The San Jose Sharks have Sharkie, the 49ers have Sourdough Sam, the Giants have Lou Seal, and until recently, Boulder Creek’s unofficial mascot was Albert the Peacock.
For decades, Albert lived his life as a persnickety bachelor-life peafowl in the streets and treetops of the mountain town. Following the CZU Fire, Albert was found strutting through the smoldering remains of redwood-encircled homes, providing a welcomed snapshot of normalcy and wonder as to how he had survived the catastrophic event.
Albert’s good fortune ran out on Nov. 23, 2024; he was the victim of a mountain lion attack.
Upon finding his remains, members of the tight-knit town’s business association decided to memorialize Albert’s unspoken resilience. The group has commissioned local artist Yeshe Jackson to pay tribute to him in a mural on the side of Jenna Sue’s Cafe on Central Avenue.
In an effort to fundraise for the mural, the Boulder Creek Business Association (BCBA) purchased a statue of a white peacock that is now making the rounds in the town’s business district.
“Our businesses can sign up for one or multiple weeks to host the statue,” said BCBA President Karen Edwards. “Along with the statue, there will be signage with a QR code that shoppers/diners can scan to make a donation toward the fund that will pay for a permanent memorial.”
Kevin Foster, who manages the Boulder Creek Network (BCN) page on Facebook, had started his own fundraiser to support a memorial for Albert.
“The BCBA is collaborating with Kevin Foster to consolidate our two fundraisers. As Kevin said, ‘Whenever possible it’s always a blessing to inspire others to let their light shine.’ Albert will be able to shine his light on the community for decades to come,” Edwards said.
Her team is hoping to have the funds raised and the mural done by late January. At that time, the BCBA and BCN will host a community gathering for an unveiling and ribbon cutting to celebrate Albert and what he means to the community.
“Albert had a natural way of bringing joy to all who saw him. He was a symbol of community unity and strength; I think he’d be honored that we’re celebrating him in a way that will be appreciated for decades to come,” Edwards said. “Seeing Albert was magical. He was a beautiful beacon of strength and hope, and we hope that whatever form the permanent memorial takes will do the same for all who see him for many years to come.”
For those interested in supporting the mural, the donation link is: paypal.com/ncp/payment/CQCNFQ6M4UQR8.
