Pleasant Hill Girl Will Have Her Design Featured On The Caldecott Fourth Bore

Penelope Watson, a 13-year-old student at Pleasant Hill Middle School, was one of six young people whose designs will be featured on the medallions of the fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel. 

Caltrans announced the contest in March, and received over 300 entries from Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The winners included three entries from Alameda County, and three from Contra Costa. 

The 1937 tunnels feature Art Deco designs, and the students were asked to create designs that echo the style. Penelope's design features a background of San Francisco, and two animals, including a deer, in the foreground. 

"When I think of the Bay Area I immediately picture San Francisco, but that’s not all the beauty surrounding our home. Entering the Caldecott Tunnel, I see the towering hills with wildlife everywhere, especially deer," she said as part of her entry.