Members of an art collective will hand over pieces of a mural on Friday morning — all that remains from three large murals painted in the early 1980s and moved into Cell Space in 2006.
The murals represent an archive of memory that spans two decades, from the time they were done as community projects through the 1990s, when they hung at the Real Alternatives Program, an alternative high school known as RAP.
“It’s our history,” said Ray Balberan, a longtime Mission activist who worked at RAP. He and Roberto Ariel Vargas, a former RAP director, made it clear that Cell Space was not to blame. “We take the responsibility for failing to keep track of them,” Vargas said at a meeting with the collective Monday night.
Reclaiming what was left of the murals is one of several efforts to preserve a time, said Sandra Cuadra, a Latina photographer, “when we were the Mission.” Many longtime Mission residents are participating in events such as a recent evening of story-telling about the neighborhood’s history at the Galería de la Raza and a photo exhibit earlier this spring at the Mission Cultural Center on the Tiny Locas, girlfriends from the 1980s who ran tight in the Mission.
“We are in post-gentrification,” Vero Majano, a 40-something filmmaker who grew up in the neighborhood, told Mission Loc@l at the Tiny Loca show. “We are the survivors of that. The posters, the photos, the films that we are showing are the archives of people surviving.”
In contrast to the anger that flared in the late 1990s when the Mission appeared to be changing at dot-com speed, Majano and others are anxious to share a history that many newcomers at the well-attended events are interested in hearing.
The murals — 15 or so four-by-eight-foot panels — held special significance because of when they were done, and because many local teenagers helped with them and went to RAP’s alternative high school or used its collection of social services.
Vargas ended up as a director and now works at UCSF, but when he first encountered the murals and RAP he was a teenager “in serious legal trouble,” he said. RAP helped him out of it.
One mural that informed his youth illustrated two young Latinos in cap and gown on one side with gang members depicted as skeletons on the other side. The message — education liberates, gangs kill — inspired him and others to change their ways. The second showed a young homeboy surrounded by Mission youth, their fists raised in a gesture of power. They stood to the left, and to the right was a man in a zoot suit in his low-riding car, a brilliant flash of blue. The third was a panorama of Mexican historical figures.
Carlos Gonzalez, a probation officer at the Youth Guidance Center, worked on several of the murals. They were all, he said, done as part of different community programs with RAP youth and others. One of the murals was the community component of HIV outreach to drug users.
Led by mural luminaries such as Ray Patlan, gang-bangers, drug addicts and kids on the edge all helped. Creating the murals helped saved some of them. Not all.
“The murals have a lot of significance,” Gonzalez said one Sunday as he worked on another mural at the guidance center. “The young kids who worked with us were doing dope and many of them were talented. Some of them started doing tattoos, others are still doing murals. Some are dead and gone, because we worked with a hard-core group of kids.”
After RAP closed in 1999, the murals remained on the second floor of the Sunshine building at 2730 Bryant Street. In 2005 they were taken down and stored in Vargas’s garage, until Vargas moved them to Sandra Sandoval’s apartment at Cell Space with the intention of restoring them. At the time, Sandoval was involved in music and worked at Cell Space as part of a caretaker’s program, said Dorian Johnson, the acting director, who has been a member of the collective for 13 years.
Sandoval, who could not be reached for comment, was evicted in 2008 after a lengthy legal battle, Johnson said.
Cell Space itself went through a complete reorganization in 2007 and nearly dissolved for financial reasons, he added.
Balberan and Vargas said they took responsibility for losing the murals because they failed to inquire about them after Sandoval’s eviction. Balberan said he could not explain why. “I don’t know.”
A reminder of the murals came in March when Vargas went to his wife’s Tuesday-night Aztec dance class at Cell Space. One of the doors to a storage area under the kitchen hung open. The inside of the door was a piece of one of the murals.
Word that the murals might have been destroyed spread quickly, and Balberan and Vargas began to work to recover what was left.
“The murals express Mission reality, our story and the big-time love affair with the social change culture and arts movement,” wrote Balberan in his request for the meeting with the collective that took place on Monday night.
Vargas and Balberan knew when the meeting began that the only remaining pieces were from the mural on education, which were on the inside panels of four storage doors. Johnson and the collective’s members were anxious to set up an exchange. Balberan’s offer to leave a photograph behind so that others would remember what had been was quickly accepted.
“No one knew anything about the murals being there, ever” said Johnson. “Sandra really didn’t have jurisdiction for them to be there. They are not in our records. I think she just kind of assumed that it would be OK, but never brought it to anyone’s attention.”
