Arcata Community Center vandalized last night, also reports that Ray's and Murphy's in Arcata about similar activity

(All photos provided by Arcata City Manager Merritt Perry)

Arcata Community Center was vandalized last night and my reader said it was to do with Gaza and Palestine and election related. My reader also told me that he heard polling locations at Murphy's and Ray's in Arcata were also vandalized.

Arcata Community staff member Evan directed me to the Arcata City Manager's office. I have contacted Arcata City Manager Merritt Perry and Arcata Police Department Chief Bart Silvers and Lt. Todd Dokweiler. 

Lt. Dokweiler responded promptly, "APD is investigating vandalism to four locations, immediately adjacent to polling locations and ballot drop boxes. 5000 Valley West, Sunny Brae Murphys, Westwood Murphys and the Arcata Community Center. The vandalism consisted of painted stenciled writing and posters glued to the walls of the buildings. The graffiti was in support of Palestine and calling for an end to “genocide”. There was also a “VOTE HERE” sign that was crossed out with red paint. I don’t currently have a value of the damage, but it could potentially rise to the felony level. Video surveillance is being collected from the locations in an attempt to identify those responsible. This is obviously concerning given today is election day. APD will be providing additional patrols around polling places."

Mr. Perry was in a meeting this morning. He called me back shortly after my call to follow up. "Overall I am very disappointed that people chose to vandalize the City's community center and polling places. These businesses volunteered to help with the election and now they have to bear the cost of this damage. I understand people's right to free speech but stencils were used to spray paint and flyers glued to the front window which made it harder to remove."

After my post was published, Mad River Union which is located in Arcata posted coverage which was reprinted on Redheaded Blackbelt.