Artist Hopes to Resume Work on Halted Calipatria Mural

CALIPATRIA — A mural project meant to spotlight community concerns about Lithium Valley’s development remains on hold following backlash over the artist’s preliminary process, leaving residents, officials and the artist awaiting a promised public art ordinance. The mural, commissioned by the Imperial Valley Equity & Justice Coalition and The Becoming Project for their new office at 150 W. Main St. in Calipatria, and designed by artist Sergio “Takito” Ojeda, was initially approved by the city and the property owner. However, the project was halted in October following concerns raised about the artist’s use of a “doodle grid” process, a method that incorporates temporary spray-painted designs as a guide for the final mural. While the mural remains on hold, Calipatria City Manager Laura Gutierrez confirmed progress toward formalizing public art guidelines. “The city is currently in the process of updating the zoning ordinance, the sign section to include murals. A draft will be presented to the Planning Commission in January,” Gutierrez said. “Once the Planning Commission has approved, recommendation will then be forwarded to the City Council, which requires a public hearing. We have and continue to do research to ensure the best outcome for our community,” she added. The issue...