Hollywood Sign to be Covered in Fundraising Effort
HOLLYWOOD Sign to be Covered in Campaign to Save Cahuenga Peak From Carolyn Ramsay 2/9/2010 City Hall Room 480, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213)485-3337 fx: (213)624-7810 Media Contact: Carolyn Ramsay (213) 359-3593
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOLLYWOOD Sign to be Covered in Campaign to Save Cahuenga Peak
Los Angeles (February 9, 2010) - Councilmember Tom LaBonge and officials from the Trust for Public Land announced the launch of a $12.5 million fundraising campaign to preserve the view of the HOLLYWOOD Sign, expand Griffith Park and save 138 pristine acres from residential development.
Councilmember LaBonge has been working to acquire the land, known as Cahuenga Peak, which was on the open market for $22 million. To preserve the land for hiking and recreational uses for future generations of Angelenos, he enlisted the help of the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national land conservation organization, to raise money for the acquisition.
"More than one hundred acres of open land and the view of the one of the world's most famous landmarks, the HOLLYWOOD Sign, are threatened with development," Councilmember LaBonge said. "It is absolutely critical that we acquire this property."
The owners have agreed to sell the land to TPL for $12.5 million, but they must raise the funds by mid-April or the deal is off. Through public and private sources $6 million has been raised so far, including $1 million from the Tiffany & Co. Foundation. To promote this public fundraising campaign the sign will temporarily be covered with the message, "SAVE THE PEAK."
"To have the opportunity to protect 138 acres of untouched land in one of the most urban cities in the country is nothing short of miraculous," said Jay Dean, Chief Marketing Officer for TPL. "We are getting support from the Hollywood community, from the Tiffany Foundation but we need support from anyone who cares about the Hollywood and/or parks and open space. We only have two months to go."
"The Hollywood Sign is an American icon that holds a unique place in the nation's collective imagination and the cultural history of Los Angeles," said Michael J. Kowalski, chairman and CEO of Tiffany & Co. "As an American institution, Tiffany has enjoyed its share of memorable movie moments and through our foundation, is committed to protecting our natural resources and pleased to assist The Trust for Public Land in protecting this historically significant site."
For more information, see http://www.savehollywoodland.org/