Recent hateful and threatening graffiti was found on a Matilda banner, the TECS school sign, and the pedestrian walk buttons, located at the intersection of School Road and Topanga Canyon Blvd. Law enforcement believes the vandalism occurred around November 21.
Investigative efforts by LAUSD police continue in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies. There have been no new incidents.
As involved parents at Topanga Elementary Charter School (TECS), we are asking all community members who may have relevant information to contact the lead LAUSD police officer, Sergeant Jonathan Caruso (jcaruso@laspd.com). Requests for anonymity will be honored.
Authorities have determined a separate incident that occurred at Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center is unrelated and “the perpetrator is being managed.” They have received multiple helpful tips and will continue ongoing investigations.
In a statement, TECS’s new principal Kevin Kassebaum said, “Please know that I take the words and symbols that were written on our school sign very seriously and will continue to work with authorities to ensure that all necessary actions are taken to ensure our school remains a place of peace, tolerance, and justice. I am committed to partnering with parents, staff, Los Angeles School Police, and Local District West to support our school.”
It is urgent that we come together to protect this community jewel that is preparing the next generation of leaders. We need the community’s support to provide our school with enhanced safety equipment and training.
Please make a tax-deductible, end-of-year donation (no amount is too small) to Topanga Enrichment Programs (TEP) FEIN 95-3924671) to help the school’s Safety Fund at: topangaelementary.org/donate.html; send checks to Topanga Enrichment Programs, PO Box 801, Topanga, CA 90290. Please note “Safety Fund” in the memo.
TEP is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization that provides enrichment programs and tools to students of Topanga Elementary Charter School. For questions or concerns about your transaction, please e-mail: president@topangaelementary.org.
By TECS Parents