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Residents say police pressured store to paint over memorial mural at Bob's Liquor; commission pledges to investigate
Summary
Residents and community leaders told the Police Commission the memorial mural at Bob's Liquor (26th and Harrison) was painted over after officers visited the store; the commission said it will investigate, accept photos for the record and mail a letter explaining findings.
San Francisco — Residents from Brno Dwellings and surrounding neighborhoods told the Police Commission that a community memorial mural on the side of Bob's Liquor at 26th and Harrison was painted over after police officers visited the store.
At a public comment period at the commission's meeting, Francisco de Costa said the mural, painted by local youth and intended to honor neighbors and pets who had died, was removed despite a petition of more than 200 signatures asking it be preserved. Several residents, including Gaynor Ansi Atanga and Jaime Poole, said the store owner had given permission for the mural and that officers told the owner to remove it; Poole said the promised 72-hour notice was instead followed by paint-over the next morning.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the mural's location and whether it was on private property; speakers identified the site as Bob's Liquor at 26th and Harrison. Commissioners and staff asked residents to leave a photograph and contact information so the commission could return the item after it completes an inquiry.
Chair said the commission had 'heard enough' to warrant fact-finding. Staff and a sergeant said the commission would look into the circumstances, prepare a letter explaining findings and return with an explanation to the community. The commission invited residents to stay for further business but acknowledged that the disciplinary hearing on the agenda would run long.
The commission did not announce any immediate enforcement or disciplinary action relating to the mural removal. The commission's pledge to investigate is the most recent development; staff requested a photo and contact info to allow the commission to return the photograph and send a written response.
Community members characterized the mural as a memorial that included the names of children and even pets, and several said they sought restoration of the work. The commission's follow-up will determine whether administrative or other actions are warranted and what remedies, if any, will be recommended.
