Locals React to Racy Sunset Strip Billboard

“This might affect our business.” said Diego Ramirez, a local fruit vendor, in reaction to a  located directly above the weekly Sunset Strip Market.  

The farmers market had its and, although West Hollywood residents may not be strangers to daring billboards on the Sunset Strip, this one was definitely getting some attention on Thursday night.

The billboard, located in the old Tower Records overflow parking lot at 8755 Sunset Blvd., is advertising Courgarlife.com, with the billboard’s slogan reading “For Mother F***ers.” Three letters are blurred on the billboard, but some still feel there are better places for the sign.

“There are children that come here. One might ask what it means,” said vendor Tammy Lopez, who thought it might push locals away from attending the market if children were to become inquisitive about the nature of the billboard.

Tammy Klein, a West Hollywood resident who was visiting with her 6-year-old daughter, said she wasn't especially bothered by the billboard but thought there could be better locations for it.

“I don't think she understands what it means, but it's not something I prefer to be there, no,” Klein said. “I don't want to have to explain that to her.”

Some locals had a different reaction.

“I'm down with cougars!” laughed Lance Roberts, a private security officer for the farmers market.

Sunset Boulevard is a prime location for businesses to advertise their products or services with eye-catching slogans or visual effects as thousands pass along the street daily. 

One local said, “I'm more offended by the billboard down the street where the people are half naked.”

Several vendors said they didn't think the billboard would affect their business.

James Whittier, who was shopping for fresh vegetables, thought it was smart marketing and believed it might not only bring business to the website but to the farmers market as well. “It makes me curious to check out the site for sure,” Whittier said.

The website is directed toward young men in search of older women, or “cougars”—“divorcees, single moms and sexy singles looking for a young stud!”

The site claims to have close to 3 million members. 

Eddie Garcia, who works across the street from the sign, said, “I thought it was hilarious. Doesn’t surprise me at all to see a website like Cougar Life when there are already tons of niche dating sites that exist.”

Allison Higgins, who has lived in the area for 15 years, thought it wouldn't be long before the billboard blends in with the rest of the sights along the eclectic boulevard.

“It's L.A. and it's getting that much attention?” Higgins asked. “Well then, whoever thought of that slogan should get a promotion.”

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