Utility company leaves gnomes on poles

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OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 30 (UPI) -- A California electricity company said it will not remove thousands of wooden blocks painted with the images of gnomes from utility poles.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced Monday the blocks, which were painted with gnomes by an anonymous artist and affixed to utility poles in the Oakland area during the past six months, would not be removed as previously announced due to their popularity with the public, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday.

"We received a great deal of public feedback, so we're declaring the poles gnome-man's land. We're not going to remove them," PG&E spokesman Jason King said. "We're committed to working with the artist, the city and the community to find a peaceful resolution."

The artist, who wishes to remain anonymous, sent an email to the utility company explaining his intentions.

"I'm a resident of Oakland who simply thought this would be a nice way to make my fellow Oaklanders happy and proud," the email read.