The city of Los Angeles unveils a six-story mural for Dodger icon Fernando Valenzuela in Boyle Heights

LOS ANGELES (CNS) — In honor of the late Fernando Valenzuela, the city of Los Angeles will unveil a six-story mural Sunday in Boyle Heights, paying tribute to the legendary Dodger’s lasting legacy as a champion.

City Councilman Kevin de León, who represents the 14th Council District, which includes downtown and northeast LA neighborhoods, is expected to host a press conference to highlight the mural.

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LA artist Robert Vargas will join the councilman and discuss his artwork that captures the “spirit and pride that Valenzuela brought to the Dodgers and the city,” according to De León’s office.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, former Spanish-language Dodger announcer Jaime Jarrín and actor Edward James Olmos are also expected to attend.

The mural can be seen on First Street at the entrance to the 101 Freeway, which De León previously described as a fitting location that “represents the heart of the community that inspired Valenzuela throughout his career.”

The City Council recently approved a resolution designating November 1 as “Fernando Valenzuela Day,” in honor of his birthday. Valenzuela, who died on October 19, would have been 64 years old.

De Leon presented the resolution on October 23, with support from several of his colleagues.

Valenzuela joined the Dodgers in 1980 and inspired what became known as “Fernandomania” the following year. In his early years, he received the National League Rookie of the Year Award and the Cy Young Award.

He was also named to six All-Star teams, threw a no-hitter in 1990 and won a career Gold Glove Award.

“Fernando’s contributions to the game of baseball are matched only by his contributions to the city of Los Angeles, where he remains an icon of perseverance, humility and cultural pride, helping to increase the visibility of the Latino community and serving as a beacon for generations to come. from different backgrounds,” the resolution said.