Vandals return to Oak Park

FALLEN-Several of the nine trees destroyed by vandals at Deerhill Park in Agoura Hills. Vandals tore down nine trees last weekend in Deerhill Park in Oak Park with most of the 10to 14-foot tulip and golden ring trees broken off at their bases.

None of the trees can be replanted, according to Eugene Molnar, senior maintenance supervisor for Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, which maintains Deerhill Park.

"That is just senseless vandalism," said Sandy Kaplan, who lives near the park. "It made me so angry that people could have such disrespect for the neighborhood. I just want to know if these were bored teenagers and if their parents are aware of what they are doing."

Kaplan, along with her husband, Howard, and son, Adam, were on a walk Sunday morning when they spotted one of the destroyed trees. They thought the high winds that had blown through the area the day before might have knocked down the tree until they saw eight others also on the ground.

It is not the first time Deerhill Park has been the site of tree vandalism. Five trees in the same area of the park were destroyed in July. The park district did not notify police at the time.

"It wasn't reported because we thought it wouldn't happen again," Molnar said.

Both incidents have now been reported to the sheriff's department and an investigation is underway. Deputies were unavailable for comment.

Other destructive incidents have occurred at Deerhill over the past couple of months, according to Molnar. On July 28crude graffiti, measuring 3 feet high by 9 feet wide, was discovered on the wall of the men's restroom. In August, graffiti was found on the bulletin board by the tennis courts.

The park slopes, making it difficult for passersby on the street to see anyone in the park. The area by the tennis courts is hidden by a steep slope and the field where the trees were destroyed is unlit and difficult to see at night. Molnar believes the vandalism may be the work of area kids.

"We do find beer cans. It looks like kids partying," Molnar said.

The trees will probably be replaced within a month or two, said Molnar, at a cost of about $300 per tree. Molnar estimates total damages at about $4,300.

"What people don't understand is that it's a lot more involved than the price of a tree," Molnar said. "Time and labor is a huge cost when you get up to the multiples."

Crews reportedly must first dig out the stumps and fill in the holes for safety reasons. Once the trees are ready to be planted, special equipment must be used to prepare the holes and lift the trees into position.

Molnar urged the community to be on the lookout for unusual activity in the neighborhood, especially at night.

"The community is our best source, especially those who

live adjacent to the park," Molnar said. "They can be our eyes and ears and help us catch these vandals."