La Musica de San Anto Mural Restoration Project at Guillermo’s this March

SAN ANTONIO, MARCH 2020 – The Westside Development Corporation recently announced the appointment of Ramiro Gonzales as the Interim-President and CEO of the 14-year old nonprofit focused on strengthening San Antonio’s westside community for improved opportunities and meaningful economic investments. Ramiro will kick-off his new post addressing the longstanding need to preserve San Antonio’s rich culture and history a continued initiative from the previous President, Leonard Rodriguez, who has moved on to the Hispanic Chamber.

With over 15 years of experience in public service and community development at the City of San Antonio, Ramiro’s background includes leading programs and policies that have facilitated economic, community, and real estate development in inner-city areas of San Antonio that includes over $80 million of public investment Expressing his excitement for the new role, Ramiro explains, “Serving this fast-growing city for as long as I have, I’m eager to step into this role with W.D.C. and push for the much-needed change that the Westside area deserves.”

As Interim-President and CEO for W.D.C., Ramiro invites the beautiful Alamo City to join him at Guillermo’s Italian restaurant on March 5th at 6 p.m. for a cause near and dear to many San Antonians’ hearts: the La Musica de San Anto Mural Restoration Project. This initiative began in early 2019, raising funds to restore one of the city’s most significant murals, La Musica de San Anto, located at 1300 W. Commerce. Furthermore, this project offers opportunities for new partnerships through different sponsorship levels.

The occasion will feature satiating food provided by Guillermo’s, entertainment, special guests, including the original mural artist, David Blancas, along with loads of fun for Westside Development Corporation partners and supporters! Attendees are invited to become sponsors of this ongoing initiative by contributing to the campaign through a variety of levels, including Mural Marquee, Mural Jukebox and Paver Sponsorships and being memorialized as part of the westside art piece. Each level uniquely supports the La Musica De San Anto cause, ultimately benefiting the restoration process for the 11-year-old mural.

This evening marks monumental change for the organization, as Leonard Rodriguez’s tenure comes to a close and the WDC transitions into new leadership. For the past six years, Leonard accomplished remarkable achievements for the 14-year-old organization. Elevating their position for advantageous visibility and community advocacy, he successfully championed diversification of their revenue streams and bolstered its foundation – allowing considerable growth for their economic and development services. Rodriguez expresses his sentiment, “The W.D.C will always have a special place in my heart. There is a lot of amazing Latino hidden talent in this wonderful city that also deserves the chance to lead, serve and shine. It’s why I am moving on and why I am excited about Ram Gonzales at the W.D.C.”

With such great shoes to fill, the Westside Development Corporation is elated to have Ramiro Gonzales step in for this interim period. For those interested in accompanying the nonprofit in bringing this project to fruition, attendees should RSVP for the event on their website, westsidedevcorp.com. To learn more about La Musica de San Anto Restoration Project, visit www.lamusicamural.com. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Marc@westsidedevcorp.com.

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About Westside Development Corporation:
Westside Development Corporation (WDC), founded in 2006 by the City of San Antonio Council
and Mayor, addresses long-term economic development concerns in the inner Westside of San
Antonio. The organization is committed to implementing planning and economic development initiatives that protect and preserve the culture and history but also create a viable, sustainable and thriving urban community.  WDC operates as a 501(c)(3) and city delegate agency, receiving funds from the City of San Antonio, financial institutions, private foundations and individual donors to carry out its mission.
westsidedevcorp.com

About David Blancas:
David Blancas was born in Nueva Rosita, Coahuila in northern Mexico and began drawing and painting at an early age. He maintains a multifaceted portfolio of teaching, mentoring, and creating public and private commissions with a specialization in paintings, portraiture, mosaics and murals. David studied fine art at the University of Texas at San Antonio and has achieved recognition in various regional and national art competitions. He currently resides in San Antonio, Texas and is the sole proprietor of Pintura Artwork Company, a studio and art gallery that was established in 2002. He is also the director and lead muralist of Project Inspire: Mural Arts Program, an organization that collaborates with other agencies to produce community murals and other public art projects. For more information on David, please visit www.davidblancas.com