Watsonville Mural Archive

This mural project was led by artist Guillermo "Yermo" Aranda and designed and painted with 16 students from Watsonville High School (WHS) in 1989. At the time, the project raised criticism from some community members about the imagery being "too Hispanic" although the school board and student body had already approved the design. This pushback led to a two year delay of the mural's completion and the student muralists remained committed. Those students were Jesus Baca, Myrian Cabral, Lorena Castillo, Glafira Castillo, Guillermina Cervantes, Luis Corona, Lorena Lelo, Diane Lopez, Alfonso Morales, Alfonso Palacios, Wendy Polson, Elizabeth Reyes, Jimmy Rodriguez, Adrian Garza, Martha Vega and Jose Villalobos.

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In 2020, unbeknownst to the muralists and the public, "Sueños/Dreams" was removed during the cafeteria's remodel. Community members including students and alumni vocalized their frustrations to the Pajaro Valley School Board (PVUSD) about there being no community input on the matter. In response, PVUSD has publicly committed to recommission Aranda to paint a new mural. However, this doesn't repair the damage done. 

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In memory of the "Sueños/Dreams," muralists have been asked to reflect on what the mural means to them: 

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"It seems unreal to know the mural has vanished as a result of few paint strokes. However, the lessons I learned as a student will forever remain in my heart.  I know that the experience we encountered played a huge role in my development as a young adolescent. The experience helped shape who I am today and opened up my eyes about the real world.

Guillermo Aranda guided, mentored, and empowered us to talk to the board when the mural faced challenges. At this time, my heart feels sorrow for the loss of our community “Dreams/Sueños” mural yet, grateful for the remodel of the Watsonville High School cafeteria as I know our students, our future leaders will be able to enjoy it."  - Martha Vega (class of '93) 

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