SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – An iconic piece of Sausalito's waterfront is missing.
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This week's storms nearly took out the sea lion sculpture affectionally known as 'Sammy.'
The sculpture dates back to the 1960s and has become an integral part of Sausalito’s history in the decades since.
With the ongoing storms slamming the Bay Area since New Year's, the statue fell headfirst into the water this week.
But fortunately the city quickly recruited a cement contractor to rescue poor Sammy before the sea lion could be swept out to sea.
"Due to the weight of the sculpture itself, it was highly unlikely – in fact, we were told it was essentially impossible – that it would be moved from that location," said Sausalito Mayor Melissa Blaustein.
"So we immediately worked to secure a crane company, because obviously, we couldn’t lift it ourselves," she said.
The statue attracts visitors from far and wide – it's the city's most photographed piece of public art.
"It's something that everyone sees, acknowledges, appreciates, and it means Sausalito," said Blaustein.
Besides Sammy, Sausalito has so far weathered the storms relatively well, as the city's public works and fire departments have kept a close eye on possible trouble areas.
"There will be more rain and you never know what the magnitude of the storm event is going to be," she said.
Sammy will soon be returned to his rightful perch.
"We'll get him back out on the water in no time and he’ll be swimming again," she said.
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