For Hollywood Hills residents, it's a treasure that just got a whole lot more valuable.
"This changes everything. This is how many of us in the neighborhood ... start our day," said Patti Negri, who lives nearby.
The reopening of the nearly 90-year-old local landmark is thanks to a $9.5 million Los Angeles Department of Water and Power project.
"It's just a great resource for the community. Everybody walks here; of course everybody drives to where they walk, but there's plenty of parking," said Hollywood resident Chuck Constant. "It's just a beautiful sight that's in the middle of the city, and you're up here, and it doesn't feel like you're in the city."
Heavy rains in 2005 led to mudslides, closing down half the roadway. City Councilman Tom LaBonge spearheaded efforts to shore up the hillsides and get the road open again. Eight years later, the work is finally done.
"It's here, and it's ours, and it's back, which is so special," LaBonge said.
While many Angelenos are excited to see the road reopen, there are some concerned about more tourists and potentially more problems, especially during fire season.
"Last year, we had a fire up the Lake Hollywood sign vista because tourists and guests were smoking, and they threw a butt, created a really nice brush fire. If it happens again, we could lose 80 homes here," said Hollywood resident Tony Fisch.
Others are not as worried and point out the area already attracts a lot of people.
"Tourists are no more risky than residents," said Kitty Langan. "We have people who don't clean up after their dogs, so as long as people understand, to be considerate."
The road around the reservoir will be open from sunrise to sunset. City leaders remind the public to drive slow to the trail since it goes through a residential area.
