""The installation did not meet current Transportation Art Program requirements and had been a frequent target of graffiti and vandalism," Jeneane Crawford, a spokesperson for Caltrans District 4, told SFGATE in an email. The statue's removal in August alongside the freeway that's also named for Serra attracted little attention initially. But in recent weeks, social media users have wondered where it went. Caltrans said that the statue had been "evaluated for eligibility in the California Register of Historical Resource" but was deemed ineligible. There are currently no plans to replace the statue with any other artwork."
"The statue of Junipero Serra, an 18th century Catholic priest and later saint who founded several California missions, including San Francisco's Mission Dolores, was created in 1975 by artist Louis DuBois. The immense statute was made of concrete and steel rebar, and depicted Serra looking out and pointing. It was dedicated in 1976, according to the Smithsonian Museum. Serra is also commemorated with a statue in the U.S. Capitol building, but in recent years he's drawn more criticism."
A 26-foot concrete-and-rebar statue of Junipero Serra stood at the Crystal Springs rest stop along Interstate 280 in Hillsborough for 50 years. The statue was created in 1975 by Louis DuBois and dedicated in 1976. Caltrans removed the statue in August after determining the installation did not meet Transportation Art Program requirements and because the site was a frequent target of graffiti and vandalism. Caltrans evaluated the statue for the California Register of Historical Resources and found it ineligible. Caltrans consulted DuBois' family, local Ohlone tribes, and various historical, arts, and religious organizations. There are no plans to replace the artwork.
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