March 15, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Mar Vista Residents Mobilize on Social Media to Save Whimsical Public Art

DWP Plans to Remove Lori Powers’ Beloved Sculptures  

Residents of Mar Vista are rallying to save beloved public art installations that have adorned telephone poles in the neighborhood for nearly seven years. The sculptures, created by local artist Lori Powers, have become a cherished part of the community, delighting children and adults alike with their unique and colorful designs.

However, the city has announced plans to remove the sculptures following a complaint. The decision has sparked a grassroots campaign to demonstrate public support for the art installations in hopes of preventing their removal. 

In response to the planned removal, community members are being urged, via a post on the social media site Nextdoor, to express their support for the artworks by emailing Matthew Halden at Councilmember Traci Park’s office at matthew.halden@lacity.org and the Department of Water and Power at PowerCustomerFeedback@LADWP.com. Supporters are also encouraged to cc the artist at lorizpowers@gmail.com to help track the number of emails received.

If you would like to show support in person, the artist Lori Powers has called for a gathering at her studio from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 13, to pass on updates on the situation and to prepare for Mar Vista Community Council meeting in the evening. Additionally, her studio is worth seeing. The studio is located at 3513 Rosewood Avenue in Mar Vista. 

The Mar Vista Community Council is hosting an Education, Arts, and Culture Committee Meeting starting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, and a discussion of several topics. Lori Powers’ art installations are item 7.2 on the agenda. Community members are asking everyone who wants to keep the installations in place to attend this to show support. The meeting will take place at Windward High School, located at 11350 Palms Avenue.

Many comments on the Nextdoor post expressed how much the artwork means to them. One user said, “My family and I have enjoyed these charming little sculptures for many, many years. I can’t believe that the city would allow these lovely artworks to be removed because of a complaint. Who in their right mind would complain about such whimsical, beautiful treasures?!” 

This afternoon, Lori Powers updated the community and said that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) has agreed to delay the removal until Councilmember Park returns from vacation, when the conversation can continue. In the meantime, residents are being encouraged to maintain pressure and show their support for preserving the installations.

With the sculptures’ future uncertain, the community members hope their efforts will convince city officials to reconsider the decision and allow the artworks to remain a vibrant part of Mar Vista.

in News
Related Posts

Santa Monica College President Honored as 2025 Woman of the Year for Assembly District 51

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Her tenure has focused on expanding access to education for underrepresented communities Santa Monica College Superintendent and President Dr. Kathryn...

Palisades High School Band to Perform at Hollywood Bowl to Honor First Responders

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Titled WE ❤️ LA, the event will feature a program spanning classical, jazz, and iconic film scores The Palisades Charter...

Venice Shorts: Longtime Marina Del Rey Real Estate Firm Undergoes Rebranding

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

The longtime real estate brokerage is a popular boutique firm for both buyers and renters  By Nick Antonicello  RE/MAX Estate...

Venice Art Crawl Opens Registration for March 20 Event

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Organizers encourage artists of all disciplines to sign up before the deadline Registration is now open for the upcoming Venice...

Three Charged in FEMA Fraud Scheme Following California Wildfires

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Fraud related to disaster benefits carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison Three individuals, including two from...

(Video) See Inside the New Google Store in Santa Monica

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

The Shop Marks the Second Physical Retail Space on the West Coast For the Tech Giant The Shop Marks the...

(Video) Wildfire Attorney. Law Offices of Allen Farshi

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

How The Law Offices of Allen Farshi Can Safeguard You Amid Wildfire Loss. For more information, check out the video...

Four New Eateries Open Along Venice Boardwalk, Replacing Mr. Charlie’s

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

The eateries move into the space previously occupied by a comedic vegan fast-food chain known for its satirical takes on...

St. Patrick’s Day Rooftop Parties, Live Music and Festivities Coming to Venice Beach This Weekend

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

With multiple venues offering unique takes on the holiday, revelers in the Venice Beach area will have no shortage of...

Santa Monica College Among Schools Warned by Department of Education Over Antisemitism Claims

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

The letter, issued Monday, cautioned that the schools must uphold their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act...

Cat Rescued From Palisades Fire Gets Outpouring of Support for Medical Recovery

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

The cat was found two months after the fire, emaciated and suffering from burns A cat that survived for weeks...

Residents Urged to Secure Homes and Avoid Flood Zones Ahead of Major Storm

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

County officials are advising residents to take immediate steps to protect their homes and families Los Angeles County officials are...

Pacific Resident Theatre to Stage Psychological Drama ‘Willing Suspension of Disbelief’

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

The play challenges distinctions between actor and role, victim and perpetrator, weaving a suspenseful exploration of perception and memory A...

Venice Shorts: Is Empower LA Impeding the Legitimacy of the VNC Election Process?

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

Stakeholders Frustrated Just to Secure a Ballot, Participation in Venice Continues to Plummet By Nick Antonicello  The first wave of...

Santa Monica City Council to Discuss Homelessness Strategic Plan and New Police SMART Center

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

Public input will be accepted on various agenda items, with discussions scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. The Santa Monica...