Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, above, joined by LAPD Topanga Division’s Captain Rudy Lopez and Walk of Hearts founder Joe Andrews, announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the person responsible for the removal of the Walk of Hearts plaques. An annual tradition honoring local teachers with a plaque on Victory Blvd, these special metal awards line the sidewalks between Warner Center and Canoga Park, similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On several nights this June an unknown individual chiseled and removed 11 of the unique Walk of Hearts plaques. “We are seeing a rise of public infrastructure thefts and, while it is all unacceptable, it is even more abhorrent that these stolen sidewalk plaques honor life changing teachers who devoted their lives to making our community better,” said Blumenfield. “If someone sees a person who appears to be defacing or stealing, please call the LAPD non-emergency line at 877-ASK-LAPD (877-275-5273).”
