  seventy five (75) years ago and today.

Most Sincerely,

C. Mills OBrien

Hollywoodland Gifted Park celebrates 75 years as the largest donation to Griffith Park. It had been a passive open space dedicated to equestrian trails and wildlife until the City of Los Angeles decided the environment and preservation of a historic community did not matter. The people who care about this documented special, unique area think otherwise and are working hard to preserve it.

One dedicated property owner has educated himself with the help of the Theodore Payne Foundation to understand the original plantings of tract 6450. He has a researched the plants likely to grow in the soil and micro climate conditions within the area and presented the list to the Hollywoodland Design Review for inclusion into the specific guidelines (please see list under environment, flora). In researching the archives this is what a February 29, 1925 Los Angeles Times article said: “During the past few weeks (L.J. Burrud, manager of Hollywoodland), stated 8,000 pounds of wildflowers have been sown along the Hollywoodland hills. These flowers are expected to be in bloom within 3 weeks he said.” A study and clarification of our native flora will be discussed in future commentaries and some of the information is not what we thought!

In mid-March “painted lady” butterflies graced the skies and landscapes of tract 6450 and much of southern California. They brought smiles and appreciation of nature to many. A reminder of our interesting spring and the visual bounty that the rains bring.

On February 20, 2019 two Hollywoodland Homeowners board members and I attended the RAP Commission meeting. We spoke during public comment on items regarding the Hollywoodland Girls Camp and the proposed improvements for the non-conforming, illegal vista at Mulholland and Canyon Lake. Our concerns were:

The non-conforming vista (with a disingenuous presentation) included a discussion about the project without a fence and inappropriate plants costing the taxpayer $200,000. We reminded the commissioners about a plan designed by a license landscape architect submitted in 2014. It included all native plants and bids that ranged from $25,000 to $50,000 for execution.

The department’s report about the Hollywoodland Girls Camp failed to use the long standing proper name calling it just “the Girls Camp”. The report discussed vague, minor building repairs, driveway and disability renovations for a total cost of $500,000. We explained the scope of the project was not clearly communicated and requested the word “Hollywoodland” be restated in       all references to this camp.

The fifth public request asking RAP to obtain a concessionaire’s agreement between the Chamber and the Hollywood Sign Trust relative to the sign. This generated no response or department direction. We continue to ask why the Chamber is exempt while the other park concessions like the pony rides, merry-go-round, golf courses, restaurants pay fees.

The removal and restoration of the nonconforming illegal switchback from the easement road to the Hollyridge bridle trail.

Request the city recognize the Sherman Company’s largest land donation to Griffith Park during its 75-year celebration.

A few weeks ago, I walked the eastern edge of HGP with a geologist. Our purpose was to observe and identify the land forms particularly the quarry area, water flow, streams and waterfalls. In doing this we also noted inconsistent administration of this section of the park verses the western area.

Hours of operation (Canyon is posted as sunrise to sunset)
Fence/gate closing all access into the park
Plenty of parking spaces in the two lots even on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon
Fire hydrants
Non conforming use of a concrete water flow area
Razor wire on two structures within a steep graded area  (dangerous to wildlife)

We have posed these questions to RAP GM and will let you know if we receive explanations.

Legal issues are still in motion. Court hearings regarding the city’s counter suit claiming the Sunset Ranch has encroached on park property should be completed sometime this month. At the January court hearing Ranch attorney, Michael Angel’s, expert witnesses shared facts how the city failed to maintain upper areas of the trail allowing mud flow into the canyon and onto the ranch property.

The Friends of Griffith Park, Los Feliz Homeowners Association, the Oaks Homeowners and Griffith J Griffith Charitable Trust filed a 2,832 page brief against the city in August 2018. The appeal court’s latest posting was 1/25/2019 stating the ruling on appellants request for judicial notice is deferred pending consideration of the merits of the appeal.

Other HGP concerns that we have alerted RAP to without reponse or action from the city:
Encroachment on the 6100 block of Linforth Drive
Unauthorized use of a drone in March by KCBS personnel
Non-conforming illegal switchback from Hollyridge bridle trail to easement road
Non-conforming illegal 20 space parking lot adjacent to the easement road
Non-conforming illegal “viewing platforms/vistas” at Mulholland and Canyon Lake
A gate at Deronda and Mulholland Highway that has no verification of ownership
The never ending displacement of the vegetation and soli caused by illegal, unauthorized hiking trails.

Any ideas how we can make RAP do its job and protect the HGP? When that can happen, we will celebrate!

Most Sincerely,

C. Mills OBrien

This season, we have seen  some stunning visuals of HGP wildlife and a disturbing use of poisons in the upper Beachwood area. Birds are dropping from the trees and poison put out by insensitive residents are the suspected culprit. This action affects all the wildlife. This is how that cycle occurs: animals that consume the dead birds or rats that ingested rat poison often get mange or die. The lethal toxins destroy or lower the animals immune system. Please do not use poisons!

Read about unintentional poisoning HERE

This year we developed a hypothesis about HGP and Hollywoodland residential area. People from our camera trap team, our research team and the support group from the Committee to Save the Hollywoodland Specific Plan are our loyal caretakers. We have learned more about animals living amongst us, including the verification of several fox. We have documented mating patterns of coyotes. This is my theory: these animals feel safer in the deep ravines of our unused gardens where rats are plentiful, water is offered with ponds and pools and the intrusion of loud hikers and tourists can be avoided. It is clear the animal habitat is being altered by government neglect.

