Dana Point council pauses mural selection after tribal representative flags possible AI use

Dana Point city council on Aug. 17 postponed a final decision on a planned mural at the Headlands after tribal representatives and artists raised concerns that some finalist proposals may have relied on artificial intelligence in ways the competition rules prohibited.

Chris Lobo, identified in the meeting as a government-affairs representative for the tribal organization involved in the review process, said the tribe appreciated being consulted and that the selection process was “respectful” and well-organized. He also told the council that, after reviewing materials, some proposals appeared to include AI elements and that the tribe wants to ensure submissions were prepared under the same rules. “I don't think anyone did it to pass one over on anybody,” Lobo said, while urging a careful review.

Staff had presented six finalists and explained the panel scoring matrix; David Talbet led the scoring, with other finalists including Lyanna M, Nicole Pete, Olga Pavlova and collaborators, Victor Ving, and the Sewin Peters/Roland Barry team. Artist Shiuan Peters (introduced in public comment) also urged the council to consider the competition rules, saying: “The guidelines stated very clearly that AI generated artwork was not permitted.”

Council members said the composition of the panel, the city’s rubric and the tribe’s preference all matter more than an expedited vote. Several members said they would defer to the tribe’s recommendation and asked staff to confirm whether finalists complied with the AI-disclosure rule and to present the tribe’s preferred finalist when the item returns.

The council voted to continue the mural selection to a later meeting so staff can gather clarified information about AI disclosure and present the tribe’s recommendation. No final award or contract was authorized at the Aug. 17 meeting.