May 18, 1979 The tradition began in 1931 when San Diego State College students trekked up Cowles Mountain to paint a huge 'S' on it--for San Diego State. Two graduating students wanted to bring the tradition back. Reporter Jim Gordon said despite the efforts, it wasn't going to happen. CBS 8 is the local source for San Diego breaking news and top story headlines. Get the latest local San Diego TV news, sports, weather and more. More from CBS 8: Website: https://www.cbs8.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBS8 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News8 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbs8