La Vida Es Un Sueno painted Oct 2010

Mural Painted Out March 27, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025

CONTACT:
Sarah Bella Mondragon, Community Organizer
Email: sbmondragon@barrioartists.org
Website: barrioartistspartnership.org
Phone: 619-957-4381

Artists, Community, and Neighbors Join Forces to Protect Local Chicano Community Murals in Logan, Sherman Heights, and Beyond

San Diego, CA — The beloved mural La Vida es Un Sueño, located at 2185 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113, was unexpectedly painted over between March 27th and 30th, 2025, causing widespread concern among community members, artists, and cultural advocates.

Originally created in October 2009 by a collective of talented Mexican artists from Mexicali, Baja California, La Vida es Un Sueño symbolized cross-border artistic collaboration and community dreams. The mural was part of a pop-up exhibition at Mundo Gallery, organized by celebrated artist Mario Torero. Crafted in mixed media — acrylics, spray paint, and handmade ceramics — the mural depicted people of all ages dreaming of a better tomorrow, inspired by the late husband of the candy store owner who originally gave permission for the artwork.

Mario Torero and community organizer Sarah Mondragon learned from realtor Juan Martinez that the building’s owner, Eddie Kaem, had the mural painted over after receiving threats of a substantial fine from local authorities due to gang-related graffiti. Contrary to expectations, Torero was not notified prior to the removal — a miscommunication reportedly due to the belief that he was living abroad in Costa Rica.

Efforts by residents and the building manager to reach the original Mexicali-based artists for restoration had been unsuccessful. However, there is renewed hope: the original artists have expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Chicano artists from Logan Heights to create a new or reimagined mural that continues the legacy of cross-border creativity and community pride.

A proposed restoration will incorporate protective “Graffiti Guard” coatings to preserve the mural’s integrity against future vandalism, allowing for easy removal of any graffiti without damaging the artwork.

Community members are invited to join the initial planning gathering: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 7:00–8:00 PM
San Diego Made Factory
2031 Commercial St., San Diego, CA 92113

The mural’s spirit lives on through the words that inspired its creation:

“¿Qué es la vida? Un frenesí.
¿Qué es la vida? Una ilusión, una sombra, una ficción,
y el mayor bien es pequeño; que toda la vida es un sueño,
y los sueños, sueños son.”
— Calderón de la Barca

Original Mural Artists:
Pablo Castañeda | Eduardo Kintero | Israel Carrillo Madrid | Fernando Mendez Corona | Guillermo Jauregui | Miguel Angel Benitez (+) | Juan Quintero | Miguel Ayala | Israel Ortega | Tania Kintero

Contact Information for Media Inquiries and Artist Collaboration:

About the Mural:
La Vida es Un Sueño translates to Life is a Dream, reflecting the collective dreams of the community. The mural illustrated men and women in peaceful slumber, symbolizing the creative power of dreams to shape a better future. The work served as a vibrant testament to the cultural and artistic bridge between San Diego and Mexicali.