New Mural Brings Color and Healing to Monterey County Probation Department Juvenile Hall Garden
Monterey County, Calif., June 3, 2025 – A new mural within the garden of the Monterey County Juvenile Hall was unveiled Friday, May 30th at the Juvenile Hall facility, located at 1420 Natividad Road, Salinas. The mural is a creation of the young men in the facility and artist Fabian Debora of Homeboy Art Academy, a Los Angeles nonprofit that helps youth find identity and understand their roots through art. This special initiative marks Debora’s second visit to the Monterey County Juvenile Hall.
Debora is Executive Director of the Homeboy Art Academy (a division of Homeboy Industries). The organization is widely recognized for its comprehensive rehabilitation services for justice-impacted individuals and is known as the largest gang rehabilitation and reentry program in the world. It has been in operation for over thirty years in Los Angeles.
The cultural arts program is centered on empowerment and holistic healing through creative expressions; providing more than just art lessons. It helps youth connect with their culture, heal from trauma, and grow as individuals. Through painting, storytelling, and reflection, they find emotional healing and learn more about themselves.
“This experience has been a big reflection on my life,” one of the young men said.
“It helped me understand what I want to do, and not only with my life, but for others.”
During the mural unveiling ceremony, all the young men involved in the project gathered and spoke about the experience of creating art and working with an artist who shared their background and the obstacles they encountered in life. In addition to the youth, dignitaries and elected officials from Monterey County were in attendance. The youth reflected on the art installation and its significance to them with the group in attendance.
“For me the experience was like planting seeds for something beautiful,” said another.
To watch Fabian’s interview and personal reflection on his involvement in the mural project and the impact, watch this reel by the Monterey County Probation Department on their instagram.
Additional News Articles:
Monterey County Now:
A new mural at Monterey County Juvenile Hall shows those
incarcerated a positive path forward
Monterey County Now:
Homeboy Art – Audio
Kion News:
Monterey County announces a new mural planned for its
juvenile hall – Video
Monterey Herald:
County Juvenile Hall youth working with acclaimed artist on
new mural
About the Monterey County Probation Department
The mission of the Monterey County Probation Department is to provide protection to the citizens of Monterey County by preventing and reducing the frequency, severity, and impact of criminal and delinquent behavior among adults and juveniles who come within the jurisdiction of the Probation Department. This is accomplished through prevention activities, preparation of appropriate reports, recommendations to the court, enforcement of court orders, providing victim assistance and by seeking and developing new methodologies in probation services.
