Board approves large mural for Huberty Building in San Andreas after community survey

The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a proposed mural for the Huberty Building in San Andreas, following a community survey and presentations from the San Andreas Merchants Association.

Kate Allen, president of the San Andreas Merchants Association, presented results of a March survey of 230 community responses. Three design options were included in the survey: (1) refresh the existing mural, (2) update the mural with added directional text, and (3) a new mural featuring a map of San Andreas and historic imagery. Option 3 received the most support, with roughly 51% of respondents favoring a new mural.

Economic development staff and the artist, John Turnbow, presented a refined design that incorporated background color, local flowers, and a map that highlights local points of interest and includes a directional pointer toward historic Main Street. Kate Allen said the project will be funded by grants (the T‑Mobile Hometown Grant was identified as a potential source), business sponsorships and private donations; the county will not pay for the mural.

Supervisors and staff discussed maintenance, graffiti prevention and liability. Facilities staff asked who would cover the costs of vandalism repairs. The artist and others noted that a clear protective coating can be applied to prolong the mural and make graffiti easier to remove; the board directed staff to negotiate an MOU or agreement with the merchants association that spells out responsibilities for maintenance, repair and protection measures. County staff said the MOU will return to the board for final approval.

Board members said the mural will enhance the entrance to San Andreas and advised the merchants association to continue community involvement, including student participation during painting. Supervisor Stoppard noted the artist’s ties to local schools and recommended involving students in the painting phase.

Why it matters: The mural project is part of a broader downtown revitalization effort. The Huberty Building sits at the entrance to San Andreas’ historic Main Street and hosts county offices and tourism information; a refreshed mural is intended to attract visitors and support local businesses.

What comes next: Staff will draft a memorandum of understanding with the San Andreas Merchants Association that covers maintenance, vandalism mitigation and responsibilities; when the MOU is ready it will return to the board for approval and work will be scheduled.