Remember, LA is a silly-free city

Signs are posted on Sunset Boulevard and elsewhere in Hollywood reminding Halloween revelers that even the possession of silly string is illegal in Los Angeles. The City Council banned silly string under any brand name in 2004 — but only in Hollywood, and only for Halloween. When the New York Times wrote about the ban, it quoted a Swiss tourist observing, "I didn't know it was a problem."

But oh, yes, it was. Halloween on Hollywood Boulevard then would attract an onslaught of stringers, making a mess, pissing off victims and complicating the night's law enforcement activity. Direct your questions to Councilman Tom LaBonge, who co-sponsored the ban.

Photo sent in by Mark Bernheimer.