Colorful tiles hiding in plain sight

Add this to the Minor Menlo Mysteries file: these whimsical tiles represent only a few of the dozens on display in a parking lot used by hundreds of people familiar with the new Safeway, Peet’s or Rubio’s. But does anyone know where they came from?

They appear to be the colorful work of children of grade-school age, but, we wonder, which school(s)? Given the sometimes drastic cuts that face most school districts in this recessionary era, we wonder if some enterprising teacher has found a way to generate revenue while promoting the arts. In any case, we will continue to enjoy them as we daily make our way to and fro.