Lompoc Unified School District property vandalized for second time in two weeks
LOMPOC, Calif. - Lompoc Unified School District (LUSD) reported that eight district vehicles were vandalized late Friday night during a break-in, marking the second time LUSD property was vandalized this month.
The school district said sometime Friday night between 9:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., LUSD's Central Services Yard was broken into and vandalized.
During this incident, eight catalytic converters were stolen from the district's vehicles, leaving them inoperable until the converters can be replaced.
LUSD said these vehicles include maintenance trucks and student transportation vans.
“We are working closely with Lompoc PD to identify those responsible. Our immediate focus is getting these vehicles up and running so they can rejoin our fleet and our dedicated workers have them to continue their daily work assignments,” said Superintendent Trevor McDonald.
This incident marks the second vandalism LUSD has experienced since the start of the school year. Just two weeks ago, 100 Chromebooks, school supplies and food for children were stolen during a break-in and vandalism of LUSD classrooms. This left many students without the necessary technology to start their school year virtually during the COVID-19 school shutdowns.
“While our LUSD workers were disheartened by the vandalism, they quickly identified alternate means by which they could continue to ensure our facilities are ready for Monday,” said Doug Sorum, Director of Maintenance and Operations.
As LUSD works toward the repairs of their vehicles and the bolstering of their security, money is expected to be tight.
“Security was one of the first projects that would have been funded by the various school bonds that we had brought forward previously. Since our bond efforts weren’t successful, we are looking at ways to improve our current system given our fiscal limitations,” said Bree Valla, Deputy Superintendent.
For more information on LUSD, you can visit their website www.lusd.org.
