It's time to revert back to the 1950's method of controlling graffiti, which was very effective. It was having volunteers stake out popular locations for graffiti attacks, and when the perps were doing the act they got a load of rock salt right in the a** from a shotgun. It was a great deterrent. Unfortunately, the bleeding hearts thought that was heartless to do that to those poor, poor criminals.

What does it mean when they say, "appropriate precautions are being taken to ensure a safe and secure campus for all students"? What steps are being taken to prevent any untoward incidents?

All I know is that whenever I see evidence of graffiti I start quaking in my boots. Aren't authorities supposed to make sure these types do not come into our city? Time to ramp up the profiling, and I don't if someone calls it racist or not.

Rock salt!!! How dare you endanger our yooooooths with exposing them to hypertension at such a young age!

Graffiti, [tagging] is apprenticeship for prison tattoo artistry.

I sure hope these parents don't keep their kids home over a prank. I think if they ever catch these kids, and no they are not people from "over the hill riding BART in to our city to go to our schools to write graffiti one the walls", they should write the word "CRIMINAL" on their foreheads with permanent marker.

You guys need to visit the Pleasanton museum. They have a list of rules/punishments that were issued to the students (back-in-the-day) Of course we are too "civilized" now, but I bet the rule breaking was VERY limited back then.

Graffiti at our schools? Time to post a local police officer there at night to keep the nuts away and to make sure no bombs are placed there. There should also be a police officer there during the day. Let the nuts know our town will not tolerate threats or real violence to our kids. The nuts will move on!

From what I hear, the vandalism at Harvest Park was a bit more than computers having feces on them. My folks are neighbors to one of the teens, and all I gotta say is adult supervision. Leaving kids alone for the whole weekend is asking for trouble!

@Lee. Are you daft? It is the kids leaving the threats, not some stranger from out of town going into the bathrooms on the school campuses leaving threats. It is kids who want to disrupt the school day.

@Guest. Let's start naming names. If I find out who they are I am taking out an add in the paper and letting everyone know.

anon, I'm sure no newspaper will agree to your 'ad' that names names. If you go around publicizing the minors' names, you will probably get sued. These are kids.

@overreacting. Fine than i will fb qnd twitter their names around the www and make a sign for my car and drive around ptwn. These kids belongvin juvenile hall.

Lol you can't state the names of the minors; it's illegal. And it should remain illegal for fear of people like yourself. And yes, the one that I know of was not in school the previous week. I'm sure the principal is taking the necessary measures.

Hey, where are the parents of these "Kids"??? Most of the time this damage is done at night?

The headline is inaccurate. The vandals damaged computers and defecated and urinated on the floor of the library, not the computers themselves. Neither scenario is acceptable, of course.

The students in question are 7th graders who were expelled from Harvest Park and Pleasanton Middle School.

I'd say that criminal charges and restitution should be added to the expulsion. I don't know if the damage to the library constitutes felony vandalism or not, but criminal charges are rare in Pleasanton school discipline cases, and it's been that for a long time under several different Boards and superintendents.

Questionable, were these 7th graders expelled from Harvest Park and PMS prior to the incident? And is that why they did what they did? Where were they going to school if they were expelled? How long had they been expelled?

Or were they just expelled in the last couple of days because of this incident?

[removed]. Katrina was a natural disaster that overwhelmed all the infrastructure of NO, including but not limited to the sewer systems. The buildings used to house people held more people than law allowed, etc for this was a disaster.

The boys that vandalized HPMS did so with forethought and malice. I dont care about the health & safety laws, these juvenile deliquents needed to clean up their own crap and piss. They are lucky i dont get to hand out the punishment.

These kids will be out in society as young adults in about 5 years. Let's hope that the punishment is appropriate enough so that they learn from their mistakes. From my own observation, far too many parents do not set any boundaries or teach their kids respect or real compassion for others. My youngest child was the target of bullying a couple of years ago at Harvest Park. He was in special day class and was getting called "retarded" by a group of boys. Luckily, someone finally spoke up and pointed out the kids and with the help of the school, the teasing stopped. What kind of parent raises kids like this?

$400 of damage constitutes "felony vandalism". This was instituted a while back to curb graffiti. Not sure how it applies to minors.

The 7th graders were expelled as a consequence of their vandalism. They were enrolled as students prior to this incident.

Vandalism with damages exceeding $400 is NOT automatically felony vandalism. Prosecutors have discretion in these cases to charge as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the facts of the particular case and the criminal history (or lack of it) on the part of the defendants.

These are young teens and unless they've been in trouble with the law before, a felony charge is highly unlikely. What's far more likely is an order to pay restitution, a fine, and a misdemeanor charge. If I had done this as a teen, I'd have begged the judge to send me to jail for a long time rather than face my parents!

I am friends with one of the parents of one of these boys. It makes me sick that people are so judgmental on this post. This could have happened to any family - it doesn't have to be a kid who comes from a broken home for this to happen. These parents are incredible people and very involved in their children's lives - unfortunately their kids made a very poor choice and are paying the consequences for it now. Please don't be quick to judge unless you know the whole story and the history of these kids. I think you would think differently if you did. Worry about your own lives and let these families work on healing and improving the behavior of their children. Not only do they have this to deal with, they have other siblings who are affected as well because of the judging and rumors floating around.

Jennifer wrote: "I am friends with one of the parents of one of these boys. It makes me sick that people are so judgmental on this post. This could have happened to any family - it doesn't have to be a kid who comes from a broken home for this to happen."

It's true that a kid that behaves like this doesn't necessarily come from a bad home or have bad parents. Sometime they do, but not necessarily. I've known families that have one "black sheep" in the family who makes lives miserable for the parents and for other members of the family.

Although I don't believe in automatically harshly judging the rest of the family on the basis of the actions of one errant boy, I do believe in harshly judging the boy himself. If he vandalized some room and equipment, then the full burden of setting things right should be placed on his shoulders. Give him a mop and scrub-brush and make him pay the full cost of replacing all of the equipment.

$400 worth of damage = felony. Gosh, any wonder our prisons are overcrowded?

The boys were 8th graders. And have we reached the point in our society where we can't judge the bad behavior? These boys need strict consequences so that the message is clear that this behavior results in severe punishment by the school district as well as law enforcement. They may have wonderful families and parents. Still, these boys need this to make such an impression that it will scare them and deter them from any future delinquent behavior. Lets hope it's a lesson to all the youth in Ptown. Good families and good kids. That's the goal folks!

