HOLLYWOOD — Someone has managed to modify the famed Hollywood sign to read “Hollyweed.”
California’s decision to legalize weed last year apparently left some LA pranksters in high spirits over New Year’s Eve, as the Hollywood sign was altered to read ‘HOLLYWEED’.
Sgt. Trudeau of Security Services says a thrill-seeker climbed the mountain around midnight Sunday.
The sergeant said the person then threw two tarps over the “O’s” to make them appear like “E’s.”
Authorities said the incident was being investigated as misdemeanor trespassing.
On January 1, 1976, Cal State Northridge student Danny Finegood used a $50 pair of curtains to make an identical amendment to the sign.
The team also amended it to ‘Holywood’ for Easter 1976; to Ollywood to protest Marine Lt Col Oliver North amid the Iran-Contra hearings in 1987; and to ‘Oil War’ during the Persian Gulf War in 1990.
As Californians awoke – or left house parties – on Sunday morning, social media lit up with photos and chatter about the prank.
Singer Alex Sloane tweeted: ‘It’s 7:01 am & I just got home and the Hollywod sign says ‘Hollyweed’? Really tho guys.’
Police indicate that they plan to review footage and investigate in order to identify those responsible.
The sergeant indicated that there was security video, though it remains unclear if it will be released.
An official for the Hollywood sign indicate that this isn’t the first time the sign has been the target of a prank or act of vandalism.
Back on Jan. 1, 1976, the sign was altered to read “Hollyweed,” the same day a marijuana law took effect, according to published reports.
This is a developing story. More details will be added as soon as they become available.