Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
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.
No, Donald Trump's Star On The Walk Of Fame Is Not Getting Its Own LAPD Security
In better times (Getty Images)
()
President-elect Donald Trump's star on the Walk of Fame has a new lease on life after an attention-seeking vandal destroyed it last month, making it possibly a ripe target for more vandalism as his inauguration soon approaches.Before James Otis was charged with felony vandalism last week for taking a pickaxe and sledgehammer to the star, Otis announced that he wanted to sue the president-elect over the star because it is a strain on civic resources from the undue attention it draws. "[It's] costing the city money," he said without any hint of self-awareness. TMZ is now reporting that the LAPD have beefed up their patrols in the area in order to give Trump's star "Secret Service-like protection," including "2 officers on foot patrol in the area 24/7."
However, the area around Hollywood and Highland is already one of the most crowded areas in Los Angeles due to the heavy tourist presence, and the LAPD says they already have officers in the area 24/7. "We have foot beats there on a daily basis that patrol that area," Officer Irma Mota told LAist, refuting the TMZ report. "But they're not standing by it and giving it additional security."
"The police have a regular presence at the Hollywood & Highland location due to heavy tourist traffic," Ana Martinez, producer for the Hollywood Walk of Fame, told LAist in an email. "No special requests have been made in regards to security."
When asked for comment, Dustin DeRollo, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Protection League (the LAPD's union), told LAist that he had not seen the report, but acknowledged that it would be further strain on what they say is an understaffed LAPD, who were "overwhelmed" by the anti-Donald Trump protests.
Support for LAist comes from
The TMZ report also mentions that private security in the area will be more vigilant at the star and that a security camera will now be fixed on the star. Not quite "Secret Service-like," but reasonable.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Southern California might see some light rain tonight into Wednesday morning. After that, cooler weather is on the way, but expect the humidity to remain. -
UCLA and University of California leaders are fighting Trump’s demands for a $1.2 billion settlement over a litany of accusations, including that the campus permits antisemitism. -
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’ -
The Shadow the Scientists initiative at UC Santa Cruz strives to demystify astronomical research. -
Some submissions to the Pasadena Humane Society were made by extremely talented artists. The others … tried their best. -
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out.
Best of LAist