EDIT: Someone informed us that the first picture is the west face of the bridge (before) while the second pic (after) is the east face… and it would seem they are correct. If anyone has a picture of the east-facing side from 2020 before the colorful display was added, please let us know.

This year, we passed under the bridge headed East to Hayward and per usual, everyone in the car looked over their shoulder to behold this year’s glorious new display of flagrant vandalism. But sadly we discovered the Hayward Class of 2020 had stayed home this year – or at least they should have. Instead of the Spooner Blows slogan, we saw the remains of previous lettering attempts. The only laugh to be had was for one hastily drawn, anatomically incorrect penis.

For the locals it’s probably not a big deal but imagine the disappointment on our faces when we passed The Bridge on our way to Hayward this July and all we could see was some puny, faded lettering that (I believe) was the same sad work from the year before. We didn’t even bother snapping a photo this time around! Even the penis icon didn’t garner enough amusement to stop and crack off a few pics. The pitiful, blighted caption whined at us to hurry back soon with a few cans of Rustoleum. We kept driving. Onward to Hayward and our final destination at Grand Pines.

Our good moods were momentarily blunted. Of course, we got over it, but what a bummer.

Well, I’m delighted to report that mere weeks after our visit, someone decided they would take action and once again risk life, limb, and a free trip in a police car to adorn the bridge once again. However, it seems this time someone deserves the Young Artist Award (after they perform their community service of course) for the extra colorful display..

Beautiful huh?

Photo: Scott Warner