Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Fun Police Make Beverly Hills Man Take Down Valentine's Sign
The City of Beverly Hills is cracking down on one resident who just wanted us to wish us all a happy Valentine's Day. Shawn Far, who works in fashion and real estate, put up a giant red heart on a wall surrounding his home on N. Bedford Dr. near Benedict Canyon Drive and Sunset Boulevard. The 12-foot-tall sign read, "To all Angels, Happy Valentine's!" and glowed at night, KTLA reports. It was a simple wish for each and every Angeleno to have a pleasant day on a whimsical holiday that is difficult for some. What could go wrong?
Oh, something always goes wrong for those who have joy, whether it's a man trying to encourage reading in his neighborhood or a couple tourists trying to get it on in Santa Monica.
The issue with the heart is that only three kinds of signs are allowed in single-family residential areas, like Far's neighborhood. Those signs are: real estate signs, signs that identify a building, signs for security. Oh, and no glowing signs. Signs of love and cheer are not exempt from this rule, so the City ordered that the sign be taken down by today or the BHPD and a love-removal crew would be doing it for him. He had it down by 1 p.m.
This wasn't actually Far's first rodeo with bureaucratic well-wishing signage removal. Far also tussled with the City over a New Year's sign. Sadie Singer, Far's assistant, told KTLA that Far had hoped to at least keep his sign up until February 14, but he was given a firm 'no.'
On Twitter, this person has a pretty good point:
Related: New Billboards Portray A Fiery Hell In Which We All Have Syphilis
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
