" I understand a $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the people responsible. This was a terrible crime. Times are tough, and many of the people vandalized only had liability insurance. Everyone of the vehicles has a window shot out. I hope someone has the courage to step forward and contact ACPD. "

" if it ends up being a member of the youth i hope the county shows some guts and takes responsibility for having towns that breeds conditions that lead to these unfortunate events. "

" sounds like its time AC gets a skatepark "

" To alixzander,
I hope your joking! Its the towns fault that a kid would do this? Theres tens of thousands of kids growing up in Napa County and if one of them vandalizes something then its the towns fault for breeding those conditions for that to happend? Out of those tens of thousands of kids, one vandalizes something and its the towns fault? Sounds more like the parents fault to me. I'm not sure what your argument is? Espically since this is an isolated incident involving a couple of possible youths out of tens of thousands of kids in this county "

" I guess we need to find out what county the perps are from before we know which county to blame.

Personally, wouldn't it be fun to have target practice with the car the vandals were riding around in ? I mean. first we'd have to take the vandals out of the car, right ? "

" Sounds to me the vandals have the Raiders
mentality, do the crime and have the D.A. of Napa not wanting to do a thing about it. "

" many of the kids that aren't vandalizing cars are doing drugs, drinking, vandalizing other things, rioting against police at vintage high, harassing weaker kids, stealing...so no there are many other destructive things that these thousands of kids are doing, in part due to the conditions established by the county and by the overall attitude this town seems to have on the youth. "

" If only we had a skating rink . . . "

" Here we go again. Why, Alixzander, do I have to buy some thug a fuzzy teddy bear so he won't shoot my car? I was bored silly in the small town where I grew up, but we never turned to vandalism for kicks. "

" blackpony- they have a skate park.

Alixzander- are you implying that only Am Can has troubled youth? Because I grew up in American Canyon and I was never in trouble and am I good member in my community. If you think the riots at VHS were only Am Can children you are living with shades over your eyes. "

" to alixzander

the only folks responsible for keeping youth entertained and amused are their parents and the kids themselves.

As someone who has lived in 3 different countries, and a couple of different states here in the US, the local youth have nothing to complain about.

If someone commits a a crime the only people responsible for that act is the perpetrator (and their parents if they are underaged).

This bizarre notion you have that the youth are somehow owed more than they are getting is absurd. I can only wait until you grow up and enter the real world.

Until then we will continue to pay our multiple school bond levies and 6th highest taxes in the country so that we can all enjoy the privilege of living in this great state. While a few bored youth complain about the "poor conditions" they are forced to live under by the county. "

" You can't blame the parents for what a teen does. It is the individual actions of a twisted teen mind and unfortunately the parents have to clean up. Believe me. I know "

" To alixzander,
What about all the kids in this town who are taking college prep classes and getting 4.0's in school. What about the kdis that are voulantering to clean up the river, work at the vets home, help at the homeless shelter and food bank. Or what about the kids that are outdoors using Napas huge amount of parks to play basketball or soccer, or hikes and bike rides at alston or skyline, or bbqs at kennedy and fuller. Theres so much do in this town and most the kids seem to be taking advantage of these opportunities. Don't let a couple of bad apples make you think the entire apple tree is bad. "

" Alixzander:

The town/county didn't create this, and in SOME cases, as doscentavos correctly states, the parents HAVE done their job, and the kid just does something STUPID and NEEDLESS, for whatever reason he/she determines in their own unformed/misinformed little brain!!

My son did - he's a fine man now, but there was a moment in time, and it was TORTURE, as it is for any conscientious parent - WHY???!!!

One time he said to me (paraphrased) - "Mom. did it ever occur to you that I knew I'd been taught better and thought about the consequences and did it anyway?" A scary thing to hear, but truthful nonetheless - there are many kids going through the juvenile system that have no issues that got them there except their own stupidity. Believe me, I know.... "

" Yo, Alix! sign off the computer and go outside. Take control of your own life, organize free concerts with bands you know, volunteer in a hospital or rest home, look in the mirror and you will see both the problem AND the solution! "

" honestly, it is frightening that the community is so afraid to take responsibility for their contribution to the problem.

certainly not every youth living in this town resorts to property damage as a cry for help. i am simply suggesting that the kids that do engage in more productive activities are doing so despite the neglectful attitude of this county and its towns. I'd also like to point out that no one on here is denying that this county doesn't have much for the youth. there aren't venues, art spaces, skating rinks, and whatnot. certainly the situation is improving. there are open mics, concerts, really really free markets, and more activism then there has been in the past few years (if not decades). however, all of this has been happening as a reaction to a condition that has existed in this county. its a condition that has overlooked the youth. this is crucial to remember. if you people can't understand this then i don't know what to tell you. keep telling the youth to behave without addressing the causes and see if that keeps failing.

another point I'd like to make: i attended a youth violence forum last year. the forum was organized in response to a mugging and death that occurred by youth. the discussion was framed as a gang issue (although the police themselves said there wasn't gang linkage). the adults at this meeting noticed and stated that there weren't many youth there. the adults claimed they wanted to hear from the youth and understand their side. so why then, when someone like me tries to represent the youth voice is it ignored? if you aren't going to listen to what the youth is telling you then stop complaining about your youth crime. "

" To alixxzander,
What more can the city do? They already provide us with more parks then just about any other city I have ever been to. There are youth sports leagues for just about every sport in all age groups that the county puts together. If your upset there isn't any skating rinks, art spaces or other venues then you have to blame the people not the city. Those are private businesses that private people have to open, A city can't be responsible to open a skating rink or other venues. Thats up to businessmen. Don't blame the city for criminal acts by bad people. Be happy you live in a country where food and water is easily accessible. For over a billion kids a day have to spend there days looking for food and water, and you want to complain that kids have nothing to do so they destroy other peoples property, We have it so easy in this country and I don't see your argument at all "

" Sorry, Alixzander, it is not my job as a member of the community to provide entertainment and activities to the youth of Napa. Sorry you're bored. "

" Well Alixxzander, I suggest that you save this web page and open it back up in 10 or 20 years when you are trying to figure out why you have continually bounced from job to job, because your boss did not make your job interesting enough, or some other reason for you not succeeding.

