Racist Graffiti Continues To Taint Northwest Pasadena
On the heels of the recent anti-Semitic, homophobic and racist graffiti discovered at the Kings Village complex in Pasadena, additional racist graffiti now targeting Latinos was found in Northwest Pasadena, reports Pasadena Star-News.
The offensive markings were scrawled on a curb planter located outside of a fast food restaurant in the 2000 block of North Fair Oaks Avenue.
Vandals used a black marker to inscribe "profane language directed at Latinos," according to a statement issued late Sunday by Sanchez.
An investigation concerning both incidents has been launched by police, and "community leaders are worried about rising tensions and the potential for violence."
"These types of things escalate," said Joe Brown, Pasadena-branch NAACP president. "Someone tags in one neighborhood and someone comes back and tags in someone else's neighborhood, then young people start to protect their neighborhood and things eventually escalate to pistol play."
Executive Director of El Centro De Accion Social Randy Ertll echoed Brown's concerns.
"A lot of time those actions can lead to even worse acts," Ertll said.
Ertll feels that the taggers' chagrin may stem from the economy.
"I can see where the economy can lead to these types of frustrations in the community and push people over the edge," Ertll said. "We know racist attacks are up, especially those against immigrants."
Brown believes community leaders must ally and "begin the healing process." He reportedly met with Ertll on Monday night to talk strategy.
"We are at the point and we are going to try to facilitate a conversation with Latino leaders this week," Brown said. "This is a serious community matter. This needs to be dealt with by various groups in the community and that's up to - and including - members of the clergy."
