Beyond The Parks

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Sometimes when a famous person passes away you start to remember how much that person meant to you, or in this case to a city. 
In the case of the late-great Adam West, his attachment to the City of Los Angeles wasn't news to anybody who lives here. A man who touched generations of people not just with his most famous role of Batman, but even future generations by playing an amazing version of himself in Family Guy, voices in The Simpsons, Family Guy, roles in numerous TV shows playing himself.
Seriously. Check out his Wikipedia page. 
​He was never one to shy away from the role that made him famous, he embraced his campyness, and we loved him for it. So much so the city of Los Angeles held a special tribute to him the other night. And Matt was there to take it all in. 
Written by Matthew Nelson
Los Angeles is my home.

I grew up in Highland Park, and though I now live in the west end of the Valley; it's still the City of Angels for me.
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Los Angeles City Hall - June 15, 2017
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Very top of City Hall

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This Is The City. Los Angeles City Hall has appeared in a lot of films and television shows.

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Approaching City Hall. That scaffold tower mid photo has the twin projectors for the signal.

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Daily Planet 1950's Superman

Adam West, who brought Batman to life on TV for 3 seasons in what was then the most expensive production on TV, passed away last week at the age of 88 after a battle with leukemia.

Mayor Eric Garcetti's office announced that Los Angeles would be paying tribute to Mr. West, with a Bat Signal lighting at City Hall. Details were sparse, and there was only a few days to get people to show up Downtown L.A. on a Thursday evening.
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Fans of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds showed up, many arriving via Metro at the Civic Center station, and estimates are there were about 12,000 in attendance.
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The Crowd is Building

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Always love to see this row of flags

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Some lucky kids at the observation level

Although it was in memory of a great man, the atmosphere was fun, and it was more celebratory than funereal. The atmosphere that it reminded me most of, was at some of the city events in 1984, when the Olympic Games were going on. It was Angelenos together, enjoying their city.
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When the Mayor addressed the crowd, he started with "Greetings Citizens of Gotham!" and the response was a rowdy roar of approval. Burt Ward, who played Robin alongside Adam West, was clearly overwhelmed by the response. It was a pretty magical evening. Ralph Garman, a bonafide Batman fanatic, sounded so happy to be at the event, and a little bit emotional. Then with Charlie Beck, Chief of Police - the Bat Signal was lit - and from my vantage point a bit further back on Grand Park, you could hear the applause and cheers echoing off the nearby buildings.
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Just about time for the Mayor

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The Bat Signal

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​I love this city, and this was one of those reminders of what a great town we've got here.
Rest in Peace, Adam West
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