The infamous mudflats in Emeryville had three art sculptures left after its long history since the 1950s, and late Wed., May 3, 2017, Vice Mayor John Bauters heard that the Red Baron plane and pilot fell into SF Bay. Not knowing if they were shot down, he solicited Mayor Scott Dona
hue and the Public Works Department to help him retrieve the aircraft. PW said to wait until low tide on Thurs., May 4 at 2pm. “I wanted to save it before it got buried in sand and mud. I am a Snoopy fan so it was a no brainer for me to want to save this.”
Emeryville is known for its vibrant public arts program and probably has more public art per square footage than any other city. Thus, the rescue effort. Waiting for low tide, the crew started laying the foundation to extricate the Red Baron from its entrapments about 1pm Thurs. afternoon.
Emeryville mayor and vice mayor arrived and started moving planks, separating the wooden Red Baron plane from the pilings and mud. It was deep in the muck. A shovel was fetched and cracked in the process of dislodging the plane. Rope was used. But it seemed like a no-go until another PW crew arrived, Jamal Hudson. He was taller than the others. And strong – the final touch needed. As PW director Maurice Kaufman nudged the crew on from up on the deck, the plane loosened and was moved out of the mud. The Red Baron turned upside down. Still, the determined mud-slewn work crew carried the plane sculpture with the Red Baron in tact, out of the mudflats and up onto the shore as KTVU FOX 2 filmed them.
“He’s out of the Bay,” shouted Bauters after a good forty minutes of strategizing and struggling in the deep mud with Emeryville Mayor Scott Donahue, Kivu Jamal Hudson, James Riendeau, Tony Jenkins and Antonio Thibodeaux of the Emeryville Public Works crew.
Mission accomplished. What happens with the Red Baron now? Scott and John hope to keep it on the beach. Next to Snoopy. So do we. Stay tuned to Emeryville on the Bay.
A celebration for the city of Emerville and time to listen to a favorite old song for many: Snoopy v.s. the Red Baron. The sculpture was created by Berkeley artist Tyler Hoare, who created his first rendition in the 70s. Art sculptures in the mudflats always seemed to reflect the times of each decade since the 1950s. And much of it was created by debris washed up on the shore.
Snoopy vs the Red Baron. Looks like Snoopy shot him down into the SF Bay. City of Emeryville saved him.
About the Red Baron
World War I fighter ace Manfred Von Richthofen was nicknamed the Red Baron.
“During World War I, no name struck more fear into the hearts of Allied airmen than that of Manfred von Richthofen, better known as the ‘Red Baron.’ After scoring his first kill on September 17, 1916, the German pilot spent the next 19 months prowling the skies in his signature red airplane, winning one air battle after another. He was later shot down and killed in April 1918, but not before he became the war’s highest-scoring fighter ace.” (history.com)
Meanwhile fishing season is happening out on the Bay and beyond!
Fishing Report
Fish Emeryville has a fleet of seven boats which are all meticulously maintained
California Halibut caught aboard the New Huck Finn Photo/Captain Jay Yokomizo
to a high standard and the newly renovated Sportfishing Center carries a full inventory of saltwater tackle, including items designed by Fish Emeryville’s Captains specifically for the local fisheries.
Latest catch. On May 3 three boats went out with 59 anglers. Total catch: 33 California Halibut, 60 Lingcod, 300 Rockfish and 20 Striped Bass. The New Huck Finn’s halibut were 20-24 lbs. and their Striped Bass up to five lbs. The Sea Wolf had 30 anglers that day and came back to Emeryville Marina with 300 Rockfish.
Call Fish Emeryville to reserve a space on a boat 510.652.3403. They are located at 3310 Powell St. off the 80 in Emeryville.
If you plan to go out fishing, you can buy your license at Fish Emeryville the day you go fishing or online.
Red Rockfish Photo/Sea Wolf crew
