New North Oakland Mural
Posted Nov 8 2009
Not sure why, but by Tuesday morning the wall was painted back to its original, ugly green color.-11/10/09
Yesterday, The Community Rejuvenation Project completed a new mural in the Temescal district of Oakland with the theme “Save Our Kids, Stop the Arms Trade.” Connected to the main title are a number of cities, organizations, and other entities including Haliburton, the Oakland Police Department, Brooklyn, and community at large. While some may find some of the references to be controversial, the wall has already served its purpose in inspiring conversation and bringing the community together. Check out this link courtesy of New Village Press.
Throughout the one-day project I stopped by a few times as I live near the mural’s site at 42nd Street and Telegraph. During each visit a number of people stopped by, including some neighbors with whom I’ve never had a proper conversation, which changed today. Everyone that I saw offered words of encouragement, appreciation and even coffee and food.
A police squad car stopped by a couple of times and the second time I spoke with one of the officers who said that there was a complaint, which is why they came to investigate, but that he was glad to see the project happening as murals such as these beat the gang graffiti that often fills blank walls. I’ve lived near this wall for more than five years and it’s been either different shades of green or tagged up. This is a definite improvement and I’m glad that the building owner allowed this to happen! Much of the work that I’ve seen by Desi, a founder of the CRP and an after-school instructor at the school where I work, has been in East Oakland, so it was great to this so close to my residence. It definitely adds to the culture of the neighborhood and I look forward to seeing what happens next! Recently, the land near the mural had new plants added so these have both been pleasant surprises.
Congratulations Everyone, I love that it happened and I can hardly wait to see it in person. Love from Half Moon Bay
Shirley, It was a nice thing to happen, but unfortunately it was painted over w/n two days. I don't know the details, but hopefully something can be worked out in the future. For the short time it was up, the mural added to the flavor neighborhood, much more than a blank wall. I have my fingers crossed!