mural

Corvallis resident Jennifer Moreland and her husband took a road trip to Los Angeles last year. Moreland was inspired by the murals in the city. She took a photo in front of one with wings.  Then posted it on Facebook. This led to an art project of her own.

About 200 people packed Springfield’s Wildish Theater Tuesday evening to hear Mayor Christine Lundberg deliver her 5th “State of the City” address.

Mayor Lundberg began her speech by turning on a street lamp on the stage. This was to bring attention to the revitalization of downtown Springfield. The city is continuing to invest in infrastructure projects such as updated street lamps. Lundberg introduced a video highlighting the creation of its new Simpsons mural, which was unveiled last August. And she revealed a new project set to begin this year.

Springfield unveiled a brand new mural Monday celebrating the city's connection to "The Simpsons."

In 2012, after decades of speculation by fans, show creator Matt Groening revealed the cartoon Springfield was named for the Oregon city.  Springfield officials wasted little time, and commissioned a mural in a prominent spot downtown.

Yeardly Smith, the voice of Lisa Simpson, was on hand for the celebration.

Smith: "We have always said that Springfield is every town in America.  But that is a dirty lie.  Springfield is obviously in Oregon."