Backesto Park Mural

A new, privately funded mural is being pushed forward for the handball court wall at Backesto Park — but the neighborhood wasn't informed nor invited to participate in its development.  An attempt to pass the design was made on April 1st.  They held their ONE required public meeting on April 16th and have plans to get it passed on April 21st.

❌ WHAT’S THE ISSUE?

• No communication from Councilmember Salas’ or Torres' office (balls were dropped)

• No notice to neighborhood associations despite expressing concerns in-person on April 1st

• Ongoing exclusion:  The community input meeting on April 16th was only discovered on Instagram on Monday April 7 and confirmed by the Councilmember the next day

• Conflict of interest:  The District 3 Arts Commissioner is also one of the three artists of this mural

• No respect for the mural effort already developed by the community through D3Decides

• Mural depicts real, living people

• This is not temporary!

✅ WHAT WE’RE ASKING

• Delay the mural approval process.  Art Commissioners meet monthly.

• Respect the prior community-led mural project

• Restart the process with proper engagement and transparency

We’ve collaborated before. Let us do it again — the right way.

UPDATE of April 16th Meeting

The meeting held on April 16th felt more like a formality than an open conversation. Much of the time was spent on explaining the current mural design, with attendees then being invited to engage in feel-good activities about the "Northside".

 Those behind the proposed mural saw things as "North Side San Jose" the area, and the "Northside" neighborhood only encompassed a small portion.

Unfortunately, there was only a brief opportunity for attendees to share their actual comments. However, these comments were valuable, and the brief time allotted was insufficient for a full discussion.