Viral palm tree photo trend stirs up controversy in Beverly Hills
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (KABC) -- The palm trees that line the streets of Beverly Hills are certainly picturesque, but are sightseers taking it too far by getting in the middle of the street just to get some photos?
Thanks to social media, the city's palm tree-lined streets - especially Cannon and Beverly drives - have become the "it" spots for the perfect selfie.
Celebrity trainer Ben Bruno captured video of the sightseers taking over the middle of the street to get photos.
"I've lived where I lived for 10 years, and the metamorphosis of the clownery has really changed," Bruno told Eyewitness News.
Bruno said there was always one or two people at any time of the day trying to snap some photos but "they had a shame to it."
"They would see you coming and they would dart because... they probably didn't want to get clipped and two, it's embarrassing. Now there's just no shame."
And apparently no concern for their safety. Residents in the area are warning of the danger. They say they've even seen visitors lie down in the middle of the street to get the perfect angle, putting them at serious risk.
"I've actually gotten a jaywalking ticket in downtown Beverly Hills for just normal jaywalking. I just walked when there were no cars... and then I see this, and I'm like is nobody going to do anything about this?"
The city says the police department has stepped up patrols in the area. Last month, the City Council considered installing an island for photos, but feared that would only create more crowds and chaos.
Deputy City Manager Keith Sterling said they're aware of the ongoing problem.
"We're concerned about it, and we're going to continue to do what we can to educate folks when they come here about the safety that they need to keep in mind and address it as best we can moving forward," Sterling said.
Several residents told Eyewitness News off-camera they're hoping police will start citing visitors for photographing or filming in the middle of the street.
