Activist Arrested for Painting Unsafe Crosswalks in Los Angeles

Thu Dec 11 2025 17:39:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Jonathan Hale, a member of the group People's Vision Zero, was arrested while painting a crosswalk in an effort to address pedestrian safety issues in Los Angeles. The activists have taken matters into their own hands amid frustrations with the city’s slow response to unsafe intersections.

In Los Angeles, frustrated activists have begun painting crosswalks at dangerous intersections due to the city's slow progress. Jonathan Hale, a member of People's Vision Zero, was arrested for vandalism during one of these efforts. He criticized the city's inaction, stating that pedestrian safety should be prioritized. The mayor's office has since expressed willingness to collaborate on making streets safer.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Frustrated by the city’s slow progress in painting crosswalks at intersections they believe are unsafe, activists in Los Angeles have been picking up paint rollers and doing it themselves. Now one of them has been arrested on a vandalism charge.

In a video posted online, Jonathan Hale wears a bright yellow safety vest as he’s handcuffed by a police officer on a Sunday. His group, People’s Vision Zero, had organized a guerrilla “paint party” at a four-way crossing in a leafy residential neighborhood of west LA.

“You’re vandalizing city property without a permit,” the officer states while a woman nearby protests, “Leave him alone. He’s not doing anything wrong.” Hale and his allies have organized stealth painting operations across the city at intersections they deem dangerous for pedestrians.

They swiftly use rollers to paint the street with bright white markers that they say comply with existing codes. This initiative expands upon years of advocacy by groups like the Crosswalk Collective.

Hale has articulated frustration with the city’s inaction, declaring, “Now, the city will have to spend taxpayer dollars removing our half-finished crosswalk when this situation could have been avoided if the mayor’s office didn’t choose to ignore an issue where people’s lives are at stake.”

Following his arrest, Hale indicated he has been in touch with the office of Mayor Karen Bass but has received little response. He stated, “Since then I’ve made it clear to them that we won’t stop unless they publicly condemn us or take tangible steps to make our streets safer.”

The mayor’s office later reiterated willingness to cooperate with activists to resolve pedestrian safety issues, but expressed disappointment over Hale’s illegal actions. Mayor Bass is committed to ensuring public safety and accessibility, noting that those who choose to take matters into their own hands may face legal consequences.

Ramirez, from a nonprofit focused on pedestrian advocacy, highlighted the importance of community involvement in street safety, suggesting that formal programs like those in other cities could provide support for residents eager to make streets safer. Hale is due in court on January 5, facing misdemeanor vandalism charges.