Recently I found copies of the original 1872 federal government survey for Rancho Provendica, (the Hollywoodland Tract). This tract originally was part of the county and annexed to the city in 1924. Details in this original survey describe land forms, cabin locations,Indian huts, a passive, rugged open space. That survey was dated almost 150 years ago. But fact digging to understand and verify the development, process for two nonconforming,illegal vistas off Mulholland HWY, a switchback and a 20 space parking lot near the Beachwood easement road have NEVER been found. What does this say about our current city government and its transparency ?

Some year end questions regarding HGP.
Will Mayor G continue to exploit and promote HGP in 2019 ? Will he ride another Rose Parade float with the Hollywood sign as his backdrop?
Will he continue to compromise the integrity of HGP, with its VSFHZ and SEA?
Will he continue to make the jobs for DOT, LAFD and LAPD more and more difficult to meet their mission of Safety?
Why is mayor G ignoring his most basic charge, to uphold, Safety?
Will RAP and their commission continue to be yes people to mayor G by pushing through the Dixon report and by not implementing a concessionaires agreement with the Hollywood Chamber and sign Trust, not renegotiation an almost 30 decade fee agreement without any inflation riders?

When I look out at the clear winter sky at sunset, with the deep horizon line over the ocean I become inspired and determined to continue preserving this magnificent and unique area of Los Angeles. Won’t you join this journey in 2019?

Most Sincerely,

                                                                                                  C. Mills OBrien

Summertime Safety in Hollywoodland Gifted Park

Our city fire chief has the authority to shut this area down in order  to protect the safety and well being of the citizens, visitors, environment, park and private property.  Safety is not just the immediate area, but the Mount Lee hilltop as well.  Curious what is up there?  In 2012 there were upgrades to the site with the purpose of  accommodating  the wireless telecommunication.   This is what was described at 3800 Mt. Lee Drive:

• 4,470 Square Foot communication equipment shelter housing batteries (back up?)
• 2 generators
• 2, 3,000 gallons of fuel tanks
• 1 pad mounted power transformer

Wow, imagine if any of that caught fire.  Why is the city promoting liability, by allowing people to traverse unmonitored with backpacks, smoking and who knows what?  This is a highly sensitive, vital area.  Why the negligence, shouldn’t safety be first?

In September  the City’s counter suit claiming the Sunset Ranch encroached into public land will be heard. It is interesting how selective RAP is with its enforcement of park encroachments.  Check ZIMAS and look at the pools inside the park!  Once again, we sense history’s facts will prevail.  Of course we are cheering for our friends at the Sunset Ranch.

The Friends of Griffith Park, Griffith J. Griffith Charitable Trust and Los Feliz Oaks filed an appeal against the city based on a March 2018 ruling.   Judge Chalfant presided over the matter reviewed court documents, heard arguments and ruled in favor of the city’s action indicating there was no charter violation, no violation of the a city cultural heritage designation, no violation of the Brown Act. The “Friends” and Trust have an  interesting use of 501c3 money allocations.  Where is Lois Lerner when you need her?

Imagine if you added the city the largest land donation to Griffith Park and never got recognition for it.  One of my goals is to educate the public on the gift that General Moses Sherman left and his land influence and legacy.  Sometimes I feel Moses Sherman is reminding me of his significant presence.  Recently, while dining (at a downtown business club) I felt a need to look up and saw a large photograph of Moses Sherman.  I thought, “he is with me , he wants me to to continue to tell his story”. So who was this man?

In the 1890’s General Moses Sherman came to Los Angeles from Arizona.   He acquired street railroads developing the first electric street cars in Los Angeles called the Los Angeles and Pasadena Railway.  This venture morphed into acquisition of land, lots of land .  In conjunction with notables like Harrison Gray Otis, Harry Chandler, Otto Brant and Hobart Whitey the Los Angeles Suburban Homes Company was formed.  This syndicate acquired 47,500 acres of farmland  eventually developing the San Fernando Valley.   Some familiar developments include Sherman Oaks, West Hollywood ( originally called Sherman) and of course Hollywoodland.  Other visual reminders of his input into early Los Angles include: Haskell Blvd.  Hazeltine Blvd.  Sherman Way.  These are all names associated with what later became the Sherman Company.  Arnold Haskell was the General’s right hand man until his passing,  later becoming the manager of the Sherman Company and the creator of the Sherman Foundation and the Library and Gardens.

If you want to learn more about Southern California and Moses, treat yourself to a day at in Corona Del Mar’s Sherman Library and Gardens.  You can lunch at their facility and view their charming gardens and even get your photo taken with a Moses look a like!  You can even be closer to his legacy by respecting and protecting the Sherman Gift.  Think about donating some trees to the gift or replanting the illegal vistas that has been trampled or get a camera trap to document the wildlife traversing in the acreage.

Most Sincerely,

C. Mills OBrien

HGP’s flora and fauna has shown itself. These are some observations: the migrating ducks nesting in residential gardens and pools and in the HGP north of the Ranch/Beachwood easement gate,  bobcats, deer, lots of squirrels, an unusual lizard with a blue throat and some pretty luscious coyotes with fluffy coats. We know these are all here because of anthropologist , Dr. George Clark ’s organization of the neighborhood camera trap project.  George gathered like minded, curious and passionate of volunteers who met with the experts from the National Park Service, Natural History and LA City’s wildlife officer for the purpose of understanding  and facilitating proper placement of cameras. This process has been fascinating! We are observing migration patterns and confirming animal corridors from our open space through our residential community.  Since Hollywoodland residential’s perimeter is 85% open space it interesting to validate some of our hypothesis. We will share more observations as we progress.

