Envision Broadway hosted a Graffiti and Trash Cleanup on Oct. 2 with more than 30 participants and the support of the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce and the City of Chula Vista Public Works Department. “It was a great turnout. It was super hot that day but they were out there and the businesses were so grateful.” said Jovita Arellano director of the Institute of Public Strategies South Bay.
They are now looking for artists to paint murals on vandalized buildings and business fronts throughout Broadway as part of a beautification effort. “When there is a mural on a building, that pretty much stops the tagging. Every once in a while you get another tag. For some reason, when these taggers see these murals they appreciate it and respect it. They leave it alone” Arellano said.
“Community involvement is a must,” According to Arellano, the committee secured $1,000 in funding from PPG Paints and Mesa Paints on Broadway in Chula Vista for the creation of two murals. Another $1,000 is being funded by BLICK Art Materials.
Locations that are points of interest for the mural project are the two Firestones buildings and The Salvation Army building on Broadway. Natalie Rodgers, a student of public health at San Diego State University and an advocate of IPS is at the forefront of these efforts. She is currently developing a program plan for Envision Broadway to help increase safety among residents and in the community.
According to Rogers, the goal is to conduct interviews with community members to address challenges and create solutions to improve the health of the community. This project is expected to improve the financial health of the city and create a more pride of ownership for residents and businesses.
Envision Broadway anticipates to begin painting murals mid December with confirmation from property owners. Artists will be compensated between $300 to $500 on murals that incorporate and reflect the community of Chula Vista.
