SAN DIEGO — After seven years, four different artists, and a global pandemic, the City Heights neighborhood finally gets to enjoy the "Unity in Community" mural in Teralta Park.
Maria Cortez, a member of the City Heights Community Development Corporation, says she has been a part of this project since the beginning and even through some of the struggles she said she never doubted the community's ability to make it happen.
"Here we did, we overcame, it took seven years but we got it done," said Cortez.
Cortez said that she wants everyone who comes to Teralta Park to see themselves in the mural.
"When you look at the mural you're going to look at the different ethnic groups that we have and as I said we don't care who or what you are because you're all welcome here in City Heights," said Cortez.
The mural features community members from all walks of life and prominent landmarks from the neighborhood including a trolley with the number 235, referencing a bus line that runs right through the park.
Finishing the mural may have been an uphill battle but that is not stopping the Development Corporation from continuing their projects.
"We're working with Caltrans and MTS to complete the art that was promised to us decades ago on the bridge decks," said Cortez.
The CDC plans to bring events like art walks and bike rides to the park and Cortez made it very clear the CDC is going to continue fighting for the community.
"A lot of organizations come and go, but not us, we're still here. You can't tell us no, when you tell us no you make us stronger, and we get it done," said Cortez.
The mural was funded by grants and donations and cost $30,000 over 7 years. The Teralta Park Community is still accepting donations sent to City Heights Town Council for upkeep on the mural.
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