Adding even more beauty to the Ballona Creek Bike Path, a new mural splashes the message “Protect Our Public Lands” in gorgeous California colors. Also visible to those heading north on Sepulveda, the Ima Member Lounge is now sporting this new artwork, created by Victor Ving and supported by the League of Conservation Voters.
In a brief ceremony on Saturday, April 25, 2026, both Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Congresswoman Judy Chu were on hand for the unveiling, along with Mayor Freddy Puza. All three spoke to the purpose of creating public art to celebrate nature.
America Fitzpatrick and Aaron Cole of the LCV opened the event with remarks on why this was a celebration. “The League of Conservation Voters works to protect the people and the planet, and we are so grateful to [artist] Victor Ving for capturing the special places in California and why they are worth protecting.”
A few facts were added about the centrality; California has more National Monuments that any other state, 19 to be exact, and that California is also the birthplace of the “30 by 30” Initiative, seeking to protect 30% of public lands by 2030.
Chu noted the crucial support of the federal government, saying that then-President Obama had signed for most of the San Gabriel Mountains to be under protection as a National Monument, and that President Biden had signed the agreement adding the rest of the range to the protected designation.
Kamlager-Dove graciously offered her thanks to the artist, the LCV and the Ima Members Lounge for uniting “to bridge together art, protest, the environment, and community. It takes a team to come up with images, message and love, and transform that into something artistic and beautiful. California has over 45 million acres of public lands, [which are] under attack by this current administration, harming our communities, and harming the air that we breathe, the water we drink, and the landscapes we enjoy.”
Mayor Freddy Puza also spoke, offering that “Public lands are where our communities come to life … some things belong to all of us. Protecting them isn’t just good policy – it’s a reflection if who we are. That’s why this mural matters. In Culver City, we believe in the power of creativity, community and collective actions. Today is a reflection of all three of those.”
The ribbon was cut, corks popped, and cyclists coming through on the bike path cheered their approval as they pedaled past.
Judith Martin-Straw
Photo – (L to R) Culver City Mayor Freddy Puza, Artist Victor Ving, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, LCV’s America Fitzpatrick, and LCV’s Aaron Cole.
