Leucadia Man Identifies Himself as Surfing Madonna Artist

Mayor James Bond started Wednesday's City Council meeting with an important announcement. "This just in: Late breaking news." Bond then motioned to City Manager Phil Cotton, who read the following statement:

"The city was contacted late this afternoon by the attorney representing the artist who claims responsibility for the unauthorized mural attached to the Encinitas Boulevard rail underpass. City administrative and legal representatives are in discussions with the artist's legal council." 

The artist in question has identified himself as 58-year-old Leucadia resident Mark Patterson. The mural has developed a following, and has a Twitter account and Facebook support page.

The 10-foot-square stained-glass mosaic—which shows Our Lady of Guadalupe on a surfboard—was installed secretly and without city permission below the railroad overpass on Encinitas Boulevard just before Easter.

At its May 18 meeting, the council to remove the Surfing Madonna.

The mural will remain a city concern. "Stay tuned, more to come—but not tonight," Bond said.