"Surfing Madonna" mosaic must go in Calif. beach city, 10x10 ft. artwork deemed illegal

(CBS/AP) ENCINITAS, Calif. - The "surfing Madonna" of San Diego County may have made her last ride on public property.

The Encinitas City Council on Wednesday voted to remove the stained-glass mosaic that portrays Our Lady of Guadalupe surfing a wave, next to the slogan, "Save the Ocean." Because it didn't have a public review process, the mosaic installed by graffiti artists is considered illegal.

The creators installed the 10-by-10-foot Madonna mosaic under a train bridge before Easter.

Council members say they personally like the piece but allowing it to remain on public property sets a bad precedent.

The San Diego Union-Tribune says the council also approved a $2,000 study to determine how the piece can be removed without damage.

Encinitas is a well-known surfing spot.

Some local businesses have offered to give the "surfing Madonna" a home.