Messages from on high writ too large, city says
A woman who has covered her roof and property with painted slogans she calls messages from God has been ordered to remove them or face fines or jail.
The San Mateo City Council unanimously ruled last week that Estrella Benavides’ garbled writings alleging government conspiracies violate city codes regulating the size of signs.
Benavides, 47, who also broadcasts the messages from a loudspeaker on the roof of her car, has said the messages come to her from God through a statue at her church and from the Bible. She claims the city’s ruling violates her free speech rights.
The council ruling orders Benavides to remove the signs or face fines of $50 a day.
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