PAJARO, CA — Community Bridges is proud to announce the selection of Hijos del Sol to design and create an inspiring landmark mural in the heart of Pajaro. This collaborative effort, made possible by local and state advocacy that produced California Assembly Bill 102 (AB102), will transform a prominent wall on the 400 block of Salinas Road into a lasting symbol of resilience, unity, and cultural pride for Pajaro Valley residents, many of whom are still recovering from the devastating 2023 flood.
The mural will capture Pajaro’s resilience and spirit through powerful symbolism. At its center, a woman rises from the Pajaro River, embodying Mother Earth and renewal after the storm. She stands against a backdrop of clouds, mountains, and fertile farmland, anchoring the community in its landscape. Regional birds and doves represent survival and bravery, while “Pajaro”—the bird—reminds us of a community without boundaries, enduring through strength and adaptability. A farm-working family pays tribute to the town’s agricultural roots, honoring the sacrifices made to create a better future for the next generation.
The mural, which will span approximately 160 feet by 25 feet, is expected to take about two months to complete.
Once complete, the mural will join other Community Bridges-supported public art—including “Wisdom of Our Elders” and “Societies Light: Acknowledging and Empowering Women,” two murals at the agency’s Watsonville headquarters—as a community landmark and reminder of Pajaro’s enduring strength.
Said Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino: “Murals are more than public art. They are reflections of a community’s story and spirit. At Community Bridges, we believe in investing in projects that not only meet people’s basic needs but also nurture hope, belonging, and pride. This mural will do exactly that.”
The mural’s design was shaped by the voices and lived experiences of the Pajaro community. Over the past two years, Community Bridges gathered input directly from local families receiving case management services in the wake of the 2023 flood. Residents shared their struggles, resilience, and hopes for the future—conversations that are now woven into the artwork. Hijos del Sol further expanded this process through workshops with the Pajaro Business Group and cultural partners such as Casa de la Cultura, ensuring the final design authentically reflects Pajaro’s identity, heritage, and values.
Alfonso Moran, Jr., President of the Pajaro Business Group stated this about the new mural in Pajaro: “The Pajaro community is sometimes overlooked due to its location on the border of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. It is essential to highlight this unique area, which stands at a crossroads yet remains full of promise. Art serves as an effective medium for inspiring change and drawing attention to Pajaro’s rich history. Beneath the surface, our community holds great beauty, and a mural can showcase this richness while influencing perceptions. As the Pajaro Business Group, our aim is to enhance the visual appeal of our community and promote Pajaro as a destination rather than merely a place people pass through.”
Established in 1994, Hijos del Sol, a nonprofit arts organization established by artist José G. Ortiz, empowers youth and families through hands-on art programs that inspire creativity and foster community connection. The organization operates a free open art studio in East Salinas five days a week, offering young people a safe and welcoming space to explore their creativity. In addition, Hijos del Sol brings arts programming to schools and community events across the Central Coast, reaching hundreds of students and families each year. Together, Ortiz and the collective have completed more than 70 public murals across the region, each infused with vibrant color and symbolism. Their most recognizable local work is the mural outside Salud Para La Gente in downtown Watsonville.
Said Jose G. Ortiz: “To see the spirit of Pajaro, look no further than its people—brave, courageous, and full of wonder. Their voices and their stories paint the true images of this town. At Hijos del Sol, we believe in honoring all life—human beings, animals, and plants—because together we share this transformative planet. Like birds, the people of Pajaro have grown wings to fly, and we are honored to bring forth this mural as a reflection of their strength, beauty, and hope.”
The owners of the property—long-time trusted community partners in Pajaro, Santa Cruz County, and across the Central Coast—have generously provided the wall space on Salinas Road for the mural at no cost. Since the 2023 flood, they have consistently invested in the community and its people, helping to lay the foundation for recovery and renewal.
Added Cancino: “As a community, we know that agriculture is Pajaro’s shared story—its past, present, and future. It is what ties us together as neighbors and as a community. This mural is a tribute to our agricultural heritage, our resilience in the face of adversity, and the collective strength that will carry Pajaro forward. We are excited to see this vision come to life and grateful that the property owners share in and believe in this vision for the project.”
The project is made possible through AB102, which, thanks to the advocacy of local representatives in the state legislature such as Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas and State Sen. John Laird, allocated $20 million to the County of Monterey for long-term recovery from the 2023 Pajaro flood. The County of Monterey elected to use $2 million to fund community grants and selected the Community Foundation for Monterey County to administer the grants. In December 2024, 23 organizations were awarded funding.
Community Bridges was among the local organizations awarded funding through the AB102 recovery program. The agency directed $30,000 of its total grant toward this mural initiative. Hijos del Sol was separately awarded $45,000, and together the two organizations are combining resources to bring to life a mural that will stand as a community landmark that Pajaro residents can celebrate and draw strength from for generations to come.
Beyond the mural, Community Bridges’ grant is also supporting several other initiatives designed to uplift Pajaro. These include expanded immigration and legal assistance at a time when many families face uncertainty under the federal government’s shifting and increasingly hardline immigration policies, as well as ongoing services that help strengthen the community’s resilience and recovery.
The agency has also worked closely with the County of Monterey to distribute direct financial assistance to flood survivors through the Unmet Needs Disaster Assistance Program, also funded by AB102. To date, Community Bridges has distributed roughly $1.7 million in economic assistance to Pajaro residents through that program, and more than $2.5 million overall thanks to individual donors and foundation partners who rallied to support Pajaro families in the immediate aftermath of the flood.
About Community Bridges
Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Together, our family of programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life. To learn more, please visit www.communitybridges.org.
