For eight and a half years Californians enjoyed driving by a massive American flag mural painted on a retaining wall near Interstate 680, until Caltrans painted over the mural with gray paint last week – claiming the mural had been put on the list of graffiti sites.
Once word reached the media that Caltrans (California’s Department of Transportation) had painted over the massive mural, many citizens expressed their disgust with the move, questioning why the state would paint over the flag after it was there for eight years. A report by KTVU news showed the disapproval of local citizens, with many telling the TV station that the flag was a patriotic symbol to the community.
(More after video)
Caltrans explains their decision
Caltrans says that until recently, the maintenance department did not realize that the mural had been on state land. Allyn Amsk, a representative from Caltrans, said, “It was put on the list for graffiti removal and yesterday morning they painted over it with gray concrete paint.”
When asked why Caltrans waited eight years, Amsk said, “Maintenance wasn’t aware that it was on the state right-of-way or you know it would have been removed sometime in the past.”
Governor Schwarzenegger speaks out
Word of the mural being painted over quickly reached the Governor’s office, prompting the Governor to apologize for the mishap.
“It has come to my attention that Caltrans has recently removed a patriotic and meaningful flag mural that was painted on the side of Interstate 680 following the tragic events of 9/11. To do so only days before we celebrate our independence and reflect on the freedoms we are lucky enough to enjoy in America is unconscionable. I extend my apologies to the artists whose mural inspired drivers along 680 for over eight and a half years,” the governor said in a statement.
Schwarzenegger spokeswoman Andrea McCarthy later stated that the Transportation and Housing Agency and state Business will, “work with the community and the artists to try to reach a resolution.”
Story Update:
Following the removal of the mural by Caltrans, two men took it upon themselves to paint a replacement flag on the same retaining wall just before July 4th celebrations. Caltrans has not yet released comment about the new mural, nor have they taken action to cover it.
References
1.’Flag mural reappears on Sunol…’ view
2.’Governor Schwarzenegger apologizes…’ view
