BREAKING NEWS

Wyland was emotional at his first-ever press conference Wednesday morning in his Laguna Beach studio as he accused the California Coastal Commission of “bullying” him over his request for a portion of proceeds from the sale of the popular “whale tail” license plate he designed.

With the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, Wyland said he has revoked permission — a 12-year-old oral agreement — allowing the state to use the image on special California license plates to raise money for environmental programs.

“It’s saddened me that we couldn’t partner,” Wyland told a phalanx of TV reporters and other press crowded into his ocean-view studio. “I’m so angry about it.”

The artist also called for an audit of how money from the license plate sales is being spent.

“We are shocked and saddened by this dispute,” said Coastal Commission Executive Director Peter Douglas. “The Commission is moving forward with a new design, but it is important for California motorists to know that the program will continue in the meantime. People can still order Whale Tail license plates, and keep the ones they have. Their fees will continue to fund the Whale Tail Grant Program and other worthwhile environmental protection programs, and non-profits and public agencies can still apply for those funds.”

Revenues from plate sales and renewals are divided every year by the Legislature between the Coastal Commission, the Coastal Conservancy and the Resources Agency. Douglas said that existing plates will not be recalled, and a new image can be substituted for Wyland’s whale tail without any disruption of the current program or DMV procedures.

Douglas says that Wyland gave the image to the state as “a gift” and that his agency has met all of Wyland’s requirements, including that his name appear on each license plate.
“He has received tremendous publicity from the plate,” Douglas said. “We advertised his brand in so many ways, it’s been invaluable to him as he developed his business. I hope he changes his mind and agrees to let the state have it [the image] in perpetuity.”
Wyland Foundation project director Steve Creech said, “To date, $40 million has been raised from the whale plate, and it’s reasonable that a portion should be directed to the Wyland Foundation.”
The Wyland Foundation, based in Aliso Viejo, conducts marine educational and artistic programs around the world.
The Foundation is planning to partner with the Scripps Oceanographic Institute on a project Wyland hoped would be funded by the “whale tail” license plate proceeds.

Wyland claims that the commission gives “whale tail” proceeds to other groups, but refused his request for funds.

The “whale tail” plates are still being offered through the Coastal Commission website. The plates are pricey, costing $50 more than a regular license plate, with an annual renewal fee of $40 — $70 for personalized plates.

The commission’s website touts the license plate for its design “by prominent environmental artist Wyland.”

Wyland says his foundation has gotten only $20,000 from the plates and needs money to push ahead with its newest project — to put marine life sculptures into 100 cities over the next 25 years.

Wyland will complete his first global art project — launched from Laguna Beach in 1981— to paint 100 “whaling wall” murals all over the world. The 100th mural will be painted in Beijing, China on July 7, in conjunction with the 2008 Olympics.

“I have been asking them [Coastal Commission] for years for money [from the license plate] and they snubbed their nose at me,” Wyland said. “I offered to let them keep 80% of the proceeds and give us 20%. They spun it in the media that I will get the money, but that’s not true. I don’t need the money. I’m good.”

Wyland has closed two of his three galleries in Laguna Beach over the past year, and now has only one gallery in the city, at 509 S. Coast Hwy.

Attorney Robert Helfing said that Wyland owns the rights to the license plate design and can withdraw its use at any time.

“This program began with good intentions on both sides,” Helfing said. “In 1994, Wyland and the state agreed that the state could use his image on a license plate to raise money for environmental issues. There was no written contract; it was an oral permission. The state has the right to use the image, but Wyland is under no obligation to let them use the image. Now they can go their separate ways, as long as the state can find someone to do a painting that doesn’t violate his rights.”

Helfing said that “whale tail” license plate holders could still keep using the plates.

Wyland said his attorney gave the state a 30-day notice to stop selling the plates “a while ago.”

Wyland became too emotional to speak when he was talking about his foundation’s Wyland Ocean Challenge, in which he visited all 50 states and engaged children in marine art projects.

“I’m trying to get the message out about clean water and healthy oceans with kids,” he said after regaining his composure. “Water connects people all over the world.”

Calls to the Coastal Commission for comment have not been returned.