ART

A proposed Los Angeles ordinance to protect and preserve murals and other public artworks came closer to becoming law Monday. A City Council-appointed task force recommended that artists’ permits be required for the creation of new murals, that the city establish a registry of existing murals and artworks and that punitive actions--including misdemeanor criminal prosecution--be taken against unapproved alteration or destruction of registered artworks. Councilman Joel Wachs moved to present the recommendations to the full council but said the proposed law needs further refining. He was especially concerned that it may have a chilling effect on building owners and artists. “You just don’t want to stifle anyone from creating these murals,” he said. The issue is expected to come before the full council within three weeks.