The city of Chula Vista on Friday has taken down a Christopher Columbus statue in Discovery Park.
A city news release said the statue was "removed out of public safety concerns."
The statue has been the subject of vandalism in the past and has been up since 1991.
A "No More Columbus" rally is scheduled to be held Friday afternoon after where the statue stood in Discovery Park, according to Facebook post. A description of the event says, "As a racial reckoning occurs across the country we must not forget the many racist symbols of America's dark legacy of oppression, slavery and colonialism that still stand."
The action was organized by the Kanap Kuahan Coalition, which according to the Facebook event page, includes the groups AIM SoCal, Union del Barrio and KOPA (Kumeyaay and original People Alliance).
Members of the coalition plan to make statements calling for the city council to permanently remove the Columbus statue.
The city's news release said in February the Chula Vista Human Relations Commission requested the city council consider removing the statue, but COVID-19 has delayed that effort.
"Due to restrictions related to coronavirus, there has not been an opportunity to hold a public forum for community dialogue," the release said. "It is expected that the item will be brought forward for further public input and consideration."
The statue was put into storage on Friday morning.
