It has taken three years.
After encountering many bureaucratic roadblocks and doors closed shut, a location has been found close to home, with a property owner who didn’t hesitate to say, “Yes,” allowing the work to begin to paint a mural of Gabriel Fernandez.
Gabriel, the child who the Department of Family and Social Services failed, made headlines after his death and trial that revealed the shocking details of the cruelty and physical abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend, both now in prison.
After three years of searching for a location for the mural throughout the city and county of Los Angeles, family members Amalia Carranza and Olivia Rubio announced the news that the corner of Van Nuys Boulevard and Ralston Avenue in Pacoima, on the side of Lidia’s Salon, is the place for the public artwork. On Monday, Sept. 16, they released the following statement that explained it’s significance:
“Gabriel Fernandez is known as the 8-year-old boy who was murdered in Palmdale CA. Many thought and still think until this day that he didn’t know love or happiness. We want the world to know, that Gabriel was originally from the San Fernando Valley. Living in Pacoima with his siblings and family members, he was well loved, and knew happiness. He attended Pacoima Charter Elementary for two years. The importance of Gabriel’s mural in Pacoima is to bring him home where happy memories were made. And to bring child abuse awareness. To let the communities know they are not alone and together we will stand and fight against child abuse. Gabriel deserves to shine.”
“Gabriel lived just down the street,” Rubio pointed out.
Muralist Juan Pablo Reyes, “JP Murals,” has taken on this heartfelt project, which he plans to complete on Oct. 5.