Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

SLO sends mixed messages on painted rocks

A rock along the Bishop Peak trail near Highland Drive was painted to look like a slice of watermelon.
A rock along the Bishop Peak trail near Highland Drive was painted to look like a slice of watermelon. Joe Johnston jjohnston@thetribunenews.com

I was confused at San Luis Obispo’s recent reaction to the watermelon rock painting on the Bishop Peak trail. Confused because a Feb. 1, 2017, article in your paper advertised the city’s #RockAroundSLO campaign through an “art-in-nature initiative” to “encourage residents to decorate small rocks and leave them in city parks.”

The city’s message seems to be if the rock is big, then painting it is a possible felony, while smaller rock painting is encouraged. I personally enjoy rocks without the paint, no matter the size and/or location.

Lynne Haley, Los Osos

This story was originally published November 17, 2017 at 8:59 AM with the headline "SLO sends mixed messages on painted rocks."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER