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Lloyd Clayton Hill of Kelso points to a swastika that was scratched into his Saab late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Thacher Schmid / The Daily News

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Police tracking recent wave of petty vandalism, racist graffiti

Wednesday, July 23, 2008 11:37 PM PDT

By Thacher Schmid

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Interracial couple Roxanne Smith and Lloyd Clayton Hill walked out of their North Kelso apartment Wednesday morning to discover someone had scratched two swastikas — backward — into the paint job on Hill’s late-model Saab.

“It’s not right,” Smith, said. “It’s just a horrible feeling to wake up to that.”

That and a separate finding of spray-painted swastikas in Longview are part of a rash of vandalism that has hit the Longview-Kelso area since Friday. Vandals also have broken windows on vehicles, homes and a church, using tools like a brick and BB gun.

So far, 17 instances were reported to local police since Friday.

Longview Police Sgt. Ray Hartley says police detectives are aware of the trend.

“There’s somebody out there doing petty vandalism. At this point we don’t have any leads. It’s a car window here, a church window there,” he said.

There has been no link made between the racist graffiti and broken windows.

Hill, who is black, said his sister had been targeted months ago in a separate incident on 10th Avenue in Longview. A derogatory racial slur and a swastika were spray-painted on the sides of her car.

“It’s got to be kids that’s doing it,” Hill, 44, said, shaking his head. “(This) used to happen all the time with mixed couples. Still does, I guess.”

The recent petty vandalism spree has some precedent locally. On May 9 and 10, over 162 tires were slashed in Longview. No one has been arrested for those crimes. Many of the incident reports gathered by Longview police since Friday were clustered in Longview’s Old West Side; many others were in the St. Helens Addition. Streets hit include 15th, 16th, 21st, 23rd, 24th and 25th Avenue — including four on 23rd and two on 25th and two on Olympia Way.

The short-term vandalism trends are ironic considering Longview police have reduced the overall crime rate four consecutive years, in part by using a philosophy named “Broken Windows.” The strategy — popular nationally — seeks to drive down overall crime rates by addressing quality of life issues such as vandalism. It is a key part of Longview’s Crime Reduction Strategy, presented by Chief Alex Perez to the City Council in September 2007.

Smith said her North Kelso neighbors are “really nice,” and both she and her husband said they don’t want to make too much of the incident. Still, Smith said she and Hill have heard “a lot of racial slurs” since they moved to the area a year and a half ago.

“It’s humiliating; it’s hurtful,” she said.

You can help

If you have information about vandalism, call LPD’s Criminal Investigations Unit tip line at 442-5929, or Crime Stoppers of Cowlitz County at 577-1206. Crime Stoppers welcomes anonymous tips.

Related articles:

Longview chief takes long-term approach to crime  (Sept. 19, 2007)

Vandals slash tires of at least 40 vehicles near the lake  (May 11)

Vandals tag Longview neighborhood with racist graffiti  (May 21)

Vandals target Kelso High School  (June 7)

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Beer&Skittles wrote on Jul 24, 2008 8:18 AM:

" This was happening in an old neighborhood of mine. No one seemed to be doing anything. When I was 19, I decided to sleep in the backyard (just beyond an open gate to the front yard) on a chaise lounge one night. Nothing happened. Slept there the next night too. Lot's of bug repellent and a high pressure hose nozzle at the ready. All of a sudden, I heard them coming. My brother's bedroom was just next to me and we had it worked out that when I sprayed the window quickly, he'd get up and call 911. He did, all while I was spraying down the culprits. They ran like rats, but the cops didn't have any problem following the trail of water and identiying the wet individuals. Why aren't people watching out for their own stuff, knowing that these activities have been on the rise??? "

reasonable1 wrote on Jul 24, 2008 8:52 AM:

" You're suggesting everyone sleep in the alley because someone's property was vandalized? I think you'll get resistence on that. I've thought of booby-trapping property the way they do bank bags, so the culprits will end up looking like Blue Man Group-wannabes. I'd like just 30 minutes with whoever did this... and their parents. "

feistyone wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:09 AM:

" It is sad that inthe 21st century, we still have racism. When will it end? Or will it ever? "

viper wrote on Jul 24, 2008 10:24 AM:

