700-pound statue stolen from park

NOVATO, Calif., Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Police in California are offering $1,000 for information leading to the culprits behind the theft of a 700-pound pelican statue.

Novato police said the sculpture, which the Novato City Council commissioned for Scottsdale Pond park in 2007 for $27,500, was apparently stolen during the weekend, the Marin Independent Journal reported Monday.

The statue, named "Omay," the Miwok word for pelican, was created by Idaho artist David Clemons.

"The sculpture was extremely unique, because of its Native American theme and because it was a very special statue," Novato Mayor Madeline Kellner said. "A lot of community input went into picking the theme and picking the statue for that area."

"My heart sank when I read what had happened," Kellner said. "I hope (police) find whoever took it and bring our pelican back to our pond."

Police said they are investigating the theft and are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the thief or thieves.