Jonathan Hale was cited for vandalism after painting an unsanctioned crosswalk; Prosecutors declined to pursue the case.
Criminal charges have been dropped against a Westside activist whose unsanctioned crosswalk painting drew citywide attention and sparked debate over pedestrian safety in Los Angeles.
Jonathan Hale, known for painting crosswalks at intersections he considers dangerous as part of his group People’s Vision Zero, said Tuesday that his vandalism case was dismissed during a brief virtual court hearing. Hale had been arrested and cited in early December after painting crosswalks in Westwood at Wilton and Kelton in Westwood. Hale had previously organized volunteers to paint a crosswalk near Stoner Park in the Sawtelle district.
Hale said the crosswalks painted by volunteers are intended to highlight locations where residents believe official safety improvements have lagged. The work is done without city approval, a point that has led to repeated warnings from authorities.
During Tuesday’s news conference, Hale described his actions as deliberate civil disobedience, saying he understood legal consequences were possible. He said the court hearing lasted less than 10 minutes and ended with prosecutors declining to pursue the case.
Hale said, “As of now, the city attorney’s office has elected not to pursue a criminal case against me. I have faith in a brighter future for my fellow Angelenos who call these streets home,” as quoted by CBS News.
Despite the dismissal, Hale said he was informed that future arrests remain possible if he continues painting crosswalks without authorization.
People’s Vision Zero, Streets are for Everyone, and other groups are planning a protest at Los Angeles City Hall on Saturday, January 24. Organizers said a “die-in” demonstration is scheduled for 10 a.m., during which participants will lie on the building’s steps to commemorate those killed in traffic-related incidents across the city.