Fight over whimsical artwork unfolding in Southern California neighborhood

Residents of a Los Angeles neighborhood are speaking out after the department of water and power began taking down whimsical pieces of scrap metal art attached to power poles, claiming they are a safety hazard for workers.

Artist Lori Powers began putting up the colorful designs in her Mar Vista neighborhood in 2017, and then really ramped up production during the pandemic.

Powers told KTLA’s Jennifer McGraw that she’s baffled by the sudden call from officials at the L.A. Department of Water and Power to have them removed.

“Hopefully, somebody will let me know because this is crazy,” she said. “Another reason that I did it is because this is a fast thoroughfare, and I wanted to slow down cars.”

Members of the tight-knit community say that they are outraged that DWP wants to remove the playful artwork that brings happiness to the neighborhood.

“When I walk the streets, when I run the streets, they put a smile on my face,” neighbor Paul Von Blum told KTLA. “Everybody I’ve spoken to has precisely the same reaction.”

Neighbor Aaron Thompson said the artwork brings character to the community and believes that it’s especially nice for the children who live there.

Now, the neighborhood is putting up a fight, even confronting workers as they began removing them.

“We want to see them stay,” another neighbor told KTLA. “Over the years, we’ve developed a relationship with all of the artwork, specific pieces, specific locations over time. So, we’re very supportive.”

The fight over the artwork has even reached city hall, with L.A. City Councilmember Traci Park joining the fray and allowing Powers’ work to remain in place while she tries to work on a solution with DWP officials.

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