Downtown Long Beach welcomed a new mural at the Art and Design Walk on Saturday, a North Pine neighborhood map boasting popular landmarks and honoring downtown figures.

Organized by the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLBA), the event featured a series of art, design and activities throughout the downtown area, including the brand new North Pine neighborhood map mural created by artist Robert Lesback. 

The mural displays a map of downtown Long Beach with blimps marking places to go, letters filled in with renderings of events, historic areas, and the diversity of the downtown district. Also included is a small version of the map showing residents where they are at the left side of the mural.

Residents, including Councilmember Mary Zendejas, were in attendance for the celebration, and DTLBA Senior Vice President and Deputy CEO James Ahumanda said this will be the first of many murals to adorn downtown in the upcoming years. 

Residents pass by posters displayed at Third Street during the Art and Design walk on Oct. 11, 2025. The posters are part of more than 200 posted by the Downtown Long Beach Alliance. (Jorge Hernandez | Signal Tribune)
Artist Robert Lesback (center), along with City officials and community organizers, celebrates the new North Pine neighborhood map mural on Oct. 11, 2025. The Downtown Long Beach Alliance organized the celebration as part of the Art and Design Walk. (Jorge Hernandez | Signal Tribune)

Lesback said his idea for the mural was based on his biking trips around downtown, where he was inspired by the community and people. 

“It’s really about the people that bring the neighborhood together,” Lesback said. “I want[ed] to make sure I highlight the diversity that makes the neighborhood great.”

City leaders, residents and community organizers applauded his work on the mural with certificates and compliments during the celebration. Long Beach resident Carole Sergy said she loved the finished mural and saw the whole process, as she lives in the building near the artwork. 

“We think it is fantastic and it can bring a lot of excitement and interest in our community,” Sergy said. “It’s an enhancement rather than taking away.” 

Marla Miralles and Margaret Olson presents the St. Anthony High art pop-up during the Art and Design Walk on Oct. 11, 2025. (Jorge Hernandez | Signal Tribune)

In addition to the new mural, residents enjoyed creative events throughout the downtown area as part of DTLBA’s Art and Design Walk. The artist village located near Third Street and Promenade showcased pop-up displays and art presentations from local artists and programs.

Presentations included artworks and custom trading cards drawn from students at St. Anthony High School with residents invited to create their own.

Another presentation was a sustainable retreat, inviting visitors to reflect and create a lasting bond with one another, with the Calm Pod created by Kathy Lin and the LBC Hero Squad. 

“I’m appreciating the posters hung around, the music and the artisanal booths,” resident Brian Hinman said of the Art and Design Walk. “It seems like the community is out and about and it’s nice to feel a part of a culture.”