Locals vs. Tourist Crowds: Residents of Lake Hollywood File Lawsuit

In 2017, Cynthia Cobb and her husband sought a home with scenic views when they moved to Lake Hollywood. They found one offering dramatic vistas of the Hollywood sign. Initially, the occasional visitors to the nearby park for photo opportunities did not bother them. Traffic was minimal, as most park-goers were locals walking their dogs.

However, Cobb, a Hollywood High School counselor, noticed a change post-pandemic. The park saw increasing numbers of tourists obstructing her driveway and disregarding parking rules. These visitors smoked and littered, leaving cigarette butts even on days of high fire risk. On Monday, a neighborhood group filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass, and Councilmember Nithya Raman, seeking action against these issues.

They are at their wits’ end, said attorney Ilan Wurman, who represents around 100 residents from Hollywoodland, Lake Hollywood Estates, and Hollywood Knolls.

According to the lawsuit, public nuisance conditions have arisen due to actions taken by the city, including modifications made 15 years ago to create a viewing spot by clearing brush. This led to increased tourist presence, accompanied by unsanitary behaviors like public urination and defecation. The city has been accused of ignoring complaints from residents over the years.

Access to the Hollywood sign has long been contentious. The sign is not open to visitors, which has led to disputes over street closures and hiking access. Some tourists accuse homeowners of making the sign difficult to reach for selfies. Evidence in the lawsuit includes a 2025 photo of cigarette butts collected by a resident.

Ilan Wurman, a University of Minnesota professor, known for a notable lawsuit in Phoenix over a homeless encampment, represents the residents. Cobb read about Wurman’s previous work in the New York Times and prompted a neighbor to reach out to him.

The lawsuit alleges that the city actively participated in creating the tourist spot without addressing its consequences. It claims that actions by the city encouraged nuisance conditions in the area, as exemplified by the 2011 incident where Councilman Tom LaBonge cleared brush near Canyon Lake Drive for tourists.

Local authorities have responded, with Bass’ office mentioning added police units and traffic plans for peak congestion times. Raman’s office stated they have adjusted staffing and funding for police and traffic enforcement and are piloting a traffic management plan for peak days, to be tested before the 2028 Olympics. The city attorney’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

Concerns about crowding date back; The Times reported on these issues in 2011. Residents like Sarajane Schwartz warned that improvements near the sign would attract more tourists. The current lawsuit seeks an injunction rather than financial compensation, aiming for measures like those used around the Eiffel Tower or replanting vegetation at the viewing site.

Problems intensify during holidays; Cobb describes how short drives can balloon into 45-minute ordeals. Fears about potential emergencies, like the Palisades and Eaton fires, loom due to the narrow roads. Tourists often approach Cobb’s door seeking restroom access, and she considers additional facilities might help, though traffic remains a worry. The park was never meant for tourists, she insists.

Cobb hopes an injunction will prompt the city to alleviate these issues. I’m hoping to feel safe in my neighborhood again, she said.