We announced its return yesterday morning, and it survived a riot so that people could enjoy it in the riot’s aftermath, but now it is gone.

As Emily who took this photo says, “Fuck everything about the last twenty-four hours.” [link]

This is reader Brian’s friend Jessica “enjoying the resurrected Valencia swing after witnessing the pointless destruction.” Life on Valencia Street goes on.

Goodnight for now.

You knew it was only a matter of time before the whimsical fun squad struck back against both the city and the fun-hating grinches determined to keep Valencia Street free from pendulum tyranny.  And this time they’ve done it in grand festive style, with glorious streamers to accentuate the riders’ flight as they glide through the air (while respectfully watching out for pedestrians, of course).  Furthermore, eagle-eyed readers may notice that the cord on this new swing matches the orange and black braiding of the original swing before it was hacked down by misinformed neighborhood vigilante Carmen Castillo, suggesting that this may be the work of the originators!

We can only wonder how long this incarnation lasts before the anti-fun police have their way, but for now both the young and young-at-heart have a new toy with which to play.

Previously:

• Fun-hating grinch cuts down Valencia swing
• Valencia swing memorial eulogizes the death of fun
• Site of former Valencia swing commemorated by hanging dog toy
• Valencia swing is back, with steel cables this time
• Valencia swing cut down again, this time by a city official

Now that all the drama has finally died down, this is where we stand…until it is reincarnated again!

(Thanks void!)

Previously:

• Fun-hating grinch cuts down Valencia swing
• Valencia swing memorial eulogizes the death of fun
• Site of former Valencia swing commemorated by hanging dog toy
• Valencia swing is back, with steel cables this time
• Valencia swing cut down again, this time by a city official

Bummer!

(Thanks, Hap.)

Our pal Matt delivers the bad news:

Was running late for work so didn’t have time to snap a pic but saw a city maintenance worker cutting down the swing on Valencia. Swinggate continues! SOPA! Obama!

Capitalism! Christianity! Society!

Our pal Kai fills us in:

Tis true, a swing has materialized.  This one is rigged with steel cable so to frustrate our local slasher.  The workmanship leaves something to be desired but the spirit is sound. Here are a few pics.

Yay! Suck it, fun-hating grinch!

(Thanks again, Kai!) (And thanks to @fiid for the original tip.)

UPDATE: Some French guy named Michael P. late last night sent Helen a picture of the heroic team that installed the swing:

So say thanks if you see ‘em around!

Our man at the scene Kai has the update:

Tiny memorial upon my arrival this morning. Glad to see the community mourning in a healthy way.

And it’s probably not a good idea to mess with the perpetrator:

She lives on Dolores St between 18th and 19th. Her name is Carmen Castillo. She harasses all the neighbors and frankly, she’s a bitter old crazy lady. She carries around an exacto knife, so be careful!

UPDATE: Further fun via Twitter:

@missionmission I might have a lead on swing slayer. Grumpy lady walks by hood tattoo shop, pokes head in, yells “don’t do it” and walks off

— David Covell (@davidnotdave) January 15, 2012

Previously:

Fun-hating grinch cuts down Valencia swing

Kai from Mission Bicycle Company has the scoop:

Here are a few pics I snagged immediately after a crazy lady cut down the swing on Valencia across the street from our shop.  When questioned she said “this isn’t a playground.”  It was sad.

I guess that means we all have to grow up now finally.

UPDATE: Further information from our buddy Jake:

Today I witnessed the Valencia tree swing being hacked to death in the prime of its life. A few others witnessed the merciless slaying in broad daylight, and followed the killer around the corner where she clutched the lifeless body. I asked her why she would destroy something that’s brought so much joy and beauty into the world and this was her response: “you’re crazy and you need a shave. You’re probably one of those Occupy people.” She then called 911 and an officer quickly responded to reports we were harassing her. He told us the perp felt threatened by us and then admitted he was unclear about tree swing laws in San Francisco. Nobody was cited and the perp’s motive remains unclear, however she did mention almost being hit by a reckless swing-person in the past which no doubt constitutes premeditation. It’s a minor tragedy for Valencia street and another reminder that Mission will always have an element of danger in the air. We can only hope where one was cut down, many more will grow in its place.

Jake also included yet another gut-wrenching pic:

Previously:

Swings on 18th Street!

Our buddy Elizabeth S. shares the good news:

Some sweetheart gave 18th Street a hanukkah present this am! Swings on the sidewalk in front of Faye’s and Birite ice cream. Kids are psyched!!!!