News Summary
Guillermo Piñon, owner of Distrito Catorce in Boyle Heights, plans to replace a mural of Dodgers legends Fernando Valenzuela and Jaime Jarrín with a new tribute to local community leaders. This change responds to growing dissatisfaction among residents regarding the Dodgers’ handling of immigration issues affecting Latino families. Piñon emphasizes the need for the mural to reflect current community values and hopes to foster a sense of local pride. Despite this change, he will continue to screen Dodgers games while highlighting other local sports teams.
Boyle Heights restaurant owner Guillermo Piñon has announced plans to replace a mural dedicated to Dodgers legends Fernando Valenzuela and Jaime Jarrín with a new tribute to local community leaders. This decision comes amid rising community discontent regarding the Dodgers’ response to recent immigration raids in Los Angeles, which have raised concerns among local residents.
The mural, originally commissioned in honor of Piñon’s childhood heroes, has faced criticism as community members feel the Dodgers organization has not sufficiently addressed the impact of immigration enforcement on Latino families. Piñon stated the importance of evolving the mural to honor those who actively contribute positively to the Boyle Heights community, saying, “The past is the past,” highlighting the need for a change that reflects current community values.
In June, the Dodgers made a $1 million commitment to support immigrant families affected by the raids; however, many community members felt that this gesture did not adequately address the underlying issues connected to immigration enforcement. A petition emerged, urging the Dodgers to take a moral stand against these practices, especially given that Latino families represent 40% of the team’s fan base and play a significant role in the financial success of the franchise.
Patrons at Distrito Catorce, the restaurant Piñon opened in 2021, have echoed his sentiments, expressing disappointment with how the Dodgers have approached community concerns. The new mural will be crafted by artist Sergio Robleto, who also created the original artwork. An event featuring a live painting will occur at the upcoming CicLAvia at Mariachi Plaza, with expectations of unveiling a more permanent community-oriented mural in early 2024.
The original mural has experienced alterations in the past, including a modification by Robleto that removed part of the mural depicting Julio Urías due to his history of domestic violence policy violations. Piñon aims for the new mural to celebrate the local community rather than focus on individual athletes who may be seen as representing a corporate organization disconnected from community values.
Despite the changes in mural representation, Piñon intends to continue screening Dodgers games at his restaurant. However, he also plans to shift more of the focus towards watch parties for soccer teams LAFC and Angel City FC, franchises he believes better represent the community’s spirit and ideals.
While recognizing that his decision may evoke pushback from some patrons, Piñon reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing community values above corporate affiliations. He is aware of the long-term implications of his actions for future generations within Boyle Heights, aiming to foster a community that celebrates its heritage and supports its own leaders.
This artistic shift represents not just a cosmetic change but an ongoing dialogue within Boyle Heights, where community sentiment is increasingly demanding that organizations take more thoughtful stances on social issues. The removal of the mural is seen as part of a broader movement to reclaim community identity, focusing on local contributions instead of distant corporate figures.
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Additional Resources
- Boyle Heights Beat: Boyle Heights Bar Distrito Catorce Unveils Dodgers Mural
- The New York Times: Dodgers and Latino Communities
- The Downey Patriot: Review on Fernando Mania
- CBS News: Unveiling Ceremony for Fernando Valenzuela Mural
- Los Angeles Magazine: Thoughts on Completing Fernando Valenzuela Mural
- Wikipedia: Los Angeles Dodgers
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