Group seeks tips after Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve vandalized
Mar 17, 2025
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The group behind Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is seeking the public's help in identifying who is responsible for vandalizing the area surrounding the respected landmark over the weekend.
Sometime overnight Friday, a vehicle entered the park and caused damage to
the northwest lawn of the Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve, which is located at 6905 La Jolla Scenic S. Dr.
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A volunteer docent discovered deep tire ruts and torn up sections of sod Saturday morning as a result of the incident, the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association said Monday in a statement.
View the damage in the photos below, courtesy of the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association.
The Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve was vandalized overnight Friday. (Mt. Soledad Memorial Association)The Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve was vandalized overnight Friday. (Mt. Soledad Memorial Association)The Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve was vandalized overnight Friday. (Mt. Soledad Memorial Association)The Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve was vandalized overnight Friday. (Mt. Soledad Memorial Association)The Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve was vandalized overnight Friday. (Mt. Soledad Memorial Association)
"This vandalism not only desecrates a beautiful public space but also dishonors the memory of the veterans at the Memorial," said Neil O'Connell, the executive director of the association. "This is a place of peace and reflection for our community, and we are determined to restore it."
Now the group is asking anyone with information regarding the act of vandalism to send tips about the culprit by calling (888) 580-8477 or submitting details through an online form.
The association said it is investigating the incident with the help of the San Diego Police Department, City of San Diego Parks and Recreation and San Diego County Crime Stoppers.
Watch the report by KUSI's Dan Plante in the video player above. ...read more read less