Activist Arrested for Painting Unsafe Crosswalks in Los Angeles

Thu Dec 11 2025 20:49:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a bid to enhance pedestrian safety, Los Angeles activist Jonathan Hale was arrested for vandalism after organizing a guerrilla painting event to mark unsafe crosswalks, reflecting growing frustration over city inaction.

Frustrated with the slow response of city officials to unsafe intersections, activist Jonathan Hale, part of the 'People’s Vision Zero' group, took matters into his own hands by painting crosswalks without a permit. His actions culminated in an arrest for vandalism, spotlighting the urgent need for municipal action on pedestrian safety. Hale's efforts aim to compel local authorities to expedite crosswalk installations amidst ongoing pedestrian safety concerns.

LOS ANGELES (RTWNews) — Frustrated with the city’s slow progress in addressing pedestrian safety at dangerous intersections, a group of activists in Los Angeles has started taking matters into their own hands by painting crosswalks. This bold initiative recently resulted in the arrest of one of the group's leaders.

Jonathan Hale, donning a bright yellow safety vest, was handcuffed by police during a 'paint party' organized by his group, 'People’s Vision Zero', at a busy four-way intersection in west LA. A video circulating online captured the moment of his arrest as a police officer accused him of vandalizing city property without the necessary permits.

In the background, onlookers defended Hale, highlighting the need for urgent action on urban safety. Hale’s group had been conducting unregistered painting sessions across the city, covering crosswalks that they deem unsafe for pedestrians. They set up barricades and yellow tape to mark their work, all while asserting that their painted markings comply with city codes.

“The city will now have to spend taxpayer money to remove our makeshift crosswalks when this situation could have been averted if the mayor's office took this issue seriously,” Hale stated after his arrest. His frustrations echo those voiced by others in the community who await improvements in pedestrian safety measures.

Hale mentioned that he has been in contact with Mayor Karen Bass's office and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, yet he feels their responses have been inadequate. He remains undeterred by the arrest, asserting, “We will not stop until our streets are safe for everyone.”

The mayor's office later asserted its commitment to collaborate with community members and expedite the installation of safer crosswalks. Despite communications focusing on legal and procedural guidelines, the office emphasized that Hale's independent actions conflict with its safety efforts. In a similar vein, community advocates like Alex Ramirez of LA Walks lament the lack of a formal program allowing residents to participate in street safety initiatives.

Hale’s court date is set for January 5, where he will face charges of misdemeanor vandalism.