Woman battles city over painted house

Estrella Benavides began painting messages on the roof and garage door of her home on Cottage Grove Avenue more than a year ago. The rows of painted words — large and small — provoked some residents to complain to the city. The Community Improvement Commission will decide later this month whether to impose a fine that could range from $25 to $100 a day, said Robert Muehlbauer, neighborhood improvement and housing manager for the city of San Mateo.

Benavides isn’t worried about the fine. She’s doing what she feels is right and argues the First Amendment holds more authority than any city sign ordinance. The city regulates sign sizes. A roof-sized sign is too large, according to the ordinance.

"No, I don’t care about the fine. I am going to keep going no matter what,” Benavides said.

Benavides insists she doesn’t hear or see God, she only gets a feeling and a sense about what to write.

Meanwhile, neighbors keep an eye on Benavides and her house. Benavides doesn’t create many problems unless she’s driving down the street yelling out of a speaker attached to her 1990s model red Honda Civic. The car is covered with white paint with messages about the government scattered across it.

It’s been a while since Benavides used the car speaker, said neighbor Cliff Jackson.

"She don’t bother me any. She minds her own business,” Jackson said. "She sings sometimes. She’s a good singer.”

Other residents agree Benavides keeps to herself, but some are ready to see the messages erased.

"It’s kind of a shame,” said neighbor Robert Owlett. "We’re all trying to take care of our places.”

Owlett said he’s learned to live with the house across the street, but worries about the children who may go by. There are some offensive or even scary messages on the house. Benavides herself sometimes questions people who walk by about their belief in God, Owlett said.

The city began working the Benavides case a few months ago after receiving a handful of complaints. Benavides is "ignoring” the city, but attended the last two commission meetings hoping to speak about her issue, Muehlbauer said.

She’ll get the chance Jan. 17 when the commission is set to decide what kind of civil fine to impose.

Dana Yates can be reached by e-mail: dana@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 106. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.