<P> During construction of tunnels for the Los Angeles subway system in 1996, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority removed and stored more than 300 stars . Controversy arose when the MTA proposed a money - saving measure of jackhammering the 3 - by - 3 - foot terrazzo pads, preserving only the brass lettering, surrounds, and medallions, then pouring new terrazzo after the tunnels were completed; but the Cultural Heritage Commission ruled that the star pads were to be removed intact . </P> <P> In 2008 a long - term restoration project began with an evaluation of all 2,365 stars on the Walk at the time, each receiving a letter grade of A, B, C, D, or F. Honorees whose stars received F grades, indicating the most severe damage, were Joan Collins, Peter Frampton, Dick Van Patten, Paul Douglas, Andrew L. Stone, Willard Waterman, Richard Boleslavsky, Ellen Drew, Frank Crumit, and Bobby Sherwood . Fifty celebrities' stars received "D" grades . The damage ranged from minor cosmetic flaws caused by normal weathering to holes and fissures severe enough to constitute a walking hazard . At least 778 stars will eventually be repaired or replaced during the ongoing project at an estimated cost of $4 million to $4.2 million . </P> <P> The restoration is a collaboration among the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and various Los Angeles city and county governmental offices, along with the MTA, which operates the Metro Red Line that runs beneath the Walk, since earth movement due to the presence of the subway line is thought to be partly responsible for the damage . </P> <P> To encourage supplemental funding for the project by corporate sponsors, the "Friends of Walk of Fame" program was inaugurated . Absolut Vodka became the first Friend with a donation of $1 million, followed by L'Oréal . Friends are recognized with honorary plaques adjacent to the Walk of Fame in front of the Dolby Theatre . The program received some criticism . Alana Semuels of the Los Angeles Times described it as "just the latest corporate attempt to buy some good buzz," and, quoting an area brand strategist, "I think Johnny Grant would roll over in his grave ." Karen Fondu, President of L'Oréal Paris, countered that the association was "a natural affinity ." </P>

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