• Misc

Submitted by Arcee on 09.04.10

This issue has been going on since May 2010, when the LAPD began a "no tolerance" stance against any and all street performers on Hollywood Boulevard, which includes musicians, magicians, star look-a-likes, and costumed superheroes. At one time, they were simply issuing citations to all performers, but as of late, they have begun to arrest these beloved performers. Just imagine seeing Spider-Man in handcuffs, arrested, and being led off in a squad car by the LAPD. Sounds like a horrible issue of a Marvel comic if you ask me.

The LAPD is acting in this manner after getting numerous complaints from people and businesses around the area of a few of these street performers "strong arming" people into paying tips for having their pictures taken with them. In response, the city of Los Angeles through the LAPD has taken a strong and aggressive policy against all street performers on the boulevard and surrounding area.

In response to the city's hard stance, many of the costumed heroes have lawyered up and are asking the city to let certain performers to continue doing what they do in Hollywood by issuing performance permits as some of the surrounding communities have done. But the LA City Council refuses to accept that offer, and the heroes are now ready to do battle with the "villainous" city in a court room. 

I for one fully support these heroes and the other performers. Why should all of them be punished because of the aggressive acts of a few of the less scrupulous performers out there? A permit compromise is a great way for the city to ensure only well-meaning performers are out representing the fine citizens of the city as unofficial ambassadors (at least that is how most of them see themselves) while weeding out the bad eggs from the lot.