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yesterday

Caltrans Demolishes I‑280 Junípero Serra Statue, Rebuts Church’s Claim It Acted Without Notice

Caltrans cites program rules, vandalism, a failed historic review, outreach to tribes, religious groups for the August removal.

A statue of  Junipero Serra stands on a hilltop above Interstate 280 in Hillsborough, Calif. 
The giant statue of Father Junipero Serra above the Interstate 280 freeway in San Mateo County, Calif. on Tuesday Mar. 17, 2009.
The statue of Father Serra at the rest stop and scenic viewpoint in San Mateo County on Tuesday, February 22, 2005. (Karen T. Borchers/Bay Area News Group archive)
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Overview

  • The 26-foot concrete-and-steel figure above the Crystal Springs rest stop was taken down in August after Caltrans said it did not meet Transportation Art Program requirements.
  • Caltrans says it began outreach in spring 2024, notified 15 organizations including Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone in November 2024, and consulted local Ohlone groups.
  • The Archdiocese says it learned of the removal after the fact, criticizing what it called a lack of transparency and saying work appeared to occur at night.
  • Officials determined the statue was ineligible for the California Register of Historical Resources, cited repeated vandalism, filed a CEQA permit in March 2025, and said the piece could not be relocated due to rebar and shot-crete construction.
  • Caltrans says there are no plans to install new art at the site, capping the end of a 50-year landmark created by artist Louis DuBois and dedicated in 1976.