How LA’s $588 million ‘Ribbon of Light’ landmark became proof that ‘we can’t have nice things’

[mountaineer]

How LA’s $588 million ‘Ribbon of Light’ landmark became proof that ‘we can’t have nice things’
By Jared Downing   
Published March 2, 2025, 5:22 p.m. ET
NY Post

LOS ANGELES — This is why LA can’t have nice things.

Last weekend, vandals in Los Angeles painted a massive “F–K TRUMP” message on the 6th Street Viaduct: a half-mile illuminated bridge that local leaders have touted as the greatest new landmark in town.

But while originally hailed for its striking look, the $588 million structure — dubbed the “Ribbon of Light” for the color-changing spotlights that set its flowing, modern-style architecture aglow — has become a darkened crime-ridden eyesore.

Time and again, thieves have stolen the copper wire for the lights as drag racers turn it into a private derby track and vandals wallpaper it in graffiti. ...