A mural covers the side of a building near 3rd Street and Traction Avenue. Many murals have been painted over in recent years, angering artists who say the law is unfair. (Allen J. Schaben /Los Angeles Times)
Patrick Johnson works on a mural titled “Elixir” at the Liquor Bank. at Crenshaw Boulevard and Stocker Street. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)
Ivan Salinas paints over his artwork in Valley Village after Barbara Black, who commissioned the work, was fined and threatened with further punishment.