Albert the White Peacock Mural Unveiled in Boulder Creek

Albert the white peacock of Boulder Creek lives on in immortal memory! On Saturday, April 19, 2025, the community gathered in Boulder Creek to witness the unveiling of a massive mural painted on the side of the Forest Corners building by local artist Yeshe Jackson. Brought to fruition by the thoughtful actions of community member Kevin Foster and the Boulder Creek Business Association 2024 Board of Directors, supported by E. Clampus Vitus Branciforte Chapter 1797 and the San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce, along with residents of the town, the mural is a bright, positive statement in the heart of the downtown district symbolizing strength, resilience, and an unshakeable sense of togetherness. 

A Boulder Creek crowd gathered for the unveiling.

Rosemary Chalmbers, Kevin Foster, and Chaz Crowder begin the festivities.

Radio personality Rosemary Chalmers kicked off the day with a poetry reading from an anonymous community member (see below). Kevin Foster thanked the many supporters of the project. Then the SLV Chamber of Commerce facilitated a red ribbon cutting led by local icon Bruce Baker to inaugurate the mural and commemorate the event.

The San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce and local community members participated in a ribbon cutting. Bruce Baker at Center led the honors.

Kevin said, “In addition to being about Albert, this is really about the community and the people in it. How we come together and create something beautiful for the town,”

Karen Edwards, 2024 President of the BCBA said, “We on the 2024 BCBA Board were heartbroken when Albert was killed. Albert was a symbol of strength and resilience. To me he also displayed grace and pride of place. In all of it, he embodied all of the reasons why the Boulder Creek community is so special. After the CZU fire, he brought people together in a search for him to make sure he was ok. His image became a symbol of community strength being unbreakable when we work together and support each other as we rebuild. So, when Kevin Foster asked if we could help facilitate a fundraiser to celebrate Albert, we didn’t hesitate. We purchased a beautiful statue that was displayed in several downtown shops to advertise the fundraiser was happening.”

BCBA board members involved in the project include Karen Edwards, Tamara O’Kelly, Robin Imholte, Kim McCann, Shannon Somers, Christina Re, Dawn Harker, Courtney Faulkner, and Olivia Potter.

“What Yeshe did with the vision of the memorial is nothing less than spectacular. He captured the awe of the redwoods and Albert’s presence beautifully. And the location couldn’t have been more perfect. The 2024 BCBA Board would like to thank every person who donated, who honked their horn as they drove by while Yeshe painted, and who stopped to tell us their memories of Albert. The mural is a perfect example of community supporting community. The mural will serve as a reminder to us of all that Albert was to us – a symbol of the strength, unity, grace and resilience necessary for a community to thrive. Thank you, Albert. And thank you to the amazing community of Boulder Creek,” Karen said.

Artist Yeshe Jackson

(Featured photo at top by Sean McLean)

The White Peacock of Boulder Creek

In advance of the unveiling a Boulder Creek resident dedicated the following poem to the event. The poet requested anonymity.

Beneath the redwoods, strong and wise,
A pale white peacock caught our eyes.
Its feathers shimmered, pure as frost,
A fleeting treasure we thought we’d lost.

Through decades long, its grace remained,
A quiet symbol, unrestrained.
Of spirit bold, yet soft and meek,
It claimed the heart of Boulder Creek.

When pressure weighed upon our town,
When storms would rise and dreams fell down,
The peacock walked with steadfast pride,
A ghostly guide we held inside.

When holidays came in ash and flame,
The CZU fire carved its name.
Through smoky skies, its beauty stayed,
A sign of hope that never swayed.

Children ran to catch its trail,
Its mystery like a whispered tale.
And though it vanished, gone from view,
Its spirit lingers, strong and true.

For in our hearts, it still takes flight,
Through forest green and starlit night.
A symbol rare, its memory deep,
The soul of Boulder Creek to keep.

---