PACIFIC PALISADES—Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department West Los Angeles Area have apprehended two juveniles in connection to graffiti that was found on the property of Palisades Charter High School on Sunday, March 13 by a neighbor near the school. The graffiti included racist slogans. At around 6:00 a.m. West LA patrol officers responded to a call from a staff member of graffiti on the campus near the school.
The suspects defaced the school’s iconic mural, as well as a bus stop, the sidewalk and several trees with spray paint. According to the LAPD blog, the LAPD and Palisades High’s administration detectives conducted an extensive series of interviews that lead to the detention of two juvenile subjects who were connected to the incident.
One of the suspects was cited for vandalism and released to his parents. The other subject was cited for conspiracy to commit vandalism and released to his parents. Both of the perpetrators are current students at Palisades Charter High School. The investigation is on-going and has revealed no credible threats or danger to students or the community.
On the Palisades Charter High School Facebook page, former student Lizzy Rich from the class of 2009 wrote the following: “I went to Pali for numerous reasons- it is great academically, it’s a beautiful campus, it has a wonderful Theatre program and it is one of the most diverse high schools in Los Angeles. I remember hearing that Pali represented 120 zip codes, and being so excited that I was going to be amongst such a divrse student body. The diversity of the student body was not just defined by skin color but also religious beliefs, sexual orientation and socioeconomic background. This made and makes Pali high one of the most incredible places to go to school.
The events of Sunday night and the absolutely disgusting vandalism that took place at the campus, have left me deeply concerned and saddened for the students and faulty.
To the current students of color, to anyone on campus that was hurt, offended, or even threatened- please know that there are former Pali High students that stand with you. I am heartbroken that your identity, your safety, your campus was defiled by people who refuse to see diversity as a positive thing.
To anyone in this Pali High community that was involved in this disgrace- please note that your actions have consequences beyond campus. You attacked students of all ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations and religions and in doing so you attack the fundamental thing that makes Pali high beautiful. This will not be tolerated. Hatred and racism are unacceptable. You have embarrassed yourself. You will be silenced.
If this event was not perpetrated by Pali Students- and it was done by some outside force – then I hope that the community at large will aid the students and faculty in finding those that attacked the students and defiled campus.
To those who feel moved to respond and react, I would encourage you to do so in a positive way. Find a way to express your anger or frustration or whatever feelings you may have. Make something. Create something. Respond in a way that brings more beauty to the world. Celebrate your diversity. We need that now more then ever.”
Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call West LA Area Detectives at (310) 444-1588. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).
Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
