According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, the council decided to pursue this measure because they are afraid that their temporary ban on new digital signs will be suspended or struck down very soon in federal court as being unconstitutional.

Needless to say, this sudden action is a complete departure from the deliberate and inclusive ongoing work between city staff, local businesses and the sign industry over the last nine months. Whereas once the City Planning Commission was receiving input from these key stakeholders, now the City Council is seemingly abandoning all pretenses of working together and is rushing to enact an unreasonable potential ban on all digital signs (currently allowed in the city).

 

We urge all members - no matter where you live or do business - to contact members of the Los Angeles City Council immediately to let them know that you oppose this ill-conceived ban all new digital signs. Let them know that thousands of small businesses will be adversely affected if this ban is passed. With our economy in a state of crisis, now is definitely NOT the time for Los Angeles to take away the ability of local retailers and merchants to effectively and inexpensively identify their business and advertise their goods and services!