Over 100 community members, including several UA students, spent yesterday afternoon painting "A" Mountain red, white and blue with over $2,000 worth of privately donated paint.

Four days after the "A" was painted black by a group protesting the war, local disc jockeys called on listeners and city officials to coat the "A" with the nation's colors.

The idea was surrounded by controversy, as some city officials contested it violated city ordinances. However, four city council members took part in the event, including UA alumnus Fred Ronstadt.

Ronstadt called the "A" a testament to Tucson's patriotism.

"I was appalled that anyone in Tucson would be upset by painting the "A" with our nation's colors," said HOT 98.3 (KOHT) Disc Jockey R-DUB.

It took 100 gallons of paint to cover the giant letter. The paint was donated by Dunn Edwards Paints, and a five-man paint crew from Steve Castro Painting aided in the effort, free of charge.

UA student Sariah Simmons, a psychology senior, and her friends went to paint the "A" as a display of patriotism and support for troops overseas.

"It's important to support the men and women protecting our country," Simmons said, adding it was "more than important" to skip school to paint the "A."