Tag: DTLA

Andrews International harasses me for holding my camera

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 6:35pm, I was waiting outside the box office of The Knitting Factory, when I was confronted by an Andrews International security guard.

“No taking pictures on private property,” he says. Unbelievable. I reasoned that:

  • I was only holding my camera, not taking any photos.
  • I hadn’t taken a single photo.
  • The bag I had slung over my shoulder was a Shootsac, which only hold lenses and small accessories.

Additionally, look at the surrounding area. Basically, the only people without a camera in hand are the people working out at LA Fitness and Knitting Factory staff. Don’t forget that most cell phones have built-in cameras.

He wouldn’t let up.

I called information (311) so I could talk to non-emergency police, but nobody was picking up at the Hollywood office. (I was on the phone for five minutes, waiting to talk to a person. Meanwhile, the security guard stood there and waited.)

I told him I needed to check something at the box office, where I was finally able to get my ticket[1. I was on the list with The Ready Set, but the box office didn’t have that list in their hands yet. I was waiting for about an hour.].

When I turned back, a lady (staff from the Knitting Factory) was talking to the guard. As my last stand before going inside, I asked him about the huge line of people[2. Mainly female fans under 21.] waiting to get in earlier. Many of them had little point and shoot cameras. Would he talk to each one of them?

Of course he would. The owners of the property say no photography. (Never mind that the staff and security working at the Knitting Factory didn’t care.)

We rolled our eyes. I thanked the lady, and she told me not to worry about it.

I didn’t get his badge number, but I believe his name is Dante.

Coincidentally, my friend, Discarted, got a harassed and assaulted a few days earlier a few steps from where I was. At the end of his post, he lists an email you can copy and send to Los Angeles Politicians and Andrews International. Please send them an email.

Dave, the chicken man

While waiting for the Metro Gold Line at Union Station, Dave saw my camera in hand and approached me, asking if I wanted to take his photo.

Since I can describe the conversation like a moth in flight, bullet points might make more sense.

  • He explained that he wasn’t mentally right. He was talkative and easy going.
  • “I know the new Incredible Hulk movie. He has a special power,” which he then demonstrated as if he were generating a fireball or something.
  • He talked about his brother who fought in Vietnam, but wasn’t receiving benefits. Somehow, that was a segue into him not getting SSI.
  • “You know the Spiderman song?” *singing the Spiderman theme song* “I’m chicken man. Chicken man, chicken man…”
  • “A girl I know on the subway. She sees me, says, ‘Hey chicken man!’ I give her a hug and kiss.”
  • Lastly, he holds up a circular opaque object. Apparently, it’s a valuable ashtray. I tell him he should try to sell it, but he’d never part with such a priceless object.

Dave's ashtray

When the train finally arrived, I wished him well…and sat half a car away[1. I just wanted to veg. Nothing against Dave!]. I’m pretty sure he struck up a random conversation with someone else.

If you ever meet Dave around LA, talk to him for a bit. (Or, listen to him talk.) It won’t hurt!

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