Official to Pay for Use of City Truck to Deface Sign
Councilman Dick Stanford, who acknowledged that he was on hand when City Manager Rick Cole defaced parts of a sexually suggestive billboard in the foothills community, said he will pay for the use of the city “cherry picker” truck that Cole used for the deed.
The billboard towering over Azusa Avenue said: “On Sunday April 9th, Six Beautiful Women Will Show You Their Panties.” It was part of a teaser outdoor advertising campaign announcing the debut of the Los Angeles Avengers, a new arena football team.
Cole has said he was so outraged by the sign that he doused the last two words in black paint on Feb. 20 with the help of the city truck. His actions are now the subject of a district attorney’s investigation, and he could face a misdemeanor vandalism charge, prosecutors say.
Stanford said he supported Cole’s actions but has now decided to reimburse the city for the use of the municipal truck. “I spoke to Rick and he agreed the city should be reimbursed,” the councilman said, adding that he believes the cost will be at least $75.
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