L.A. Law (TV Series)

Spanky and the Art Gang (1993)

Lise Hilboldt: Leslie Cromarty

Quotes 

• Leslie Cromarty : Mr. Baker, you represent Santa Monica in this suit. Describe your 1% public art program.

  Richard Baker : The ordinance was conceived to foster a partnership between developers and city hall. Approvals for new structures depend upon 1% of building costs being allocated for major works of art.

  Leslie Cromarty : Does the ordinance specify subject matter or medium?

  Richard Baker : No, that's left up to the developer. However, the preamble states that the art should enhance our urban landscape.

  Leslie Cromarty : In your judgment, as chairperson of the arts program, has the statue commissioned by Mr. Ajamian enhanced the urban landscape?

  Richard Baker : Absolutely not. There have been demonstrations; rocks and bottles thrown, windows broken, not to mention continued threats of violence.

  Leslie Cromarty : Have you been forced to take action?

  Richard Baker : Yes, the chief of police assigned officers to patrol Mr. Ajamian's building.

  Leslie Cromarty : Why protect the statue at all?

  Richard Baker : We're on notice. If the demonstration escalates or if something happens, in my opinion, Mr. Ajamian would sue the city in a second.

  Leslie Cromarty : Your witness.

• Jonathan Rollins : Mr. Baker, there's a-- a mural on 4th Street that has the likeness of Louis Farrakhan.

  Richard Baker : That mural was not part of our program.

  Jonathan Rollins : Yes, but nevertheless, a picture of Mr. Farrakhan might offend some of your Jewish citizens.

  Richard Baker : We want art to contribute to the community, not to disrupt and destroy.

  Jonathan Rollins : And the connoisseurs at city hall will tell us which art contributes and which does not?

  Leslie Cromarty : Objection, Your Honor, argumentative.

  Judge Olga Wishburn : Sustained. Anything further?

  Jonathan Rollins : No, no.

  Judge Olga Wishburn : Counsel.

  [Two attorneys approach the sidebar] 

  Judge Olga Wishburn : I have chosen to make this a closed hearing. However, I was unable to clear more court time until 9:00 tomorrow. Until then, in light of the rowdy crowds which continue gathering outside Mr. Ajamian's building, I urge you to meet in private. Try reaching an accord that's acceptable on all sides before it's too late and there's real trouble. We're adjourned.

  [Two attorneys step back. And Mr. Ajamian looks on]