Joaquin Murieta’s mural in East L.A. will be restored

The mural created by Willie Herrón III in East Los Angeles will be restored and reinstalled when the location is rebuilt in early 2025. 

The mural depicts Joaquin Murieta, a legendary Mexican and Chilean figure known in Gold Rush California as the “Robin Hood of El Dorado.” Herrón created the piece for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) in 1972 to honor the struggle and resistance of Mexican miners, who faced violent discrimination in their quest for economic opportunity. He will personally restore the work, and the process will be documented by LAFLA. 

The mural is part of LAFLA's office at 5228 Whittier Blvd.

“I’m honored that my artwork has become such an integral historical landmark for the East L.A. community, and proud to have contributed to the legacy of an organization that has fought poverty and discrimination in my hometown for over half a century,” said Herrón. 

LAFLA opened its East Los Angeles office in 1972 and plans to rebuild its current location to expand services, increase accessibility and provide a welcoming environment for clients and staff. Private interview rooms will allow attorneys to see clients in comfortable, confidential settings. A children’s play area will increase access to services for families without childcare and a dedicated event space will allow LAFLA to host more legal clinics for on-the-spot services. 

The new building is planned to break ground this spring. During construction, LAFLA’s East LA branch will continue to provide services across the street at 5301 Whittier Blvd., 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90022.