The murals never came up during their legal negotiations with her, he said. The apartment was left in shambles, but he doesn’t remember murals and said they could have been stored on the first floor and used as wood by people who had no connection to them.
When Cell Space faltered in 2007, there was a lot of cleaning and they’ve long had a problem with artists leaving behind old work, he said.
Johnson and the other collective members got one surprise on Monday night. Tom Phillips, a metal worker, announced near the end of the meeting that he had one full panel showing a male figure in a blue graduation gown holding a diploma. About a year ago, he said, “It was on a trash pile. I saved it.” It too will be returned.
Photos
Upcoming Events
Friday, July 2
de Young Museum
Golden Gate Park
Mission Muralismo celebrates the Graff Convention, organized by Annice Jacoby in partnership with Precita Eyes Muralists
5:00–8:45 p.m. Projections of the stunning street art of the Mission District
7:00–8:30 p.m. Featured presentations by Mission street artists
Friday, July 9
Back to the Picture
934 Valencia St. @ 20th St
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Artists talk: The Mission: An Art Scene in Transition. Where were we? Where are we now?
I am shocked that anyone would attempt to defend Sandra Sandoval. What she did is unconceivable. She is a grown 34 yr old woman, and she should have acted as one. Her decision to obviously hide these murals amongst the scraps at Cell Block is appalling. The murals she was entrusted with are priceless memories of the joys and challenges RAP students faced during their time there. Being the “Good Community Worker” that she is said to be, and having been a part of RAP, she is keen to this fact. She was well aware of the resposibility that had been placed on her shoulders. If the role she played at Cell Block was not such that it would allow her to house the murals for an undetermined amount of time, she should have made it clear from the very begining. And how do you even begin to justify the fact that even in the face of an eviction, she did nothing to contact Ariel Vargas or Ray. She was the gatekeeper,so to speak, it was her reponsibility to ensure the mural made it to a safe new home. Sandra being a community worker for as long as she has been is extremely knowledgeable and should have had no problem reaching Ariel or someone else who was previously connected to RAP. Actions speak louder than words and in this case the actions scream of an imature, irresponsible, individual who almost cost the Mission District a priceless piece of its history. I along with many of my fellow classmates are hurt that you, Ray, of all people would attempt to defend her behavior. It is understandable that in the role you play diplomacy is called for, but often times it it best to say nothing at all rather than risk further offending the other party invovled. No offense meant, we all have much love for you Ray. You were an excellent father figure for many of us who didn’t have that at home. Had it not been for RAP who knows what my life, and that of many of my classmates, would have turned out to be. However this does not quench the dissapointment, fustration and grief we feel over what occurred. With this said, we look forward the re-encarnation of “Education Is Liberation” at YGC, in hopes that this will heal our wounds.
I want to apologize to the flashy doodlers. Regardless if your work is not the social narrative as is the case with the early Mission murals, your art is still appreciated and please forgive if I offended anyone that puts their heart and soul into public expression of color and form.
An important detail has been lost in the conversation about these “lost murals.” I was the original lead artist that brought together the students from RAP’s summer program that year and introduced them to the idea of mural painting.
Mitchell Salazar who was director of RAP at the time encouraged me to paint another mural for RAP since the original mural that I painted at RAP’s 23rd and Florida St. was painted over by the new owners of the RAP office.
The idea of the skeletons pulverizing each other was a reflection of the current abuse of PCP that plagued our community at the time. All of our student painters were at risk youth both male and female. The menace of PCP was huge because it transformed our beautiful children into zombies that would helplessly agree to be abused by the predators that invited them to smoke that crap.
You folks should get in touch with me and I will really tell you what went on before, during and somewhat after that summer youth program at the RAP school when the mural came to life.
That lost mural was intended to fill the void of the truly lost mural at 23rd and Florida St.
I’m not sure if the current owners of the building at 23rd and Florida know it, but under the painted walls at the back of that huge space is a true period mural depicting the struggle to shut down YGC and turn the rehabilitation of our youth over to the community. I still have photos of that mural. It was a gem created by youth for youth with biting commentary expressing real conditions of the time. Unlike the flash and individualistic doodling of many contemporary public paintings posing as murals today.
Raul, thank you for this history and yes, I will definitely get in touch. Fascinating about the mural locked under paint. I will try your e-mail, but if it doesn’t work, please contact me at missionlocal@gmail.com Best Lydia
love the calaquitas <3
June 3,2010
Dear RAP Family and Mission Community
We have the responsibility to start the healing process. I blame no one for the RAP Mural events. Sandra Sandoval is a good community worker. She did the very best for RAP. I love Sandra! She is neither the cause nor shell she be the escape goat. Brother and Sister SFUSD is the causes do not point your finger at Roberto and Sandra! The RAP Family is warriors! Our expressions of love for the people and self-determination will not be suppressed. We will care for each other love and serve the community.
