Spanish missionary Father Junipero Serra, whose statue overlooked Highway 280 for many years, was removed sometime in August. 

In 2015, Father Junipero Serra became known as St. Junipero Serra following his canonization by Pope Francis in recognition for his significant missionary witness in California and Mexico. Having founded nine out of the 21 missions during his time, Serra became known as the “Apostle of California.” 

Artist Louis Dubois created Serra’s 26-foot-tall statue in 1975. When established in June of 1976 at the Crystal Springs rest stop, it stood as a commemoration of his work as a missionary and as a noteworthy landmark for visitors, students, and people worldwide. 

The scenic stretch of Highway 280–that runs from I-880 in San Jose and State Route 1 in Daly City–is also named after Junipero Serra. 

In August 2025, only a few people noticed the statue’s disappearance–that is until a social media post went viral over it. It was then that the news was out: The Caltrans crews removed and demolished the Junipero Serra Statue on Highway 280.

“Because the installation did not meet current Transportation Art Program requirements and had been a frequent target of graffiti and vandalism,” said public information officer Jeneane Crawford for Caltrans District 4. 

The removal of the statue has elicited a spectrum of responses, ranging from great support to strong opposition. 

Supporters of St. Junipero Serra are deeply saddened, viewing him as a symbol of faith and heritage.

However, on the other hand, critics of Serra view him solely as the cause of a traumatizing era of colonization and mass cruelty of Indigenous people. 

Mateo Hurtado ’26 commented, “It was my favorite part of that drive. It’s a shame that the statue got graffitied on.”

San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone told CBS News, “No one fought for St. Junipero Serra because apparently, officials from Caltrans and the transportation art program didn’t consult with anyone who would give them an opinion that differed from their own.”

He added, “Would we expect this treatment if it happened to be associated with another religious organization? I think not.”

Caltrans denied that the move was secretive. 

Ultimately, the statue’s removal has increasingly heated the debate over Serra’s legacy, but, regardless, the statue will always remain a piece of history and a memory in many Bay Area citizens’ lives as they zip along Highway 280.