Community Bridges and Hijos del Sol, a Salinas-based community art group, were part of a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday in Pajaro to celebrate the completion of “Life Transforms/La vida se transforma,” a 160 by 25-foot outdoor mural created in partnership with Pajaro residents.
The mural took five artists about five months to complete, said lead artist José G. Ortiz, founder of the nonprofit arts organization Hijos del Sol.
Developed out of community input following the 2023 flood, “the mural reflects Pajaro’s cultural pride, agricultural roots, and enduring strength,” said Community Bridges spokesman Tony Nuñez.
“At its center, powerful imagery symbolizes renewal, resilience, and collective recovery—honoring both the challenges the community has faced and the hope guiding its future.”
The project at 417 Salinas Road came about through local and state advocacy that led to California Assembly Bill 102, which allocated funding for long-term Pajaro flood recovery.
Both Community Bridges and Hijos del Sol received a grant to support such local projects.
“It’s about beautification and economic development,” said Raymond Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges. “It’s about making people feel prideful about where they live, the place they work and the place they travel to. These community projects are about investing in hope. We hope this is one of many such investments in the community. Artwork is a representation of the community we live in.”
Organizers offered deep appreciation to Speaker Robert Rivas and Senator John Laird for their help.
“Getting $20 million to a local community of less than 350 households is incredibly important,” Cancino said.
Community Bridges and Hijos del Sol were joined by Community Foundation for Monterey County, Supervisor Glenn Church and Ramon Gomez (on behalf of Supervisor Felipe Hernandez), residents and others to commemorate the accomplishment.
Also unfolding simultaneously are numerous infrastructure projects in Pajaro under the Monterey County Plan, including $7 million in direct financial aid for redevelopment projects, including road, sidewalk, curb and gutter improvements, new lighting, bike lane and a full remodel of the Porter Building, which will house a branch of the Public Library, official offices and more.
“This great work here by Hijo del Sol is a perfect example of how things should come together and really change a community,” Church said.
He went on to explain that Pajaro is often ignored by Monterey County.
“That $20 million opened up a path and a lot of doors and opportunities to go forward,” he said. “There’s a train station planned here in four or five years and other significant changes here is Pajaro. This is a strong and powerful community.”
Church and Gomez presented framed proclamations to Hijo del Sol for the mural. Gomez explained how he was joined by Supervisors Hernandez and Luis Alejo following the floods in generating a movement to help the community regain its footing.
Cancino described Ortiz as “an incredible artist who has created many wonderful murals throughout the Central Coast.”
Ortiz said that the mural honors not only the community but the sun and the moon, water, and the mountains.
“I hope that you enjoy it and that it stays here for a long time.” On painting the mural, he said, “It was a great experience.”