RAP continues to be a disappointing steward to the HGP gift.  These are a few examples. Last year we had record rains after many years of drought.  The overused Hollyridge Bridle Trail collapsed and the immediate 2017 remedy was sandbags.  The unauthorized switchback leading from the bridle trail to the easement road assisted in the de-stablization  of that ridge line too.

Cathy from  National Park Service emphasized the importance of keeping rat poisons out of our neighborhoods.  Did you know among the Bobcats tested in the Santa Monica Mountain 90% showed rat poison in their bloodstream!  We know the results of this toxin; weakened immune system, mange, a terrible death.   A few years ago P22 was a victim. When these beautiful creatures ingest the poison infested rodents they become a victim of the poison, be kind, be careful with our wildlife DO NOT USE POISONS!

Finally on March 22, 2018 Judge James Chalfant  heard the complaint regarding closure of the Beachwood Drive/easement road (BS170298) filed by Friends of Griffith Park, Griffith J. Griffith Charitable Trust and Los Feliz Oaks HOA against the City of Los Angeles.  This closure was a direct result of a March 2017 court order where Sunset Ranch sued the city over their (early 1940’s) ingress/egress roadway easement. Judge Chalfant reviewed court documents, heard arguments and ruled in favor of the city’s action indicating there was no charter violation, no violation of the a city cultural heritage designation, no violation of the Brown Act.  The arguing attorney, former state assemblyman Mike Gatto seemed unfamiliar with the history of HGP and continued to present materials as if this section of HGP was part of the Griffith donation. He also stated several times “that 15,000 people per month used that (unauthorized) entrance”. That number is numbing in a small residential community of 575 homes with substandard streets and a documented eco-sensitive area.  How could someone identifying themselves as “friends of Griffith Park” and think suing the city over an illegal access is a correct and friendly action?

Please continue to preserve and protect the Gift the Sherman Company gave to the citizens.  Get a camera trap and join the nature team! Take photos of beautiful images in HGP or unlawful, destructive ones.  Share this information with us so we can continue to preserve HGP in the image the Sherman Company intended, passive, safe and a mecca for animals and unique flora.

We look forward to hearing from YOU!

Most Sincerely,

C. Mills OBrien

Governor Jerry Brown surveyed the devastation Saturday, December 9th, 2017 in Ventura — the area hardest hit by firestorms that have displaced nearly 90,000 people in Southern California — calling it “the new nor

mal!”

So, let’s take a  minute to look at the affects of fire and  protection/prevention  in HGP and its adjacent Hollywoodland community.

The Hollywoodland residential community consisting of 575 single family homes is one of the protectors of Hollywoodla

nd Gifted Park.  Since 1923 Hollywoodland and its open space  has been integrated by its tract designation (6450) from the inception.   From 1923-1944 the Sherman Company regulated all the appointments in the residential tract like the  putting green, tennis courts, model house, bus, bridle trails, quarry, Hollywoodland sign including all the vacant land ( 444 acres) both in the residential and open space.   There were social and economic events beginning with the 1929-1930 depression that reshaped the original vision of Hollywoodland and its surrounding park land.  Land prices plunged and the uncertainty of another world war made the Sherman Company rethink the burden of the open space.

Document searches from the City archives, Sherman Library, Hollywoodland Homeowners Association archives and Los Angeles Public Library shaped this scenario.

• A brush fire on July 15, 1941 occurred on the eastern border of  HGP burning over 30 acres affecting residential property on Hollyridge Drive. LAFD and a film crew including actor/ cowboy, Gene Autry assisted in putting the fire out.
• April 28, 1942 Hollywoodland Improvement Association was formed with this purpose:“to inculcate in the minds of the residents of that portion of the city of Los Angeles which is commonly referred to as Hollywoodland, a desire for orderly, safe and beautiful maintenance of their residences, gardens, lawns, and properties in said general area; and to obtain in connection there with a cooperative spirit in encouraging others to assist therein, and participate to encourage the adoption of all lawful and useful fire prevention practices.”
• With a shortage of manpower due to World War II, Angelinos needed to become resourceful.  In 1942, much like today,  Hollywoodlanders came to their own rescue.   Because of the threat from fire bombing and brush fires the Hollywoodland association bought its own fire truck and  manned it with residents trained by LAFD.   These protection measures were in place when the open space was owned and operated by the Sherman Company.  Perhaps the writing was on the wall two years later when the Sherman Company realized the liability in protecting this hazardous area.   With little hope of more home development they concluded gifting the land for $1 to the city (in 1944) was a smart business decision.

• History shows HGP open space is probably just as fire prone today as it was in 1942.  The adjacent Hollywoodland residential community is still advocating more safety measures and there are still people who care about this special and environmentally sensitive space. Maybe Santa will bring a new fire truck to tract 6450 and a volunteer fire team to boot!

• On a happier note as we enter into 2018 we wish all  our followers and members a fresh new year filled with health, happiness and realized dreams for a preserved HGP!

Sincerely,

C. Mills OBrien

HGP is NOT the new “Access Hollywood”                                                               How GPS and selfies are causing chaos at the famous ‘Hollywood’ sign

An influx of visitors to the LA landmark is testing local infrastructure and the environment The Financial Times

by A.K. Thomson

November 3, 2017 It is a cloudless, sun-kissed morning in Los Angeles and Gabriel Velasco feels a swelling pride at the thought that he can now strike off one of the items from his bucket list. “I have finally arrived,” says the Filipino student, 20, gazing up at the Hollywood sign from the edge of a narrow, winding street. “I have dreamt about coming here for years.”