Parents need to be more involved in their children's lives/friends. I don't understand why adults decide to have 3+ kids and let them run around without proper parenting because it gets too hard to manage them. Structure, decipline, punishment (not just taking away their iPhones for a week, but true hard work like painting the fance or something) are needed for any kid that mouths off, ect. My kids are more afraid of conciquances at home then at school for misbehaving. I teach them to respect teachers and elders.
Parents are responsible for a neighbors' window their child brakes, so these families need to repay the damages to library as well.

Jennifer, A good friend would not come to these kids/parents rescue. If this were my son I would be re-evaluating my role in their lives and what led them to make the decision to pee and poop on their school computers. I would take responsibility as they would. This is not normal kids getting in trouble behavior. Think about what they did!! There is something seriously wrong here. These are entitled children with the run of the neighborhood. Everyone who lives near them know it and are not shocked. Barones at night, Sunshine after first day of school drop off and so many girls nights in between! Perhaps we can all learn that our children need us at home and giving them our full attention during these formative years.

Couldn't agree more Saw It Coming. Posted on the other thread under square forum, there are more comments there on this issue. I really hope that this is a wake up call to these parents and all their parent friends. I really don't see how any friend of these parents can defend these parents. Where did they think they were during this time? Don't they check in with their kids on their $300 iPhones? "Everything isn't going to be alright" as some of these parents have said. I also have heard one of the families "can't afford" to pay for these damages .?! Maybe they are saving their money for their kids' bail in the future? I would never let my daughter, who will attend Amador next year, have anything to do with any of these boys and their friends. And to be clear, everyone in this town knows these kids' names.

These boys have been given WAY too much freedom and very little parental supervision. We all know the names of the kids. Wake up call! They are punks that are spoiled and now criminals. Parents better get out those checkbooks. Do not make excuses for these boys. They knew exactly what they were doing. Where the hell were the parents? Who wants their kids hanging with these kids? Lazy parenting. A disgrace!

If these are good kids, then they need counseling because defecating on furniture is not within normal prankster limits.

If these are bad kids, then their parents need counseling because producing kids that defecate on the furniture means they've been working off the wrong script.

In either case, criminal behavior should be punished appropriately.

Mike

(Post removed by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff.)

$400? The clean-up alone would be way more than that. Bodily fluids, waste, etc. are hazardous materials and must be cleaned up by a HazMat certified crew. This should be handled by PPD not PUSD. Restitution won't be optional ("can't afford it") if they are criminally prosecuted.

Can anyone confirm the cost for clean up is about $25,000 a kid? And they were drunk? And none of them can go to a Pleasanton High School? That's what I heard. Hard to really know what's a rumor and what's the truth.

Okay everyone lets just start off with the fact that most, if not all of what's being said and "reported" isn't accurate. These kids went to the park to fly a kite in the late afternoon. What they did is inexcusable, and no one (friends/family included) are minimizing what WAS done. They are being held accountable by authorities and their families. The consequences are big, AS THEY SHOULD BE. What is NOT needed and helpful is bashing them,judging,threats, and character assignation's of parents and the children. If you knew these kids and FAMILIES you would know that everything that is being said is malicious and wrong. These families are suffering. Condemn the behavior not the person. Every single one of us has made a mistake in our lives, and I'm sure at this moment can recall a childhood memory that makes us cringe. Maybe it was something you did, a sibling or a friend. Yes, defecating and urinating on computers isn't normal boy behavior, BUT THATS NOT WHAT THEY DID!!!! These kids are ashamed, mortified, embarrassed, humiliated, and most importantly remorseful. No one can undo what has already happened. But allow the children and families space to deal with what's happened. Do any of you want blood on your hands for what you're doing/saying? Do we want the message to these kids that they need to stand in the Harvest Park quad and be stoned until they can show their faces again? Shall we beat them and their families down, and berate them until we've broken these families completely? Ask yourself right now how you would like to be treated if you received a phone call of this magnitude. What you say, "not me, or my perfect child?" Well guess what, you're in for a rude awakening if anyone sitting there right now says "not me." It might not be this (I've never heard of this either)but it will be something. Where is your compassion, support, intelligence? They are not criminals. They are dumb dumb 13 year olds that admit to making one bad choice after bad choice that night. So instead of condemning them right now, pray for strength for all touched by this, and allow these kids to redeem themselves.

@Informed. I am saying "yes" to alot of the questions you pose in your post. FYI, they actually are criminals. Yes, I think we should judge them and their parents. Instead of stoning I wish we could throw poop at them. What they did was vile and disgusting and if i were their parents i would make them suffer serious consequences above and beyond what the authorities do. These parents better step up and parent becaue all eyes are on them now. Now Im wondering if these were the tire slashing vandals too. Oh and btw, at their age, they no right from wrong. Breaking into school is wrong. Everything else they did was both criminal and immoral.

Informed wrote: "Yes, defecating and urinating on computers isn't normal boy behavior, BUT THATS NOT WHAT THEY DID!!!! These kids are ashamed, mortified, embarrassed, humiliated, and most importantly remorseful."

I don't know but I've got the sense that you may be trying to minimize the magnitude of the offense here. Precisely what do you mean when you write in all caps "That's not what they did"? Are you denying that they urinated and defecated in a school room? Or are you simply quibbling over the minor point that they didn't urinate and defecate on the computers themselves but rather onto the floor?

As for the kids being ashamed, mortified, etc., if so then that's just because the public spotlight is now on them. I doubt that they would be ashamed, mortified, embarrassed and humiliated if they had gotten away with their crime. No, they would probably be feeling pretty good about themselves and their deed if they had gotten away with it. So I doubt that any embarrassment that they might now feel is due to any sudden emergence of a working moral conscience in these boys.

Informed and Jennifer, Enabling these kids/parents will do them no good. This was, as many would call, "an accident waiting to happen". As Mike stated, "this is not a normal teen prank". These families need counseling. Spending time with your children is not getting them on every competitive sport team just so you can party with the parents. All these 40 year old parents need to check their martini glass at the door! This is a good wake up call just as the Thursday night Barone season arrives.

