Watsonville Mural Archive
The mural painted on canvas is attached to the wall instead of being painted directly onto the surface due to restrictions by the building owner.
Detail of a baby raised toward the sun to represent new life and energy for the city of Watsonville.
Outside of Lettunich Building, where the former cannery workers office was.
Mural in Former Cannery Workers Organizing Project Office
In 1989, Oscar Rios, the former mayor, commissioned this mural in the cannery workers organizing office to honor the workers who led the successful 18-month strike against Watsonville Canning between 1985-1986. Due to restrictions made by the building owner, the Mexican muralist, Delgadillo, painted the mural on a canvas and had to attach it to the wall after the painting was completed. At the time Delgadillo was planning to paint the mural, the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake struck and devastated the city. As a result, this mural memorializes the destruction and rebuilding of the Watsonville. Due to its inside location, this mural has not been made visible to the public although it is dedicated to the community folks.
Listen to the interview with Oscar Rios to learn more about the history behind the mural.