Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog LA

L.A. Installing Rainbow Halo Memorial Art at Traffic Death Sites

Today, the city of Los Angeles dedicated the first of its "Rainbow Halo" memorial markers for victims of traffic violence. The rainbow halo on Sherman Oaks' Woodman Avenue at Addison Street commemorates the life of Conor Lynch, killed there by a hit-and-run driver in 2010.

Artist
Artist John Morse created the rainbow halo artwork - as part of the LADOT and DCA creative catalyst program
false

The art installation is the product of two city departments and their artist in residence, working with nonprofit organizations. L.A. City Departments of Transportation (LADOT) and Cultural Affairs (DCA) host a creative catalyst program that hires artists to produce art related to Vision Zero, the international effort to end traffic violence. The halos were created by artist John Morse. The city and the artist collaborated with nonprofits Southern California Families for Safe Streets and Los Angeles Walks.

At today's dedication ceremony, L.A. City Councilmember David Ryu joined other city leaders and safe streets advocates to commemorate the new installation and the story behind it. Ryu criticized distracted drivers, and called the memorial "a solemn reminder of the lives lost to traffic collisions and the ongoing work to make Los Angeles streets safe for all.”

RainbowHalo2
Jeri Lynch speaking at today's dedication. Left to right are: LADOT's Nader Asmar, L.A. City Councilmember David Ryu, DCA's Danielle Brazell, and artist John Morse
false

A tearful Jeri Lynch related the horror of how a driver killed her son. On October 19, 2010, while training with his high school cross country team, Conor Lynch was killed by a distracted, unlicensed, hit-and-run driver. Jeri Lynch founded the Conor Lynch Foundation to work for the safety of runners, pedestrians, cyclists, and young drivers. Lynch spoke of the need for families impacted by car crashes to "share your stories."

City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs General Manager Danielle Brazell's poignant remarks touched on the AIDS activism saying, "art saves lives." She added that "advocacy absolutely works" and praised the rainbow halo project for "creating meaningful interactions" and "moments of reflection."

Project artist Morse spoke of the biblical symbolism of the rainbow shown to Noah as "deliverance after destruction." He created the Rainbow Halo installations to highlight the fragility of life - as the sun interacts with the artwork to create a moment unique to now.

LADOT has already installed four halo rainbows - out of a planned one hundred. Each one is done in collaboration with victims' families, community, and nonprofits. If readers have lost a loved one to traffic violence, and are interested in the city installing a halo and plaque to commemorate, contact So. Cal. Families for Safe Streets at socalsafestreets (at) losangeleswalks.org to begin the process.

The Conor Lynch Foundation commemorates Conor Lynch's life with several commemorations at the corner of Woodman and Addison in Sherman Oaks
The Conor Lynch Foundation commemorates Conor Lynch's life with several commemorations at the corner of Woodman and Addison in Sherman Oaks
false
Bus bench at Woodley/Addison commemorates Conor Lynch
Bus bench at Woodley/Addison commemorates Conor Lynch
false

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

First OC Streetcar Arrives

The $649 million 4.1-mile OC Streetcar light rail line is 92 percent complete, and now anticipated to open in spring 2026

May 8, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines

California and Trump continue to spar and more news from up and down the state.

May 8, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: ‘Normal’ is Not Correct, Someone Died Here

After a crash, the debris is quickly cleaned up and everyone moves on (usually too quickly). But these two experts are asking us to all slow down.

May 8, 2025

Metro Names Bill Scott as Chief of Police

Chief Scott and Metro leadership emphasized that keeping Metro transit safe would require a multi-faceted approach that included the deployment of officers as well as collaboration with the community, ambassadors, and service providers. "Sometimes enforcement is the answer," Scott said. "Sometimes it's not."

May 7, 2025

State Supreme Court Reinforces Rules that Cities Must Maintain Safe Roads

When Ty Whitehead was injured in a crash caused by a pothole in Oakland, it sparked an eight-year legal battle that is still being waged.

May 7, 2025
See all posts