P.S. I was beginning to feel compassion for them until my daughter showed me a photo that one of these perpetrators posted over the weekend of himself out for a casual bike ride with his friend. It hasn't even been one week and he's out roaming the town again without a care in the world.

Let's see if we can hold these kids accountable and not trash can them and their families at the same time. I have a hard time believing the kids were merely going to fly a kite nor do I believe this was a simple, single "mistake" made by regular kids. This sort of lack respect happens over time. Still...let's have them pay their debt, attempt to help them, so they have a chance to get back on a decent path, and move on.

My friend is a P-town police officer and he said while the boys did urinate in the library, they did not defecate during their vandalism spree as has been reported. Rumors in this town run rampant and cause a lot of hurt and bullying to both children AND adults. Let's wait for the police report to be finalized before everyone starts jumping to conclusions.

I'm surprised by the number of apologists for the boys who are posting here. The basic facts are outrageous enough. The boys broke into a school, destroyed school computers, and to further express their contempt for this community they used a school room as their personal potty area. Any argument over these basic facts?

The apologists here seem to want to divert attention from these basic facts by quibbling about things such as whether or not the toilet activity was performed directly on the computers or on the school room floor, or whether the toilet activity included both urination and defecation, or just urination only. The basic facts indicate that these are seriously troubled boys who performed a despicable act intended to show their utter contempt for the school and this community, and no amount of quibbling over minor details is going to change the community's view on that.

Well said Sam!

Any of your kids go/going to Amador? Well they will be seeing these delinquent boys there next year. The boys get an early summer break and are "expelled". Yes, they get to attend Amador Valley High School in the Fall!! And these kids will be the cool kids who got away with this outrageous criminal behavior. I wonder if the school district is prepared to pay millions of dollars to the families of Amador students when these kids try arson or a bomb. Pleasanton Unified you won't get ONE dime from this family. You don't protect our children. You give these boys a slap on their wrists. You do not have the best interests of the students. Oh and where the hell are the police??? It's questionable if they've even talked to these parents. Call the school district folks and express your outrage. Not cheap to live in this town. And we pay our taxes for this? What's next with these boys. They got away with it.

Could not agree more Stephen! I am of the understanding that the police have not been involved. Why is everyone shocked when kids do what they do at schools. Read the newspaper and turn on the news. Let's not be surprised when more and more happens at our schools. Every kid in this town sees that nothing really happens. I am truly sickened and outraged. What can we do as a community to put pressure on the district and involve the police in this matter?!

First: I agree with Sam. It's troublesome that some people seem to think that if the boys didn't defecate in the library, but "just" urinated, hey, it's not so bad.

Second: No one can force the school district to file criminal charges against the boys who committed these acts. However, the school district can file charges at a later time if the parents don't pay restitution, etc. If you're truly outraged, write to the Superintendent and to the Board members and tell them you want criminal prosecution. I think it's warranted in this case.

Third: It's not guaranteed that these students will attend Amador or Foothill. They are (or were) 7th graders, which means they'll be in 8th grade next year. We have an alternative school (Village High) for high schoolers who can't function at Amador and Foothill, but I don't think they take 8th graders. Most likely, PUSD will re-admit the boys but they may be transferred to other middle schools, and their reputation will follow them. Their teachers will have access to their disciplinary records.

Fourth: I have no sympathy for the boys or their parents. The parents and the boys need to apologize and to make restitution, not make excuses. End of story. The parents need counseling to learn how to handle their kids (and it's not easy to raise teenagers, we all know that) and the kids need to learn to accept discipline and consequences. This kind of misbehavior doesn't spring up overnight; it wasn't a series of bad choices that day alone, as one person has claimed, but a series of bad choices over many years that led up to this.

Last: Did someone actually write that criticizing these boys and their parents is BULLYING? Really and truly, did someone write that and believe it? I think we should stop using the word "bullying" to mean "justly criticizing". When you break into a school library, destroy some computers, and pee on a floor, guess what? You're not a victim of bullying, you're a victimizer, a criminal. Bullying has nothing to do with this, so stop making that absurd charge.

Questionable, they are 8th graders. The reason is a simple one why the district doesn't have a backbone with this case. Threats of lawsuits by these parents. Plain and simple.

The boys are 8th graders. Starting high school next year.

I have a kid at HPMS who will be there next year again. The PWeekly needs to run a detailed story on exactly what happened. Because I'm getting second hand info from my kid, and then conflicting information from other sources, including here. I want to know exactly what happened, what the damages are, and what PUSD is doing about it to punish or prosecute these vandals. I don't want my kid near these delinquents. What I've heard that they did is outrageous, going beyond a typical kid "prank". It is vile, disgusting and some kind of intended twisted statement to the school and community, in general. These kids need some scared straight education, and now. Otherwise, they are going to ratchet up these behaviors as they get older...

My daughter actually went into the library Tuesday morning before school started. This is when it was discovered. There WAS feces smeared all over the tile flooring, and on the walls. The librarians desk had been peed on and her chair had feces on it. My daughter said it smelled horrible. Not sure why someone said there was no feces, that is simply untrue. The boys did defecate in various places.

It's my understanding the computers were peed on, which caused the damage. The damage to the facility and equipment was close to 100K.

The librarian was very upset and began to say "who would do this!" and then she asked everyone to leave.

This is a terrible crime and clearly these boys need to be punished, of course, but they also need some therapy- the acts performed are not "normal" in the scope of 8th grade boys. I'm hopeful this is a wake up call for their parents, and even for the community. To do something like this indicates to me they have been pushing boundaries before and have gotten away with it. And this time they were caught.

All is not lost. With help, support, therapy, and some watchful eyes they can get through this and grow. Let's all remember they are kids, and they took the wrong path. They need to be guided back in the right direction.

Lisa wrote: "The librarian was very upset and began to say "who would do this!"..."

Who indeed. What kind of boys would do this? They do need to be firmly guided back to the right path, but I wonder what the chances are that that will happen if they are surrounded by adults who attempt to minimize their crime by writing things such as "This could have happened to any family" or "Every single one of us has made a mistake in our lives" or "Where is your compassion, support, intelligence? They are not criminals".

I have my doubts on whether adults who write things like this are capable of administering the necessarily firm and harsh corrective actions and punishments needed to get these boys back onto the right path.

