Dear Folks, Even though 205 folks signed a petition asking the Temescal BID (Business Improvement District) not to erect the eyesore of the proposed obelisk, the BID has done just that in front of the Pennzoil station. See the photo here. http://www.hesternet.net/images/obelisk.jpg It's worth noting that no date for its dedication is noted on the BID website--perhaps they hoped folks wouldn't notice? To review, the artist of the obelisk was a volunteer on the Promotions Committee of the BID and the design never was reviewed by a panel of peers or anyone in the Cultural Arts Dept of Oakland. The BID spent between $10-$20,000 on the manufacture and installation--differing amounts of money have been cited--all money property owners have paid in. Is the obelisk a piece of art or a sign and what local ordinances should be in place to prevent errors in judgement like this from ever happening again? In the meantime, this disappointing episode in our neighborhood's history deserves the rich commentary our artistic community is capable of. I will post the photos on my Facebook page ('friend" me at Karen Hester) and hope that you will weigh in with your favorite lampoon. After all, even though the obelisk is no laughing matter, "she who laughs, lasts." Karen Hester