MUNI J Church rolling down Dolores Heights towards downtown. (1960?)

Eric Andersen, RPD manager for Area 6, said one of his main goals in renovation is to see the long closed and abandoned 19th street MUNI stop demolished and replaced with landscaping. He called the old stop an attractive nuisance, a shooting gallery, a graffiti magnet, and an open sewer.   Jake Gilchrist, RPD manager for the Dolores Park renovation, said he was hoping for help from the MTA in a new design for the 18th Street entrance. “This corner is Dolores’s gateway to  the Castro,” Gilchrist told the commission.  It is now dominated by the J Church MUNI stop and an awkward wheelchair accessible ramp system.

Scott Wiener, District 8 supervisor had initially called John Haley for a report on plans to improve the performance of the J Church.  Wiener told Dolores Park Works that he decided to add a discussion on Dolores Park and to bring in representatives from RPD in order to institute a dialogue between the two departments.  ”In the past, there’s been little or no communication, and Rec & Park has been unable to effectively work with MTA.” Wiener said.  ”I’m hoping this hearing will change that dynamic and possibly result in an understanding between the two departments, an understanding that will establish a vision for the area and  define responsibilities.”

Miguel Hidalgo

The good news is the statue will be cleaned today. This is not cheep. ($ 2,500 is one estimate) The Arts Commission has brought out ARG Conservation Services to ensure that the the monument is not damaged in the process of removing the spray paint. ARG’s rep tells us that the polished granite base is relatively easy to clean, but the patinated brass medallion of the seal of Mexico could be a little tricker. In the end, he decided to go with mild soap an water and a lot of elbow grease.

ARG Conservation Services

In the past, the Park Department has attempted to remove some of the graffiti from monuments themselves. This has not always worked out for the best. Marcus Davies, registrar of the Civic Art Collection told us that for two years now, there has been a firm protocol in place to have the Commission clean the city monuments. “This may cost a little more, but it prevents any damage that repeated cleaning by Rec and Park could cause.” Marcus said.
Vandalism to city monuments can be reported to the city like any other graffiti. Call 311 (or tweet) Just let them know it is a public art piece.