The police are not involved in this matter. PUSD is not pressing charges against these boys. My belief is they do not want the bad publicity or a lawsuit. They are keeping it OUT of the news. Has anyone noticed that? So let's be clear. Two boys got expelled. This means they are out of school for the remainder of the year and miss the first semester at Amador next year. Rest assured they are allowed to be right back at Amador with all the other kids for the second semester. The other boy was suspended for the rest of the year but will be right there at Amador for the Fall semester. That's it folks. Still playing their sports and what have you. Anyone outraged?? So this message is crystal clear. Pleasanton is a great place to come and vandalize and destroy property because you won't get in trouble (or very minimal trouble). So don't kid yourselves. These boys will be known as the bad asses. And the next event will be much worse. If you are outraged please contact PUSD or the School Board and express your concerns.

In marker on the wall in the library, apparently, was written that a particular teacher is a "whore." What else do you need to hear PUSD? The entire school knows this! And they see no real punishment was given. Isn't this sexual harassment towards a teacher? Watch, people, more and more acts against our wonderful teachers will take place. The most spectacular teachers happen to be at HP..and this is what is accepted. What was written was not just against one teacher, but to all that work there. Can you imagine how they feel? Contact the school board members. Contact the news. Act now so we are not sorry later. Let me remind you what happened in CT. A community just like ours, "where nothing bad happens." PUSD, PPD, you need to show this community that you care about our students and families!

It has occurred to me that the young, impressionable boys may have been attempting some kind of performance art that they learned in school. Perhaps the anger they felt toward the institution was channelled through their art instead of committing crimes against real people. At any rate, I wonder where that anger comes from? Was it motivated by a teacher or in a classroom? Or maybe multiple teachers? This wouldn't have happened at a charter school.

It seems those who know who will take advantage of a holiday weekend never seemed to happen during the last 3-5 years. Would it be helpful to hire a secruity guards, and wouldn't
it be useful to have an alarm to distract the vandels.

I'm still hearing each kid is responsible for $25,000 worth of damage. I suspect its the same rumor being passed around. However, I haven't heard anyone deny this, instead we argue about what was put where in the library. So if you are feeling upset about a lack of punishment, a money fine or pending money fine should make everyone feel a little better, even if the ammount is exaggerated 10X. However, we don't really know anything. I find it irritating the community hasn't been given the facts about what the punishments are. I suppose the school considers it an attack on them and want all outcomes to be between them and the kids. Maybe we will get them once everyone cools off.

Ernestina- almost can't even respond to your post. Blame teachers? Performance art? Huh? Charter schools being better? Have you even been to Harvest Park and seen the teachers out playing basketball with the students, have teachers get back to you immediately after contacting them with a concern, have your child, even though a teenager, LOVE school? And Mr. Rocha, who knows all the kids names and stays late to meet with you about your child? Seriously, you're so off...like I said I almost didn't waste my time responding to this kind of ignorance. Why don't you call HP and schedule a tour? You would be lucky to have your child attend this school.

If the boys are 8th graders, they can go to Village High next year. Sounds like it might be the better placement for them.

You see, Doug, back in the 60's kids would rebel against the plasticity of capitalism along with its tendency to promote cruel exploitation of oppressed peoples. But today, as we know, capitalism has triumphed and we now embrace all that is plastic, and we all credit capitalism with doing a pretty darned good job of keeping its exploitative nature out of sight, out of mind. So what about the kids today? They know capitalism is good, because capitalism equals freedom. And freedom is always good, even if it comes at the expense of others (the suckers).

What do our kids today have to rebel against? Well, since it surely isn't capitalism and all its accoutrements, it must be the collectivist propaganda that is being spoon fed to them by their union socialist teachers. I think they have a strong inkling that the teachers want to take their big houses away from them. Ergo, I read the kids' actions as an artful plea for help: Rescue us from the clutches of our socialist teachers so that we can be good capitalists like our parents, who we respect so very much. That's why they used feces to paint with. It is very expressive and points to all that is bad with Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro, and Dmitri Pisaryov.

Shame on you PUSD. Notice that she doesn't say parents will be paying for these damages. $25,000. Anger lie, You are cowards to these parents no obviously have their attorneys in their iPhones in the #1 position. Appalling. PPD, explain to this town hoe this is NOT vandalism? Precedents are being set...scary.

@ ernestina - very loose associations! (nice pseudo intellectual attempt though) made me chuckle

I can't help but continue to come back and read these posts. Such ignorance on yhis forum. I'm shaking my head at the stupidity of every comment written here. I work for PUSD and know the details, but refrain from releasing them because it's not my place. The facts aren't written here, yet all of you commenting "think" you know what happened. Is it because your 6,7, or 8th grader told you? Must be true then! Get a life! Btw-I haven't read anyone on this apologize. Defenders of parents character being assassinated isn't apologizing or defending what happened. Shaking my head

"Shaking my head at every stupid comment here" ?? Does not make sense when there there are comments from different perspectives. I'm worried that you work for our district.

"Shaking my head" wrote: " I work for PUSD and know the details..."

Given the incoherent nature of much of your post, I honestly have a hard time believing that you're a teacher or hold any position of high responsibility within PUSD.

Let's hope the district gets this one right. The way to stop everyone guessing what's going on would be for the district to let us in on all the secret meetings and explain it to us all. Everyone is watching. These kids need to take responsibility for the damage they caused, and make it right. Their parents have to live with the little monsters they have created. This should be punishment enough for the parents. The kids need real and appropriate consequences. I would think having the kids clean the library for the last 3 weeks of school, and pay for the damage, instead of getting to take summer break 3 weeks early would be an appropriate punishment. Real and fair consequences need to follow actions. When they don't I call in the "Clintonization" of America.

ENOUGH people! How about spending the time and energy you are putting into these posts into your own family. I really hope you all start to realize it is time to move on and focus on all the positive in this community. I'm sure there will be those that feel the need to continue wasting their time responding to mine and other posts but you are the ones who are starting to look pathetic at this point.

So let me see if I understand this correctly. The title of this article is "$25,000 in vandalism at Harvest Park Middle School".

The article goes on to state, "Police last week confirmed that juveniles broke in and defecated on computers in the school's library."

And yet, none of the jueveniles have been arrested and police are not seeking charges because,"It's basically juvenile mischief. The elements of vandalism weren't there," Schlehuber said.

The kids in Pleasanton certainly have a lot of leeway now with this whole "juevenile mischief" concept.

