Photos: Skid Row mural | A sign of survival

“The Skid Row Super Mural” on San Julian Street near 6th in the heart of the downtown area known as skid row “creates conversation and debate, which often great public art does,” says Rick Coca, spokesman for City Councilman Jose Huizar. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Aug. 22, 2014 2:50 PM PT

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Organizers call “Skid Row Super Mural” a show of pride and self-determination by a community tired of being defined by its most unfortunate citizens. Others say the mural is an attempt to disguise the pain and misery of the homeless enclave.

Kelly Kunta, 64, who says he has been homeless on and off for decades, arrived on skid row about six months ago. Kunta says he hopes the mural serves as a wake-up call to the city and the nation to do something about homelessness. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

A homeless man who calls himself White Boy, with fist in the air, says society’s not ready for skid row. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

General Jeff Page, left, a community activist and kind of unofficial mayor of skid row, walks along Stanford Avenue. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

General Jeff Page, center, and Adam Rice, of the Los Angeles Community Action Network, walk along 6th Street. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The decal “Firehouse Wine-O, Nine-O” appears on the front door at Station 9, the 7th Street firehouse that serves the skid row area. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

General Jeff Page, left, talks with skid row residents Nina Carruthers and Eric Clark in front of Gladys Park on 6th Street. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)