A large mosaic mural was installed this week on an exterior wall at Tabasa Gardens, a new apartment complex at 1482 Freedom Blvd.
The 10-by-30-foot mosaic was created by Watsonville artist Kathleen Crocetti and a team of volunteers at Muzzio Mosaic Arts Center. The topic of the mural shows Rosie Tabasa, a local Filipina leader, and her son, Jess, standing at a doorway based on a black and white early day photograph.
Four artists each submitted a drawing based on the photo, and the final came down to Aptos High student, Caitlin Bayaca, who was 18 at the time, Crocetti said.
“It’s a beautiful design by a local talented artist that is a tribute to Watsonville’s Filipino community,” she said.
Born in Watsonville, Jess Tabasa went on to become a teacher at E.A. Hall Middle School. He died in 2022 at 83.
The project’s funding was approved by the Watsonville City Council at the same time the council apologized to the Filipino community for their actions that helped fuel race riots in the 1930s in the Pajaro Valley.
“When we came up with the design, we had over 100 people from our Filipino community here at the Muzzio Mosaic Arts Center helping with the final design,” Crocetti said.
Rinaldi Tile and Marble of Pajaro played a big role in the project and in other such projects around the county including the ongoing Watsonville Brillante installation on the Rodriguez Street parking structure.
Tabasa Gardens will serve residents earning between 25 to 50% of the area’s median income, which is equivalent to an annual income of $28,000 to $56,000 for a two-person household.
They will set aside approximately half of the units for farmworkers, and six units dedicated to households experiencing homelessness.
Bayaca earned the Gold Award, the highest award of the Girl Scouts organization, for a mural project that was installed at a local school.
Tarmo. Thank you so much for your action photo of Mrs. Tabasa’s head being placed on the Tabasa Gardens wall. It is beautiful and spectacular. Thanks to all the individuals and groups that made Tabasa Gardens affordable housing and what will be an iconic mural a reality. Such great work for Watsonville.
George Ow
It is refreshing to read the wonderful way the City of Watsoville has recognized the Filipino community with the new building mural and a formal apology for past treatment. Jessie and Myana Tabasa and other fine Filipino teachers have made outstanding contributions to their schools and the community.
Naming Dana Sales, man of the year also speaks well for the community.
Perhaps Cabrillo College trustees can follow this example on how to deal with wrong doings of our ancestors.
yeah ngl
Tarmo. Thank you so much for your action photo of Mrs. Tabasa’s head being placed on the Tabasa Gardens wall. It is beautiful and spectacular. Thanks to all the individuals and groups that made Tabasa Gardens affordable housing and what will be an iconic mural a reality. Such great work for Watsonville. THank you very much
charliedicken
E
haha yes