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Board replaces lifetime revocation with one‑year suspension for street artist Walter Molina
Summary
The Board of Appeals overturned an Arts Commission revocation of Walter Molina Barrios' street‑artist license (No. 8337) and instead issued a one‑year suspension ending 06/30/2020, after testimony from park rangers, Arts Commission staff and supporters. Commissioners emphasized the seriousness of the conduct but sought a remedial outcome that preserved due process.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Dec. 4 reversed the Arts Commission’s decision to revoke street‑artist Walter Molina Barrios’ license and imposed a one‑year suspension, allowing the artist to reapply no sooner than June 30, 2020.
The Arts Commission presented an account from Sergeant Maya Follin of the San Francisco Park Rangers, who said that on June 5 she approached artists parked next to a fire hydrant at Justin Herman Plaza, observed open containers and witnessed Molina make a hostile gesture close to her face. The Arts Commission’s representative said the committee had found Molina in violation of multiple provisions of the Street Artist Program code of conduct and cited an earlier 2015 drinking citation and a 2012 battery citation as part of a pattern of behavior.
Molina, represented by a translator, denied some allegations and said he did not intend to be disrespectful; supporters described him as a long‑time artist who earns his living at the plaza. Commissioners asked for context about distribution of licenses, the new ID card process, and the code‑of‑conduct outreach and translations the Arts Commission had provided.
Several commissioners expressed reluctance to permanently remove someone’s livelihood. After deliberation Commissioner Rachel Tanner moved to grant the appeal but convert the revocation into a one‑year suspension effective from the final determination, to expire on June 30, 2020. On that motion the board voted 5–0 to grant the appeal with the suspension condition. Commissioner Tanner explained the suspension as a calibrated sanction that could be revisited during future application processes.
What happens next: Molina’s permit is suspended through June 30, 2020; he may apply after that date and will be subject to the usual screening and lottery for plaza vending spaces. The Arts Commission and Rec & Park will monitor compliance and inform the board where applicable.
— Reporting from the San Francisco Board of Appeals meeting on Dec. 4, 2019.
