Vandals strike again in Oak Park

SOPHIA FISCHER/Acorn Newspapers PARK DAMAGED--Vehicles were driven across the field and lawn at Deerhill and Mae Boyar parks last weekend, leaving deep tire marks. Police are investigating the latest in a string of vandalisms in Oak Park. Park officials say the damage will cost about $4,000 to repair. Deerhill and Mae Boyar parks, popular Oak Park neighborhood facilities, were vandalized in similar incidents late Friday night, leaving authorities to believe that the same perpetrators damaged both parks.

In both locations vandals drove vehicles across the fields, tearing up the grass and leaving large loop-shaped scars. The damage to the Deerhill soccer field was much worse than to the Mae Boyar lawn, according to Eugene Molnar, senior maintenance supervisor for Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, which maintains both parks.

"On occasion we've had people do a quick little joy ride in and out of a field real quick, but I have never seen damage of this magnitude to a field," Molnar said.

An eyewitness has come forward anonymously, he said. "We do have some information. If we're lucky we can make somebody responsible for this."

For Deerhill Park, this is the fourth vandalism incident since July. In those episodes the park's irrigation system was damaged, 14 trees were torn down and graffiti was painted in large letters in the men's restroom and on the tennis court bulletin board.

Four Oak Park High School sophomores were arrested in October and charged with the trees' destruction as well as the removal of emblems from neighborhood vehicles.

The damage to the soccer field comes at the height of local soccer playoffs and tournament games. The rain earlier this week softened the field, making repairs even more challenging.

"I can't imagine doing that much damage and not feeling guilty," Molnar said. "I don't think they have any idea how many people this is going to impact."

As a temporary fix, sand will be poured into the damaged areas as a filler.

"We will do the best we can to make it playable and safe, but aesthetically, it will not be pleasing," Molnar said.

After the soccer season ends the field will be reseeded, but it will take several months to return the field to its original state, Molnar said. He estimates the cost to fix the field will run about $4,000.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident, which due to the amount of damage is considered a felony. If an adult is convicted in the case, the penalty would be up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $10,000, according to Officer Dennis Haggard of the CHP Moorpark office.

Juveniles are most often caught in such vandalism cases, said Capt. Bill Flanagan, who oversees unincorporated areas of Ventura County, including Oak Park, for the sheriff's department.

Parents must be aware of where their children are, Flanagan added. The parents of the four teens recently arrested said they had no idea their children were sneaking out of the house late at night, Flanagan said.

"Parents must be aware that they are liable for the crimes their children commit," Flanagan said.

Eric Leser, who lives near Deerhill Park, came upon the damage early Saturday morning while out for a walk.

"I am disgusted and ashamed that someone in my neighborhood would do this," Leser said.

To report local vandalism, call the Ventura County Sheriff's Department at (805) 654-9511.