Council approves $12,000 mural at Public Works building to deter graffiti and involve local artists

The National City City Council voted unanimously Aug. 12 to approve a $12,000 agreement with Vision Culture Foundation to paint a mural on the Public Works building facing the trolley area at 1720 Wilson Avenue. The project — proposed as a pilot to reduce recurring graffiti removal costs and to engage local artists — drew public support from residents, nonprofit leaders and artists who described it as a community asset and a budget‑saving measure.

Vision Culture representatives said the mural is intended to deter graffiti, reflect the city’s cultural history and create community pride. Artist David Castillo described the design as “representing the community… meant to be a message to uplift” and said the organization intends to include images referencing local landmarks and occupations.

Graffiti abatement officer James Kim emphasized the practical need: “That wall right there gets hit daily,” he said during the presentation, and Vision Culture argued that a permanent mural could cut annual cleaning costs for heavily tagged locations. Vision Culture estimated a $12,000 budget covering artist labor, paints and equipment and presented staff with a draft maintenance plan and a small contingency budget to keep the mural in repair.

Why it matters: City staff and council framed the mural as both an aesthetic improvement and a cost‑avoidance strategy. Council members praised the volunteer turnout during recent cleanup events and said they hoped the mural program could be expanded citywide with dedicated funding and a staff policy to guide future projects.

Approval and next steps: The council approved the mural project and directed staff to return with a draft city policy to guide future public art installations and a plan for funding and maintenance. Staff and Vision Culture said the project will be used as a “beta test” for a broader mural program aimed at reducing graffiti removal frequency while creating community gathering points.

Public comment: Speakers included artists, nonprofit directors and students. Supporters emphasized youth engagement, local artist pay and the mural’s potential to engage volunteers for upkeep. Several council members asked staff to return with an implementation policy and with maps and cost estimates for future panels.

Ending: Vision Culture and city staff will coordinate installation and follow up with a staff report to council that will include the proposed mural policy, maintenance funding and an inventory of other potential mural sites to expand the initiative.