Commission approves concept for Black Lives Matter mural on city property

The Community Culture and Arts Commission on July 28 voted 5-0 to approve the concept of installing a Black Lives Matter mural on city-owned property and to forward the concept to the City Council with the design to be created by Vallejo youth. Chair Wise moved the motion and Commissioner Allen seconded it; the motion passed unanimously. The commission specified the artwork should be on city property so it can be protected and maintained.

The vote followed a presentation from a long-time community presenter about the original 2022 street-level mural and the organizers’ wish to recreate the work in a way that will be durable and centered on youth. The presenter said the previous mural was well received and that “this is a project about our youth,” and asked for stipends for participating students rather than unpaid volunteer labor. Commissioners discussed city ownership and protections so future work would not be painted over or removed without notice to the artists.

The commission’s action approved only the concept — not a final design or funding. Commissioners and presenters agreed the next step is for youth to produce design proposals and for staff to include the concept in a council-level request for funding and approval. Commissioner Thorson emphasized a follow-up design stage and requested drawings be provided for the September meeting so the item can move to the council with a clear design and budget plan.

Public comment came from community members who described the 2022 mural as “a bonding thing” and urged protection of the new work. Long-time community members and arts partners said they would help recruit youth and potential funders. Commissioner comments noted that murals on private property are not guaranteed long-term protection, reinforcing the group’s decision to seek a city-owned site.

The commission’s formal recommendation to the council states: approve the concept of a Black Lives Matter mural to be placed on city property, with the final design to be generated by Vallejo youth and returned to the commission at the design stage for council consideration. The commission did not commit or allocate funding; funding and maintenance plans must be identified before construction.