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.
Vandals Paint "Tastes like hate" On Wall of Local Chick-fil-A
The Torrance Chick-fil-A was plastered with graffiti reading "Tastes like hate" along with the image of a cow, and authorities say they don't have any suspects.
The vandalism at the location at 18200 Hawthorne Boulevard is seeing the light of day the same day a national protest focusing on gay rights is targeting the Georgia-based fast food chain, with "kiss-ins" planned at locations around the country.
Police in Torrance say they will be monitoring all three area Chick-fil-A locations today, according to City News Service.
The "hate" referenced in the graffiti is in response to controversial remarks made by Dan Cathy, the company's president, who went on record about the business' Christian principles, "traditional" family values, donations to anti-gay organizations, and opposition to same-sex marriage.
Sponsored message
While politician Mike Huckabee declared August 1 "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" and urged people to patronize their nearest location to show support for those same tenets, protesters have targeted Chick-fil-A for several days recently, including today's planned "National Same-Sex Kiss Day."
Locally, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has hope that the chain will have a change of heart, according to L.A. Now: "I'm proud to support them as we call on Chick-fil-A's leadership to reconsider their position and join the growing majority of Americans who support marriage equality," Villaraigosa said. "In Los Angeles and in America, love and liberty will always triumph."
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.
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.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