So, it seems, have plenty of others. As he holds up his “selfie” stick in front of LA’s premier landmark, several tourists, mobile phones at the ready, get out of an Uber to take pictures. Another vehicle, this time a Lyft, lets out three more phone-wielding passengers, who start posing for portraits in front of the world’s best-known sign.

Until a decade ago, most visitors to LA stayed away from the labyrinthine residential lanes around the white letters, settling for pictures taken from the city streets below. But the advent of GPS-equipped smartphones, coupled with the selfie craze, has created a new breed of tourist, determined to return home with a self-portrait taken directly underneath the icon that has dominated the hilltop for almost a century. “In the era of GPS and social media, the attraction to these areas has been great,” admits Sarah Dusseault, chief of staff for the local council member David Ryu. “And the ‘how to get there’ [information] has been spread far and wide.”

From the residential areas of Hollywoodland beneath the sign, there are no official entrances to Griffith Park and Mount Lee, the steep, brush-covered hill where the sign is perched. Still the influx is so great it is straining local infrastructure and exposing the absence of facilities to cope with the growing numbers. Some days thousands make the journey — causing chaos along the neighbourhood’s tiny streets.

Read the full article here

Autumn in the Park

Fall, is a time of changing weather patterns.  The HGP continues to be over run with tourists, traffic and hikers. This dangerous chaos, coupled with studies authorized by city government then meetings, promises and more promises has led to nothing but a lot of inaction.  None seem  to preserve and protect the environment and the Sherman Company’s gift.

A former Councilman was observed picking up trash and then later leading a group of retired city employees throughout the HGP area.  In a conversation with one resident he claimed” the city won’t do anything”. These might be the truest words he ever spoke.  As a long time fixture of the city, he would know.

The city, specifically the Recreation and Parks Department is looking for ways to generate money to support maintenance in the park but they are letting valuable  opportunities slip away. Here are a few ideas:

For several years we have asked RAP management about:

• Issuing a concessionaires fee to the Chamber and Sign Trust, based on the revenue from the service mark and sign usage. Currently they do not collect any fees from the Trust/Chamber  for using the Mt.Lee parcel within the HGP .  The last signed use agreement between the Chamber and city lapsed almost 70 years ago.
• Fine people offering paid for tours in the park
• Increase the trespassing fee into prohibited areas of the park
• Apply muni code to cars illegally parked off road.
• Cite campers and oversized vehicles parking off road onto sensitive wildlife corridors and habitat vegetation.   Who could guess the HGP is in ”EXISTING SIGNIFICANT ECOLOGICAL AREA” when little care is given to the wildlife, their corridors and the flora and fauna.

The Native Plant Restoration Plan pictured below will solve the problems of illegal off street parking, unauthorized footpaths and intrusion into the animal habitat.

This plan also creates a safe street by eliminating foot traffic and unauthorized viewing sites.  Enormous benefits for the environment, the taxpayers and visitors alike!

We are generating a fund to implement this plan so please email HollywoodlandGiftedPark@gMail.com if you would like to contribute.  The city’s latest recommendation is a fence, but that ignores the environmental impact of the animal migration.

HGP supporters have reviewed and submitted their comments about the Hollywood Community Plan to LA City Planning. There are many plan components that affect open space. We hope our comments  will  assure protection  and restoration of the unique conditions identified in HGP.

It seems government refuses to apply laws to their own actions, specifically CEQA approvals.  This is evident in the HGP and its adjacent areas.  The City along with some of their consultants took the following actions without the benefits of citizen interaction or environmental review:

• Grading of the unauthorized switchback between 3204 and 3400 Beachwood Drive
• Bollards bordering the western most section of HGP
• new signage
• a drop off and pick up area for commercial transport drivers
• proposed fencing that would continue to foster unsafe conditions
• creation of unauthorized trails and pathways

Want to beautify your own hillside with historic native blooms?  The Payne Foundation has duplicated the original seed mix sown in Hollywoodland era 1923.  Contact us and we will provide you with the seed mix to spread our historical message.

Take a peek at the latest Moses Sherman (P-22) Mountain Lion video that one of our Beachwood Drive Platinum Level supporters shared with us.  He is a beauty!  View P22 here!

There is something that can protect this very sensitive and high fire area:  Environmental review and a caring city government.  Your ideas to encourage this might save a very important space.

Most sincerely,

C. Mills OBrien

Our Summer of Illegal Accesss in HGP

The Summer of Access, Safety at What Price?

All the discussion among the Griffith Park people revolve around access into the park.  They seem to forget what a legal access into a city park is. Below is an inquiry I poised to the GM along with accompanying photos: Email sent to Joe Salaices General Manager Griffith Park on 7/31/2017.  To date no response.“Why is there an inconsistency with this legal entrance at Canyon relative to our  (HGP)unauthorized entrances?

Note the following facts shown in these photos: sunrise to sunset, 2 locked gates, a posted phone number to exit if caught behind the gate after the sunset closure time. Joe, you need to clarify these differences, you need to explain to the Oaks folks, FOGP, Gerry and Mr. Gatto the facts.  I look forward to discussing this further, perhaps at the commission.

Hearing Crickets in the Heat!  August and September are our dry, fire watch months, but I keep hearing crickets ?  There is silence to our inquiries for protection of the wild flora and fauna despite our many pleas.   With thousands of unmonitored tourists/hikers, how can this be regulated?  This 1992 memo  discusses various municipal codes still on the books. Anyone listening? Where is the enforcement?

Help us on our journey to preserve the HGP and Hollywoodland by eMailing us at HollywoodlandGiftedPark@gMail.com with your thoughts and ideas.  We look forward to hearing from YOU!

