LA Man Known for DIY Crosswalks Arrested for Vandalism During Safety Protest

A Los Angeles man known for painting unauthorized crosswalks at high-risk intersections was arrested over the weekend, accused of vandalizing city property.

Jonathan Hale, a volunteer activist, has gained attention for organizing community efforts to create crosswalks in areas where pedestrians have been struck or killed. He and other volunteers say they turn to paint only after months of unanswered requests for traffic safety improvements.

Hale describes the work as civil disobedience driven by urgency. At a Westwood intersection Sunday, he was taken into custody as supporters recorded the arrest. Police cited vandalism laws requiring permits for street markings.

The group first made headlines last summer when their unofficial crosswalks in West LA prompted the city to later re-stripe the area with official markings and install a roundabout to slow traffic. While activists appreciated the improvements, they say the pace of safety upgrades remains too slow.

Hale says the volunteer effort will continue unless the city commits to faster action to protect pedestrians. Officials from the mayor’s office say they’ve offered to work with him — but emphasize the need to follow laws governing public infrastructure.

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