Peninsula Continues Bout With Vandalism

A recent string of vandalism at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School continued over the weekend, as the school’s campus was once again hit by graffiti.

Principal Mitzi Cress said the vandalism occurred between 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 19, and 6:30 a.m. on Monday, February 20.

"I apologize that many of our students who are on campus for drama, robotics, sports and other activities have to be subjected to this disgusting graffiti," Cress said in an email. "I am working with the district to have the graffiti cleaned up as soon as possible."

In January of this year, Peninsula fell victim to profanity-laced graffiti which covered a significant portion of the campus. The school's panther statue, tree stumps, brick, concrete, benches, lunch tables, lockers and buildings were all marked.

In November of last year, graffiti was found covering the school amphitheater and track, as well as other building and school surfaces.

This time around, according to Cress, pictures of the vandalism have sprouted up on Facebook, and "it appears that those responsible want us to think that PV High is responsible."

"It is important to remember that we have no idea who is responsible," Cress said. "This vandalism and any retaliation is criminal behavior. Retaliation is not in the spirit of what the Peninsula High School community represents."

Cress said that a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for vandalizing the school remains on the table, and that anyone with information should contact the Lomita Sheriff.