Open season on Catholic Churches in Eureka since Gary Lee Bullock broke into St. Bernard's on New Year's Eve

In the 10 years that I have been in Eureka, before Gary Lee Bullock, I can remember one incident where St. Bernard's was burglarized.

Since this New Year's day, when our safe space was violated in many ways, another intruder broke into St. Bernard's a few months ago and now this incident at Sacred Heart. Of course, the press release is slim on details, and crime occurs every day in Eureka.

Alarms do not deter criminals, I know this from working downtown and Old Town, having to call the EPD on strung out burglars. Churches used to be a safe haven, not just for parishioners but anyone wanting refuge.

Even after the tragic death of Fr. Eric, we have been open and welcoming. There have been other minor incidents at St. Bernard's and one recently where I was threatened by someone who came into church and was aggressive and headed right for where he thought there might be money and only left when I actually called the police.

Crime and break-ins are not okay, no matter where they occur. There is no respect anymore, not even for a place of worship.

It seems ordinary law-abiding citizens are the ones behind bars, where criminals get a walk free thanks to ill-conceived laws.

HCSO Press Release:

On 10-07-2014, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a burglary at the Sacred Heart Church located at 2085 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka.

When the investigating deputy arrived at the church he met with a church staff member who pointed out a front window to the right of the front door, which enters into the sanctuary. The window had been smashed in with an unknown item. The smashed window created a hole large enough for unknown suspect(s) to enter the sanctuary. The suspect(s) located the church collection box and stole it. Damage to the window is estimated to be over $500.00.