DATE: 22 August 2025
TO: Laura Buzo and Evelyn Orantes
FROM: Jennifer Easton, Manager of Art Programs
SUBJECT: Response to Mural Content Direction for Union City BART Columns Dear Ms. Buzo and Ms. Orantes,
Thank you for sharing Union City’s interest in highlighting the history of the Decoto neighborhood as part of the proposed mural project on the BART aerial trackway columns in Kennedy Park in Union City. We appreciate the opportunity to support a project that reflects and uplifts the surrounding community.
BART’s mural program, including murals proposed through the permit process, is guided by parameters designed to ensure that murals on BART property remain inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with our role as a regional transit provider. After consideration of how you described the potential project, there three areas related to our mural guidelines that I’d like to reiterate:
1. History-oriented murals
BART generally discourages murals that serve as direct interpretive depictions of a community’s history. This guideline is not intended to diminish the importance of Decoto’s story, but rather to recognize the complexity of representing history in a way that feels inclusive of all voices for the life of the mural(s). Historical narratives require extensive engagement and research and often results in raising questions of accuracy and evolving perspectives and may demand future updates that are better suited to locations at civic or cultural institutions. In the transit environment, we have found that murals focusing on identity, belonging, and shared values connect more readily with diverse riders while still reflecting the spirit of place.
2. Depictions of individuals
BART does not permit the specific depiction of living persons, and discourages the use of recognizable depictions of individuals who are no longer living. Portraying individuals can unintentionally elevate one voice over the collective, raise concerns about fairness and neutrality, and create legal or ethical issues related to likeness rights. Additionally, public perceptions of individuals may change over time, which can complicate the longterm stewardship of artwork. For these reasons, we encourage murals to reflect collective identity and shared cultural values rather than focusing on a specific person or people.
3. Demarcation of neighborhoods or cities
BART also discourages murals that emphasize dividing lines or boundaries between neighborhoods, districts, or cities. As a regional transit provider, our mission is to connect rather than separate communities. Artwork that highlights shared values, collective identity, and common aspirations helps strengthen a sense of unity across the system while still honoring the distinct character of the places we serve.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT
2150 Webster Street, P.O. Box 12688
Oakland, CA 94604-2688
(510) 464-6000
2025
Mark Foley
PRESIDENT
Melissa Hernandez
VICE PRESIDENT
Robert Powers
GENERAL MANAGER
DIRECTORS
Matt Rinn
1ST DISTRICT
Mark Foley
2ND DISTRICT
Barnali Ghosh
3RD DISTRICT
Robert Raburn, Ph.D.
4TH DISTRICT
Melissa Hernandez
5TH DISTRICT
Elizabeth Ames
6TH DISTRICT
Victor Flores
7TH DISTRICT
Janice Li
8TH DISTRICT
Edward Wright
9TH DISTRICT
www.bart.gov
That said, BART is open to exploring ways to represent “history” and “community identity” in a broader sense — not as literal timelines or portraits, but as artistic expressions of Decoto and Union City’s resilience, belonging, and cultural vibrancy. We believe this framing provides an opportunity to honor the community while staying consistent with BART’s policies.
We look forward to continuing the conversation and collaborating on a mural that both reflects the spirit of Decoto and engages the wider Union City community.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Easton
Manager of BART Art Programs