" when will they learn that it's not the color of the skin but the quaility of the person that counts , I can't beleave that this is still being breed into people when will it change Mr Hill I'am sorry that this kind of behavior is still with us hopefully they will be caught and serverly punished and no slap on the hands and there parents should be sorry for ever giving birth to these people : Viper "

98626 wrote on Jul 24, 2008 10:32 AM:

" Reasonable 1: Perhaps you should change your name to Extreme 1.I don't think Beer & Skittles insinuated that everyone should sleep in the alley. I think the point is people have the power to do something about this and should. "

worriedone wrote on Jul 24, 2008 11:09 AM:

" Amazing they refer to this as petty vandalism. Racism and the destruction of property is not "PETTY". Time we all get to know our neighbors, start a neighborhood watch. You see something suspisious learn to use your fingers by dialing 911. I know the police earn their pay but, they are out there to serve and protect. Give them a call, they would love to earn their pay. I'm sure of it. "

Louie wrote on Jul 24, 2008 11:39 AM:

" This is a disgusting act. I think the idea of a possible apprehension and subsequent spraying with something like the dye the Navy uses for marking would certainly mark these people for a while so they could be identified.
For racism to be this prevalent in our community is a sad commentary on some of the people who live here. Get over it! We need peace and love not war and hatred. "

1209 wrote on Jul 24, 2008 12:14 PM:

" Along with high pressure hoses and bug repellent, I'd also like to suggest trip wire and high compression spring loaded bungee sticks. It not only repels invaders, but it also demoralizes them. It worked for the VC. "

betsyboolizzie2 wrote on Jul 24, 2008 12:25 PM:

" The problem with these type of crimes are that the people who do them are cowards,back in the days of riding horseback they wore sheets,WHY because they were Cowards then,these are people who are the person you see everyday,thats why the wait until everones sleep.. They probadly are the first person you see everyday,smiling,talking to these neighbors like its all good. And why do we just assume they are kids,I know adults who say to me (I am black) some of the most prejudice,dumb remarks and are too stupid to notice that they are offensive,ignorant comments. More likely than not the reason the police keep calling these crimes pranks,is because that way hopefully we all can pretend alittle longer..Well to those that don't know hate is alive and well in Longview/Kelso area,as it is period in America. "

1209 wrote on Jul 24, 2008 12:53 PM:

" If the vandalism promotes white supremacy, it's a prank. If the vandalism promotes Islam, it's a terrorist act in defiance of American values. Inconsistent? "

ethnic wrote on Jul 24, 2008 12:59 PM:

" Being a person of a different race, I see this behavior all the time and am also a victam of it. I have noticed since moving to Longview 7 years ago how people were and not just the black community is targeted, it is anyone with brown skin. Unfortunately I have become so immune to the racial slurs shouted out through moving vehicles, but my children and stepchildren (who are white)suffer. I have taught my children that it whats inside that counts and not the color of your skin. It does make me sad that some people are like that, but small town mentality is something you just can't fight. It is breed into each and everyone of these people and they're racial views are passed down to there children. So on and so on. It is a vicious cycle that most people around here choose not to break. "

Louie wrote on Jul 24, 2008 1:45 PM:

" I agree with you 1209 both acts are acts of terrorism!
I grew up in one of the larger cities in this state and attended high school with many blacks. I think probably 1/4 of my class was black and there was never a racism problem. We were all friends and I tell you we had a state championship basketball trophy only because of our great team of whom 3/4 were black and a great bunch of guys off the court as well.
Longview has always had a tendency to segregate the black population and I feel that goes back to the community's Southern roots. I remember passing Victoria Freeman on the streets and we always exchanged a friendly 'hello.' A great lady. I would like to see a black on the city council. We are all Americans and should honor one another not harbor racist views. "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Jul 24, 2008 2:08 PM:

" Please catch these fools. I will be the first to volunteer for the jury to convict them. However, contrary to a few posts above, hate and racism isn't just alive and well in Longview/Kelso. It's throughout America by whites, blacks, Hisapnics, and Asians. However, if we try to make that point here in the TDN, it gets blocked. I guess the TDN only believes that racism exists in whites even though as we've seen nationally in the past few months, it does exist in others. "

wrote on Jul 24, 2008 2:34 PM:

