“Bizzare Message Carved Into Hill”

 video

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2017/02/15/flat-earth-message-apparently-behind-hillside-graffiti/

In the past few weeks, an unusual message began showing up along the northwestern side of Riverside’s Mount Rubidoux.

In large letters, someone had carved into the grass the words, in all capitals: “GOOGLE FLAT EARTH.”

Huh?

City parks workers began noticing the words – created by removing grass – about a month ago, Cruz said. Employees had just reseeded the hillside near Carlson Dog Park where the 10-by-4-foot letters were carved, he said.

Parks workers reseeded the hill again. But the culprit began writing the words again and larger – this time 25 feet by 10 feet, Cruz said. The carvings likely took “hours and hours of work,” he said.

“He’s done quite a bit of damage there that will cause further damage when it rains and it creates erosion,” Cruz said.

Parks workers saw the man they believe is the culprit at least once before, Cruz said. Also, a city employee saw him again Monday coming down the hill, he said.

Because of concerns about the man’s mental state, Cruz told workers to let police handle the situation. The city gave police the video and a license plate number for the man’s car.

Riverside police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback said officers are investigating. The suspect could be cited for vandalism or violating a city ordinance, he said.

Cruz said the city is calculating its costs, estimated at $400, and could seek reimbursement from the suspect.

City workers already have worked to make the words illegible and are reseeding the area again.