“Have you ever seen art tell a story of resilience?” That’s what the Ballona Sea Change Mosaic does. This isn’t just a pretty picture; it reflects a long history. It speaks of change, loss, and the hope for restoration at Ballona Wetlands.
The Ballona Sea Change Mosaic reflects the story of Ballona Wetlands. It is a story that began thousands of years ago. The Gabrielino Tongva people thrived here. They lived in harmony with the land and sea. Their village, Guashna, utilized the area’s biodiversity. They hunted, gathered, and built a thriving community.
Then, everything changed. In a geological blink of an eye, agriculture arrived. Industry followed, and then came a population boom. The wetlands suffered. Around 1820, Augustin Machado claimed 14000 acres. He grazed his cattle on Rancho La Ballona. This marked Ballona’s first major blow. The natural landscape conflicted with livestock needs.
The origin of the name “Ballona” is interesting. Some say it comes from “ballena” the Spanish word for whale. Others believe it’s named after Bayona, Spain. That was the Talamantes family’s original home. They partnered with the Machados.
Later, the Mexican War brought California under U.S. jurisdiction. The Gold Rush attracted immigrants. They ignored Mexican land rights. Squatters took over Ballona Rancho. Native birds were hunted for their feathers.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought new businesses. Will Tell built a hunting business. Moy Wix envisioned “Port Ballona” with a two-mile harbor. The Santa Fe Railway transported Angelinos to Port Ballona. However, strong tides and winter rains washed it all away.
The Pacific Electric Red Car system brought throngs of people. New hotels sprang up. There was a fishing pier and a bridge. Boat and car racing became popular. But heavy seas and rains washed these attractions away too.
The 1920s saw the rise of the automobile. Developers set their sights on higher ground. They named their development Palisades del Rey. Oil was discovered. Tourism took a back seat to “black gold”. Ballona again suffered unsustainable conditions. The wetlands were disfigured and polluted.
In the 1930s and 40s, the Army Corps of Engineers dredged and cemented Ballona Creek. They installed flap gates for flood control. Horse stables were built next to the marsh. They remained there until 1989.
Howard Hughes purchased land to build an aircraft factory before World War II. The most devastating blow came in the 1960s. Marina del Rey’s construction destroyed over 900 acres. Approximately 3.5 million cubic yards of dredged fill was dumped. It raised the elevation by 15 feet.
The endangered Least Tern and threatened Belding’s Savannah Sparrow nested here. When Howard Hughes died in 1976, development plans arose. The Summa Corporation Playa Vista plan would consume all but 72 acres.
The Friends of Ballona Wetlands formed a grassroots movement. They aimed to prevent further damage. They educated the public about the wetlands’ value. The Friends eventually won a seat on the restoration planning committee.
Today, the Ballona Wetlands are a protected area. Restoration efforts are underway. A new tide gate improves tidal flow. The Coastal Conservancy supports restoration plans. The goal is to bring back native plants, birds, and other wildlife.
The Ballona Sea Change Mosaic reminds us of this history. It shows us the importance of preserving our wetlands. It is a reminder of the ongoing effort to restore Ballona for future generations. Look closely. Can you see the layers of history embedded in each piece of the Ballona Sea Change Mosaic? It is more than art. It is a testament to nature’s resilience.