" Growing up in Longview, I noticed that most minority children are submissive and cowardly take the racial slurs. The few that do stand up for themselves tend to dominate white kids around them and usually go onto successful lives away from Longview, or self destruct in uncontrolled rage. Most of the white kids I grew up with in Longview either bullied the submissive minorities or cowardly tried to make peace with the few who dominated them. The few white kids that I knew who genuinely appreciated minorities without fear were the smallest minority group of all. In summary, Longview's greatest majority are the cowardly and ignorant. And I don't think you necessarily need black kids to win a state basketball championship, especially if your last name's Bird, Havlicek, Cousy, or Nash. "

1209 wrote on Jul 24, 2008 2:44 PM:

" The most notable example of racism on the national scene must be from the Manchurian Candidate, mccain, who has a documented history of personally using racial slurs against Asians and Black Americans (remember the Seattle PI - Thursday, March 2, 2000 & CNN - Friday, March 16, 2007). "

retrobeth wrote on Jul 24, 2008 3:09 PM:

" I live in south kelso, and just a few weeks ago there was ALOT of graffiti allover the area. Including on new building such as the city hall and the new Worksource building. I was disgusted by this. We have never really had any problem with that kind of thing before and it really upset me, especially since I am trying to sell my house and people already look at the neighborhood sceptically. Who wants to buy a house in a neighborhood with graffiti allover it? I get so mad at vandals. They ruin other peoples things and they are not the ones that have to deal with the clean up and bills it causes. I certainly hope the police can do something to help cut down on the vandalism around here "

block watcher wrote on Jul 24, 2008 3:43 PM:

" FIRST OFF, to start a Block Watch you need to call and speak to Cindy Lopez Werth at the Longview Police Department at the Satellite office @ 360-442-585. She is the Community Service Officer & Community Liaison and can help you get started. We would like to see Block Watches ALL OVER. Would like to "close-in" blocks, like getting Block Watches between the 100 Blk and 600 Blk of 16th.
I know of one on the 100 Blk of 18th also and it would nice to see someone step-up and be a Block Watch Captain for ANY, BUT ALL those areas. The more the merrier!! It really don't take that much to be a Captain. And block Watch captains ARE NOT there to be the "sheriff's" of the block. they are there to provide info and get neighbors to meet each other by having meetings or even the National Night Out, Aug. 5th, 2008. It is such a shame that all this racism graffiti is going on, especially ON VEHICLES, not easy to cover over like a garbage cans or home. WHEN they find the kids, which I think who it is, they should make them do community service AND the parents too. Call 911 when something is suspicious, BUT most importantly Start a Block Watch. AND FINNALY its not the color of the skin, its WHATS INSIDE THAT COUNTS. THAT IS WHAT MAKES THE PERSON. "

Huggygramma wrote on Jul 24, 2008 5:55 PM:

" Its not just race, but religion other than fundamental Christian, and sexual orientation that is the target of bigotry in Longview/Kelso. And, it isn't "small town mentality" per se. I moved away to a much smaller town and see almost none of this behavior. The "small town" thing only comes into play in regards to folks who have been life-long friends and have formed clique-like groups, but it didn't take long at all to be included in even these groups. This is bigotry and it is NOT tolerated in my town the way it was there. "

Cheney wrote on Jul 24, 2008 6:01 PM:

" You know it was only 20 years ago, 1988 when the Republican Party ran the blantantly racist "Willie Horton" Ad against Governor Dekacus. Don't tell me racism doesn't work on the minds of uneducated, narrow minded, ignorant people, because it works great. I wonder how many people out there believe Obama is a muslim? Despite hearing the fact hunderds of times that he's christian. Isn't that a blantant racist smear? "

Louie wrote on Jul 24, 2008 6:21 PM:

