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LAPD Cites Volunteer Who Painted Westwood Crosswalk, Escalating Clash Over L.A. Street Safety

The confrontation reflects a larger clash between do‑it‑yourself safety campaigns versus city rules that restrict who can mark streets.

Crosswalks painted by activists are shown at the intersection of Wilkins Ave. and Kelton Ave. in the Westwood section of Los Angeles Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Crosswalks painted by activists are shown at the intersection of Wilkins Ave. and Kelton Ave. in the Westwood section of Los Angeles Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Crosswalks painted by activists are shown at the intersection of Wilkins Ave. and Kelton Ave. in the Westwood section of Los Angeles Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Crosswalks painted by activists are shown at the intersection of Wilkins Ave. and Kelton Ave. in the Westwood section of Los Angeles Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Overview

  • Jonathan Hale was handcuffed and cited for misdemeanor vandalism while painting an unpermitted crosswalk at Kelton and Wilkins in Westwood, with a court date set for Jan. 5.
  • Hale, who leads the People's Vision Zero effort, describes the work as civil disobedience and says he has painted 14 crosswalks since May after notifying the mayor’s office ahead of actions.
  • The mayor’s office says it has met with Hale and offered to collaborate on expediting legally compliant crossings, reiterating an open invitation to work together.
  • LADOT maintains that only the department or its authorized contractors can install crosswalks to meet state safety standards, directing residents to request treatments through council offices or 311.
  • City crews have previously removed community-painted markings and replaced them with official treatments, including a roundabout near Stoner Park, as council members push to speed Vision Zero reforms following an audit and rising pedestrian deaths.