The recent settlement of a lawsuit alleging that the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce mismanaged funds earmarked for the upkeep of the Hollywood sign and the Walk of Fame raises questions. The appearance of conflict of interest has tainted the process, and while the agreement may improve management of these landmarks, the public had a right to expect more.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has managed the upkeep of the Hollywood Walk of Fame (the decorative sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard) and the Hollywood sign, (which looms above Griffith Park) since 1978, when the chamber raised funds to save the sign from demolition. The chamber oversees two trusts that maintain these public properties with up to $100,000 earned annually from sales of the lucrative trademarks to the sign and the walk of fame.
