Fire inspectors order removal of supergraphics
Los Angeles fire inspectors said this afternoon that they have ordered the owners of nearly 20 buildings to remove supergraphics -- huge vinyl or plastic images stretched across the exterior of their properties.
In the last several weeks, fire officials said 15 of the controversial out-sized banners have been taken down.
An additional 100 supergraphics in downtown, the Westside, the San Fernando Valley and elsewhere are under investigation for posing a hazard to the building's occupants.
Fire officials discussed the crackdown as they stood next to a six-story supergraphic advertising Tropicana orange juice on National Boulevard near Westwood Boulevard.
"This would take a fire from the first floor to the top in no time at all," said Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Kurt Fasmer.
The news conference was called by Councilman Jack Weiss, a candidate for city attorney, who recommended higher fines for property owners caught erecting illegal supergraphics.
Weiss said the maximum fine is $2,500 a day. An awkward moment came when City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo, who is termed-out of his current job but is considering a second run for state attorney general, crashed the event.
Weiss refused to let Delgadillo speak at the lectern. Instead, Delgadillo spoke one-on-one with reporters about his plan to prosecute the owner of the building where the Tropicana ad was displayed.
-- David Zahniser
Photo credit: Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times
I'm very happy to see that the fire marshal has ordered these signs removed. Sadly, I'm sure it's only a matter of time before advertisers find another way to uglify our city (gargantuan flashing LCD billboards, anyone?), and they will be aided and abetted by our corrupt mayor and city council, as always.
Posted by: Skeptic | January 28, 2009 at 06:46 PM
Delgadillo's hypocrisy is stunning. The city attorney who for years refused to prosecute illegal signage after receiving $434K in campagin contributions from the outdoor advertising industry shows up at Weiss's press event to trumpet his newfound desire to enforce signage ordinances? Mind-boggling.
Posted by: James McMath | January 28, 2009 at 07:10 PM
Don't worry, it's only a matter of time until some great person figures out how to hack into those disgusting electronic LED billboards and shut them down... I think that I shall never see a billboard as lovely as a tree...
Posted by: Chris | January 28, 2009 at 07:46 PM
Our progress towards a Blade runner city has been temporarily derailed. But we'll get there eventually...
Posted by: Roger | January 28, 2009 at 08:00 PM
Delgadillo makes Blagojevich look like St. Peter. Rocky's arrogance is only matched by his inability to see the irony of crashing Weiss's event. Hmmm, or surpassed by his belief that he could actually be elected State AG. Ha!
Posted by: Steve E. | January 28, 2009 at 08:56 PM
PLEASE outlaw this crap in Los Angeles!!!! These "supergraphics" and LCD billboards are horrific and completely mar the city. I have no sympathy for building owners who erect these eyesores. I applaud any city official for ridding us of them -- hopefully for good.
Personally I make an effort to BOYCOTT vendors who participate in superwraps.
Posted by: Jay | January 28, 2009 at 09:23 PM
I love the huge pictures. They give me something to look at while I'm driving -- instead of just the boring traffic in front of me. I also like to call my friends on my cell phone and describe the supergraphics while I'm driving.
Posted by: Valley Girl | January 28, 2009 at 09:53 PM
You don't consider the impact of these giant tarps until one covers your building. Please take a look at our issues. They affect all of us.
www.10801takesigndown.blogspot.com. Sign our petition if you support our cause.
Posted by: Dr. David Allan, D.C. | January 29, 2009 at 10:57 AM