Tue. Dec 24th, 2024

Mendez Family Mural at Court of Appeals

Picture courtesy of the L.A. Times

Santa Ana is known for its art – but did you know that our new Court of Appeals building features murals and paintings representing historic Orange County legal cases?

The new 4th District Court of Appeal building in Santa Ana features “a mural depicting Westminster vs. Mendez, the 1947 ruling originating in Orange County that put an end to segregated schools for Mexican children. It was painted by students from Otto A. Fischer School, which serves residents of juvenile hall,” according to the L.A. Times.

The art work was spearheaded by appellate Justice Eileen Moore, who was assigned the task of finding artwork – but given no budget.

Donated artwork did not work due to conflicts of interest, and an art contest produced only three submissions.

Graffiti mural at court of appeal

Picture courtesy of the L.A. Times

“Then Moore approached the Orange County Department of Education. Working together, she and education officials developed a program that would have students create art based on issues raised and resolved in Orange County courts over the years,” according to the L.A. Times.

Kudos to Justice Moore and to all the students and the administrators at the O.C. Department of Education for their contributions to the art scene in Santa Ana.

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Art Pedroza Editor
Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

By Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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