New “no smoking” signs in Griffith Park have been funded by LFIA, in collaboration with the Griffith Park Advisory Board, to support the existing city-wide ban on smoking in all Los Angeles City parks.
As the signs state, violators could face fines up to $1,000.
“The LFIA considers smoking anywhere in Griffith Park an existential risk to our neighborhoods, not to mention the flora and fauna of America’s largest urban wilderness park,” said Chris Laib, LFIA’s environment committee chair.
The signs will be placed at heavily used trailheads and in the Griffith Park golf parking lots. The majority of the signs, replacing defaced and damaged ones, will be affixed to existing posts.
Laib said the signs will serve notice to park patrons that it is illegal to smoke in Griffith Park, which has the city’s highest fire hazard zone designation. Most importantly, the signs will cite the city municipal code and the fine, a requirement for court enforcement of the ordinance.
Griffith Park’s Chief Ranger Joe Loserelli states that the ranger division has a “zero tolerance” policy regarding smoking and these signs will help enforce the no-smoking ban.
LFIA recently went on record stating that smoking should be illegal in all areas of the park, including the three golf courses and park venues where smoking is currently allowed. (See LFIA’s smoking ban letter)
Top photo: Tracy James of Recreation and Parks, Griffith Park Advisory and LFIA board member Chris Laib and LFIA President Amy Gustincic with a new no-smoking sign
