One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Prehistoric Vandalism: Elaborate Dinosaur Diorama Surrounds Cardiff Surfer Statue
Photo by HeadTraderSam via Yfrog
Over the weekend, a Cardiff-by-the-sea statue named “Magic Carpet Ride,” -- informally referred to as the "Cardiff Kook" -- underwent another in a series of unapproved transformations at the hands of jokers or vandals or guerrilla artists or Miss Baker's 4th grade science class.
An elaborate, volcanic, prehistoric backdrop was installed around the statue and a giant pterosaur-esque bird was affixed to to the Kook's head. To up the realism quotient, palm trees and velociraptors were also added to the scene.
The official civic statue located off Highway 101 has "provoked controversy, mockery and late-night redesigns virtually from its installation in 2007," according to LA Now.
The subject, a young boy on a surfboard, would seem perfect for this northern San Diego County suburb, known for its surfing breaks. But surfers and artists say his dainty look is an insult to a macho sport. The name “Cardiff Kook” has replaced “Magic Carpet Ride” in the public consciousness. Bumper stickers have proclaimed “Dump the Cardiff Kook,” but officialdom has been unmoved.
Previously, the statue has impersonated Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, British royals, and Vincent Van Gogh, and, on occasion, worn a variety of stylish outfits from a wedding gown to a military uniform. Last year, a "canvas-and-cardboard shark was built around the statue, seemingly devouring the surfer" ala Jaws.
The joke has worn off at Encinitas City Hall. The city recently spent $2,000 to repair damage done to the statue. A stern letter was sent to one of the artists thought responsible for one of the pranks.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
