From blight to bright, a busy roadway in Citrus Heights is getting a new splash of color after city leaders voted Wednesday night to create a new art district along a two-mile stretch of Auburn Boulevard.

"We need this," said Gigi Rayford, executive director of the community group Citrus Heights Arts. "We need a cultural artistic heartbeat in Citrus Heights."

Rayford is leading the effort to beautify the boulevard. The idea includes a series of public art murals painted on the walls of local businesses.

"It brings joy," Rayford said. "A lot of people are coming into our city just to take pictures with the murals."

Darkheart Brewing is one of the businesses that has added murals, and manager Hollie Doty said it's helping attract new customers.

"I think it's created a destination spot,"

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