Fried chicken ad found below mural of Carlos Santana in San Francisco 'It's disrespectful'

A mural honoring Carlos Santana in San Francisco's Mission District has become a focal point of controversy due to advertisements placed by a local restaurant below it. Community members, including artist Richard Segovia, criticized the ads as disrespectful to Santana's legacy and family heritage. Local resident Vicki Johnson, who has lived in the area for 40 years, expressed disappointment over the mural's condition, calling for restoration efforts. The mural's deterioration stems from the building's age and its location above a BART line, which causes vibrations that weaken the paint's adhesion. Mission Art 415, the nonprofit responsible for the mural, confirmed that over $100,000 was invested in its creation but currently lacks the funds for necessary repairs.

The restaurant owner, Hassan Manea, stated the ads aimed to draw in customers but later removed them following community feedback. The San Francisco Arts Commission emphasized that the organization responsible for the mural should have funds set aside for maintenance. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of preserving public art in economically strained areas.