Most Sincerely,

C. Mills OBrien

Spring Forward

April and May  bloomed with  invasive intervenors from some people serving on these boards and groups:  Friends of Griffith Park, Griffith Park Advisory Board, Hollywood United Neighborhood Councils, Lake Hollywood Estates, the Oaks Homeowners  and the Federation of Hillsides and Canyons.  In April some of these same people  had a peaceful, but silly protest outside of the easement gate at the end of Beachwood Drive (bordering the HGP). It is certainly their right to express their opinions, but opinions without the facts make a discussion not very credible.  As a follow up to their tantrum,  the intervenors (including the Griffith Family Trust) filed a legal action, asking  to be  included in a March judicial decision made to close of the easement road. In June the judge denied the intervenors request.

The intervenors  lack of facts was puzzling and disappointing.  Their complaint revolved around an untrue  claim that  the 444 acre Sherman gift was part of the original Griffith donation.  We hope the intervenors will continue to enlighten themselves with historical facts and obtain a clearer understanding of the wonderful, unique Sherman Company Gift  and the associated restrictions /relationship it has to adjacent property owners.  Oh, I might add my intervenor friends refute the Sherman land was a gift.  To set the record straight it was given for $1.00 you can decide if that is a gift or not! Help us on our journey to preserve the HGP and Hollywoodland by eMailing us today at HollywoodlandGiftedPark@gMail.com with your thoughts and ideas.

We look forward to hearing from YOU!

Most Sincerely,

C. Mills O’Brien

The Sunset Ranch WINS INJUNCTION against the City of Los Angeles!

Our historic Sunset Ranch Stables ride again by winning their injunction against the City of Los Angeles!   On March 13, 2017 litigators for the Ranch and City met before The Honrable Judge Elizabeth Feffer in the City of Los Angeles Superior Court. The Honorable Judge Feffer listened to the facts, reviewed the law and made a decision based on the agreement with  both parties to close the gate that  dead ends from Beachwood Drive to the easement road leading to the Sunset Ranch and their 2 acre parcel.

This is not just about safety, property rights, small business ownership, but also about  the rich equestrian history that has graced Hollywoodland  and Los Angeles.   In the early 1940’s the Sherman Company  (who owned the surrounding 444  acres) gave the Sunset Ranch  an ingress/egress easement (*1) for the purpose of accessing  their property located inside Sherman’s open space.  Then in 1944, Sherman quit claimed  the open space to the City of Los Angeles .  The Ranch’s easement is noted in the quit claim deed, on tract maps  and continues  to be a valid document.

Court discussions regarding the easement and injunction included the safety aspects of pedestrians walking the narrow, winding hillside streets without sidewalks as well as  the negative effects on the Ranch business and adjacent neighborhood.

The guards will be posted at Beachwood where it dead-ends for 4-6 weeks and  electronic signs will be changed to  direct people to Canyon Drive (with its  two parking lots, sidewalks and adjoining hiking trails).

Most Sincerely,

C. Mills O’Brien

Footnote

(1) A few more points about the Sunset Ranch and their ingress/egress easement.

This is an appurtenant easement, which means that the easement is permanent stays with the land. This is important because it shows the Sherman Company’s intent that this easement lasts forever instead of expiring if the ranch ever changed ownership. It also proves that the Sherman Company valued the bridle trails so much, that they ensured that any new owner of the stables would have the same easement rights as their predecessor. It reinforces the original Hollywoodland advertisement, which stresses the importance of the bridle paths and the stables. For the last 90+ years, horses have been a big part of this neighborhood and are an important part of our history.

Although the judge declared that the easement was not exclusive, having a non-exclusive easement does not mean that either party is free to use the easement in any way they want. Easement rights are fundamental property law rights, and neither party can interfere with the other’s use of the easement. The City “unduly and unreasonably interfered” (the judge’s words) with the Stables’ easement rights by allowing thousands of people per month to traverse the easement road, and that is why the judge ordered an injunction and ordered the city to stop allowing access to the park through the easement road.

The non-exclusive ruling is what some people are not understanding.  A non-exclusive easement doesn’t mean the City can do whatever they want.  The Stables have rights to ingress and egress and the city cannot interfere with their easement rights. The City can still use the easement road in common with the Stables, but what they can’t do, is use it for a hiking trail for thousands of people per month. According to all parties involved in the lawsuit, Canyon Drive was the best alternative.

Judge Feffer order, also acknowledged that the easement road was never an officially recognized entrance to the park. “The Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners never approved the Beachwood Gate being an access point to Griffith Park . . . .” Griffith Park entrances of Canyon, Vermont, Riverside, Ferndall  and Forest Lawn were all approved, recognized official entrances into the park with the proper attributes/ amenities (sidewalks, wider roads, bathrooms, etc).  To learn more about the 110 year Canyon Drive entrance please look at headers:   Land, Hollywoodland Gifted Park, 1923-1944, The Quarry

Wondorus Winter!

May the New Year be generous in recognizing the preservation aspects of HGP and give us what was intended by the Sherman Company years ago; a passive open space, peace, unadorned equestrian trails, removal of  hiking directional signs, no trash, no litter, no public urination and defection, a wise city council, and an astute city attorney. Victory is envisioned for the Sunset Stables lawsuit and HBDU’s environmental  battle so the unauthorized opening will be shut in 2017.

Our wishes to you for a happy healthy new year!

Updates and Concerns

There have been no updates from the Committee to Save the Hollywoodland Specific Plan appeal of RAP’s DEIR Circulation Plan or the FAA regarding the October incident of the dangling dummy from a rope propelled from a helicopter attempting to view the Hollywood sign.

