Palm Springs HOA offers $10,000 reward for stolen roadrunner statue
The reward is being offered specifically for information that directly leads to the safe return of the statue in its original condition. The HOA has stated that no questions will be asked upon the statue’s return.
The Escena Homeowners Association in Palm Springs is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of a roadrunner statue that vanished from the community entrance more than a year ago.
Unlike the speedy cartoon character, this roadrunner isn’t running anywhere on its own. The fiber resin statue was taken from the Vista Chino Circle entrance to the Escena community and golf club on Jan. 20, 2023. Tim Mathias, vice president of the Escena HOA, said the theft has left the community without a beloved piece of public art that held great value to the neighborhood.
Local reporting and journalism you can count on.
Subscribe to The Palm Springs Post
Mathias said the HOA is unable to commission a replacement after the original artist died in a ski accident, making the recovery of the original artwork the only option for the community.
The good news? This roadrunner likely wasn’t targeted for its scrap value.
“The statue was not bronze or some other metal that could be sold for scrap,” Mathias said. “It was a fiber resin so I doubt that it was destroyed. It is probably in someone’s backyard.”
The reward is being offered specifically for information that directly leads to the safe return of the statue in its original condition. The HOA has stated that no questions will be asked upon the statue’s return.
However, the association clarified that it is not offering compensation for tips that do not result in the statue’s actual recovery.
Community members or anyone with information about the missing roadrunner can contact Desert Resort Management at 760-346-1161. Tips can also be submitted via email to tmathias.escena@gmail.com or by mail to T. Mathias, PO Box 345, Palm Springs, CA 92263.
Author
Related Articles
Former COD president sues district, board chair alleging discrimination, retaliation, financial misconduct
Laura Hope claims gender bias, a hostile work environment and whistleblower retaliation, specifically naming current board member and former president Joel Kinnamon.
Officials: Flight path change, made without notification, is driving surge in aircraft noise complaints
More and more, residents from Palm Springs to Indio say, aircraft noise is disrupting daily life. But airport officials say federal law limits what they can do.
Wind wall along Gene Autry Trail completed
The roughly $2.2 million project was designed to reduce blowing sand and improve visibility for drivers along a stretch of roadway known for strong winds.