In South Los Angeles, Joey Morales, known as the “Cone King” on TikTok, is taking a stand against the city’s parking wars. Morales, 31, uses his platform to highlight the growing issue of residents using orange cones to reserve public parking spaces illegally. With his Ford SUV, he removes cones blocking potential parking spots and either gives them to construction crews or returns them to the city if labeled as L.A. property.
Parking in Los Angeles has long been a contentious issue, with residents using various items like cones and fake “No Parking” signs to claim spots. This practice, however, violates the city’s municipal code. According to StreetsLA, a division of the city’s Public Works Department, over 4,000 requests to remove obstructions in public rights-of-way, including street parking spaces, were made last fiscal year.
Despite the illegality, enforcement remains limited. Violators face fines starting at $50, but Los Angeles police typically do not respond to parking disputes unless they escalate into criminal events. The issue is exacerbated by the increasing number of cars per household, a trend that intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic when many families consolidated households.
Morales’ actions have sparked discussions about the broader parking challenges in Los Angeles. Community leaders like John Davis, president of the Avalon Gardens Community Association, suggest solutions like promoting public transportation or implementing parking permits. However, these ideas face obstacles, including community resistance and logistical challenges.
Ellen Schwartz, manager of the UCLA Center for Parking Policy, suggests charging for street parking as a potential solution. She notes that long-term use of free parking spaces can create a false sense of ownership among residents.
Morales continues to use his TikTok platform to raise awareness and encourage fair parking practices in Los Angeles.
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