Hattie Larrouy commented on your link:
“Thanks so much Ray! I just shared this story with Stephen. Every experience like this has something to teach us. I can imagine the discussion at the collective meeting was a very rich one. It’s amazing the power that art has to influence our lives and life decisions. love you Ray! – Hattie”
“Nephew your uncle Raymond is involved in restoring the murals:))
“okay..lets go get what belongs to us…”
“I am hoping that this means you will now have reqained control of these Mission district treasures?”
“Ray I know that you n Audie will recover the beautiful history of these murals and there true meanings, so that we can share this legacy with our kids growing up and show n tell them the many stories of the many beautiful gente from La Mission, love you guys!”
“Thanks Papa Ray!! “Education is Liberation” will live on at YGC. The new mural I’m painting at YGC is Titled “Education is Liberation II” It pays tribute to the lost murals and serves as a message to our youth to free their minds from the negative to the positive. Checkout the progression of that mural on my wall. The community will be invited to the dedication ceremony when it’s completed. Love and respect.”
“Gracias, por compartir este video !!!!!!
que buenos murales!!!”
“Hi Ray! Thanks for sharing this..I cannot see anyone getting rid of any of those murals..someone has the others.. If u need any help count me in.
Update: Seven parts of the RAP Mural are at home with Valintina at Precita Center.
Hattie Larrouy commented on your link:
“Thanks so much Ray! I just shared this story with Stephen. Every experience like this has something to teach us. I can imagine the discussion at the collective meeting was a very rich one. It’s amazing the power that art has to influence our lives and life decisions. love you Ray! – Hattie”
“Nephew your uncle Raymond is involved in restoring the murals:))
“okay..lets go get what belongs to us…”
“I am hoping that this means you will now have reqained control of these Mission district treasures?”
“Ray I know that you n Audie will recover the beautiful history of these murals and there true meanings, so that we can share this legacy with our kids growing up and show n tell them the many stories of the many beautiful gente from La Mission, love you guys!”
“Thanks Papa Ray!! “Education is Liberation” will live on at YGC. The new mural I’m painting at YGC is Titled “Education is Liberation II” It pays tribute to the lost murals and serves as a message to our youth to free their minds from the negative to the positive. Checkout the progression of that mural on my wall. The community will be invited to the dedication ceremony when it’s completed. Love and respect.”
“Gracias, por compartir este video !!!!!!
que buenos murales!!!”
“Hi Ray! Thanks for sharing this..I cannot see anyone getting rid of any of those murals..someone has the others.. If u need any help count me in. ”
“hey ray….call me…”
It’s great to hear that these lost murals are in the process of being restored and returned to the community to be displayed for all to view their history and beauty. In the mist of recovering these murals my sister, Sandra Sandoval has been slandered and used as a scapegoat. There is so much more to the story we call “Cell Space,” a chronicle full of cochinadas which will all be unraveled and told in its own time. My sister is a well respected member of the community who has always worked tirelessly, selflessly and in solidarity with the community as has my family in the 50 yrs that we have lived in the Mission District. I am disgusted at the speculations made by Dorian Johnson. Get it together Raza! These murals were lost and there is no need to finger point and drag someone’s name in the mud for all to see. Where is Sandra’s voice in this article? There were no attempts to reach Sandra who still lives in the Mission District to hear her side of the story. A retraction is definitely needed because if anyone would have wanted these murals to come to light it would have been Sandra Sandoval.
Isabel: Your sister has been in touch and I hope to speak with her soon. Thank you, Lydia
The Cell has been as helpful as they can be in this process. For the record, Sandra was doing what she could in the role she played at the Cell at the time she recieved the murals. The murals were removed from the RAP High School when the School district evicted RAP HS from the Sunshine school building. The Director of County Community Schools at that time< Mickey Dantine, did not want community governance of a school, as we had at RAP HS. This lead to her closing the RAP HS, and to a group of activists from across the SFUSD and myself fighting to get the School Board to pass a resolution to give County Schools (where mostly poor kids and kids of color are sent after being expelled from the core HS) the RIGHT to have school site council governance. I'm not sure it is being implemented to this day.
Sandra did her part to help preserve the murals by offering to house the murals at Cell. In the chaos of transition at Cell, it is understandable they lost track. Similarly, we had our own chaos of transition at the RAP Collaborative, and we lost track of the murals. I accept primary responsibility for that.
If anyone is looking to blame someone for the loss of the murals, please blame me.