There is also no curtailing of the volume of tourists and hikers traversing into a “very high fire hazardous severity zone”  with substandard infra structure and no official/proper safe entrances into the open space.  With parking restrictions the volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic has increased and mutated into Uber, Lyft, taxis, vans and buses.  It’s like the pea pods in the “Invasion of the Body Snatcher “movie!

The Sunset Ranch lawsuit, upholding  their long standing exclusive ingress/ egress easement has been postponed again.   The tentative schedule is late January, 2017.  Contact us for updates.

Mt. Lee a safety net for the city?

Watch this video and see the negligence of City, particularly the LAPD who manage the Main Communication towers at the the top of Mt. Lee, adjacent to the sign.  That facility houses national and local government agencies for communication, a water fill station for LAFD helicopters, stores thousands of gallons of diesel fuel, generators etc. for back up.  Why isn’t this secure?  Why are people allowed to mill about, unscreened in a severe mountain fire zone?   If you were responsible for the lives of 5 million people would you be this cavalier ?

Beachwood Canyon residents have been complaining about visitors to the Hollywood sign for years, but this week they say the situation has gotten even worse than usual and it’s creating a safety hazard. Gordon Tokumatsu reports on our situation for the NBC4 News at 4 Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016 CLICK HERE TO SEE THE NBC VIDEO!

HGP  land adjacent to Mt. Lee continues to be  vulnerable.

That hilltop compound provides important safety components to adjacent neighborhoods and the entire city of Los Angeles.

Here are a few:

• A primary communication venue for the second largest city in the United States (agencies for federal, state and city).
• A site-sensitive mountain fire district with 6,000 gallons of diesel fuel underground.
• Encouraging/promoting the public to traverse this area with limited protection/monitoring
• Tyrolean tank is the water source for the LAFD air drop water fill system and is the delivery system for the adjacent communities water.
• A world renown icon visible from 20 miles away advertising awareness.

Why does the city subject Mt. Lee and the adjacent environs to uncertainties when it provides irreplaceable important functions for every citizen and visitor?

In October/November, the city’s engineering department initiated the Mt. Lee Pumping Station and Pipeline Project.  The purpose was to replace the waterline from the Tyrolean Tank below Mt. Lee  which in turn feeds into the  underground cistern at the top.  This cistern is the fill station for LAFD helicopters, primarily used for water drops during fires.  Five different city agencies were involved in the planning execution and an EIR was conducted by an outside firm.  This is all good.   Reasons for the upgrade is all good, but the lack of transparency and out reach and the inaccurate EIR is not.  Once again, like so many things the city does, the Hollywoodland community and HGP were not informed of the project finding out after the fact.

So why am I nitpicking about not being included in the dialogue?  Two reasons, we live here and care about the affects of the adjacent park land and Hollywoodland residents also get water from the Tyrolean Tank.  Transparent government is a benefit to all and is should be a principle of our democratic process.

Convent girls running through the brothel of bureaucracy

At an August 18 meeting with the council office we were told a trilogy locked pedestrian gate would be installed at Deronda, Mulholland Hwy.  We were also told it would take 6 weeks (42 days), but as I write this we are at 107 days and no gate!

For those of you who believe in the fair and democratic principles of our country please do not give up.

Good honest, citizens will prevail when  truth is irrefutable.  Keep documenting the wildlife andappreciate those beautiful images of the open-space of our mountains, the peace and tranquility they offer to all species.

Help us on our journey to preserve the HGP and Hollywoodland by eMailing us today at HollywoodlandGiftedPark@gMail.comwith your thoughts and ideas.

We look forward to hearing from YOU!

Most Sincerely,

C. Mills O’Brien

Autum unfolds!

Our fall season includes dormant vegetation, animals preparing for cooler, rainy weather and of course Halloween. That made us think of all the scary things in/or associated with HGP:

• Lack of enforcement when park patrons use snow skis on dry sloping hillsides
• LAPD’s main communication tower employees who ignore dangling stuntman/helicopter from the Hollywood sign.
• Fires adjacent to HGP viewed as “undetermined “by city officials.

  

• “Miner’s light” hiking in the park ,a new trend at midnight.
• Graffiti identifying the unauthorized vistas as gang territory.
• Stressed wild animals ( fox, bobcat, coyote, raccoons) observed out of their natural (interior) habitat.
• 18 wheeled semi trucks traversing to a phantom rest stop with no turn around.
• mayor and other city officials who continue to authorize/promote environmental abuse in the park.
• a city unwilling to recognize environmental disasters that have been created by unauthorized, bootlegged alterations.

The latest scary HGP adventure has been an unauthorized dangling (dummy -like) human, roped from a helicopter on October 4. Adjacent HGP neighbors heard and viewed the whole event; an event staged for a “You Tube” video initiated by a stunt performer. A few thoughts on this: what would happen if he fell? Who would be liable ? Why wasn’t there any reaction from the LAPD main communication tower ? Why was there little regard for the surrounding neighborhood, the gift and its’ flora and fauna?

That intrusion into animal habitat is becoming a 24-7 occurrence. Ridge line neighbors have observed “hikers” with miners lights walking the hills all hours of the night. Who is managing the gift? After hours ranger calls go to directly to the LAPD Mt. Lee station. Doubtful a hiker’s folly has weight over real crime, murders, etc. Thus the late night hike behavior is accepted.

And then there is the latest craze, using snow skis for dry runs on the HGP slopes near the Hollyridge bridle path. We are aware city officials sanctioned unauthorized digging and alterations in the HGP area to create viewing platforms at Mulholland/Canyon and somehow convinced someone to create and ad hoc switchback walking path and 20 gravel parking spaces. Should we assume if one person can create this type of illegal use others feel they can get away with it too? I guess the answer could be: yes, they are doing this and they will continue to get away with it because, the city does not care and the elected officials have a different agenda: promote tourism and hiking, see the Hollywood sign!