The article provides no details about the school or police seeking restitution of the $25,000 worth of damages caused by those michievous jueveniles and the lack of charges against them certainly won't make it any easier to try to collect that from the parents or their homeowner's insurance, as some have suggested.

My final question is for Sgt. Kurt Schlehuber. What exactly constitutes the "elements of vandalism" if breaking in and causing $25,000 worth of damages isn't it?

I agree Parent in community- to be honest, the response for "blood" is becoming really troubling. The assumptions that PUSD has done nothing is beyond ignorant. Policy is very cut and dry, clearly stated to all parents in the school handbooks that you sign. And since when have expulsions/discipline ever been a public issue? Are you really saying that you are all for the teachers and administrators coming to the press and this blog to write about the discipline issues your children may have?

We are the taxpayers in this town. We pay for the schools. Many of us chose this community to raise our children for the good Pleasanton schools. The kids committed a terrible crime. Breaking into the school and then vandalizing the library. Urinating, defacating, etc. The superintendent calls it "mischief" and does not involve the police. There is no mention of restitution as well. So I think it's perfectly understandable for parents and Pleasanton residents to be outraged by the dismissal of the whole thing. It sends a clear message to all of us. There won't be consequences for this sort of behavior. It's not really a big deal. Is this the attitude we want for our children? Children crave boundaries, discipline and yes, consequences for inappropriate behavior and actions. The first step to rehabilitating these boys is to have logical consequences for their unacceptable behavior. Then counseling and parental involvement, etc. We are letting down these boys by labeling their criminal behavior as "mischief" and by not involving the police. It's disappointing and irresponsible. Shame on PUSD.

What are the "elements of vandalism"? I'm gonna go with being black or hispanic.

We all know that none of these boys are either because if they were, that would have been the FIRST thing we read about them.

Are you kidding me?! Juvenile mischief?? Their is only one reason the district is doing this. One or more of these parents would sue the district. Why isn't our superintendent saying how it will be paid? I am very worried about this precedent that was set, can yo just imagine what is next? If I wasn't so strapped paying my high property taxes for this DISTRICT, I sure would send my kids to a private school! Be ready PUSD for lots more "juvenile mischief" you are sure going to hear this "defense/reason" from many many kids and parents now!!

One More Voice...couldn't agree more! Do you see how life is unfair? You get off when you are the "right" color of skin and have deep pockets. I see why people of color feel the way they do. I am sure these juvenile deliquents feel just awful as they sit in the dug out with their friends at their baseball games. They should be cleaning the bathrooms at the Sports Park instead.

Another example of catering to the lowest common denominator. Apparently in Pleasanton you don't even have to know how to go to the bathroom correctly to graduate from our illustrious middle schools. As far as PUSD is concerned these boys are obviously ready for high school. Shame on the Pleasanton police dept for turning a blind eye to breaking and entering and vandalism. I would encourage all who are outraged to email your thoughts to e PUSD superindent, the PUSD school board and the Pleasanton Police dept.

Nice job PUSD and PPD, apparently it's just good clean juvenile fun to break into our ours and do $25k worth of damage -- my kids don't want to go to school for the rest of the year, maybe I should have them break into their schools and have some juvenile fun, just as long as they limit their damage to a few thousand dollars so they don't get on the radar of PUSD or PPD -- and the best thing, next school year they can do it again whenever they want a few days off. Why do we even bother locking up the schools at night, apparently its not illegal to trespass on school property, break into locked rooms and damage/destroy school property. Call PUSD and PPD today and demand action be taken, I'm dialing right now!

There is a juv. justice system in place. The Juvie system assists families with children who have strayed from the path.
If the PPD/District would bring charges then the children AND parents would be required to attend classes often given by police. Then the teens would probably have a clearer understanding of how their actions affect the community.
The young men could have community service and can by working toward redemption have an opportunity to heal the harm that they caused. The severity of the act must be admitted by the young men. That is key to any positive change.

A letter of Apology would also be in order. The lack of conscience concerning the act is most troublesome. Writing a letter admitting guilt and expressing regret to Mr. Rocha, our Librarian and the teacher who was maligned should be required.
As to the parents. Even the most diligent parent can be caught of guard. Hopefully this early warning can serve as a opportunity to reassess what is going on at home. Since it seems no charges are to be filed. I urge the parents to seek counseling so they as a family can move forward in confidence and we as a community can begin the process of healing. We the parents of HP love our school so this really did feel like an attack. Even so I offer my prayers for the family.

Let's put in in perspective for a minute - what would happen to two random individuals who were not students at the school, who broke in and committed these acts of disgust and damage? I'm pretty sure they'd be in cell #5 awaiting bail. I think if PUSD or the PPD would put out the facts and information on what truly happened and what they are doing about it, it might make most of the community feel a little better.

I am a white female with kids in the school district. I completely agree with One More Voice. If these kids were black or Hispanic and living in the apartments you bet they'd be in juvi! I am absolutely appalled that PUSD is allowing this to happen. It's an outrage. If these were boys from Oakland we all know they'd also be in juvi. If we want anything done we MUST contact Superintendent of PUSD and the School Board and Sgt Kurt Schelhuber who called this "juvenile mischief". There will be more juvenile mischief I am sure. I suppose arson, guns, bombs and rape will be labeled "juvenile shannanigans" by Pleasanton Police. And that will be next. Because the boys are not being held accountable.

And just to clarify, I am also a white female with a child at Harvest Park. To say I am disgusted and so disappointed with how the Pleasanton Police Department and PUSD is handling this situation does not begin to express my deep sadness and dissatisfaction. I have always been so proud to be a resident of Pleasanton and so grateful that my children attend such great schools but this has me wondering what this community really stands for.
If there are extenuating circumstances that the public should be made aware of, please communicate this to us. All we are asking for is information as to what happened and why these individuals are not having charges pressed against them. I understand that there are issues of confidentiality because they are minors but to all those who say we need to "let it go already" and that there are policies for handling this situation that we are supposed to blindly accept, this became the business of all students and parents at the school and the community at large when these individuals broke into a school building and caused $25,000 worth of damage to equipment that we have all paid for through our taxes and personal donations for technology programs.
I'm not "out for blood" (although an apology from the individuals involved would go a LONG way) but information needs to be provided to the public. Short of that, I think the Pleasanton Police Deparment and PUSD are guilty of a grave injustice to our kids and our community.

