Racist and Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found in Encino, Investigation Underway

Vandalism in Encino Commons

• 💛 Residents and business owners in Encino discovered yellow spray-painted racist and anti-Semitic graffiti across several blocks of Ventura Boulevard.
• 📍 The vandalism targeted utility boxes, planters, and light posts in the Encino Commons area, including swastikas.

Community Reaction and Fear

• 😥 Many community members expressed disgust and fear, with some calling it a hate crime and an attack on all minority groups.
• 😨 Business owners, including Jewish residents, spoke of feeling terrified and experiencing flashbacks to World War II, fearing retaliation.
• 🗣️ Some individuals who spoke to the news did not want to show their faces due to fear.

Official Response and Investigation

• 🚓 Police responded to multiple reports and are investigating the anti-Semitic vandalism.
• 🎨 City Council staff immediately took action to cover up the offensive language.
• 🏛️ Councilmember Nida Allam stated that the graffiti is unacceptable in Encino, which has a large Jewish population, and that the city will not tolerate anti-Semitism.
• 🏫 A religious institution was also vandalized, though its location was not disclosed.
• 📢 The city urged the public to continue reporting any further incidents.