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Community in Bloom

Mural Artist: Ian Stiles-Mikl
January 2026

This mural was designed by Artist Ian Stiles-Mikl and made possible by the Casa de Oro Alliance. Shaped directly by community input, the composition centers on a blooming prickly pear cactus shown up close. Its radiant golden flowers symbolize resilience and growth, and reference the neighborhood’s name, Casa de Oro, meaning “House of Gold.” Perched among the cactus pads are three cactus wrens, symbols of community, belonging, and togetherness. In the background, the rolling hills, views of San Miguel Mountain, and soft morning skies of Casa de Oro anchor the mural in its surrounding landscape.

Inspired by the neighboring Dictionary Hill Open Space Preserve ecosystem and the voices of local residents, the mural’s bright, uplifting colors reflect both place and pride. Families, youth, and longtime community members came together to help paint the mural, sharing stories and memories throughout the process. This collective act of creation mirrors the mural’s central theme: community.

This mural was made possible in part by a San Diego County Community Enhancement Program grant awarded to the Casa de Oro Alliance. Thank you to the Casa de Oro Center for granting the community this wall space for the mural.