I think that overall the Pleasanton Police do a very good job, and they do a good job of not just enforcing laws and catching criminals, but also acting as good diplomats in calming neighborhood disputes. We had a case last year of some nearby neighborhood kids getting a bit rowdy with loud nightly parties because their parents were apparently out of town. There were a few hot tempers, and the police tried to calm things down. Indeed, in retrospect I'm glad that the dispute didn't get too out of hand.

So I understand if the Pleasanton police want to calm down the present situation in the interests of community harmony. At the same time, I think that destroying school library equipment and urinating and defecting in a school room is a few steps above and beyond "juvenile mischief". Stringing toilet paper in the trees of someone's house or egging a house is "juvenile mischief". What happened here is much more serious. There's a line between (a) diplomatically trying to calm matters down and (b) acting as "enablers" of anti-social behavior.

I doubt that this library vandalism is the work of first-time offenders. It seems more likely to be the work of kids who are quite accomplished and experienced at crossing the line. Their minds are no doubt calculating the penalty-to-benefit ratio of their latest misadventure, and they will act accordingly in the future.

One More! Agree, 100% percent what you are saying. White girl here also that works with the youth of color and let me tell you how embarrassed I am about letting these sweet little white kids get off with no criminal action. Let me also say when national news come to Pleasanton if this is the slippery slope I am sure it is, THIS incident will be highlighted, Actually the "blood" you are speaking of I will be on PUSD and PPD. It really makes me question who is keeping these schools and this community safe. Horrible message being sent to every person in this town.

With the money spent on this middel school incident, senior ditch day and the day the high school students didn't go to school a few months ago, we could have probably saved CSR for a K-3 grade. Sad.

Well said Sam! I agree 100% with you!

Why does everyone think the police are not involved and there are no charges? I just got an email from the district to the contrary. It seems like the people posting here don't know the whole story and are jumping to a lot of conclusions about what sort of disciplinary action these boys are getting.

This is for Rumors... Sgt. Kurt Schlehuber made a statement that "None of the juveniles in this case has been arrested and police will NOT be seeking damages against them". If you would like to go on believing what PUSD is feeding you then go ahead. I recommend you dig a little deeper and find what is actually happening. Many of us are familiar with the boys involved and are privy to information.

The letter from the PUSD and the quote from Sgt. Kurt Schlehuber in the above Pleasanton Weekly article seem to contradict each other. The PUSD letter refers to what happened as "vandalism" yet the quote from Kurt Schlehuber stated "It's basically juvenile mischief. The elements of vandalism weren't there" as well as "None of the juveniles in the case has been arrested, and police will not be seeking charges against them". So I think what frustrates the taxpayers of Pleasanton is what is the true story? Today's PUSD letter makes it sound like this act of vandalism against our school is being investigated yet PPD thinks it's just some juvenile mischief when $25K of damage is done! I for one don't want to know the names of the kids or parents, I just want a straight story (at least a consistent one) from PUSD/PPD that says here's what was done at our school, the police are investigating and when/if they assign criminal responsibility those who did the actions will be held accountable. But if PPD sticks to it being juvenile mischief then I think they do owe the people of Pleasanton an explanation of why trespassing, breaking and entering and $25K of damages isn't vandalism?

WOW how is $25,000 worth of "Vandalism" juvenile mischief? If I was any other criminal out there arrested by the police (like the current city embezzlers) I would protest loudly. What if I get mad at my neighbor and go smash up is vehicle with a bat. "mischief". I think not.

And for those of you in the "know". If you don't like us speculating. Tell us the truth. We sure are not getting it from the PPD or the PUSD.

A relevant statement currently on the PUSD web site states:
"When incidents like these occur, PUSD as a public school district must take disciplinary action per California Education Code 48900" and then cites the need for privacy concerning such action.

I looked at the relevant section of the code. It seems to me that it refers purely to the internal disciplinary consequences such as expulsion, and to the legal financial liability of parents or guardians for restitution.

However, it seems to me what that these students did was criminal damage. Therefore police action is required and the section of the Education code that was cited does not relate to the question of criminal proceedings.

I think that the internal consequences for the vandals are less important than the legal ones, if any. If the quoted statement from a police officer is true and the school district is not proposing to institute legal proceedings, then I think it is making a very grave mistake.

Yes, if it happens, expulsion sends a message to students. But this was not merely an expulsion-worthy transgression. It was very serious and costly criminal damage. It seems to me that mere expulsion (especially if not permanent) is not enough to deter youngsters who might be tempted to commit such acts in the future. And I feel that a BIG deterrent is surely needed if Pleasanton is not to slide further down the slope toward losing its reputation for having good schools.

I know nothing about the students in question. But as a parent, I feel for the families. Many adolescents do things they later regret and all parents make parenting mistakes. However, sometimes, however remorseful one is, it is impossible to turn back the clock and people have to endure serious consequences for a moment of stupidity. I think this is one of those situations.

Financial restitution is not enough. That punishes the parents, but rarely the students. In my opinion, the students should suffer legal consequences. It may affect their college prospects. However, since they are minors, I don't think it will give them a permanent criminal record, which would follow them for the rest of their lives. But undergoing adult consequences for a criminal act may help them to grow into far more responsible and admirable adults.

Similarly, although the miscreants will not be dragged through the media by name, Pleasanton students will all learn that there can be legal consequences for serious vandalism, and it may make some of those who secretly admire the shocking behavior think again before committing it. Mere expulsion, especially temporary, is not really that unusual, so I doubt that it will have the same effect.

Finally, money rules. PUSD needs money. It asks parents to dig into their pockets on an almost weekly basis. So if is perceived as allowing such a huge blow to its finances to go virtually unpunished, (whether or not that is the case) I think that a lot of local citizens will probably stop hearing its cries for help.

Call the mayor. Call the supervisor of this detective. Contact the board members that oversee this superintendent. Contact the newapers and news stations. And Do NoT give this district another dime of your hard earned money, people. The only sort of relief I am getting is the the other kids that go to HP think this WAS very uncool and that it appears the popularity status of these boys have gone, well, in the toilet...oh there's a new word for you, boys.

I’m a parent with my first child entering HP in the fall. I’m not a blogger and I don’t have a single social media account. A few of my friends pointed out this blog and it took me a bit of time to scroll through both threads.

