Letter from Assemblyman Mike Feuer

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To the Beachwood Canyon Neighborhood Association:
I write to ask for your support of my legislation, AB 109, which would impose a two-year moratorium on digital billboards pending release of studies on safety impacts of these signs. This bill would also prohibit advertising on freeway Amber Alert signs during the moratorium period.

As you know, digital billboards have been appearing all over our city, from Silverlake to West Los Angeles, and across the Valley. My principal concern is the safety of motorists on our interstate and state highways and on local streets and roads. The extreme brightness of these digital advertising displays, the rapidly changing messages and, in some cases, moving images, are intended to divert our attention from the roadway and can pose potentially significant safety concerns.
My bill would take effect on Jan. 1, 2010 and give the Legislature time to review the outcomes and recommendations from forthcoming studies on the safety impacts of these signs and decide on next steps. The bill does not preclude local jurisdictions from enacting restrictions on existing digital billboards, or from enacting a complete ban on new digital billboards. 
The bill is likely to face major industry opposition, and I need your help. I will be sending you updates on the bill's status and how you can advocate for its passage.  I have posted on my website (http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a42/) information on the legislation. If you do not reside in the 42nd district (which I represent), you can locate which district you live in by going to http://www.lavote.net/OnlineDistrictmapApp/).
Please contact your Assemblymember to urge support for AB 109.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call my office at 310-285-5490 or 818-902-0251.
 Thanks again for your support.
 
Sincerely, 
Mike Feuer
Assemblymember, 42d District