Traffic Safety Advocate Arrested After Painting Unpermitted Crosswalk in West Los Angeles

On a Sunday afternoon in Sawtelle, West Los Angeles, traffic safety advocate Jonathan Hale was handcuffed by police while painting an unpermitted crosswalk at the intersection of Kelton and Wilkins Avenues. Cellphone footage captured the moment officers secured him amid a crowd of onlookers and members of his group, People’s Vision Zero.

Arrest and Immediate Aftermath

Hale’s arrest came after a series of self‑installed crosswalks across the city. He had painted 14 unpermitted crosswalks in Los Angeles, yet this was the first time he was taken into custody. The footage shows officers in full gear approaching the intersection, handcuffing Hale, and escorting him to a patrol vehicle.

Hale’s Motivation

When asked about his actions, Hale said, “People need to realize lives are at stake,” and added, “The people of LA want livable, walkable streets.” He explained that his mission grew from frustration after waiting on the city of Los Angeles to improve intersections with marked crosswalks. When the city failed to do so, he and his group took matters into their own hands. He further described the situation as, “This is a public health crisis, and it’s also a social crisis,” and noted, “… People don’t feel safe going outside and it’s destroying our communities.”

History of Unpermitted Crosswalks

In July, Hale and other community members painted an unpermitted crosswalk near Stoner Park in West Los Angeles. City crews later removed the paint. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) issued a statement over the summer emphasizing the importance of city control over crosswalk installations for safety reasons. The statement read, “LADOT shares the community’s urgency to make our streets safer, and installs or upgrades thousands of critical safety treatments every year,” and added, “In order to meet safety standards set by the State of California, crosswalks can only be installed by LADOT or a contractor assigned by the department. We ask that residents request treatments directly with their Council Office or by calling 311.”

City and Mayor’s Response

The city’s reaction escalated after Sawtelle residents felt the official response was too slow. In response, the Mayor’s Office, Council District 10, and LADOT met with Hale to discuss his concerns. A statement from Mayor Karen Bass’s office said, “Mayor Bass is willing to work with any Angeleno who wants to make our streets safer,” and continued, “To this end, the Mayor’s Office, Council District 10 and LADOT have met with Jonathan Hale to discuss his concerns, share the process for permitting and offered to collaborate to develop solutions to expedite the installation of crosswalks that meet legal and accessibility requirements.”

The statement went on to say, “Despite communication about City, State, and Federal laws and parameters, Jonathan has chosen to continue to pursue his own course of action. Our office called him again today to offer to work together. Mayor Bass is determined to ensure the safety and accessibility of streets and sidewalks for Angelenos, no matter how they bike, roll, walk or ride.” Hale replied that he intends to keep meeting with the mayor’s office and hopes to create a policy that would make it easier for contractors to obtain permits for painting crosswalks.

Media Coverage

Alex Rozier reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, detailing the incident and the broader debate over community‑initiated street safety projects. Local news outlets have highlighted the tension between grassroots activism and municipal regulation, with many residents expressing support for Hale’s efforts while also recognizing the legal constraints.

Key Takeaways

• Jonathan Hale was arrested on a Sunday for painting an unpermitted crosswalk at Kelton and Wilkins in Sawtelle.
• He has painted 14 unpermitted crosswalks, but this is his first arrest.
• LADOT maintains that crosswalks must be installed by the department or an assigned contractor to meet state safety standards.
• Mayor Karen Bass’s office has offered to collaborate with Hale and is open to policy changes that streamline permitting.
• The incident has sparked a broader discussion about community involvement in street safety and the balance between citizen action and official oversight.

The arrest marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about how Los Angeles manages pedestrian safety. While the city reasserts its regulatory authority, the mayor’s willingness to engage with activists suggests a potential path toward more collaborative solutions. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape the future of crosswalk installations across the city.