" TDN Bad Boy didn't get my point and that is racism was not prevalant in my high school in a bigger city. Racism is and always has been alive here in Longview. Our team did not consist of a Bird, Havlicek but rather a Washington and a Williams neither of whom you would know. We were friendly with one another and the bullying and dominating by white or black didn't happen. Maybe it was the school, maybe the times. In any case it was a great school, still is and in fact has a waiting list for admission. "

wrote on Jul 24, 2008 7:20 PM:

" I didn't mean to offend "Louie" with the Bird and Havlicek comment. I too have experienced the dominant success from racial harmony working in bigger cities. Longview's problem seems to be that it's never had leadership that understands the value of diversity, even though they say they do. Longview has always had unambitious leaders who lack creative vision. The great leaders you see building the great companies around the world demonstrate their understanding of diversity with the talent of their workforce. That's why it's not likely that Longview will ever produce a Microsoft or Intel. All of the talented geniuses always leave Longview. Genius has a way of always coming with courage and ambition. Those are terms that will never be associated with Longview and white supremacy. "

just a thought wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:11 PM:

" It makes me very sad to think that this is still happening in this day and age. I did stupid things when I was a teen, but I was never hateful or destructive to other people's property. I don't understand how somebody could find hurting other people fun. I am very sorry for the people that have had to deal with this and hope it will end soon. "

Kaijakoira wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:29 PM:

" Tut, tut isn't enough. Rallies and marches are helpful in raising awareness, but we need more. How many of us personally have remained silent when we heard racist remarks from people around us? Failing to speak out against bigotry makes one equally guilty of it. In this case, remaining silent has nothing to do with being polite (or whatever other excuse a person might use). "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:56 PM:

" Yeah we all know that Mr. McCain is racist. That is why he worked as hard as he did to establish relations between the U.S. and Vietnam. That's why his wife just returned from a goodwill trip to that counry. No the real racism in American politics has long been the burden carried by the Demoncrats. Let's see the party of George Wallace and Lester Maddux became the party of Luis Farrakan, Jesse Jackson, Obama and the evil Rev. Wright. This is also the party that paraded white after white senator to challenge the integrity of a well-qualified jurist for the Supreme Court just because he was black. And people are surprised that racism is alive and well in Longview? There is no surprise when the Liberal Democrats run a candidate for president who gives credit to a man who "shaped his moral fiber" who is a blatant racist and hate monger. Even the great black Liberal Jesse Jackson showed his racism with his attack on Obama recently by calling him the N-word. So please, put the uneducated lame brains who did this behind bars. But please don't forget to hold everyone responsible for their actions, too. Racism is racism, regardless of the color or party that it comes from. "

Cheney119 wrote on Jul 24, 2008 10:44 PM:

" Don't you want to discuss Willie Horton? The republican party uses racism and fear to triangulate and deceive the stupid American voter. They usually just don't do it as openly as the Horton ad. They use code words like quota. Listen to Rush and tell me that he's no racist. How about Rove and his henchmen in South Carolina and the lies they told McCain's black (Bangledeshi) baby. Well that kind of stuff flies in South Carolina, they probably have as many stupid American voters there as just about anywhere. But let's not forget who fought desegration in the military, the voting rights act, etc, etc, It was the republicans. "

1209 wrote on Jul 25, 2008 8:03 AM:

" It's not surprising that a bigot from Longview would support the Manchurian Candidate mccain. Surprising how the Manchurian Candidate's drug addict wife's supposed "goodwill tour" to Vietnam didn't get as much news coverage as Obama's speech to that little crowd in Berlin yesterday. It doesn't change that the Manchurian Candidate mccain endorsed the white supremacist George Wallace, Jr. in 2005. Let's not forget that the Manchurian Candidate mccain has a documented history of personally using racial slurs against Asians and Black Americans (remember the Seattle PI - Thursday, March 2, 2000 & CNN - Friday, March 16, 2007). "

Scot Heisel, TDN wrote on Jul 25, 2008 8:20 AM:

" Once again, we've veered off subject with this neverending Dems vs. Reps fight involving the usual suspects. This is a story about our community. It doesn't refer to any political party. You've all had equal time, so let's stick to the discussion of the story. "

1209 wrote on Jul 25, 2008 8:41 AM:

" Thank you, Scot. Can't we all just get along? Let the Block Watching begin! Who wants to bring the bungee sticks? "

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