Protecting the Legacy of the Iconic Hollywood Sign
In the heart of Los Angeles, where dreams are crafted and legends are born, stands an enduring symbol of ambition and aspiration—the Hollywood Sign. Originally erected as a mere real estate advertisement, the Sign has become an emblem of the entertainment industry, capturing the imaginations of countless people worldwide. At the helm of its preservation and celebration is Jeff Zarrinnam, the Chair of the Hollywood Sign Trust, who has been dedicated to safeguarding this cultural landmark for several years.
Under Zarrinnam’s leadership, the Hollywood Sign Trust, a non-profit organization, has been tirelessly working to repair, maintain, and refurbish the Sign. A team of individuals not only ensures the structural integrity of the letters but also strives to educate the public about the Sign’s historical and cultural significance. For Zarrinnam, born and raised in Los Angeles, this mission is deeply personal and motivating.
Photo Credit: Current Photo - Photo Courtesy of the Hollywood Sign Trust. All Rights Reserved.
Zarrinnam and the team are gearing up for a series of transformative projects to ensure the legacy of the Sign endures for generations to come. From major restoration efforts to innovative initiatives such as a digital time capsule, the organization is committed to preserving this landmark. Zarrinnam answered some questions about the iconic letters.
When did you become the Chair of the Hollywood Sign Trust and what main responsibilities does your position entail? What does the Hollywood Sign mean to you personally?
I became the Chair of the Hollywood Sign Trust in September of 2020. A non-profit formed in 1978, the Hollywood Sign Trust is composed of nine men and women dedicated to repairing, maintaining, refurbishing and providing capital improvements for the benefit of the public at large, and educating the world about the Sign’s historical and cultural importance.
I help lead our trustees and ensure our mission will protect and preserve the Sign for generations to come. This mission, as well as the hopes and dreams the Sign inspires, is an integral part of what the Sign means to me. I was born and raised here, in fact, my mother used to push me in my stroller under the Sign! I have hiked in the area for decades and live in the hills with a view of the Sign, which motivates me every day.
What was the original purpose of the Sign when it was first erected in 1923? How did it transform into a symbol of the entertainment industry?
The Hollywood Sign was first erected in 1923 by a syndicate composed of Eli Clark, General Moses Sherman, Tracy Shoults, Sidney Woodruff and Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler as a $21,000 billboard for an upscale Hollywoodland real estate development. Intended initially to last just 18 months, in 1949 the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce shortened the Sign to the nine-lettered “Hollywood” we see today. The Sign has transcended all expectations. It has captured the imaginations of people around the world as a beacon of the hopes and dreams the movie capital evokes. I’ve heard so many people over the years say that seeing the Sign is on their bucket list and they are thrilled to experience the Hollywood Sign.
Can you describe some of the most significant restoration efforts that have been made to preserve the Sign over the decades?
In 2022, the Hollywood Sign had a transformative “makeover” with painters climbing the 45-foot-high letters with hundreds of gallons of “Hollywood Sign Centennial White” paint to get the Sign ready for its 100th-anniversary close-ups in 2023. There was a ton of interest in this restoration, and it was captured by media from around the world. The Sign had been last painted in 2012 when it celebrated its 90th anniversary.
Recently, we did maintenance on the panels due to damage from boulders; we also do brush clearance and recently replaced the security cameras.
What are the most popular ways for visitors to experience and view the Hollywood sign today?
For hikers, we recommend three trails that are ranked from easy to difficult: the Mt. Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. They offer choices for intrepid seekers, stragglers, dreamers, beginners, children, and the moderately well-conditioned. Find more information about them at https://www.hollywoodsign.org/hiking
Summer is also an ideal time to share a picnic with friends and family. Here are a few of our favorite spots to do so and catch a great view of the Sign:
• The Fern Dell Trail in Griffith Park: View the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Park, 2333 Fern Dell Drive, Los Angeles.
• The Park at Lake Hollywood: Situated between the Lake Hollywood Reservoir and the Hollywood Sign, spread your picnic blanket in the grassy park near the playground at 3160 Canyon Lake Drive, Los Angeles.
• The Three Mile Trail Hollywood Sign Loop: You can take the DASH bus to the Griffith Observatory to enjoy this easy trail which features five viewpoints of the Sign with a fraction of the tourists. Along the way, you can enjoy a picnic spot featuring grass, picnic tables, shade, and water at 2800 E. Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90027-1299.
What plans are in place to ensure the preservation and maintenance of the Sign for future generations?
That is exactly the mission of the Hollywood Sign Trust, to maintain and preserve the Sign. We will continue to ensure it is always ready for its close-up. We will oversee the state-of-the-art security cameras, paint, brush clearance, and safety of the Sign.
What is the Hollywood Sign digital time capsule?
After a monumental 2023 celebrating the Sign's centennial, and now in celebration of the next 100 years, the Hollywood Sign Trust launched an official digital time capsule. We issued a call to action for people to share what the Hollywood Sign means to them and what they would like to see in the capsule. We are using #TimeCapsuleTuesday on Instagram, @hollywoodsigntrust on Threads, and @hollywoodsign on Facebook.
We will be engaging with well-known artists, photographers, writers, icons and celebrities. They will share their impressions, artwork and thoughts about the Sign and what it means to them. Local businesses will also share how the Sign has had an impact on them and their community.
What contests are you holding to make creative individuals get inspired by the Sign?
Throughout the year, we will hold art, photography and writing contests for people to share their impressions, images and thoughts about the Sign. We look forward to highlighting our followers and sharing their art, photos, and essays. People are passionate about the Sign and we want to celebrate this!
What is a little-known fact about the Sign?
The Y is different in height than the rest of the letters.
How much does it cost to visit the Sign?
A lot of people ask us this. It’s absolutely free to hike up to the top of Mount Lee and take in beautiful views of the entire L.A. basin, as well as the Valley and the Sign.
What are the organization’s plans for the future?
We are working toward the highly anticipated Hollywood Sign Visitor Center. And for those who don’t know, you can donate to the Sign at: https://www.hollywoodsign.org/
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