Sadly, I believe one of the reasons for the community to spew such disdain on this blog is due to the cloak of anonymity Pleasanton Weekly affords to its readers. But that’s not the reason I feel compelled to write….anonymously…..by the way.

Like many of you, I would like to know the facts of the incident. I am hopeful PUSD is following proper procedures to the letter of the law. I also hope PPD is involved and these students will be held responsible for their actions. Regarding the families involved, I simply hope for some peace within their walls and I hope they receive the proper guidance to move their boys in the right direction, but this isn’t where my sympathy lies.

From what I understand, the library computers were relatively new and were used by many students who don’t have access to a computer at home and spend their extra time utilizing these critical pieces of equipment as a means to complete assignments. I’m also to believe, these computers were donated from funds raised by parents of HP students. Aside from these computers, the library seemed to be a place where many students sought peace and tranquility during lunch, a place away from the general lunch crowd.

I am, truly saddened, by the students who use the library as a home away from home. Those who aren’t fortunate enough to have a computer, those who simply want a safe quiet place to loose themselves in a great novel. I feel for this group of kids who’s lunch-time sanctuary has been taken away from them.

I simply want to know if these boys will be held legally responsible to pay for the loss these kids have felt. I don’t need details, I just want to know if PUSD and PPD is doing the “right” thing. If the scenario is anything otherwise and a blind eye is being turned…..my purse strings will close, permanently. My consistent donations will end promptly. As a Pleasanton Native, born and raised, there has never been a more important time for PUSD to be transparent.

Well said, Pleasanton Native. Last summer after spending about $1600 on a laptop for my daughter so that she could participate in the laptop program, I went through registration at HP and gladly contributed to the technology fund. I did this because I want the technology on the campus to be as up to date as possible and because I realize that not all households can provide a laptop or home pc for their student and I was happy to help provide for computers like those in the library for students who would not otherwise have access to them. But like you, I will also be closing my checkbook (for good!) if the PPD and PUSD fail to seek restitution from the parents. I work too hard for my money to have it, quite literally, pissed away by delinquents who are being given a free pass under the guise of "juvenile mischief".

Wow - very well stated Pleasanton Native.

I wanted to share some legal information about the California law as well as the California Educational Code. Our Superintendent, Parvin Ahmadi, stated in the email to all PUSD families: The boys violated code 48900. I looked this up and there are different section violations. I concluded that the boys violated sections f (cause or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property and (i) committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity and (k) disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personal engaged in the performance of their duties.

It also clearly states that the principal and superintendent determines if the pupil has committed an act defined by the subdivision (a) to (r). It seems pretty clear and obvious that the boys violated sections f, i and k. It is also clear that Parvin Ahmadi and Mr. Rocha are the decision makers about the disciplinary action. Crystal clear.

Moving on to the California Penal Code section 594 Vandalism. 1. Defaces with graffiti or other inscribed material. 2. Damages. 3. Destroys. If damages are 10k a fine of not more than 50k. Or both fine and imprisonment. Hmmmm. Again, pretty clear.

It's unfortunate that we have not had transparency in this situation. I understand they are minors and that is fair. However, Sgt. Kurt Schlehuber states that charges have not been made against the boys. As well as that this is "juvenile mischief". Huh??!! And the law is pretty clear. Wouldn't you agree? As parents who pay high taxes and donate a tremendous amount to these schools it is infuriating, shocking and a slap in the face that charges aren't being filed. I am holding out a smidge of hope that it is taking some time for the paperwork and for the Superintendent to give the okay to PPD to file charges??

Read the codes and decide for yourself. I believe PUSD is doing everything they can to minimize this incident. It's troubling that charges haven't been filed 11 days after the incident. The message is loud and clear to us all. Make your voices heard. Call PUSD. Call PPD. And that hard earned money of yours, do NOT give a dime to PUSD if they don't do the just and appropriate thing here. And one more thing, the narrative for PUSD is that we should trust them and that they are taking this seriously. How seriously are they taking this when those boys are still playing sports in this town, haven't been to the police station and one gets to attend Amador in the Fall.

Well stated Outraged!

I don’t care one bit about knowing their names or whatever internal action (if any) the school district takes against the children who trespassed, broke in and damaged our school. But I do want to know that PUSD is taking the appropriate criminal action to protect the resources of this town and taxpayers. If PUSD can’t, or won’t, protect the assets the taxpayers provide then perhaps we need district administrators who will. I have donated money towards the technology fund for Pleasanton Schools as well as donated in almost every classroom that my kids have been in, I am seriously rethinking this given that it’s apparently now open season on school assets, just break in and damage/destroy valuable assets, PUSD/PPD won’t take any criminal action and instead will write off thousands of dollars of vandalism to juvenile mischief.

The decision to what happens to these boys is Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi's decision. The boys are NOT being criminally charged. They do not have criminal consequences thru the PPD. So the consequences they receive are from Parvin Ahmadi. She won't say what that is because the boys are minors. I will say this. There is NOTHING Parvin can do that can compare with being booked by the police. NOTHING! So get the names of these boys and you will see them all at Amador High School next year. It's a disgrace. I will never donate one dime to this corrupt school district. They are corrupt and they don't value all the time and money us parents have given to their schools. A disgrace!

Couldn't agree more outraged! And Debbie. It appears we can not trust PUSD to do the right thing. We have seen this over and over again but this tops all. Demand PUSD to press charges. The PPD is making it clear that it is the decision of PUSD. If the super will not do it we need to contact board members and have her replaced with someone that cares about us as a community.

Here is the code mentioned above: Web Link

A student can be expelled and then have the expulsion suspended. It's been a while, but I believe the district demands a variety of requirements be met in order to stay in PUSD, such as counseling. If the requirements are not met, they lose the suspension and the expulsion is enforced. They can also be split up (Amador, Foothill, and Village).

I don't know what is happening with these three young men, but you can bet it isn't nothing.

How come you can get a ticket for not picking up your dog's poop in the grass at a park, but nothing happens when your kids poop in a library?

If PUSD does not press criminal charges, it makes every one of us guilty of the accusation that this country (and our city) does, in fact, have two tiers of justice.

I'll gladly contribute to any defense fund for PUSD if this disgrace of a family has the nerve to sue us. Otherwise, I'll contribute nothing from now on.

Yes, will do the same Concerned. How can PUSD continually ask for $$ at every turn and then dismiss this horrendous incident as stated in above article? 25 grand?! You have lost all credibility with this town by not punishing these youths with the crime they committed. You are only interested in high test scores which drives up the real estate prices (thus taxes---see it's all about $$). The last statement should make it clear why the city of Pleasanton will not encourage the district to press charges. This is going to have a lasting effect on the comminuty. You will see, registration will be here before you know it, the "dollar a day" donation to be seriously affected (just one donation of many asked). And who loses? Our kids! Those boys sent a clear message to is community. Why cant the district send a better one to the youth and community of this town?

I think that this thread is starting to get a bit muddled. Concerning penalties against the boys and their families, there are two separate issues: (1) whether or not criminal charges are to be filed or not and (2) whether the boys and their families will pay restitution for the damage done. Personally, in view of the fact that they are 13 year old boys and (IMHO) the parents share some responsibility for what happened, I'm fine with leaving the matter up to the superintendent whether to pursue criminal charges. As for the matter of (2) restitution, I haven't heard any news that PUSD isn't going to press for full restitution from the boys' families. In fact, I thought that restitution by the families of the youths is standard in cases like this.

@disbelief. I totally agree. And from now on I am going to walk my dog at the schools and let them poop there. Go ahead, give me a ticket, I dare you. Parvin Needs to make a statement And let the PUSD Community Know what's going on. She doesn't have to name the boys.

Sam, PUSD has made no statement saying they will pursue financial restitution from the parents, even though people are clamoring for it. I have no reason to believe PUSD is pursuing this. Furthermore, the fact that no charges have been pressed seems to limit PUSD's ability to try to make these parents pay, seems to me.

In regard to being fine with leaving it up to the Superintendent to decide whether or not to pursue criminal charges, are you really? I think we're on the same side here so not trying to start an argument but under what circumstances is it OK for any 13 year old to break into any building and cause $25,000 worth of damages and not be charged with a crime? And if those boys were black or Hispanic is there ANY possible chance they would not be charged?

Has anyone actually contacted PPD? If so, did you call, email, or send a letter? And to whom?
Same questions regarding PUSD. I guess that is fairly obvious as to how to contact Superintendent Ahmadi.

I plan to call and/or write letters next week. I feel certain that PPD and PUSD figures they just have to get through one more week and then it will all blow over once school is out. I have to do something, if only for my own peace of mind.

If the kids stole the computers, would PUSD press charges? What exactly is the difference, here? Its our money, not PUSD's. They work for us. If they don't care to stand up for the taxpayers, we can lay-off some superindents ($200k!!).
Allright, lets take a more devious PC approach: I think the kids are mentally disturbed. They need psychological and emotional therapy that PUSD does not have the facillities to provide. Its better for their sake that they be moved to another institution outside of Pleasanton.

Why did Ken Rocha and Parvin Ahmadi cave so quickly? Did these kids do this in retaliation for something? There is more to this story.

"One more voice" wrote: "In regard to being fine with leaving it up to the Superintendent to decide whether or not to pursue criminal charges, are you really? I think we're on the same side here so not trying to start an argument but under what circumstances is it OK for any 13 year old to break into any building and cause $25,000 worth of damages and not be charged with a crime?"

I don't think that we can make a judgement on that without knowing the specifics of the case. For one, as I stated earlier, I think that the parents may bear some blame for all this. Also, I doubt that all three of these boys played equal roles in all of this. Oftentimes in groups like this there is one who is the ringleader with the other boys being the flunkies. I would be inclined to be a bit more lenient to the flunkies and come down harder on the one who was the ringleader.

As for the issue of financial restitution for the damages, I don't think that there's any question in my mind that all of the boys and their families should be held responsible.

My child is enrolled in a summer program that was going to use the library and computers. I want to see 4 $6000 checks cashed next week from these parents, and new computers bought and installed the week after.

How can we be casting punitive blame upon these kids without having a clue as to what their MOTIVE might have been? Were they angry at the institution, or did they simply break in to use the library and suddenly got carried away? 14 year-old brains aren't fully developed yet. That's why we don't let them drive cars, vote, or drink in bars. They make really dumb mistakes at this age. I think too many folks here are treating these kids as if they had fully developed brains like themselves, and this even includes Obama supporters.

Okay, aside from Sam, there's probably on one poster who has posted under 50 different names or so. I get THAT. But we need to ask ourselves what these kids were thinking.

My own guess is that they are extremely repressed because they are afraid to speak freedom against their socialist teachers. Anything even remotely resembling an expression of freedom is interpreted as anti-Obamaism and gets punished. Now, wouldn't you want to poop all over the library computers if you had collectivist doctrinarians like that as teachers and principals?

@Sam: It was intentional. It was $25k in damage. That's all I need to know. No lame excuses, please. PUSD needs to press charges on all 4 of them. You can go DNA test the poo to see who was just a flunky.

@Ernestina: Are you saying they were just Tea Party Poopers?

Last week I saw one of the kids at his baseball game. He is kicked out of school but his parents allow him to continue playing sports. Wow!

Yep! You saw correctly! This is part of the outrage.,.school does nothing...PPD hands apparently tied and does nothing...and we see the parents do nothing. And for those that want to say "we don't know what goes on" with these famiies? We all SEE these boys in their sports games. Around other kids. Don't they think that those kids' parents don't want these deliquents around their kids?! See the parents of these boys don't care. Another slap in the face. One more week, one more week is all PUSD is thinking at this point. Then perhaps the comminuty won't care and be on summer break. Well, I can speak for me and many I know..it is not going to go away.

This is an outrage! What message are we sending our children? We must all call the district and the Pleasanton Police! We must all fight for our children. These children need to go to continuation school! We can't just pass them to another school or district and they SHOULD NOT be allowed to go to Amador! PLEASE let's band together and fight back with our phone calls and our letters. We are a great community and we can all do amazing things if we work together. We can't let this one go! This is our children and what we are allowing to happen if there is no punishment and everything is covered up about this incident. We all have a right to know exactly what happened. Our children are watching! This is the time to act! Please call, post, and write! We need to be heard parents in this community!

This is simple! write, call and make yourself heard! This is only the beginning! We can do this! These boys need to be charged by the police!!

CALL ASAP! Let the letters and phone calls begins and let our voices be heard!

Let's all work together!