ALAS Unveils New Mural Celebrating the Beauty, Strength, and Spirit of the Latino Community on the Coastside

Free community celebration on June 26 will feature mariachi, ballet folklórico, food, and refreshments, alongside the unveiling of a vibrant new mural by internationally recognized artist Rafael Blanco.

HALF MOON BAY, Calif. — June 18, 2026 — Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS) will unveil a new mural at its downtown headquarters, located at 507 Purissima Street in Half Moon Bay, during a community celebration on Friday, June 26, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The mural's official unveiling will take place at 5:30 p.m. The free public event will feature food, refreshments, mariachi, ballet folklórico performances, and an opportunity for community members to celebrate a new public artwork that honors the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of the Coastside Latino community.

Created by internationally recognized muralist Rafael Blanco and produced by Guerra Productions, the mural wraps around the exterior of the ALAS headquarters and depicts themes that have long defined the organization's work and mission. The artwork features a folklórico dancer, a farmworker with a barrel of brussels sprouts, and an elderly woman surrounded by hydrangeas, representing culture, labor, family, and community.

"This mural truly reflects the heart of our community, its beauty, strength, and enduring spirit," said Lilli Rey, President of the ALAS Board of Directors. "The dancer represents the light from within the ALAS walls, giving a sense of movement that she seems ready to step off the wall, welcoming everyone to celebrate the rich traditions and vibrant culture of the Latino community. We are honored to work with world-renowned muralist Rafa Blanco, whose remarkable artistry brings our stories to life and reminds us that every member of our community deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated."

Founded in 2011, ALAS has become a trusted community resource serving farmworkers and immigrant families throughout the Coastside. The organization provides food assistance, legal consultations, mental health services, after-school tutoring, and outreach through its Farmworker Equity Express mobile resource center. Arts and cultural programming, including Ballet Folklórico and Mariachi Media Luna, have remained central to the organization's mission since its inception.

"This mural is a reflection of the people who have built and sustained our community for generations," said Dr. Belinda Hernandez Arriaga, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ALAS. "Every image tells a story of dignity, perseverance, culture, and hope. We wanted to create something that honors our farmworker families, our elders, our traditions, and the vibrant future we are building together. This mural belongs to the entire community."

For artist Rafael Blanco, the project offered an opportunity to capture the spirit and humanity of the Coastside.

"It has been an honor to work with ALAS and the community on this mural," said Blanco. "Public art has the power to tell stories that might otherwise go unseen. My goal is to create a piece that celebrates the people, traditions, and experiences that make this community so special and to create something that residents can feel proud of for generations to come."

Oscar Guerra, producer of the project, said the mural reflects the collective effort and vision of many community members.

"This project is about more than creating a beautiful mural," said Guerra. "It is about honoring a community, preserving culture, and creating a lasting landmark that reflects the values and stories of the Coastside. We are proud to partner with ALAS to bring this vision to life."

The Half Moon Bay Planning Commission unanimously approved the mural last month, recognizing its positive contribution to the visual character of downtown Half Moon Bay. Once completed, the mural will join other public art installations that help tell the story of the Coastside and celebrate the diverse communities that call the region home.

Community members are invited to attend the unveiling and celebrate this milestone with ALAS.

WHAT: ALAS Community Mural Unveiling Celebration

WHEN: Friday, June 26, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: ALAS Headquarters, 507 Purissima Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

COST: Free and Open to the Public

About Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS)

Founded in 2011, Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting farmworker and immigrant families on the San Mateo County Coastside. ALAS serves families through programs that include free legal consultations, mental health services, food assistance, after-school tutoring, cultural arts, and the Farmworker Equity Express mobile resource center, which brings critical services directly to farmworkers and their families. 

Through its work, ALAS promotes health, education, economic opportunity, and community well-being. For more information, please visit www.alasdreams.com 

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