Patch Watch: Graffiti on Los Gatos Creek Trail Returns With a Vengeance

Los Gatos residents are reporting that vandals have struck with a vengeance this time leaving multiple graffiti tags on the Los Gatos Creek Trail, which has been defaced many times as reported in this column.

Taggers struck in July of last year. The graffiti remained unclean until August. It was then removed by Los Gatos Parks and Public Works staff with grey paint.

It's deja vu for Los Gatos Patch reader Chris Bevis who helped photograph the crime last year saying graffiti vandals are getting more brazen. The most recent graffiti was spotted March 31-April 1.

According to frequent trail walkers and runners, the area most affected is the one after passing the Roberts Road Bridge and the bridge's underpass that features two wooden benches overlooking the creek that have also been vandalized in the past.

Los Gatos Town Manager Greg Larson said Los Gatos/Monte Sereno police made an arrest last week involving a suspect who may be responsible for much of the recent increase in graffiti.

Larson said the cleanup is being done by Los Gatos Parks and Public Works maintenance staff and that graffiti is a high priority response. He added Volunteers in Policing residents pitch in on smaller jobs when available and more are always welcome.

Just one large response last week cost the town more than $10,000 to clean up, Larson said, adding that private property owners have their own costs for graffiti removal.

LOCATION: Los Gatos Creek Trail

PROBLEM: Graffiti has been spray-painted along various parts of the trail just after passing the Roberts Road Bridge and along its underpass.

RESPONSIBLE PARTY: Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Department, 408-399-5770, or email ppw@losgatosca.gov.

DATE REPORTED: March 31-April 1

DAYS ON WATCH: 10