Palo Alto police have opened a hate crime investigation after racist graffiti, including two swastikas and a racial slur, was sprayed on playground and restroom structures at Rinconada Park. City crews quickly removed the markings, and officers have stepped up nighttime patrols while detectives look for witnesses and video that might point to whoever is responsible.
According to Palo Alto Online, the vandalism included a racial epithet directed at Black people along with two swastikas spray-painted on playground and restroom surfaces. Police told the outlet they believe the tagging happened sometime between Wednesday night and yesterday morning. Park staff removed the offensive markings shortly after they were discovered.
Police response and how to tip
According to the Palo Alto Police Department, officers have increased night patrols in and around the park. Anyone with information is asked to call the department's 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413. Anonymous tips can also be sent by texting the keyword PAPD to 847411 or through the department's mobile tip app.
Additional marks found but not hate-based
As noted by Palo Alto Online, more markings showed up on the same play structures the next night. Those later tags did not include the slurs or swastikas that triggered the hate crime investigation. Detectives are canvassing the area for surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts as they continue the probe.
What the law says
Under California law, a vandalism incident can be treated as a hate crime if prosecutors prove it was motivated by bias, and felony hate crime convictions can carry added prison time under state statutes. The state's penal code outlines sentencing enhancements for bias-motivated felonies; see the California Penal Code for details.
Next steps for investigators
Detectives say the investigation remains active and are urging residents who were in or near Rinconada Park between Wednesday night and yesterday morning to check any home security cameras and come forward if they spot anything relevant. Anyone with images or information can contact the dispatch center or submit an anonymous tip, according to the Palo Alto Police Department.
