Vandals caused more than $25,000 in damage to the Old Mission Santa Barbara overnight, scrawling “rape” on several pillars and misspelling the word “genocide” with red paint on the stone front of the historic building.
At least one vandal broke a small window and splattered red paint on the front door and the walkway leading up to the church. The person also wrote “never forget the lives + land stolen” in red paint on the white wall of another building where some of the nearly 30 Franciscan friars that live on the property sleep, according to police and mission officials.
“It’s not the happiest way to start the day,” said Monica Orozco, the mission’s executive director. “It’s disappointing and upsetting. My first thought is always for the friars who live here because it’s their home. Imagine having your home vandalized. It’s a real invasion of your life and can make you feel unsafe.”
A passerby reported the felony vandalism to Santa Barbara police about 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Some of the lettering on the graffiti is at least 3 feet tall, making it difficult to miss, police spokesman Anthony Wagner said.
Authorities suspect that the vandal’s actions were done in protest of the Spanish conquistadors’ treatment of Native Americans. The incident also could be linked to protests surrounding the celebration of Columbus Day, which was Monday, according to investigators.
Orozco said she hopes to have the paint cleaned up before a wedding that’s scheduled at the church on Saturday, but the process could be tricky given the porous stone facade on the building. Specialized crews likely will have to be hired so the building isn’t damaged further, she said.
“We’ll do what we can to clean up and move forward,” Orozco said. “I feel sad for the people who thought they needed to do this. There must be a lot of anger there. We will pray for them.”
This isn’t the first time the mission has been the target of vandalism.
A statue of St. Junipero Serra that for years had stood at the foot of a staircase leading into the mission had to be removed last year after someone poured red paint over the sculpture and cut off its head. An investigation did not lead to any arrests in that incident.
Full story at The LA Times.
“Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” There was no genocide. Get over it. Spaniards were some of the first to intermarry with Native groups.
DNA testing showed me mostly of Northern European descent with traces of Southern European, alongside 2% Sub Saharan African (black tribes) and 1% broadly East Asian Native American. Who raped, lived with or married in my background I have no idea.. This, or the reverse of it, is a common mix for most long time Americans.
What would a good security system cost? Perhaps I’m nieve, but a few sensors and cameras might provide the evidence to put criminals in jail and deter future desecrations.
Yes, there is historical disagreement about this entire era. However, in my opinion, disagreement does not permit one to damage property of their opponents.
This is a beautiful and precious old church. I am sending a check to help with the clean up. Please consider doing the same!
Looks like the Maxine Waters Effect is spilling over into religious debate