HISTORIC MURALS COMMISSIONED TO BRIGHTEN CITY.

Byline: JUDY O'ROURKE Staff Writer

NEWHALL -- In an area the city hopes will become a burgeoning arts district, officials have commissioned a pair of murals depicting historic themes.

In what might be an unintended ad, vaqueros -- the first cowboys -- could be portrayed on the outside of a steakhouse.

``When we sat down with the property and store owner, we wanted to present to them themes they could embrace,'' said Michael Marks, the city's arts and events supervisor. ``Due to their Hispanic heritage, they really embraced the idea of the California vaquero; that was the main way of life at the time.''

The city-sponsored murals are the first of their kind in the Art in Public Places program. The murals will adorn walls of El Trocadero Steakhouse and Work Boot Warehouse at the bustling corner of Market Street and San Fernando Road. The properties' owners will pick the winning designs.

``This is a very exciting opportunity for an artist to get incredible exposure because approximately 30,000 vehicles drive down San Fernando Road a week -- and that's a lot of viewers,'' Marks said.

Painters might prefer to grace the eatery with a view of Santa Clarita's first mission. The head of the local historical society expects the work to be tops but finds irony in its placement.

``There was a mission in the San Fernando Valley and a mission outpost at Castaic Junction, and a road -- more like a trail -- in between,'' said Pat Saletore, executive director of the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society. ``The town wasn't developed till the railroad came through, in 1876.''

Artists have more leeway on the shoe store wall, across the street from the restaurant. They can choose among luminaries honored on the city's nearby Walk of Western Stars or their favorite local happening between 1800 and 1900.

The artists, or teams of artists, will be paid $3,000 for their efforts.

Anti-graffiti coating will be applied to protect the artworks from vandalism. Other municipal art projects include life-size decorative fiberglass bears displayed throughout the city, and painted metal trash cans dotting San Fernando Road in Newhall.

Submissions are due by March 2 and the paintings must be finished by June 15.

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