At the City Council meeting on Apri 16, council members Dr. Ahmad Zahra, Dr. Shana Charles, and Bruce Whitaker presented certificates of recognition to the volunteers who participated in the historic Lemon Bridge mural restoration.

“The Lemon Bridge murals, for anybody who’s been here in Fullerton for a long time, you know these are historic murals. They were painted in 1978 as part of a youth project spearheaded by an artist and teacher, David Whelan. We are finally moving forward to restore these with the help of many donors in the community. Thank you to the Orange County Employees Association (OCEA), Fullerton Fire Fighter Association, Fullerton Police Officers Association, and Ambtn Barber Shop, who all donated large amounts. The community also helped with small donations through the website. Thank you all for making this happen. It has been a real community effort,” said councilmember Ahmad Zahra.  

“One of the things that was so important to do was to bring the spirit of the original project back, which involved the local youth,” Zahra said.

Many of the original students are proud to have participated in painting the murals in 1978. The project was intended to help the youth feel invested in the community while beautifying an area of Fullerton blighted by graffiti. 

Many young people participated in the restoration.

“In 50 years, they can look back and say we were part of this,” said Zahra, “Artist Andrew Sturdivant recreated one of the murals that was beyond repair. “

Aleese Sturdivant, Daniel Ramos, Aaron Ramos, Gabriel Ponce, Evan Palmer, Luciano Ortiz, Ethan Estrada, Robert Diaz, Mitchell Diaz, Andrew Sturdivant Jr., Azule Galarza, Gulianna Nunnci, Marilyn Allen Day, Simone Sarco, Lila Sarco, Kevin Muratalla and Andrew Sturdivant the artist.