Mario Torero
Artist
2022
Year
Tortilla Tesoro
Title
Tortilleria Santacruz 485 N Rose Street, Escondido, CA 92027
Location
Escondido Community Foundation
Funded by

About the Mural
On June 19th 2021, what is now known as the infamous Coronado Tortilla incident drove a wedge between the communities of Escondido and Coronado that are connected to present and historical racial, class, economic, political and social disparities that residents throughout San Diego County recognize. The throwing of tortillas at the Escondido team by the Coronado team was viewed as racially motivated. Though there were discussions about the action emulating the tradition of throwing tortillas seen at UC Santa Barbara, ultimately Coronado’s championship title was rescinded.
Soon after, mandates for sportsmanship and racial/cultural sensitivity training were imposed on Coronado administration, teachers, and athletes. Both communities were encouraged to begin restorative justice and community projects together through non-profit entities to increase healing and understanding. Gente Unida and Mario Torero collaborated with Escondido families, athletes and community leaders as well as Coronado community members on this task through a collaborative mural creation, discussions and cultural exchange with community beautification and shared celebrations.
About the Artist
Mario Torero is an artist and activist with an extensive body of socially conscious mural work produced in different cities throughout the United States and around the world. With over 45 years of involvement in both local and global arts and progressive movements, Mario is seen as a legendary figure with deep roots in the San Diego cultural arts community. As a co-founder, he has contributed more than twenty standing murals and three sculptures at Chicano Park as well as other murals devoted to social awareness in different parts of the San Diego County.
Mario is also a founding member of Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park, and was a co-founding board member and Arts Commissioner for the San Diego Commission of Arts and Culture. Over the years, he has led several national and international artistic and cultural exchanges, all the while developing his unique artistic style, which he calls Cosmic Art. Son of beloved San Diego artist Guillermo Acevedo, Mario runs the Mundo Gallery in University Heights where he exhibits his and father’s works.
Website: https://mariotorero.art/about/