Pt. 1 US Bank Tower Security Guards Harass Photographers

On January 18, 2009 NPRO members went to the US Bank Tower in Downtown Los Angeles to protest against their security staff's illegal treatment of photographers when photographing the property from a public sidewalk. The following video is a recorded account of what happened that day.

For more information, photos, videos, and a complete transcript of this account please visit:

http://www.discarted.wordpress.com

We will be posting throughout the week, regarding this incident.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• US Bank Tower
• harassment
• security guards
• los angeles
• photography
• photographers' rights
• illegal
• civil rights

[discarted]

Fresko-

you're absolutely wrong

[FRESKO]

well i work at the us bank tower 55 floor.

and i have asked around. several ppl have told me even police officer have informed me that it is consider property of us bank tower. if all of you were around the area and look at the little gold plate on the floor it shows who owns it fuck faces!!

[discarted]

"consider" is the key word here

so police are property assessors now?

would love to know which company you work for

we've seen the gold plates. we have pictures of them

anyhow, you're still wrong

[VoodooPolitico]

Here is what you do. While on the PUBLIC SIDEWALK, you simply ignore the "security guards". You keep taking pictures, etc.

Fuck 'em. Let them babble all they want. They cant detain you, they cant FORCE you to leave the sidewalk, you dont have to give them ANY ID. Just keep on taking pictures and ignore them. Who cares what they say? They cant do ANYTHING.

[Spookysr]

@FRESKO - Gold (rather brass) plate you are talking about says: "Right to pass by permission and subject to control of owner: Section 1008, Civil Code;" It is posted at every entrance at USB Tower. HOWEVER, it is only to protect against easements not indicative of sidewalk ownership. But they DO apparently own the sidewalk that part is plausibly true. They even have to pay to maintain it not the city.

Go to tinypic-com /r/juaivc/5

(no spaces and replace dash)

[Spookysr]

@FRESKO - Well it appears that the fax was to Rancho Palos Verdes mayor not LA. I misread it. But Atty Robert D. Crockett alludes to the US Tower private sidewalk issue. If you want to verify this private sidewalk issue just call Antonio R. Villaraigosa at 213-978-0600 or ask to speak with his Homeland Security person at 213-978-0980 (not appointed yet). If he has found one yet you can ask all about photog's rights around HPT's like US Bank Tower on West 5th St.

[Spookysr]

@FRESKO - It appears you're right. I searched LA County Assessor DB & datamined a fax to then (March 7 2007) Mayor Thomas Long & town council from the Mormons tacitly protesting 633 W 5th St priv ownership of sidewalk. The building's lawyer LATHAM & WATKINS (213-485-1234) then in Suite 4000 and obviously came up with gambit to limit religious activities around tower. I guess it impacts photogs too. Assessor index maps show property line ends at street not sidewalk. Call them to verify.

[Spookysr]

And just in case you want to say to me "But where does it say EXACTLY yada yada yada" - You must remember FEDERAL law does not need to be explicit. They ALWAYS leave a lot open for personal interpretation. Remember today is April 15th (IRS tax deadline?). Guess what? There IS NO FEDERAL LAW that explicitly says you must pay your taxes. But you can be eventually prosecuted, fines, and jailed after today if you choose not to.

[Spookysr]

Its funny that not one of the SG or PD ever once invoked the FBI guideline's statement re: Patriot Act and HPT's. Almost as if they were told NOT to mention it and just harass photogs on general principles. And of course the photogs would balk as they knew nothing about the PA 1 nor 2. Next time ask them Directly are they trying to enforce the federal PA on you guys? And it seems they can detain you too for Police or FBI.

[ItsMsMargie]

@AnonymousStrikeForce When did you ever have the opportunity to come to the United States? You are not part of the American experience and never will be. When did you ever come to the United States Mike?