Moraga's pair of cement lions could soon have names.
The Art in Public Spaces Committee holds a special meeting Thursday, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 335 Rheem Blvd. to launch a Cement Lions Naming Contest and tackle several other public art items, according to the meeting agenda. The session is open to the public and will stream live on the Town of Moraga's YouTube channel.
The lions stand guard. Each weighs about 200 pounds and measures 28 inches long. Donated by the estate of Anna and William Lum, they were installed at the top of the steps to the Moraga Library on St. Mary's Road after the Town Council approved their placement on Jan. 14.
"The two cement lions gracing the top of the steps at the Moraga Library were graciously donated by the estate of Anna and William Lum … Our Moraga Library lions are in good company. There is a great tradition of lions presiding over the entrances to other libraries," APSC Chair Holly Hartz wrote in an Aug. 12 Lamorinda Weekly article.
The lions lived at the Lum family home in Moraga for more than 50 years before the donation. Janice Lum Ennik first approached the committee about the sculptures in April 2025. The agenda does not include contest format, eligibility rules or a submission process.
New business and recurring programs
Sculpture signage is also up as new business Thursday. At its April 21 meeting, the committee approved "please respect art, do not climb" signs referencing Moraga Municipal Code 12.08.090; the topic remains on the agenda as that work continues.
Two recurring arts programs round out the existing business: Chalk-a-Haiku and Poetry for the Ages. The Chalk-a-Haiku event debuted earlier in 2026, and the committee voted to make it annual after member Smith reported strong participation at a recent meeting. Both programs are being planned for 2027.
A busy year for public art
The five-member committee, founded in 2005 and chaired by Hartz, has had an active 2026. Beyond the lions, the town installed Douglas Heine's "Mirror Ball," a 9-foot-tall red steel sculpture along the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail, also approved Jan. 14. The committee partnered with the Moraga Rotary Club, Moraga Historical Society and Parks and Recreation staff to hang five historical interpretive banners on the Moraga Commons Park bandshell, unveiled for the Fourth of July celebration. That project cost $766, funded entirely by the Rotary Club.
Liaison updates Thursday will include reports from the Lamorinda Arts Council, Saint Mary's College, Campolindo High School and Arts Contra Costa County.
Residents who want to speak may do so during the public comment period or during individual agenda items. For accessibility accommodations, contact the Parks and Recreation Director's office at (925) 888-7034 at least 72 hours in advance.