Please encourage the efforts of the Sunset Ranch and their fight for the long standing (1940’s) exclusive ingress,egress easement for their property rights of the unimproved roadway/driveway off Beachwood Drive. The court date originally scheduled for October 18, 2016 has been moved to November 16, 2016.

Recreation and Parks tells us they lack funding, but continue to ignore obvious revenue sources. RAP allows the Hollywood Sign Trust and Hollywood Chamber to use the public’s Hollywood sign without charging a concessionaire fee (something that could fund a Ranger or two).

When RAP’s circulation plan went before their commission on September 9 some of us expressed concerns that Mt. Hollywood Drive would not be reopened. Mt. Hollywood is an official, safe, paved 32 foot wide road extending and uniting the northern edge from Forest Lawn to Vermont. Opening Mt. Hollywood Drive could have reintroduced logical traffic circulation, proven effective for many decades, pre 1992. The adopted plan omitted its opening.

Kudos to the Committee to Save the Hollywoodland Specific Plan for filing an appeal to the proposed RAP circulation plan. READ the appeal here This appeal was supported by HBDU Homeowners on Beachwood Drive,HHA Hollywoodland Homeowners Association Inc. and HGP Hollywoodland Gifted Park. READ the support of the appeal here.

And then finally, the scariest thing is HGP is in a severe fire hazard area. Our mayor and his colleagues continue to ignore this while allowing/encouraging people to traverse through unsafe, unauthorized areas. This is continued poor management, lack of grace and respect for a precious gift and this sensitive environment!

• What can you do to help save the HGP and its environs?
• Donate money to the Sunset Ranch or HBDU for their legal expenses associated with the circulation appeal, easements, nuisance suit.
• Plant some wildflowers reflective of the original Payne plantings and smile knowing you recreated a sense of history and their blooms will foster, insects and butterflies.
• Sponsor/fund a camera trap , especially if your property borders the HGP.
• Donate funds to hire a biologist to identify and document the flora, fauna and wildlife in order to create an environmental preserve .
• Attend/speak at city hall, write letters to promote and educate officials and the public about the precious Sherman gift that is being abused, mismanaged and neglected by the city.

Help us on our journey to preserve the HGP and Hollywoodland by eMailing us today at HollywoodlandGiftedPark@gMail.comwith your thoughts and ideas.

We look forward to hearing from YOU!

Most Sincerely,

C. Mills O’Brien

Late Summertime in the Park!

The end of summer is the beginning of fire season. One neighbor lamented the mandatory brush clearance left his hillside nude and possibly destroyed some of his well documented, original native California flora, but this is a penance for safety. There is little we can do to defy nature and rules. We are reminded how vulnerable this special area is, being the farthest area into the canyon (compared to our other easterly adjacent Griffith Park neighbors). We are also reminded the 1961 fire destroyed significant amounts of brush in the HGP and Griffith Park as well as some of the wonderful historic structures in Hollywoodland , like the Norman Castle, Erte’s Beachwood Drive home and the Aldous Huxley home with his valuable manuscripts.

See the wildfire that threatened HGP this July.

A team of dedicated HGP supporters are documenting all its environmental components. Your help is welcomed, specifically if you have a camera trap adjacent to the HGP space. Photos and videos will show the animal paths, their condition as well as species. They may even show us what the animals are eating; discarded bags of chips, plastics and perhaps even sips of beer? We have a great beginning relative to the flora and butterfly identification, but still need assistance with birds and insects. Please contact us if you are interested and can share data.

Animal observations have been abundant. Animal lovers have reported the sightings of the maimed coyotes. A property owner is using a high powered German style BB gun, targeting the coyotes front legs and ears. Animal Services Officer Dinh has been monitoring this. We hope our animal ID program will document the number of animals maimed while also identifying different coyote packs. Their size, colors and demeanor seems to vary significantly throughout the HGP.

An odd wailing sound has been heard from the Durand Ridge and the Mulholland/ Deronda portion of the HGP. Apparently, it is similar to a woman screaming and has initiated calls to LAPD, helicopters, search teams, etc only to determine it was a lonely, sad, vocal creature. Was she trying to communicate her concerns about HGP’s neglect? A HGP supporter shared this You Tube video that may explain the wails. Please listen and let us know if you agree.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSyi9AK3gtw&sns=em

or https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsFC3GLzw6w

Oscar, the guard at the end of Beachwood reports Mama Bobcat has a kitten. With the hordes of “hikers” its amazing they can even survive in their imposed habitat. I am happy to report             Joe Salices, GM for Griffith Park removed the picnic benches at the end of Beachwood inside the HGP.  Thank you Joe, we appreciate your attention.

The western area of the HGP continues to be tourist driven with little quantifiable monitoring. Oversized, overweight vans crowd the area, all illegal. The natural flora continues to be trampled by foot and auto traffic. There is no attempt to replant or reforest the area despite a wonderful, functional landscape plan that incorporated native plants. This plan was developed almost two years ago by a landscape architect with the purpose of bringing the natural, original plant life back and restoring the unauthorized clearing and footpaths. This plan has been presented many times in the last two years and has been ignored and dismissed without any dialogue. Why? Politics? Lack of concern? Promotion of the mayor’s tourist agenda? Its not money, because we even had that covered !

Help us on our journey to preserve the HGP and Hollywoodland by eMailing us today at HollywoodlandGiftedPark@gMail.com with your thoughts and ideas.

