Patch Watch: Graffiti, Trash at Culvert Near Los Gatos High Is Cleaned Up

The mouth of the large drainage tunnel under Highway 17, behind , that had been graffitied by taggers and littered by vandals early this month was cleaned up by Caltrans workers the day after the problem was reported in this column on Jan. 18.

The spot is located in an almost inaccessible area behind the large complex that encompasses the entire high school property.

Los Gatos Patch learned about this wooded area thanks to Sandra Vaurs, a member of the Los Gatos group, who took numerous photos of the blight and trash on Jan. 11.

Los Gatos Patch took a walk to the culvert with Vaurs on Jan. 18 and found a homeless encampment nearby and a small makeshift trail. California Department of Transportation workers had swiftly painted over the graffiti with gray paint that Wednesday morning.

Bernard Walik, a spokesman for Caltrans, quipped that Los Gatos Patch had expressed regret at not being able to photograph the maintenance workers in action doing the cleanup due to their speedy efficiency that morning.

"That's the first time I ever heard someone being disappointed that our workers went too fast," Walik said.

LOCATION: Under Highway 17, north of Helm Field at Los Gatos High School.

PROBLEM: Graffiti and trash at mouth of culvert.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: California Department of Transportation, or Caltrans.

DATE REPORTED: Jan. 11

DAYS ON WATCH: 8

DATE CLEANED UP: Jan. 18