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RESIDENTS LETTER TO MAYOR - Residents near Griffith Park have formally appealed to Mayor Karen Bass, submitting a detailed letter outlining concerns about conditions in and around the park and calling for immediate city action.
The letter, signed by a group of neighborhood residents, argues that longstanding issues have reached a tipping point and require focused leadership, accountability, and coordination among city departments. While the park remains one of Los Angeles’ most iconic public spaces, the residents contend that current policies and enforcement gaps are undermining safety, environmental preservation, and quality of life.
The Residents’ Letter
Below is the full text of the letter submitted to Mayor Bass:
Dear Mayor Bass,
We are writing you in regard to a Road Diet which - if you do not act - will very soon be installed in Griffith Park. Whatever one may believe about Road Diets, it is not clear that this one has been properly studied. Construction is imminent (and in fact may have started).
As you know, Griffith Park is the crown jewel not just of the City of Los Angeles, but also perhaps of our entire region. It would be difficult to overstate just how magnificent and loved it is, by so many of us. And access to nature is essential to mental and physical health.
This significant change may affect access for Angelenos who don’t live near the park, and for the other 6 million residents of LA County, who may not have been considered at all. Griffith Park was created before many of the cities in LA were incorporated. Basic issues of fairness appear not to have been addressed. We personally know frequent visitors who come from as far as the South Bay or Santa Clarita.
Please note, it is evident that this project was put forth with the best intentions. As you may recall, in 2022 there was an (alleged) drunk driving incident in the park, which tragically resulted in the death of a cyclist. Afterwards, many people were very upset, of course.
As a result, changes were planned quickly - perhaps too quickly.
Please pause this project and have your staff look into whether it was properly vetted and approved. There were many groups which supported this project - but none of them represent regular people, the “plain people” for whom the Park land was donated. (Groups represented special users such as horse riders, bicyclists, conservationists, and so forth - which is wonderful, but not sufficient.) We make no such claim for ourselves either.
If after thorough consideration the plan moves forward, then so be it.
We are contemplating reaching out to a few of our local news sources in regard to this project. We have to put our faith in our news professionals, as we do not have the resources to mount a campaign.
Only one person can look out for all of us, and it is you, Madame Mayor.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Some Griffith Park lovers
Key Concerns Raised
According to the letter, residents cite several recurring issues:
- Public safety challenges and inconsistent enforcement
- Environmental degradation and habitat impact
- Park access and maintenance concerns
- Lack of coordinated response between city agencies
The signatories emphasize that their appeal is not partisan but focused on preserving Griffith Park as a safe, accessible refuge for Angelenos. They argue that without stronger oversight and clear accountability, conditions could continue to deteriorate.
Supporting Information and Documentation
In addition to the letter, residents provided supporting documentation, including:
- Photographs and incident reports
- Prior correspondence with city departments
- Data and timeline summaries
- Comparisons to prior enforcement or maintenance standards
The documentation aims to demonstrate that the concerns are not isolated complaints but part of a broader pattern requiring systemic attention.
Broader Implications
Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and serves millions of visitors annually. Residents argue that its size and significance demand proactive management rather than reactive responses.
The letter frames the issue as one of governance and stewardship: how the city balances public access, environmental protection, and neighborhood stability in one of Los Angeles’ most visible public spaces.
What Happens Next?
It remains to be seen whether City Hall will formally respond or initiate new measures. Residents are asking for:
- A direct meeting with the Mayor’s office
- Clear timelines for action
- Designated points of accountability
- Transparent reporting on enforcement and maintenance
As the city continues to debate broader public safety, housing, and environmental policies, the situation at Griffith Park may become a test case for how Los Angeles manages its most treasured public assets.
(This was submitted to CityWatch by Residents of Griffith Park.)
