*One of the most iconic symbols in Los Angeles goes dark every evening, and the explanation involves money, wildlife, and neighborhood disputes.
What was planned as an 18-month promotional fixture became permanent as Hollywood’s entertainment industry flourished and the sign evolved into a cultural icon. Upkeep quickly became problematic, with the lighting system shut down by 1933 due to prohibitive expenses and the wooden structure suffering damage from weather and vandals. Community sentiment soured, and some locals advocated for the sign’s complete demolition.
…