‘Day of the Dead’ mural unveiled Nov. 1 to coincide with celebration
The first mural of the Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association’s Alley Activation Program will be revealed in a downtown alley at 5:15 p.m. Nov. 1. The mural is being completed on the back of the Coast Hwy Traders building, between D and E streets, to the west of South Coast Highway 101.
The public is encouraged to come directly from the Day of the Dead Celebration held at the Encinitas Community Center to the unveiling, which will include entertainment and refreshments as well as costume contests for those who come dressed in Day of the Dead dress, even including pet costumes.
Coast Hwy Traders owner Beverly Goodman chose artists Debi Winger and Mayra Navarro from among several artists who applied to paint a Day of the Dead mural on the back of Goodman’s building as part of an Alley Activation Program organized by the Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association (formerly DEMA). The program is designed to bring more foot traffic to downtown alleys and eliminate the criminal activity that the alleys have attracted for many years. Plans include additional murals, landscaping, lighting, and improvements to the Dumpster location, possibly even Dumpster sharing and customized enclosures.
“This project not only enhances our downtown, but it brings the community together to do so,” said Encinitas 101 MainStreet Director Thora Guthrie, adding, “There are already a number of businesses operating out of the alleys. It is our hope to have more businesses located here, creating an even more vibrant downtown, with even more shopping and event spaces.”
The Alley Activation Program has received strong support from the city and county. Encinitas City Council awarded the program $5,000 for 2015, even more than E101 requested. Individual businesses are also getting support for their portion of the projects through the City of Encinitas Façade Improvement Grants. In addition, the Alley Activation Program was awarded a $10,000 Neighborhood Reinvestment Grant from the County of San Diego for 2015/2016. Volunteers helped prepare Goodman’s building for the mural. Professional landscape architects Joy Lyndes and Jim Benedetti have donated design services to the project.
After the brief unveiling ceremony and celebration, attendees who are 21 and over are invited into the Daley Double Saloon to continue the celebration with specially priced drinks.