With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
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.'
Support for LAist comes from
On Twitter, this person has a pretty good point:
Related: New Billboards Portray A Fiery Hell In Which We All Have Syphilis
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist