Yes, San Bernardino was an "All-America City"
as opposed to an All-American City. The E Street mural is spelled correctly.
Stephen Wall
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO - Artist Robb McDermott is creating a colorful reminder of the city's past.
McDermott, a 43-year-old San Bernardino native, has spent the past three days painting two murals along Kendall Drive.
The murals remind passing motorists of the city's bicentennial next year as well as its designation as an "All-America City" in 1977.
A lot of people think the mural should read, "All-American City" not "All-America City", McDermott said.
"Yes, it is spelled right," McDermott said during a break from painting Sunday afternoon. "The name of the prize is `All-America City.' Everybody keeps stopping and saying it's spelled incorrectly or it's missing a letter. I thought the same thing until I looked it up."
The murals are a short distance apart on what is known as the "S" turn below the Castaways Restaurant.
The black letters are flanked by the red, white and blue "All-America City" logo.
McDermott said he was asked to do the murals by Councilman Chas Kelley, who paid for the art with his campaign funds. McDermott didn't charge anything to design the mural and he donated his labor.
"It's a way to really kick start the bicentennial celebration," said Kelley, who spent about $2,000 for the paint and materials. "I thought this would be an appropriate location. It's highly visible with a great deal of traffic."
McDermott also painted the mural of the Cal State San Bernardino logo and coyote mascot
on University Parkway below the 215 Freeway.
"It helps communities take pride in their heritage and minimizes the amount of graffiti on vacant walls," McDermott said.
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Andrew Edwards. E-mail Andrew here.
Nice story. Enjoy, again, these stories that reveal the truly human stories of the good people who live and work in San Bernardino.
Mr Ensa (If that is your real name) I am responding to your libelous and slanderous commentary.
First, I am a licensed sign business owner, I have not, nor do I ever represent myself as a contractor.My business is not illegal which you would know if you actually knew what you were talking about.
The work I do is a service, I do not do installation, nor do I perform electrical installation. And I adhere to the financial guidelines set forth by the State.
Second, your reference to my past is inaccurate, My tagging was an isolated work done twice, once without permission and the second done for KCAL FM on a garage whose owner gave me permission.
Third I have, as many of us have, had a few missteps in my life. I have NEVER engaged in burglary and the vehicle fines are being paid monthly. A few speeding tickets, a fight and license issues over forty plus years, I don't think that qualifies me as a gangster.
It is unfortunate that people like you can only see as far as their envy, I feel sorry for you. You sound like a very bitter,jealous person.
That being said I must also caution you regarding your anonymous tirade,as of this writing I am requesting the "facts" you have put forth be removed from this blog by The Sun and its parent company.As the commentary is inaccurate and intended to harm.
As for who the city chooses to do business with, if you are under the misconception that people can not make mistakes and learn from them then you are the person people need to worry about. Narrow minded critics who can't do anything except attack the people that actually contribute are the biggest problem this city has. Lots of hot air and no substance.
True, I mat have a checkered past, I have never hidden this nor denied it. But unlike you I have made an attempt to learn from my mistakes and invest in my community. What have you done? From what I have read it sounds like all you have done is cast stones at the people you wish you were.
As for the Loud mouth comment, well I think anyone who reads this knows who the real loudmouth is.
Mr. Esna is obviously a very troubled man, his commentary shows the kind of ignorance usually reserved for the very people he is mistaking Mr. McDermott for.
I am sure that Mr. Esna is not the saint he portrays himself to be, how easy it is to attack someone via an anonymous forum and then hide.
As for his interpretation of art, I would ask Mr. Esna what are his qualifications? What has he done? Where can we see what he has done? Easy to criticize, harder to do.
I see a lot of venom and hatred in Mr.Esna's submission,nothing constructive. But as the saying goes,those who can't do criticize.
I have met Mr. Mc Dermott and have found him to be both honorable,hardworking and humble.
I am sure he has made some mistakes in life, who hasn't? Some of the greatest contributions in our society have come from people who have not been perfect.
On the other hand, some of the worst damage to our society has come from people that act like they are beacons of light only to betray our trust.
I think that Mr. Mc Dermott has shown that it is possible to move forward, the kids who are vandalizing our walls and city see this and might use this story as a way to change. Mr.Esna might consider this fact.
I have learned to not judge a man by who he was, but rather who he is.
Mr. Esna, you would do well to consider this philosophy. You might be happier for it.
By the way, the walls that Mr. Mc Dermott painted, are both over 100 feet long by 7 to 8 feet tall, I recently had my my garage painted and the cost came close to 600 dollars in primer and paint alone, with the addition of labor and preparation,the final bill was close to $1,200.This for a garage that is less than 500 square feet. By comparison the 2,000 Mr. Kelley donated seems to be a bargain.
I drive by the Bi Centennial wall at least ten times a week, I love the way the work celebrates our city and it's heritage,I would much prefer our city to do business with people like Mr. Mc Dermott than listen to bitter,do nothings like Mr. Esna.
Wow Esna,(obviously not your real name), jealous much? Judging by your comments,you obviously have no idea what requires a contractor's license in California, or what is on the criminal background of the average employee of every kind. Our society embraces those that have turned off the road of the so-called "Hellion" (using your exact terminology) to reform into contributing members of society. If this was not the case, we wouldn't be spending billions of dollars as a nation on criminal reform. I am sure that your sheets aren't exactly the cleanest either, but hey, how would we know, you don't have the integrity to use your actual name. Aside from his paid projects, McDermott has volunteered countless hours on projects and graffiti removal for the City of San Bernardino. I think that men like Councilman Kelly and Robb McDermott are an asset to society, unlike holier-than thou critics. What have you done for the community lately?