Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Art

Poll: City Fines Valley Village Homeowner for Graffiti Art on Fence

Get more images, and the original story, ##http://nohoartsdistrict.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=192%3Abarbara-black-smacked-with-a-graffiti-fine&Itemid=221##here.##

Valley Village resident Barbara Black had an idea on how to repaint her fence, give back to her community, and give some school students a project to work on.  Black, working with the principal at North Hollywood High School, found 10 high school students interested in creating a "graffiti art" mural on her 90 foot fence.  When the work was nearly complete, she received a notice from the city that her mural was violating a city ordinance on advertising, ordered to pay a $336 fine and ordered to white wash the fence.

While Black has the support of some local bloggers, the comments on both NoHo Arts District and Mayor Sam have been more negative than positive towards the homeowner.  The point of contention between the two camps seems to be whether or not Graffiti Art, even if it's commissioned by the owner of private property, is actually art or whether it's some form of blight.

NoHo Arts District is encouraging readers to write to Councilman Krekorian to get the fine, which goes to over $1,100 if the mural isn't removed later this month.  We'll make things simpler.  Vote below and we'll send Krekorian's office the results.  If you want to contact him directly, you can email him at councilmember.krekorian@lacity.org,

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Friday’s Headlines

ICE, WeHo K Line, HUD housing, clean-ups, bikes on stairs, BBB, Long Beach, Irvine, car-nage and more

February 13, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines

ICE, Vision Zero, Santa Monica bikeway, LADOT surveys, Mobility Plan, Westwood VA, Glendale-Hyperion Bridge, car-nage, and more

February 12, 2026

L.A. Seeks Input on Proposed Speed Camera Locations

L.A. is planning 125 speed camera systems citywide - location criteria includes histories of speeding/crashes/racing, areas with concentrated vulnerable populations, etc.

February 11, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines

LAPD, ICE staging, L.A. Mayor's race, AI camera bus lane enforcement, L.A. is not Amsterdam, housing, car-nage, and more

February 11, 2026

Eyes on the Path: L.A. City Adding New Access Points to Chandler Path

New accessible ramp under construction at Strohm Avenue

February 10, 2026

This Week In Livable Streets

Alissa Walker, Florence bus lanes, Baldwin Park Greenway opening, ESFV rail, Santa Monica first/last mile connections, and more

February 10, 2026
See all posts