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We All Belong

Mural Artist: Josué Baltézar
June 2025

This vibrant mural at Harborside Elementary School was designed by Chula Vista native and CVESD alum Josué Baltézar and was created in collaboration with the entire 6th grade class. Over 75 students contributed their design ideas and helped paint this larger-than life-neighborhood facing mural.

The artwork centers around the Harborside Tiger which is calm, collected, and full of pride, symbolizing inner strength and resilience. Above the tiger, a glowing sun represents optimism, growth, and the light of learning that guides every student’s journey at Harborside.

Nature plays a central role in the design, as requested by many students and staff. Plants and flowers symbolize personal growth and the evolution of each student, while native bees, seen working together above the blooms, embody collaboration, dedication, and the power of teamwork. A sea turtle glides through the composition, guiding the eye toward the school’s entrance while also serving as a nod to Harborside’s coastal location and the importance of protecting our marine environment.

Prominently displayed in the mural is the phrase “We All Belong,” a powerful message contributed directly by a student that reflects Harborside’s identity as a welcoming and designated community school. Just below this phrase is a traditional tile-inspired pattern featuring marigold flowers, an homage to Mexican cultural heritage, family roots, and intergenerational connection. This pattern also serves as an abstract representation of people holding hands reinforcing the idea that we are stronger when united as a community.

This piece transforms an everyday space into a welcoming and inspiring visual landmark. Beyond beautifying the school, this collaborative project enhances school culture by promoting student agency, fostering school pride, and leaving a lasting legacy of creativity and collaboration for future classes to build upon.

This project was made possible in part by the City of Chula Vista‘s Performing and Visual Arts Grant, the Langston Family Foundation, and Gensler San Diego.