Hiker cleans up new graffiti found on Cowles Mountain

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KGTV) — A day after a hiker discovered black graffiti along a Cowles Mountain trail, another hiker stepped in to do some cleaning.

“It’s beautiful. I love the view,” Kim Henderson said.

On Tuesday morning, Henderson was out on her weekly hike, halfway up Cowles Mountain, when she came across a disturbing scene.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” Henderson said.

She took pictures of five markers, some on rocks, about five in all.

“I was shocked that someone could do this in such a beautiful, natural place,” Henderson said.

Right after her hike, she posted the photos on the Nextdoor app and shortly after, she received a response from another hiker.

That hiker was Shawn Townsend.

“When I saw the post, I was frustrated,” Townsend said.

Townsend, regional general manager of Anytime Fitness, has been hiking Cowles Mountain for more than two decades.

“Graffiti is really an eyesore, but to do that in Cowles Mountain, which I consider my second home… I wouldn’t tolerate it. I knew it wouldn’t stay there long,” Townsend said.

Early Wednesday morning, Townsend climbed the mountain with paint stripper and industrial wipes,

Townsend discovered a total of about eight tags, between the midpoint and the summit, before setting to work removing the graffiti.

“I didn’t like seeing Cowles in that condition. … It doesn’t reflect who the community is,” Townsend said.

Townsend removed five graffiti spots before he ran out of wipes. He plans to remove the rest of the graffiti this weekend.

“I’m so excited to be able to hike in the mountains and have it be beautiful again, and to be able to enjoy my peace and serenity again,” Henderson said.

Park officials say tagging occurs occasionally, but there has not been a big increase in graffiti recently.

A spokesperson for the Parks and Recreation Department released the following statement:

“Park users who notice maintenance issues at any of the City’s parks or open spaces should use the City of San Diego’s Get It Done app to submit a report. This is the best way to notify City staff of your concerns so that the issues can be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Urgent issues, such as road hazards, gas leaks and downed power lines, should be reported to 9-1-1.”