A Local Landmark Topples: Santa Rosa Totem Pole Downed by Big Rig

It's one of those headlines that makes you do a double-take: a majestic, towering totem pole, a beloved landmark for over a decade in Santa Rosa, now lies prone on the ground. This past Tuesday morning, the tranquil routine of the early hours was shattered when a 30-foot, 1,200-pound redwood sculpture met an unfortunate fate at the hands of a big rig.

The incident unfolded right around the Gracianna Winery's entrance, nestled close to the busy intersection of Highway 101 and Highway 12. As a large commercial truck attempted a right turn from Highway 101 onto Highway 12, it apparently misjudged the swing, snagging the magnificent totem pole and sending it crashing down. A pretty stark image, I imagine, for anyone who witnessed it or arrived shortly after.

But this wasn't just any roadside adornment. This was a piece of art with a story, a real heart and soul carved into its very being. The pole was the brainchild and painstaking effort of Sebastopol's own Bay Area artist, Alistair Colvin. He spent ten years, a decade of his life, transforming a 400-year-old redwood log into this incredible sculpture. It was more than just wood; it was a testament to local craftsmanship, a silent sentinel welcoming travelers, and a true focal point for the community.

Lisa Woolley, one of the owners of Gracianna Winery, shared her profound sadness over the event, describing the pole as a significant piece of local art. Her words truly captured the sentiment, acknowledging the immediate shock and the void left behind. Yet, even amidst the dismay, there's a current of hope. The base of the totem pole sustained the most severe damage, breaking cleanly, but the good news is that much of the intricate carving higher up appears to be intact. This raises the very real possibility of repair and, dare we say, a triumphant re-erection.

Authorities, including the California Highway Patrol, are on the case, investigating the exact circumstances of the collision. For now, it seems to have been an unfortunate accident, a stark reminder of the delicate balance between large-scale commerce and cherished local fixtures. But beyond the immediate damage and the ongoing investigation, the community's spirit remains unbroken.

People are already rallying, expressing their desire to see this iconic redwood return to its upright position, continuing its watch over the Santa Rosa landscape. After all, it's not just a totem pole; it's a piece of shared history, a landmark that truly embodies the artistic soul of the Bay Area.