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.
Injunction Targets 'MTA' Tagging Crew Responsible for 500 pieces of Graffiti
The 1/4-mile-long MTA tag on the LA River (Photo by Nuno_Oliveira via the LAist Featured Photos pool) on Flickr
()
In a groundbreaking move, the City Attorney's office is seeking an injunction against the members of a tagging crew thought to be responsible for about 500 pieces of graffiti all over the city, according to the Daily News. One such piece is the massive "MTA" tag on a quarter-mile-long section of the L.A. River near Downtown "that cost nearly $4 million to remove."
Their "MTA" tag stands for "Metro Transit Assassins," who leave their mark "on highway signs, sound walls, billboards, bridges, buses, passenger trains, freight train cars, trucks, homes and commercial buildings." The L.A. River piece was positioned strategically so as to be seen from not only freeway traffic, but from planes going in and out of Bob Hope Airport and LAX.
The injunction "seeks to ban the 10 known adult members of the crew from associating with one another or from possessing weapons or graffiti tools." Additionally it "would impose an overnight curfew and would prohibit the suspected vandals from being on foot on freeways, near the L.A. River or on any property owned by" the real MTA, as in the Metropolitan Transit Authority. It also names 50 "John Does" to give officers latitude to arrest associates of the crew. A hearing is scheduled for August 31 to discuss the injunction.
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
-
The bill would increase penalties for metal recyclers who possess or purchase metal used in public infrastructure. -
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter. -
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500 -
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected. -
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi. -
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown.
Best of LAist