San Jose Christopher Columbus Statue: Council Decision Delayed

SANTA CLARA VALLEY, CA — The city of San Jose announced Wednesday that it will consider the relocation of the Christopher Columbus statue at City Hall again in January. A memo from the city's Public Works Department said the delay of the decision of where to put the statue has to do with "the complexities and
sensitivities surrounding relocation options."

City Councilman Raul Peralez proposed earlier this year to have the marble statue relocated from its current position between the public elevators and the information desk at City Hall, and city officials were
expected to take up the issue at some point this month.

City officials said the statue has often been vandalized, including an incident in 2001 where a man took a sledgehammer to damage the statue.

The statue has required increased security because of vandalism in recent months. It weighs approximately 6,000 pounds, is 9 feet tall and is 3 feet in diameter, city officials said.

On Sept. 21, someone entered the City Hall lobby and smeared red and black paint on the front side of the statue, after which the city installed a curtain to block the statue's exterior view on Oct. 5.

On Oct. 12, city officials said a handful of protesters antagonized City Hall visitors and city staff while expressing opposition to the statue. Police were called to disperse them.

San Jose State University hosted a panel and forum on the statue on Oct. 17. SJSU professors and students sat on a panel and discussed where the statue should be placed. City officials said 50 members of the public
attended the panel and those who spoke were all in favor of removing it from City Hall.

Among the places being considered for the statue's new location are Mineta San Jose International Airport and History Park at Kelley Park.

The statue will cost around $10,000 to move and take approximately two days to relocate, according to the Public Works Department memo.

By Bay City News Service

Image via YouTube/CBS SF Bay Area