For many decades, California has held the title of the best Arcadian environment. Starr and many other authors have commented on how humans have always had "a respectful proximity to nature" (13), locating and venturing into some of the most beautiful places our earth contains. Anywhere in California these places are evident, from the magnificent redwoods to the mountain ranges of Sacramento, the dream of a natural paradise is achievable. Whether you want to fish, surf, kayak or hike is up to you; for many, imagining this dream is easy. As we approach the top of the hill glistening with reflections of bright green forest trees and wildlife wandering in all directions, the quaint bungalow comes into view. Surrounded by open blue skies and rugged dirt trails, this home is one of many hidden gems that still exist today. The bright and airy porch holds two small white rocking chairs, perfect for a little cup of tea and a good book. As you enter the house, the smell of pine and citrus fills the air, reminding you of last summer's adventures. Many aspects of California art and Chicano Park in particular exhibit the dream of a natural Arcadia. While some pieces support the dream, others threaten it, and every once in a while you'll find a piece that accomplishes both simultaneously. The picturesque mural Foundation of Mexico develops the positive side of the dream of a natural paradise. Located on the ceiling of a large white gazebo in the middle of the park, the lakeside scene creates a dramatic effect different from the surrounding atmosphere. While the dictionary provides the definition of Arcadia in its simplest form, McClung defined it in a more complex definition...... middle of article ......ark, San Diego.Latorre, Guisela. Walls of Empowerment: Chicano/Indigenist Mural from California. Austin: University of Texas, 2008. Print.McClung, William Alexander. “Inventing utopia”. Landscapes of desire: Anglo-Saxon mythologies of Los Angeles. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2000. 4-9, 19-33. Print.Orosco, Juanishi. Mandalas. Chicano Park, San Diego. Sanchez-Tranquilino, Marcos. “Murals of the movement”. Signs of the Heart: California Chicano Murals. Ed. Cockcroft, Eva Sperling and Holly Barnett-Sanchez. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1990. 84-101. Print.Starr, Kevin. “California, a dream.” California: a people, a place, a dream. Ed. Claudia K. Jurmain and James J. Rawls. San Francisco: Chronicles Books, 1986. 13-21. Print.Vargas, De Tony, Aguirre, Vidal, Adame, Felipe. Foundation of Mexico. Chicano Park, San Diego.