We look forward to hearing from YOU!

Most Sincerely,

C. Mills O’Brien

Summer has arrived!

Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri)

Memorial Day traditionally is the beginning of summer, a time  HGP probably has the most wear and tear and abuse.  During May we saw a young hiker stranded inside the Rock Quarry off Canyon Drive watch video #1 here and the next week a man/child perched himself on the letter D of the Hollywood(land) sign. watch video #2 here.This happened while two full time people monitored the sign and its environs with a very precise and sensitive camera system from the Main Communication Tower at Mt. Lee.  This strategic facility is operated by the LAPD and they are the most qualified department to monitor and assure safety to our citizens.   Both incidents created deafening helicopter noise, sirens and all sorts of the media outlets including free advertising for the banner waving, dangling human.  It also translates into an increase use in “hikers”  many clad in flip-flops and beach type garb.  As the old advertising campaign goes:  the more you show or use a product the more awareness it generates and thus the more use and abuse of HGP.  Expect more incidents, expect more use; environment and neighborhood be damned. Something to think about regarding the misuse of the HGP incidents such as these:  what about the environment?  What about the wildlife?  The habitat for P-22 and the bobcats, birds, etc?  We residents can attest to the noise issue of the EMT equipment, imagine the sensitive hearing the wildlife has and the imposition all the noise creates with them.

Another imposing and unsafe concern is the excessive use of drones  particularly to capture a view of the sign.  This action is a complete disregard for others.  One of our Hollywoodland neighbor’s experienced a drone hitting her dog in the mouth and nose.  LAPD Officer Sanchez says he can only take police reports involving humans and drones are perfectly legal in the city. People trying to make this a livable city are fighting the tourist trade that seems to have more validation than the voters who live here.

Griffith Park General Manager, Joe Salaices stated the removal of many of the garbage cans throughout HGP was necessary to eliminate costs of trash pick up.  A group of volunteers are photo documenting the increase of garbage scattered without receptacles.  We will submit a report in late summer.

And finally, we are going on almost two years for those unauthorized picnic benches placed near the Sunset Stables.  We have been assured they would be removed.  It seems our city does exactly what they want.  A sad statement about rules, due process and respect for the community and the Gift.

You will see new postings of some wildflowers, bobcats as well podcast about the first Boy Scout Frederick Russell Burnham  and a recent book review of The Splendid Savage by Steve Kemper.

This is my speculation; I feel Mr. Burnham and his family had an affinity to the open space that Hollywoodland offered and this is why they chose to build two magnificent residences on Hollywoodland’s ridgeline.  These homes  offered a relationship to the HGP land, the reservoir and the city and maybe his world wide affinity for similar visuals experienced throughout his career as a scout.  Listen to the podcasts and imagine yourself living on that ridge with very few homes and a vastness of our HGP, then imagine how we might save the HGP and Hollywoodland.

Help us on our journey to preserve the HGP and Hollywoodland by eMailing us today at HollywoodlandGiftedPark@gMail.com with your thoughts and ideas.

We look forward to hearing from YOU!

Most Sincerely,

C. Mills O’Brien

This Spring join us in celebration!

Seventy one (71) years ago Earl Haskell represented the M.H. Sherman Company gifting Hollywoodland’s 444.5 acres of open space to the City of Los Angeles. That transaction took place at the December 18, 1944 Board of Playground and Recreation Commissioners meeting in City Hall. This was the largest single donation (other than the original Colonel Griffith land, 3,800 plus acres.) This humble gift was given with little fanfare, with little name recognition and yet it holds some of the most precious, eco sensitive land and wildlife in the entire park system.

So in this season of renewal, think about giving back to our community by reinforcing Sherman’s intent and purpose. Do this by helping us preserve the gift; protecting Hollywoodland’s history her sensitive environment, the existing roadway/water easements and encourage ingress and egress to the gift through the only legal opening, Brush Canyon at Canyon Drive. Encourage the city to remove all the destructive accouterments that were added at Canyon Lake/Mulholland Highway that never had approvals or authorizations and encourage the city to respect the Cultural Heritage designations within the gift, the Hollywood(land) sign, the historic walls and the park itself. The gift should be respected and embraced not abused and destroyed.

When I was a little girl growing up on our Wisconsin farm we occupied time much differently than children living in the city. We walked to our two room grade school encompassing ourselves in nature, explored for wild flowers in our woods, camped out with our horse, and engaged in the domestic arts of cooking and sewing. One boring summer my time occupier was a thread and linen fabric stitchery project.The saying said: “Yours is the earth and everything in it.”

When I decided the public, neighborhood and the city officials needed a better understanding about the history of this magnificent, unique Hollywoodland Gifted Park Land, that simple saying came to mind. This is our earth, we are the caretakers of it for the next generations to understand and embrace . I hope the facts and information I have gathered about Hollywoodland and her Gifted Park Land will generate a new respect and appreciation for the people that shaped her and cared for her. Hollywoodland and her Gifted park Land is a unique, historic and tranquil space in the center of a vibrant city. It is the adjacent 444 acres that makes living in Hollywoodland special.

Hollywoodland Gifted Park
A Designated Significant Ecological Area (SEA) within the County of Los Angeles

SEAs are officially designated areas within the County identified for their biological value. These areas warrant special management because they contain biotic resources that are considered to be rare or unique; are critical to the maintenance of wildlife; represent relatively undisturbed areas of County habitat types; or serve as linkages.

Learn more about Designated Significant Ecological Areas

We hope you will find this Hollywoodland Gifted Park website both informative and educational and in the process have some fun!

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