LOS ANGELES (AP) — Frustrated by the city’s slow progress in painting crosswalks at unsafe intersections, activists in Los Angeles have taken matters into their own hands—leading to the arrest of one of their members on vandalism charges.
Jonathan Hale, outfitted in a bright yellow safety vest, was handcuffed by a police officer during a guerrilla 'paint party' organized by Hale’s group, People's Vision Zero, at a busy intersection in West LA this past Sunday.
“You’re vandalizing city property without a permit,” the officer stated as Hale was apprehended. Supporters of Hale could be heard insisting he was simply striving for safety.
This movement includes unauthorized painting of crosswalks at intersections perceived as dangerous. The activists use barricades and tape to mark their boundaries and rapidly paint bright white markers on the pavement, which they assert comply with safety codes. This effort builds upon years of advocacy by the Crosswalk Collective.
Hale remarked, “Now, the city will have to spend taxpayer dollars removing our half-finished crosswalk when this whole situation could have been avoided if the mayor’s office didn’t ignore this issue where lives are at stake.”
Hale has been in communication with Mayor Karen Bass’ office about safety improvements, but noted responses have been minimal.
“We won’t stop unless they publicly condemn us or take tangible steps to make our streets safer,” he asserted after his arrest.
The mayor's office, meanwhile, expressed a desire to collaborate with Hale and other Angelenos interested in enhancing street safety and expediting crosswalk installations. However, they underscored Hale’s actions were against established city, state, and federal guidelines.
Hale faces misdemeanor vandalism charges with a court date set for January 5. The push for street safety continues as local nonprofits call for structured programs that empower communities, reflecting the sentiments expressed by Alex Ramirez of Los Angeles Walks, who acknowledged the necessity for grassroots action.
