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Back to Which Way, L.A.?

Which Way, L.A.?

LA Tries to Restore the Tradition of Murals

Los Angeles was once the mural capital of the world, but in 2002, art on the walls of private property was made illegal by an ordinance designed to limit commercial signs, including billboards. Since then, some 400 murals have been painted over.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Los Angeles was once the mural capital of the world, but in 2002, art on the walls of private property was made illegal by an ordinance designed to limit commercial signs, including billboards. Since then, some 400 murals have been painted over. A few weeks ago, we spoke with the graffiti artist known as Saber, who paid sky-writers to post the words, "End the Mural Moratorium: Art is Not a Crime" in the air above City Hall. He's part of an effort to restore a historic tradition. Now, City Councilman Jose Huizar has introduced a new ordinance protecting both existing murals and what are now defined as "original works of art."

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

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    Christian Bordal

    Managing Producer, Greater LA

  • Sonya Geis with wavy brown hair wearing a black dress with red accents and decorative earrings against a white background.

    Sonya Geis

    Senior Managing Editor

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    José Huizar

    Los Angeles City Council

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    Ed Fuentes

    KCET's Departures

    News
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