LOS ANGELES (AP) — Frustrated by the city’s slow progress in painting crosswalks at intersections they believe are unsafe, activists in Los Angeles have taken matters into their own hands by picking up paint rollers. One of these activists, Jonathan Hale, was arrested for vandalism on Sunday.
The incident was captured on video as Hale donned a bright yellow safety vest while being handcuffed by a police officer. His group, People’s Vision Zero, organized the guerrilla 'paint party' at a four-way crossing in a residential area of west LA.
You’re vandalizing city property without a permit, the officer stated during the arrest.
Hale’s group has conducted several painting operations around the city, setting up barricades and utilizing rollers to paint bright white crosswalk markers that they assert comply with city codes. Their actions extend upon years of advocacy from similar organizations.
“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 had not chosen to ignore an issue where people’s lives are at stake,” Hale expressed after his arrest.
The mayor's office responded by stating they have reached out to Hale’s organization to collaborate on solutions for expediting the installation of safe crosswalks. They also emphasized the importance of adhering to city laws and parameters.
Alex Ramirez, the executive director of the non-profit Los Angeles Walks, echoed Hale’s concerns, stating that residents often feel compelled to act when their safety needs go unaddressed.
Hale has been cited for misdemeanor vandalism and is set to appear in court on January 5.
