SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The interim mayor of San Francisco, Mark Farrell, pushed forward today with a request initially made by the late mayor Ed Lee to remove a controversial statue called, "Early Days." The request was made before the Historic Preservation Commission.
The statue shows a missionary, a Native American and a "vaquero," a Mexican cowboy. According to critics, the statue represents the Spanish Conquest of California and the oppression of Native Americans. The Native American male is seen on the ground while a friar stands pointing to Heaven. To some, it is a symbol of genocide.
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"We should not condone symbols of oppression on our city streets," Farrell wrote.
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In October 2017, the San Francisco Art Commission voted unanimously to remove the monument. The statue is located outside the Main Public Library.
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Earlier in the year, the San Jose City Council voted to remove a controvesial statue of Christopher Columbus in the City Hall lobby.
Lyanne Melendez will have the latest on this developing story on ABC7 News this evening.