Residents Angered by Mass Towing Ahead of Oscars in Hollywood

Wilcox Avenue left empty as tow trucks swept through neighborhood before Academy Awards preparations

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Residents in a Hollywood neighborhood woke up Sunday morning to find Wilcox Avenue, usually packed with cars, empty after tow trucks swept through the area ahead of Academy Awards preparations. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation cited temporary parking restrictions posted at least 48 hours in advance as part of security measures for the Oscars, but many residents said they were unaware of the impending towing and had their cars impounded.

Why it matters

The mass towing incident highlights the tensions between major events like the Oscars and the needs of local residents, who rely on street parking in a neighborhood with limited off-street options. It also raises questions about the extent of security perimeters and enforcement around high-profile events, and whether the city should provide alternative parking solutions for affected residents.

The details

According to residents, there were as many as five tow trucks actively removing cars from Wilcox Avenue, which fell within a mile-square security perimeter established around the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars were being held. The LAPD had stated their security preparations included "layered security perimeters" and "traffic management plans" throughout the Hollywood area. Temporary no-parking signs were posted, but many residents said they did not notice the signs before leaving their vehicles overnight.

  • On Sunday morning, residents found Wilcox Avenue empty of cars around 7:30 a.m.
  • Temporary no-parking signs were posted at least 48 hours in advance, according to transportation officials.

The players

Mitchell Crispi

A resident of Wilcox Avenue near Hollywood Boulevard who witnessed the mass towing.

Chris Bott

Another resident who questioned why streets farther from the Oscars venue were included in the enforcement area.

Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT)

The city agency that posted the temporary no-parking signs as part of security preparations for the Academy Awards.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

The law enforcement agency that implemented security measures, including "layered security perimeters" and "traffic management plans" around the Oscars event.

Hugo Soto-Martínez

The City Councilmember whose district includes Hollywood, who was looking into the matter.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I left the house to go to the grocery store at 7 a.m. and when I got back at 7:30 all the cars on the street were gone.”

— Mitchell Crispi, Resident

“We're blocks from the Dolby Theatre. Why is it happening here?”

— Chris Bott, Resident

“The City issues permits for major events that require road closures and LADOT posts temporary no parking signs a minimum of 48 hours in advance.”

— LADOT

What’s next

The office of City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez said it was looking into the matter to determine if the extent of the towing and enforcement was appropriate given the distance from the Oscars venue.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better communication and coordination between the city, event organizers, and local residents when implementing security and traffic measures for high-profile events. It also raises questions about whether the city should provide alternative parking options or compensation for residents directly impacted by such sweeping towing operations.