Daily News 3/6/88
PHOTO by John McCoy, Daily News: Two men in wheelchairs [Bill Bolte on right and Charles Henderson on left] wield heavy sledge hammers on a curb. Behind them several other folks in wheelchairs hold signs as a man with a camera films the action. The signs read "Building A Better Way" and "Build Access for All."

Caption reads: Charles Henderson, left and Bill Bole hammer at curb, demand wheelchair access to Walk of Fame

Disabled protest lack of access by chipping Walk of Fame curbs
By Beth Barrett, Daily News staff writer

HOLLYWOOD —- About 40 people in wheelchairs took turns chipping at the Hollywood Walk of Fame Saturday in a symbolic attempt to create curb cuts for handicapped access to the famous sidewalk where stars bearing the names of celebrities are inlaid.

"Walk of Shame," chanted members of the Southern California Chapter of American Disabled for Accessible Public Transit as they gathered on Hollywood Boulevard. They then took turns using a sledgehammer and hammer to scar two curbs.

Police officers made no arrests, partly because the damage was minimal, and also because city officials have indicated steps will be taken within the next two weeks to provide better access to the sidewalk, said Los Angeles police Lt. Dan Watson.

Dianne Piastro, of North Hollywood, was among demonstrators who said the destruction was necessary to illustrate to public officials the need for curb cuts in Hollywood and elsewhere in the city.

“We've been serving on committees, writing letters, and doing access studies for years, but have gotten nowhere," Piastro said. “No one gives you rights. You have to demand them."

William Bolte, of Westchester, said the landmark Mann's Chinese Theater has tailored its restrooms so they can easily be reached and used by handicapped people, but that without curb cuts in the sidewalk those disabled individuals cannot get to the theater.

Bolte said state and federal laws require curb cuts to be installed whenever existing sidewalks are remodeled, which ADAPT interprets to mean every time another celebrity star is set in the concrete.

“The private sector's response is better than the public response.“ Bolte said.

Yvonne Nau, a Tarzana woman who was the first person to swing the sledgehammer, said. “It felt constructive. We've asked for curb cuts. and gotten nothing.“

Following Saturday's protest, Bolte said the group intends to protest lack of access on a commuter bus between Orange County and Los Angeles.

Created on

Wednesday 10 July 2013

Posted on

Monday 29 February 2016

Tags

Bill Bolte, Charles Henderson, curb cuts, Dianne Piastro, sledgehammer, Southern CA ADAPT, Walk of shame, Yvonne Nau

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