Restaurant Yields, Removes Freeway Sign

The International House of Pancakes in Agoura Hills removed its 75-foot freeway sign Friday, marking another victory for residents who consider the signs to be eyesores.

Last year a Shell gas station removed its freeway sign. And, city officials say, at least two other businesses along the Ventura Freeway have agreed to remove their signs, which were outlawed a decade ago.

Bob Wickens of Camarillo, who owns the restaurant with his wife, June, said Friday he had the sign removed because he couldn’t afford to join a lawsuit against the city by several businesses trying to keep their freeway signs. The business owners say they need the signs to attract business from the freeway. Opponents say the signs should be replaced with something smaller and more attractive, like logo signs.

Last July, a Superior Court judge barred the city from enforcing the ordinance. The city appealed. Robert Aran, an attorney for three of the freeway sign owners, said Friday that the city is expected to file its opening brief within a few days.

Wickens, whose business is located on Kanan Road, said he will install a 6-foot-high monument sign atop a small rise in place of the freeway sign. He said he hopes the freeway signs that are still standing will help attract customers to his establishment.