City Council voted 5-0 Monday night to establish a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for cutting power to the lights at Malibu High School’s football stadium.
On Aug. 29, it was discovered that the wires had been cut at some point over the summer, throwing the opening game of the MHS Sharks’ football season into jeopardy. However, electricity was restored and the game went on as planned.
A couple of Malibu parents came to speak in support of the proposal.
“We can’t stop every ‘Grinchy’ activity that happens to our children, despite our best efforts,” Malibu mom Martha Quinn said during public comment, “but tonight … we can say, this Grinch, we’re going to try to catch.”
The bounty, according by Councilwoman Laura Rosenthal, who suggested the reward, will send a strong message to those who wish to commit similar acts of vandalism.
“I thought it was very important that the city stand up and offer an award,” Rosenthal said, adding, “I feel that when you offer rewards, sometimes people come forward.”
Rosenthal also mentioned that the school board will be offering a reward, which was previously announced by Superintendent Sandra Lyon.
“Our district has the WeTip program which offers rewards up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of individuals engaged in illegal activity on our campuses,” Lyon said in an email to The Malibu Times.
Lyon also provided information for anyone wishing to contact the district in regards to the reward.
“Anyone with information regarding this crime or any others should call 1.800.78CRIME or log onto www.wetip.com,” Lyon wrote.
“They can contact [the city] through my office,” said City Manager Jim Thorsen.
It was mentioned that those with information should go directly to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, which has an ongoing investigation open.
