Art declaring 'ACORN Funded Prostitution Zone' pops up in Echo Park

LA TIMES
September 21, 2009 | 9:08 am


The controversy over ACORN workers who answered questions about starting a prostitution business while being secretly videotaped has moved to Echo Park.

As art.

Residents in Echo Park and surrounding communities have noticed spray painted signs on at least a few walls that state: "ACORN Funded Prostitution Zone" in black letters.

They have been noticed by local photographers as well as Eastsider L.A. and Curbed L.A.

Like the Obama/Joker street art of a few months ago, the artist is so far anonymous. And, of course, it's unclear whether it's political commentary or irony.

Last week, ACORN officials took action against workers in San Diego County and San Bernardino who were recorded answering questions from conservative activists posing as clients about starting a prostitution business.

In National City near San Diego, an ACORN worker was fired for "unacceptable conduct" for answering questions from the activists, who presented themselves as a prostitute and pimp.

Meanwhile, a second videotape showed an ACORN worker in San Bernardino offering advice on how to set up prostitution businesses.

That worker has been suspended.

The video released Tuesday by conservative activists James O’Keefe and Hannah Giles depicts a woman who O’Keefe says is an ACORN worker in San Bernardino saying she could show them “how not to get caught.â€