Hello all, I sent this message to the Fresno Bee reporter. I thought it was worth sharing for those who weren't aware of the Penal Code and the legal status of such desecration. You may see the story at www.fresnobee.com. Sue Silver El Dorado County ----- Original Message ----- From: Sue Silver To: mkreamer@fresnobee.com Sent: Friday, July 13, 2001 12:46 PM Subject: History Shattered Hello, I monitor many of the cemetery websites to keep a watch of what's happening. Penal Code Sec. 504.3 was enacted, but merely took former Health and Safety Code Sec. 8101 and moved it to the Penal Code. The law has remained unchanged between the two. The main point that really needs to be driven home is that the damage to these IRREPLACEABLE historic monuments is that once the damage exceeds $2,500 (I believe), the crime becomes a penalty. You might want to check with the local sheriff as to this amount or if it is being investigated as a felony. Part of our problem in California as regards cemetery desecration (and that's what this is - vandalism be damned), is that the courts are unwilling to mete out the appropriate punishment. "It's a childish prank" we've heard. "Kids will be kids." Well, those childish "kids" are committing felonious acts and getting a slap on the wrist. Before too long, if this is allowed to continued unabated, uninvestigated, unprosecuted and unpunished, is that it will continue until the integrity of every historic cemetery in this state has become a victim. Thank you for your article. Please help put the word out that Californian's are sick of this. Most people say "cluck cluck, too bad" until it happens to them. THEN they want to see change. This is a crime that has the potential to effect everyone, since most of us do have family in one cemetery or another. Please do a follow up on this story and send our regards to the Clovis Cemetery District people. Sincerely, Sue Silver, President El Dorado County Pioneer Cemeteries Commission a California 501(3)(c) Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation 2551 Deer Trail Lane Cameron Park, CA 95682 ssilver1951@jps.net (530) 676-2889