These days, it's just not a good time to be a swine. Unless, you happen to be the most popular pig in San Diego County.
That would be the bronze pig worth $15,000 that was stolen from the Eastlake Village Marketplace last month. The pig was eventually returned by it's thieves.
Merchants at the strip mall held a celebration on Saturday to honor the pig's return. Business owners said they were happy to have their piggy back.
"The kids love playing on him, the kids love that guy and he's our mascot for the complex. He attracts more people then the stores sometimes," said Ed Pecus, General Manager of Miguel's Cocina.
As part of the celebration, there were free coupon giveaways and carne asada tacos for $1. Visitors also got to paint ceramic pig magnets at one of the strip mall stores.
It was hog heaven for everyone, with the exception perhaps, of the two men who've been charged with grand theft for the pig-napping.
