Santa Rosa, California – A painting contractor hired to whitewash an historic stone building learned the hard way that some residents were none too happy about the work. Passing motorists have been hurling insults at painters, and sadly one motorist hurled a rock, hitting one of the painters.

Local police officers from the Santa Rosa Police Department have received multiple complaints about the alleged abuse for months, to the point that the PD will be dispatching officers to monitor the situation. 

According to painting contractor Daniel Morales of Dan the Painter, “People are trying to point a finger, and it fell on the most vulnerable.”

Despite not witnessing the incidents himself, property owner Paul Thompson defended the painters: “They’re just doing their job that they’re getting paid to do. I can understand if people want to voice their concerns to me, but [the painters] just doing their jobs.”

Paul has also stated that he would continue his efforts to restore the historic site and that any harassment from locals would not deter him.

The controversy stems from Paul’s decision to paint the entire structure white despite its historically slate gray color. Descendants of the original builder, Italian stonemason Massimo Galeazzi, are particularly outraged at Paul’s choice.

The Stone House is more than 100 years old, having been built originally in 1909. Despite this, the structure isn’t considered a historical landmark by city officials and thus doesn’t require a special permit for re-painting, regardless of the chosen color.

While it’s understandable that historians and local residents interested in preserving their town’s history would be upset by the decision, assaulting the painting crew tasked with restoration is inexcusable.

“My company is a small company, a local company, and I work really hard every day,” Morales said. “It’s just unfair.”