Valentina Sedeno, Director of the Precita Valley Community Center, has graciously agreed to provide a new home for what's left of the murals there. Precita Center, like many other spaces and individuals in our community, embodies the spirit of RAP that lives on forever: working for the self-determination of Mission youth, especially youth struggling for justice.
June 7, 2010
Dear Cellspace Collective;
Respectfully I want to express my caring feelings for the Real Alternative Program Murals. The murals have been part of my life for twenty-five and more years. In my heart the murals express Mission reality, our story and the big time love affair with the social change culture and arts movement. The murals are intertwined with my life efforts to free the youth. I Ray Balberan with respect and love take full responsibility for Real Alternative Program Murals in their pass and present state.
In the late 70s and mid 80sThe Real Alternatives Program Murals was painted on 4×8 plywood panels. I estimate 15 or more panels made up the murals. The murlistas are Carlos Gonzalez, Raul Martinez, Ray Patan and Torres. Real Alternatives Program student interns also painted one of the murals. The murals were installed in Real Alternatives Program High School by Mitch Salazar and Walden House residents.
After studying very carefully the photograph, Cellspace website pictures and known facts I come to this conclusion: The Real Alternative Program Murals flat rectangular panels of plywood are serving as a part of Cellspace doors, walls and artworks. Cellspace recycled the mural into their building and art programs. I am inclining to say “recycled”— not pushed into the dumps.
Where am I coming from? I am a Mission warrior for self-determination and my mission is to love and serve the people. As a community elder I say to you we are wounded, unhappy– blaming ourselves for not taking care of a community treasure. What do I want? What can I do to turn this into good Karma? Somewhere deep in my heart is a win-win healing proposal. I need help to bring it to daylight. I respectfully request time on the Cellspace Collective agenda.
With love and respect,
Ray Balberan
Arriba Juntos, Consultant to the Executive Directors 2010
Mission Neighborhood Center, Board of Directors
Mission Neighborhood Health Center, Board of Directors
Real Alternative Program, Inc., Board of Directors
Real Alternative Program, Inc., Suspected Child Abuse Reporting Taskforce Chairman
(Taskforce actions raised the will of San Francisco to reform their juvenile justice establishment and to protect the Civil Rights of children wards of the court)
Mission Mediarts Film Workshop, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, KQED Local and National Television Filmmaker
San Francisco District I Mental Health Advisory Board to the Mayor
Conscious Youth Media Crew, Chairperson of the Board of Directors 2010
Member of the Mission Safety Network 2010
Real Alternative Program Youth and Family Advocate for youth alternatives for street gangs and juvenile probation clients
Mission Neighborhood Centers, Precita Family and Youth Advocate, wrote into the California Mental Health Service Act: The Real Alternatives Program Calles community base violence prevention model November 2004. San Francisco Department Children, Youth and Family replicated the Calles model into the city-wide Community Response Network programs 2006-10
San Francisco Community Response Network Northwest Region, Advisor 2010
Mission Mediarts Film Archives 2010, Digital Historian 2010
1962-1966 Vietnam War, United States Navy CVA 31 decorate by President Johnson
Center for young Women’s’ Development, Advisor 2010
Grandfather to be August 2010
I know that Ray and Audie will do whatever to recover these pieces n keep the legacy of these beautiful pieces of art and not let go of the memories that are cherised with these pieces which is so much the history of the Mission n we need to hang on to whats left so that our children can be blessed as we were and learn the history behind all of these drawings n the many talents although many are not with us anymore, and also to share to them of how many talented people came from the Mission. XOXO to Ray N Audie.
The memory of the lost murals will be commemorated on the mural at YGC (Youth Guidance Center @ 375 Woodside Ave, SF, CA) titled “Education is Liberation II”. The imagery pays homage to the lost murals and continues the message of hope and inspiration to our youth, specially our “at risk” youth. The community will be invited to the dedication ceremony upon completion of the mural.
It’s really wonderful to hear see and hear the stories about the history of the Mission. When one grows up without a neighborhood, e.g., in the suburbs, it can be difficult to understand why people get upset about changing community fabric. In the ‘burbs, such change either goes unnoticed, or is welcomed because there’s a chance that culture comes with it.
Interesting story.
I’m curious about one thing. You write that Cell Space “will hand over pieces of a mural” and that the piece found by Tom Phillips “will be returned,” but never state to whom these artworks are being entrusted or how they will be cared for in the future.
Is there an organization that has agreed to act as custodians and to preserve these murals?
They will be handed over to Roberto Ariel Vargas and Ray Balberan who plan to restore the pieces and put them in a place where the community can enjoy them. Best, Lydia
Thank you. with love … ray