A nondescript downtown soundwall that has been a blank canvas for a number of years will soon come back to life after the Hollister City Council this week approved a request by the local American Legion to paint a mural honoring the military there. The wall, located where Monterey and Third streets intersect at the foot of Vista Park Hill near the new county courthouse, will depict "several scenes of soldiers and U.S. military equipment," according to a report presented by City Manager William Avera to the council on Monday.
The council in 1998 approved a mural to be painted on that wall and it lasted several years before graffiti vandalism took its toll and the city eventually had to paint over it in a drab, gray color. In his report to the council, Avera said that "since murals tend to reduce the amount of graffiti in public areas, staff is recommending that the city council authorize the use of the wall for a new mural."
City Councilman Ray Friend brought up the idea in recent meetings, noting that he was approached by the Legion with the request.