During the Dec. 9 Moraga Town Council meeting, the Public Comment portion of the evening drew an overwhelming number of viewers and participants wanting to address the Dec. 4 act of vandalism reportedly committed at Campolindo High School.
Moraga police are currently investigating the incident whereby Campo's new Associate Principal Vanessa Knight's tire was allegedly vandalized while her car was parked in a school parking lot between 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day. Principal John Walker explained that Knight is Black and police are investigating "whether this is a racially-motivated crime," given the fact that it was Knight's first week on the job and no other vehicles suffered any damage.
Prior to any public comments, Police Chief Jon King stated, "I do want to thank the Campolindo High School staff for their assistance and cooperation on our investigation. They provided us with video surveillance recording which we have been reviewing as part of our investigation."
Approximately 25 Lamorinda residents, many of whom are members of Campo's Parents Club on Diversity and Inclusion, along with students and faculty, expressed their concerns about the alleged incident.
Several former students spoke of their experiences being bullied at Campo, and felt that the administration needed to take more action in that direction. According to a Dec. 8 San Francisco Chronicle article, Walker said that in the new school year Campo "launched a series of school initiatives to foster a deep sense of belonging for all students, staff, and parents/guardians."
Initially planning on only being a silent observer, Knight chose to let her voice be heard, both in appreciation for all of the community support she received and as an example to her students that she is "there for you."
"This has been one of the most challenging times of my life. The past few days have been emotionally and mentally stressful," said Knight. "I don't allow hate to live in any space that I find myself in.
"I would like to challenge everyone to respond to hate and racism by spreading more compassion and kindness," Knight added. "I challenge you to offer support to those who find themselves victims of hate, bullying or violence and racism. Surround them with acknowledgement. Surround them with love. Trust their truths. Believe them."
The town council was urged by several residents to consider placing an agenda item in an upcoming meeting to address the concerns expressed.
According to King, as of Dec. 17 MPD is still investigating the incident, and he acknowledged that police were not able to secure the tire in question for evidence review.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call MPD at (925) 888-7055 or the Campolindo High School administration at (925) 280-3950 ext. 5102.
Moraga police are currently investigating the incident whereby Campo's new Associate Principal Vanessa Knight's tire was allegedly vandalized while her car was parked in a school parking lot between 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day. Principal John Walker explained that Knight is Black and police are investigating "whether this is a racially-motivated crime," given the fact that it was Knight's first week on the job and no other vehicles suffered any damage.
Prior to any public comments, Police Chief Jon King stated, "I do want to thank the Campolindo High School staff for their assistance and cooperation on our investigation. They provided us with video surveillance recording which we have been reviewing as part of our investigation."
Approximately 25 Lamorinda residents, many of whom are members of Campo's Parents Club on Diversity and Inclusion, along with students and faculty, expressed their concerns about the alleged incident.
Several former students spoke of their experiences being bullied at Campo, and felt that the administration needed to take more action in that direction. According to a Dec. 8 San Francisco Chronicle article, Walker said that in the new school year Campo "launched a series of school initiatives to foster a deep sense of belonging for all students, staff, and parents/guardians."
Initially planning on only being a silent observer, Knight chose to let her voice be heard, both in appreciation for all of the community support she received and as an example to her students that she is "there for you."
"This has been one of the most challenging times of my life. The past few days have been emotionally and mentally stressful," said Knight. "I don't allow hate to live in any space that I find myself in.
"I would like to challenge everyone to respond to hate and racism by spreading more compassion and kindness," Knight added. "I challenge you to offer support to those who find themselves victims of hate, bullying or violence and racism. Surround them with acknowledgement. Surround them with love. Trust their truths. Believe them."
The town council was urged by several residents to consider placing an agenda item in an upcoming meeting to address the concerns expressed.
According to King, as of Dec. 17 MPD is still investigating the incident, and he acknowledged that police were not able to secure the tire in question for evidence review.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call MPD at (925) 888-7055 or the Campolindo High School administration at (925) 280-3950 ext. 5102.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA