Lake Sacajawea vandalism continues
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 11:37 PM PDT
By Amy M.E. Fischer
Printable version
E-mail this articleA concrete lantern was destroyed at Lake Sacajawea’s Japanese Garden over a weekend earlier this month, marking the fourth major vandalism incident at the gardens since they opened in 2003.
The 40-inch-tall Japanese lantern, which stood on the island by the koi pond, will cost between $600 and $1,000 to replace, Longview Parks Superintendent Al George said Wednesday.
“They knocked it over and broke it,” said George, who plans to review security camera footage to see if the culprits were caught on tape.
A parks worker who unlocks the Japanese Garden gate every morning discovered the broken lantern April 21, George said.
It was the latest in a string of vandalism incidents at the meticulously landscaped garden on an island accessible only by a 100-foot wooden bridge. A gate to the island is locked at night.
In July 2004, two Longview boys broke into the garden at night, dumped the concrete lantern into the koi pond, yanked out rock retaining walls and posts, slashed vegetation and stole the batteries out of the electronic mole chaser. The boys, who were caught by a police officer at the scene, were put on probation and given 250 hours of community service. Their families were ordered to pay roughly $4,350 in restitution to the city, which spent nearly $10,000 in labor costs to repair the damage.
The Japanese Garden was hit twice in 2005. Vandals built a dam in the stream that runs through the island, tossed rocks in the koi pond, and stole two large, expensive fish. The Parks Department padlocked the island for several months following those incidents until the city installed security cameras.
Wednesday, George said there haven’t been any other significant acts of vandalism recently at Lake Sacajawea “other than the usual stuff we put up with.”
Peter North wrote on May 1, 2008 12:46 AM:
" the city of longview should buy two or three Ninja warriors to keep the garden safe. of course if they did that, the council members wouldn't get their raise. "
Neighbor wrote on May 1, 2008 6:05 AM:
" The lake isn't the only place I live on washington way and we can't have anything out front or someone will steal or wreck it. my wife has put beautiful flower pots out there only to have them stolen, or dumped or what we can live with moved to the neighbors yard. one night they even walked the whole street moving our plants next door and there plant to the next house all the way down the block, which is funny but the elderly folks need help getting there stuff back. I figure kids with to much time on their hands. "
Longview Resident wrote on May 1, 2008 7:25 AM:
" Don't people have anything better to do. Come on. Is your life really that boring you have to go destroy other peoples stuff. I just hope they were caught on camera and are arrested for this. The Japanese Gardens is a beautiful place. Probably the most beautiful place Longview has without going into the woods. "
RED wrote on May 1, 2008 8:09 AM:
" When I was a kid about the worst thing I did was paint on the rock outside of the high school in Castle Rock.
I think it's time for a curfew in Longview. It probably won't stop all the vandalism but it will cut it down. I live in Missoula (pop. 67,000) there is rarely a case of vandalism here. I've noticed that the kids here have some civic pride,I wonder why the kids in Longview don't or have very little.
YES it's me "Barney" if you read this Jeff Skie. "
I think it's time for a curfew in Longview. It probably won't stop all the vandalism but it will cut it down. I live in Missoula (pop. 67,000) there is rarely a case of vandalism here. I've noticed that the kids here have some civic pride,I wonder why the kids in Longview don't or have very little.
YES it's me "Barney" if you read this Jeff Skie. "
BIGDAR wrote on May 1, 2008 8:52 AM:
" I will never understand why people vandalize just for the thrill of tearing something up. I have visited the Japanese gardens and found them to be a very relaxing place. If these people are caught, they should be sentenced to about a year of picking up trash or some kind of community service. In my opinion, the penalties are not nearly severe enough for this type of behavior. I am sure we will see the comments referring to kids having nothing to do around there as always. How about some kind of a job if they are that bored. "
It isnt like this everywhere wrote on May 1, 2008 8:58 AM:
" I lived in Cheney when I attended Eastern and we didn't even lock our cars. I never had a problem, my car has been prowled 100 times over the years usually for parking meter change. Longview is unique in it's number of lowlife goodfornothin scum, we are crawling with them. The camera is a fine idea but won't you simply get a picture of a kid in a hoody and jeans falling off his skinny butt. I mean that's the uniform of the lowlife isn't it? Think about that young people when you choose your attire. "
So sad wrote on May 1, 2008 9:06 AM:
" I agree there should be a curfew. I know in some places kids have to be out of malls and not on the street with out being supervised by a parent. If they are caught there is a fine. The curfew is 10 pm. I have to tell you the security guards handle it very well and if there is a rowdy crowd the police are called. This particular mall has no tagging etc. The city may think about motion detectors. I understand animals but there are ways to make it work. I just hope that the city council does not take a year and thousands of dollars later to decide that it would not be a good idea. "
a mom wrote on May 1, 2008 9:11 AM:
" I think that community service should be a requirement of graduation. I know other places in the country it is. I am not familiar as to whether or not it is required in Cowlitz County as a requirement. But I suppose you all would cry about it if it was especially since you all cry about the WASL.
Back to the community service. If they have to put their sweat into it maybe they would appreciate the hard work that was put into the gardens or the community and thus create some pride whether it be the baseball fields, parks or lake. "
Back to the community service. If they have to put their sweat into it maybe they would appreciate the hard work that was put into the gardens or the community and thus create some pride whether it be the baseball fields, parks or lake. "
Kelso Mom wrote on May 1, 2008 9:12 AM:
" Why? What do these people get out of destroying nice things. I just don't get it. "
Common Sense wrote on May 1, 2008 9:19 AM:
" The difference is you are probably still able to discipline your children in Montana. The children out here threaten to call CPS at the drop of a hat if you even try. My generation (class of 94) and the one before need their butts kicked. They are the ones who "Are never going to be as strict as their parents". So they use their drugs and often share their drugs with their kids and kid's friends as well as not discipline. What do they think the next generation will be like? If we keep lowering the bar, pretty soon it's on the floor and kicked under the shelf. I have 2 little ones and will try my hardest to shield them from the ugliness of the world for as long as I can. My wife's boy is 17 and epitomizes everything that is wrong with teenagers nowadays. With 2 years of school left, it is a relief that he wants to move out and in with a friend because he hopes to have more priveledges and less restriction. I shudder to think of the example he would set for the little ones if he stayed at home. Who wants their kids to see their big brother say when told no "I'm not asking you now, I'm telling you I'm going out". "
Ummmmm... wrote on May 1, 2008 9:22 AM:
" I do believe Longview has a curfew in place. I could be wrong, but I've heard about it before.
Now if it's really enforced or not is another question. "
Now if it's really enforced or not is another question. "
LeftyL wrote on May 1, 2008 9:23 AM:
" I think stiff penalties, fines, and maybe some jail time should be given to the parents until they decide to get their kids under control. They wanted to have the little monsters, now take care of them. Don't expect everyone else in the community to babysit for you. "
Liberal Democrat wrote on May 1, 2008 9:34 AM:
" We need massive new government programs to teach our people new skills and consolers to help in life style changes. Together, with the help of government working hand in hand with local churches and clubs we can slowly begin to change and to mold the community into something great and something we can all be proud of. Our people are hungry as we were informed yesterday and this is why they do what the do. I would suggest massive new government feeding programs like those of the past. Working hand in hand with local farmers we can start government cheese, butter, potato and bread hand outs. This worked very well in the 1970's. As you look around anyone can see that there are plenty of citizens of out great community that, well, have more than their share of the wealth. I do not think it is to much to ask that they help out, for the good of society, and for our children, our most precious asset, just a little more. "
El Gabilon wrote on May 1, 2008 10:07 AM:
" We suggest putting in night vision cameras, along with a simple device called a motion detector which would turn on lights turning the garden into daylight. Anyone who saw the lights on at night could then call the police. Whereas some children fear the dark, theives and vandels fear the light. When caught deport them...enough is enough. If some people do not want to live by the laws of the country, fine, just deport them whether they be president or pauper. A does of living on a deserted island for a few years fending for themselves may help. "
Typical Liberal Democrat wrote on May 1, 2008 10:35 AM:
" More Government. More government. Tax, tax, and tax. More government. Make government do what I am a coward to do. It's all up to government. Welfare. Let's turn this into a socialist state. More government. Tax, tax, tax. Worked well in the 70s? Do you remember the Carter years? Interest rates were in the double figures. A young person or couple could not buy a home. Employment was almost at double figures. Only when we started to rein in Big Government, cut taxes and leave the money in the pocket of the citizen did we start to grow. Only when President Reagan made the most important appointee of the past 50 years ... Allan Greenspan to run the Fed, did we start to turn this country around. Finally one of the Liberal Democrats crawled out their hole and showed their true colors. Big Government. High Taxes. Welfare. Social engineering programs. This is perfect example of what you will get with the Liberal Democrats. "
To Liberal Democrat wrote on May 1, 2008 10:35 AM:
" I wish you didn't call yourself that, it shines weakly on the rest of us...that said, How do you make the leap that because people are hungry, they tear up the Japanese Garden? I agree that there's a whole lotta life skills unlearned in recent generations, but to "common sense", we have the generations before to blame for these generations' attitudes! To "a mom", at least in Kelso there is a requirement, of something like 20 hours. Unfortunately, what qualifies as community service is really a joke. Some kids are brilliant and get the servant attitude, but most are not. There should be a requirement of 200 hours of community service from 9th-12th grade. They will learn more from this than all the other stuff they participate in. How about 300 hours of community service from 7th-12th - that would really require parent's participation, and whack away at that generation's apathy as well...there's an idea! "
To Liberal Democrat wrote on May 1, 2008 10:45 AM:
" If you were attempting sarcasm, you failed. If you truly meant what you said, you have set the words "Liberal" and Democrat" back 50 years. "
KHS Grad wrote on May 1, 2008 10:50 AM:
" "I think that community service should be a requirement of graduation."
It is. "
It is. "
Responsible parent wrote on May 1, 2008 11:04 AM:
" Parents who are afraid to discipline their child due to fear the child will call CPS can do as we did. We showed the child a foster home, told her that if she ever turned us in for child abuse that we would let the state take her to a foster home and that we would do nothing to get her back. In fact, we wouldn't take her back until they made us. The home that we showed her was in our neighborhood, run down and had about 10 kids living in it.
One day she hit me and I called 911. The police came and got her, she went to juvy for the day and was placed in a group home. We made her stay there for about 4 days until they made us take her home. She never hit me again and knew that if she got into trouble that I would not come and get her. It worked and she is now becoming a responsible adult. Please do not be afraid of your child. Tell your child that if they are caught in a crime such as vandalism, that you will help the police punish them appropriately. "
One day she hit me and I called 911. The police came and got her, she went to juvy for the day and was placed in a group home. We made her stay there for about 4 days until they made us take her home. She never hit me again and knew that if she got into trouble that I would not come and get her. It worked and she is now becoming a responsible adult. Please do not be afraid of your child. Tell your child that if they are caught in a crime such as vandalism, that you will help the police punish them appropriately. "
I agree wrote on May 1, 2008 11:14 AM:
" that its time for a curfew. 10 pm on weeknights and 1pm on weekends. If there's already one...PLEASE enforce it.
I live near downtown Kelso and I can't tell you how many times I look out onto my street really late at night and see small groups of teens just out wandering. "
I live near downtown Kelso and I can't tell you how many times I look out onto my street really late at night and see small groups of teens just out wandering. "
Liberal Democrat wrote on May 1, 2008 11:39 AM:
" My dear friends, family and community members it is with a heavy heart I read letters of condemnation of my suggestions. I would wish that we, as a community, could come together and solve problems. To find goodness in people and support where it needed. I believe government has a roll in finding a solution to this problem and this cannot be done with out financial help from those who have been blessed by our capitalist system. Please help. Might you spend a few minutes of your busy day to offer possible solutions in this public forum. It would be greatly appreciated. "
Yes one pm is a great curfew wrote on May 1, 2008 11:40 AM:
" Weekends are high crime, so kids shouldn't be out in the afternoon on weekends. Or did you mean 1 am? Curfew isn't an answer, what makes you think criminals would follow this law if they are out breaking others? "
Kelso Guy wrote on May 1, 2008 12:05 PM:
" It looks like Liberal Democrat and To liberal democrat are the same people posting to them self. You are pathetic. The story is about senseless destruction of public property and you need to be sarcastic and bring your political agenda into the picture. You're important okay? Your point is taken, your beliefs are validated, and we get it,...you think all problems are caused by liberal democrats and you have a solution that we should all adopt. Go ahead, enlighten us. What should we do to prevent vandalism at the lake? "
RE Liberal Democrat wrote on May 1, 2008 12:06 PM:
" Your idea of government is not my idea of government and it never will be. The government is not responsible for the weak choices you make. If you want a job that doesn't have medical benefits, it's not the government's role to give you the benefits. If you want to spend your money on drugs, it is not the government's role to feed you. Wise up. Your bleeding heart Liberal Democrat socialist rhetoric is too far out for me. I'm sure you want the government to pay for the next abortion you need because you were too cheap to buy protection. "
Common Sense wrote on May 1, 2008 12:08 PM:
" To Responsible Parent: At one point, he did want to go to a foster home. That was when we were butting heads because of his rampant drug use and legal problems. He was suspended from KHS for 50 of the 180 days of school in 9th. We tried counseling and paid for private school to the tune of $3500-$3600 a year. We managed to alienate him from his druggie friends; however, his grades declined over the next couple years and resulted in multiple arguments about why he could not go hang out when his grades were lower than a C. He openly admits he "Just doesn't do his work". After hearing "I'm going to do whatever I want no matter what you or Mom say", I'll be glad when he is gone. After all, according to him, the 7 grand we paid on tuition is nothing because "We don't work hard for our money". "
To Liberal Democrat wrote on May 1, 2008 12:29 PM:
" I am a Conservative Republican and am really glad after reading your post. I have worked extremely hard to have, as you say, "more than my share" of wealth. No - I am NOT rich by any means, but I am comfortable. And how is that? I got off my butt and worked hard to provide a good life for my family. It isn't rocket science and doesn't take government involvement to be in my position. I have also raised 4 of our most precious assets - all decent, hard working individuals who are great citizens of this community. Remeber - charity begins at home! "
Gary Meyers wrote on May 1, 2008 12:41 PM:
" One loud, large sentry dog would do the trick. The person locking the gate at night puts it in and the person unlocking the gate in the morning takes it out. Liability issue? "Tell me again why you were compelled to climb the fence or wade through the lake to reach the island at 11:00p.m. when the gate was locked." "
To responsible parent wrote on May 1, 2008 12:44 PM:
" I have told my child in no uncertain terms that if I find out she has done something illegal, whether she is "caught" or not I will notify the authorities myself. If she leaves our home without my permission or in direct defiance I will call the police and she will spend a few days in the Juvenile Detention Center. I hear a lot of "well, so and so's parents let them" and "You are so controlling". I also hear that after a few years of standing my ground and being "the bad guy" it will all be worth it. So far I have to say I have endured a lot less than a lot of other parents, but boy is it ever a good feeling to know it wasn't my child out there vandalizing other peoples property or drinking during school hours, or any of the many things I hear about. I think that it is important to be the PARENT of your own child. No excuses! "
Heres an idea wrote on May 1, 2008 12:47 PM:
" That island needs some booby traps that are activated at night after the gate's locked. "
I had a little problem wrote on May 1, 2008 1:10 PM:
" a couple of years ago and when I called to find out what the penalty was for breaking curfew, I was told there wasn't a curfew. I think there should be and if a child violates it they should be ticketed and it should be tied directly to thier ability to obtain a learner's permit or driver's license. "
Get REal wrote on May 1, 2008 2:50 PM:
" To Responsible Parent: Get Real. Always blaming the parents on the kids behavior, what next....Santa made them do it because he did not bring them what they wanted... These kids, and I use the term losing as they are most likely between 13 & 18, are not dong this because they have poor parents, but because they want to. I would not be surprised at all to find out that "these kids" are not from a home with poor parents, but a home with parents that thought they were doing everything right. Even so, they know right from wrong. They are kids who have made a bad decision and should be punished accordingly.... Not the parents, even if they are losers. Children over the age of 13 certainly know what they are doing. They need to get a hobby, some counceling and a good kick in the butt. My son was involved in something that made the news once, and it was humilitating to me how much we the parents were blamed, yet he was 16 years old, driving a car (well until he was caught) and knew darn well what he did was wrong. No way was it our fault. He made a bad choice.... Simple as that. Stop putting the blame somewhere else. "
RE Lib Dem wrote on May 1, 2008 3:20 PM:
" Cost of food has resulted in this? Seriously? Have we entered ninteenth century East End London when I wasn't looking? "
fuming wrote on May 1, 2008 3:22 PM:
" I am sick of seeing that the garden,lake, or anything else is being vandalized in our town. We have too many juveniles, druggies, etc. We need tougher laws and judges that will enforce them. For one thing, make prisons and jails just that. No TV, radio, conjugal visits, ets. When you break the law there should be a consequence and it shouldn't be fun. If we were to go back in time, I guarantee it would be different. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, chain gang. Whatever it takes to get the message across. Most of the youth today do not respect others or have any discipline whether at home or in school. I will tell you one thing, had I done something like this and my parents found out, I would not only be in trouble with the law, but I would get it ten times worse at home. Put discipline back in the schools and homes and you will see a difference. "
To Get Real wrote on May 1, 2008 3:37 PM:
" What do you mean "He made a bad choice....Simple as that. Stop putting the blame somewhere else"??? Who the heck taught him right from wrong??? It is the parents JOB to teach their children right from wrong, good from bad, etc. If the parent did their JOB, the choices would be more obvious to the child. Remember, children learn what they see.... "
community service wrote on May 1, 2008 3:57 PM:
" part or all of the community service should be "To stand watch over the gardens as security for a couple nights" "
RE To Get Real wrote on May 1, 2008 4:05 PM:
" Adults and children alike do things they know and are taught are wrong every day. The blame is on the individual not always the parents. Sometimes the parent fails to teach and provide an environment that is conducive to learning morals (the ol' do as I say not as I do), but many times children do what they want even though they know it is wrong. You have to understand that genetics plays a role here too. Two adopted children growing up in the same house will behave differently. So your experience with, "I taught my kids right from wrong and they would never do this" is from your perspective - and you're lucky and it sounds like you're a great parent. But don't always assume that if a child commits a wrong doing it is because the parent failed, some kids just have to sow their oats or they run with a bad kid (with bad parents) and it rubs off. "
Ann Green wrote on May 1, 2008 4:48 PM:
" WHY? WHY? WHY? do people have to waste their time destroying stuff that is suppose to make our earth look beautiful. i mean get a life you need to find something better to do. destroy your own property. "
Hardcase Hardballer wrote on May 1, 2008 5:33 PM:
" So many of you are saying that a child can be brought up right and just make a bad decision? I do believe this but if that bad decision is made with total disregard to other people, that is a character issue. The parents have done something wrong if this is the case. "
The Last Word wrote on May 1, 2008 7:07 PM:
" Things like this are always going to happen. I hate to hear people call others "lowlifes" and place blame on parents, teachers and the kids themselves.
Some community programs which pair up high school attendees and dropouts with you hard core, hard ball folks just might make a difference.
So many of you have such horrid attitudes that its no wonder kids are vicious. "
Some community programs which pair up high school attendees and dropouts with you hard core, hard ball folks just might make a difference.
So many of you have such horrid attitudes that its no wonder kids are vicious. "
Bill wrote on May 1, 2008 9:38 PM:
" Isn't it wonderfull that so many have kicked God out of their lives and now wonder why there are no values for the kids to live up to! "
Why wrote on May 1, 2008 10:50 PM:
" Why do they install items that can be easily vandalized? The lake has changed. It should be as it has been which is a passive area not a highly organized structured area. "
Longview Guy wrote on May 1, 2008 11:19 PM:
" You would think that people around the lake would be watching if it was me I would look at whats going on, find a nice place to sit and relax at night see somthing call 911. Naibor hood watch people. "
Realistic Democrat wrote on May 2, 2008 6:28 AM:
" Guys, come on...Liberal Democrat is a Troll and some of you fell for it. Trolls should be ignored since they just detract from the real issues. "
Ronald Reagan wrote on May 2, 2008 6:32 AM:
" RE Liberal Democrat, I think he writes just to get your hackles up, and he's done a fine job. "
Distrubed wrote on May 2, 2008 7:17 AM:
" It all comes down to someones up-bringing, from the time you are very young. As I walk the lake, I see trash on the grounds and have witnessed many adults leaving the mess. Just like the adults who walk their dogs and never bend over to pick up their dogs business, and it seems like the larger dogs owners are quilty more of this. And as they throw the trash and leave the poop their children are right along side of them! Now that's setting an example. How can we expect our children to become responsible adults when the adults in their young lives don't give a crap. The garden and lake are a beautiful place and to see the disrespect done by so called adults, is very disturbing. Teach your children well. "
pangborn wrote on May 2, 2008 7:48 AM:
" I am pretty sure it was the children of Christians who did it.
Maybe not it might have been those of the Islamic faith. Islam is the the current whipping boy of Christians.
It for sure wasn't followers of Sidhartha Gutama. Where is correcto to correct my spelling?
The island is a great place to meditate.
"
Maybe not it might have been those of the Islamic faith. Islam is the the current whipping boy of Christians.
It for sure wasn't followers of Sidhartha Gutama. Where is correcto to correct my spelling?
The island is a great place to meditate.
"
sad wrote on May 2, 2008 8:01 AM:
" Such a beautiful little lake and a wonderful place to enjoy - Please find the people who are destroying it for everyone else. "
from a mom wrote on May 2, 2008 8:08 AM:
" I live in a large metropolitan area here on the Westcoast. We have over a million people so if the security guards can handle all the teens at the mall and enforce a curfew, I am sure Cowlitz County can do the same. If they can spend thousands of dollars on Flags that people wonder why they were stolen then they can provide security guards for the lake. It can be a city and a county effort. It would cost less than having to repair/ replace the damage that has been happening. "
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