Smokey Bear Is Moving Into the Hollywood Hills

Just in time for fire season, which really is a year-round event for the Hollywood Hills, one neighborhood council is stepping up their efforts to warn people in their territory about fire dangers.

There are already several existing signs near Lake Hollywood that warn visitors not to smoke in the area, but none that have the weight of Smokey Bear. Literally, these new signs weigh-in at 525 pounds collectively.

The new aluminum Smokey Bear signs, sponsored by the Hollywood United Neighborhood Council, will be posted at six spots under the Hollywood sign.

The signs will be unveiled Thursday during an 8 a.m. ceremony with Councilman Tom LaBonge near Sunset Ranch at 3400 N. Beachwood Drive.

The neighborhood council funded the signs in response to a reported at a popular viewing spot of the Hollywood Sign.

The fire was determined to have been deliberately set and there is an ongoing investigation, LAFD spokesman Erik Scott told Patch.

The neighborhood council is funding the signs at a cost of about $7,500 from an overall budget allocated by the city. The cost covers an anti-graffiti coat of paint and a way to deeply secure the signs into the ground.

HUNC president Susan Swan said the money was allocated for Sunday's upcoming council election, and Thursday's event serves as a way to get the word out about the election and the role of the council.

"People need to realize the partnership that's available between the community, the city council and neighborhood council," Swan said. "We are elected volunteers and our mandate is to try to assist our community in obtaining city services.... We help purchase school supplies, assist the homeless. We do everything and anything people have a passion for."

Swan said locals are invited to attend a "Meet the Candidates" event on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Victor's Restaurant, 1917 N. Bronson Ave. There will be complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and house wines can be purchased for $2.25 a glass.

Like all neighborhood councils within Hollywood, HUNC's election is scheduled for Sunday. Its election will be held at Cheremoya Avenue Elementary's auditorium from 3 to 5 p.m. The school is at 6017 Franklin Ave. 

For more information visit: www.hollywoodunitednc.org.

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