Photo: Mel Vernon, friend of the Author and Captain of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, poses with a coyote skin bag. The Author credits Mel with teaching her about local Luiseno culture., by Lance Cpl. Sarah Wolff, Wikimedia Commons
I waited to write about this mural piece at Joe Balderrama Park because I wanted to give the artists time to finish this important gazebo in the Eastside historical cultural district of Oceanside. I must begin with a memo I wrote to myself about how I am aware that the presence of the local Luiseno Indigenous community has been of major concern to Mayor Sanchez. She used her voice to express concern during a City Council Measure X initiative that was providing funding to a local NGO. From her heart and my seat in the Council Chambers of Oceanside, I heard her say she did not want the local Indigenous people and tribe to be forgotten and that we should all remember we were sitting on lands they once occupied.
I was extremely proud of her for speaking up, since over the past few years, I have been fortunate enough to learn more about the Luiseno because of my friendship with Diania and Mel and others from the tribe through cultural and social events, including the Valley Arts Festival, now enjoying support from local philanthropic organizations. There is also the Indian Voices newspaper, which is published by a dedicated editor, Ms. Rose Davis, who is better known in the print media world as “Black Indian Rose.” This remarkable woman has almost single-handedly brought people together as a community to not only be the basis of communication and interaction, but as a real vehicle to help keep the presence of the local Indigenous tribes and other cultural organizations illuminated regarding their efforts.
When this project started, they were among the first to offer a small grant that would ensure their presence at the park with the mural project. I can think of no better way to not only install great art, but to have a legacy visible for children, youth and adults to always be aware of the existence and the trials and tribulations, suffering and genocide of people of color. History has a clear understanding and documented background of racism, bigotry, and intolerance that has made these people victims and stolen lands subjected to many Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) rules and regulations concerning official federal recognition.
With the local Luisenos, whose many cousins live in San Diego County and beyond, the dilemma here is that their specific lands were taken over by the Spanish, meaning there were no grants for a reservation, thus no recognition, and coupled with the passing of elders, only made it more difficult for them to seek the same status as over 500 other tribes. But the tribal members that do live here worked hard to keep the cultural traditions alive, and for the past few years, there has been an increase in activism that seems to be working.
Balderrama Park has a history of its own, and over time, the transition from a more diverse neighborhood to a majority population of Mexican-Americans has occurred. Former Islanders, African Americans, and Native Americans have seen a large exodus of these other people of color. Through some former years, Balderrama earned a reputation as a place where there was gang warfare, street fighters, and crime. However, as with every evolution and decades, things change.
For me, as the facilitator of this huge Measure X project, the sponsorship of “Stop the Hate,” a campaign to do just that, will indeed (and already has) have a big effect on local populations. This message, painted on the four (4) pillars of the Indigenous gazebo have vibrant and colorful messages in visual form, along with very clever texts that serve well to educate all ages. They were painted by Marlene and PJ Fosselman and their children, as a tribute to the Luiseno and other “cousins” of the local tribe.
I watched Marlene paint with her heart as PJ and their daughter and grandchild “Foxx” created a living monument to remind us all that, in our world, regardless of color or tribal affiliation, “Stop the Hate” can be a positive impact toward building the culture of peace. Through mural and visual arts, the messages seem stronger and understandable, and as generations evolve, the lessons we learn about bigotry, hatred, racism, bullying, and prejudice are no longer wanted. I remember saying to some of the few remaining local hard line exclusive Chicano residents that “no one wants to make their Mothers cry” because of hate crimes. I believe that most residents really feel the same way. The beautiful culture of Mexico and her people is undeniable and is respected, admired and enjoyed by so many throughout California and other places, even abroad! But the presence of our original inhabitants, caretakers of our earth, should be celebrated as well. The ancestors lived here long before they lost their lands to others, but the culture of Mother Nature was and remains on their side and as a benefit to all humanity, which we are all beginning to see. Modern technology, pharmaceuticals, and so much more have a long way to go without the use of chemicals and polluted air caused by human neglect and greed to keep our earth safe.
For me, “Stop the Hate” is also a reminder of what our dear Mother Earth must be feeling when we remain on the path of destruction of fauna and flora and our oceans and seaways. Is it her voice that comes with the quaking earth and the stormy seas, hurricanes, tornadoes, lack of rain, disappearing forests and trees, polluted water and maiming and killing of human life?
For this, Indian Voices support will, at least, leave such messages to think about and, perhaps, just maybe perhaps, we will begin to listen to the cries and deterioration of our habitat and return to the ways when Mother Nature was the sacred way of life and a time when people worked together to conserve and share and be kind to one another, showing respect to all, to our elders, to our children who live their lives in a world that is so incredibly beautiful as portrayed through the four directions imprinted on the Indigenous “Stop the Hate” gazebo. (Photos to follow)
My thoughts to share for all and wishes to not only residents of Eastside but all of Oceanside and beyond. Happy New Year and May Peace Prevail on Earth!
