Let Your True Colors Fly: City Flag Gets Fresh Look

It's a subtle change at City Hall noticed by those who pause to look skyward.Tthe city flag has a fresh look thanks to one local artist and educator.

Paul De Worken, a Rolling Hills Middle School teacher and one of the artistic minds involved in , gave the Watsonville flag an update. In his own words, De Worken explains his motivation to leave a mark on his hometown's flag.

1. How were you chosen to create a new flag design for the city?

So it all started out when my father and I were watching the city council meeting on TV, my dad heard Antonio Rivas mentioning that the city could use a new city flag. The old flag was yellow and in the middle of it the silhouette of the bird was there flying over the valley. Rivas didn't like the color of the old flag I remember him saying. Anyways there was talk among the council about hiring someone to design the flag, and more than likely it would be someone from out of town. So I took it upon myself to approach the council and asked them if they would give me the opportunity to design the flag for free. The city would be saving money, and I, who has lived here in Watsonville my whole life, would be honored to do this for free. When I met with the council I brought with me four different variations of the flag. The council agreed on one, which is the one that is flying out front of the new government building now.

2. How did you come up with the design?

The design of the flag was to keep the original silhoutte of the bird, but instead of having a yellow background I added the Pajaro Valley with a gradient green, and the gradient blue to represent the Monterey Bay. The final part of the design process was to make sure that the bird was big and visible, as a flag waves in the wind, it would seem like the bird was flying.

3. When and where can people see the new flag?

The flag is done and flying above the entrance to our new government building. The designing and approval of the council to use my design is very humbling, I am truly honored to have had that opportunity to give back to my community and to my city.

4. You've had great success with . With those, you've tried to re-brand the city in a more positive light. How will the flag continue this effort?

Both the flag and the "The Ville" designs are all made with positive intentions. In fact all art made by us at Monterey Bay Murals is family-oriented, and Watsonville is a very family orientated town. We want to make our art accessible to all. We want to show everyone that this city is not a dangerous city. Even though we have our share of misfortunes I feel that there is more positive coming out of Watsonville than negative and through art and community involvement we can highlight that and show everyone.

The "The Ville" design and apparel have been successful thanks all of you at the , the Register Pajaronian, members of the community and all the friends and family. who have supported me.

5. What else in Monterey Bay Murals working on in Watsonville?

Some examples of what Monterey Bay Murals has done recently to achieve this goal is we purchased and donated blank skateboard decks for the afterschool students at where they all took the boards and applied their own designs. I believe 60 students now have a new board with their own art skating around town for the summer. These students were so proud of their work and so was I. We have also just sponsored a local softball team. And with that money they will purchase a team T-shirt which will adorn our name on the back. Little by little the positive impact is growning.

Editor's Note: Who are the movers and shakers making a difference in Watsonville? Those who lead by example, change things around and make us better by challenging the status quo and having integrity? This is one installment in our Names in the News Q&A feature.