Hillsborough, California: Goofy Father Junipero Serra Statue

Junipero Serra the Founder of California, is celebrated elsewhere, but this giant cartoonish priest is our favorite.

In addition to the sleeve and fingers of Father Serra, the artist also depicted Father Serra's faithful donkey (head and ears) that he rode along The King's Highway (El Camino Real). I remember when Highway 280 was built and the statue was installed at the rest stop, since I lived up a couple of towns in Millbrae.

The view from this vantage point is incredible. You can see blocks and blocks of unblemished, undeveloped California landscape. The huge concrete creation is dedicated to Junipero Serra (1713-1784) the "Founder of California," who was responsible for building many of the missions and subjugating and enslaving most of the native population. Opinions seem to be divided on what he's pointing to: some think he's pointing due west in a gesture of future conquests, while others believe he's pointing down the Mission Trail.