Last week, one classroom was the target of vandals who entered sometime during the weekend and used spray paint cans that were left out by construction crews to vandalize the walls and carpets.
“It will take some major clean up,” said Principal Linda Evans.
Some of the graffiti referred to a sports team from another school, but school resource officer Deputy Scott Shinagawa said he does not believe that indicates it was done by students outside the area.
“It looks like it is Crescenta Valley kids. This graffiti [tag] has been popping up more and more lately. This is specific to this area,” he said.
He added that the most recent vandalism appeared to be more of a crime of opportunity than a personal vendetta.
“Last time, in March, it appeared that kids were in that classroom to damage things. This was just graffiti to try to get their name out there,” Shinagawa said.
The costs of the damage has been estimated at $3,000, while the March vandalism cost is still being determined.
The ongoing construction repairs were deemed necessary after a 2004-05 winter storm revealed severe leaking in buildings 1000, 5000, 6000 and 7000. The total costs of the repairs has been estimated by the district at about $8 million. The district is presently in litigation.
Since 2008, students have dealt with the construction noise, moving to temporary classrooms and in some cases sharing lockers due to lack of space.
“It makes me so upset that kids from our school have done this. Now the district has to spend money on cleaning it up instead of on classes and clubs,” said Amy Yeghiayan, a sophomore at the high school.
She added she doesn’t think most kids understand how tight the education budget is, but that if more classes or services are cut they will. She has noticed the graffiti on the walls at school on several occasions.
“We all see it, but we aren’t sure what to do about it. Nobody listens to our views. If makes me disgusted that kids would be doing this to a school they might be attending. That they have to express themselves that way,” she said.
Shinagawa has requested more patrols of the school campus by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies and advised anyone who sees anything suspicious to call authorities.
“This is an open campus. If anyone sees anything, be a good witness and contact the sheriff’s station. Don’t confront anyone you see, but get a physical description. The calls can be anonymous,” Shinagawa said.
