The Story Behind The Smoking Deaths Billboard

If you live on the Westside, you probably notice when the billboards on Santa Monica Boulevard change every few weeks, usually as movies come and go. What about the billboard that stays the same year-round except for the digital counter representing the number of smoking-related deaths each year?

You know which billboard we're talking about. Have you ever wondered about the story behind the sign? Did you know there's a quirky New Year's ritual related to it?

Click to read an editorial about the sign in the Los Angeles Times and tell us what you think about the sign. Does it belong in our neighborhood? Has it affected your life in any way?