Until you realize and take ownership of the fact that only you are responsible for your own actions (or lack there of), and only you can challenge yourself to do something positive with your life, you will be miserable and unhappy.

I would ask you to answer how previous generations managed to grow up and make due with so much less.

Do you even realize that there was a time when 1 tv or stereo per household was the norm?

There was no such thing as Xbox or Playstation and you were expected to walk or ride your bike to whatever you were going to do.

As a child I rode my bike 20 miles one way so I could could go fishing on the weekend.

The point is a simple one, stop complaining and get off your butt and do something for yourself! "

" how did other generations make due? they recognized their deplorable condition and sought to change it. many of the youth have gotten up and down something about it. i gave several specific examples in my early post. however, what are we doing something about? we are doing something about a condition that exist in this county. and its a condition that, among other things, has been created by bad policies. i would point to the zero decibel noise ordinance as a specific example.

in regards to the city not being responsible for creating "entertainment" outlets? that is a gray statement. however, the city defiantly has the ability to create policies that foster entertainment outlets that are youth relevant. its great that sports teams exist. this is a good outlet for many youth. but there are lots of other youth that don't relate with sports. and for them, there are few places to turn. "

" Hey Alex, I'm making "Abuelita" hot chocolate and as a family we're watching a silly comedy...want to come over and discuss boredom, responsibility, entertainment, jobs, youth, manhood and/or death?


Does anyone remember a movie back in the 70's called schizophrenia? "

" It's scary how many of the youths and or youth advocates blame everything on the City/County of Napa. Because of them it's a green light to destroy other peoples property. It is an all to common theme lately regarding the lack of personal accountability for your actions. It is always tough being a teen but their are several avenues available: sports, parks and recreation programs, music programs, volunteering , community theater and more. It's not easy but can be done and in a community with a relatively safe environment. That could change if our youth and adults feel it's their right to destroy other peoples property. The choices are theirs and the end results of their actions could be the criminal justice system. "

" funnyme,
I’m down to come over and watch silly movies. My e-mail address is alexshantz@gmail.com. I think open conversations about these issues within the community are what we need.

And notpc, if you read my post carefully you would have noticed that I said "it’s a condition that, among other things, has been created by bad policies". Amoung other things mean that it isn't exclusively the city. So obviously everything wasn't being blamed on the city. And since I clearly implied that vandalizing cars was destructive your statement about youth advocates causing green lights for property damage also seems disingenuous. I am not sure what youth advocate you are referring to. Certainly no one that is apart of this conversation.

My main crux is that there is a condition in this city that is rooted within several things including poor policies, disproportionate economic system, and a dominate upper class culture, and this condition is having a dire effect on the locals and especially the youth. I have offered several examples to support these claims. Zero decibel noise ordinances, difficulty for local businesses (such as smoking cat café), and statements by rich people at Downtown Napa Specific Plan meetings saying “we want an affordable downtown, but by affordable we don’t mean lower income”. "

" Having experienced the vandalism of my car 4X in three years (within the City of Napa), my conclusion is that such things are done out of pure "meaness".


[At one time, I was in a more expensive clothing store downtown, and observed a group of our youth (from the most exclusive area of our community), "shopping".
They had been to a movie (I overheard comments) and had apparently made purchases but were "hitting" jewelry counters and pocketing other small items, as, they quickly walked through stores.
These were not the bored, neglected nor poor.
I'd guess they may have "dared" each other; by their demeanor, they obviously thought it was just a lark/not serious.
It happened so fast there wasn't time for "calling security" within the store.
I am sure they are now "upstanding" adults (those that get caught generally, seem to go to Target or Walmart).
Some of us do stupid things in life, some get caught, some don't.]


Its sad that whomever has been vandalizing doesn't know/care what the real cost is to those who must pay for the repairs. "

" I kicked this discussion off, but my intent seems to have gotten lost along the way. This was a very mean and selfish act - it wan't funny. How could the perpetrators continue along vandalizing car after car without a bit of conscience. It was sad to see some of the victims very emotional (crying) when they saw that their car was vandalized. Yeah, it's only a car, but it was their car and it really struck a nerve. "

" Places like "arcades", skating rinks, "teen centers" and skate parks are often ruined by unruly youth who come to such establishments to intimidate others and generally just make a mess. The private sector is disinterested in prodiving such venues as the risk is too great, especially when everyone knows that if some kids are told to leave, they and their parents will surely bring some sort of "claim" against the proprietor. You know, when the "parents" actually decide to get involved in the kid's life...when dollar signs appear in front of their eyes?

Restaurants, sports, movies, shopping, friends' houses, the woods/mountains, off-roading, part-time jobs, hobbies, dating, studying, out of town trips, church, neighbors, chores, library, clubs, games, dancing, t.v., radio, texting...there are all kinds of things for kids to do that don't involve criminal damage and significant financial cost to innocent victims.

Socialist ideology enslaves the minds of people and leads them to ridiculous conclusions like: kids who break the rules aren't actually to blame for their wrongdoing. "

" shareathought wrote on Oct 13:

Some of us do stupid things in life, some get caught, some don't.


shareathought -

Were you ever caught in your stupidity? Or did you get away with it (as so many do) & turn out to be an "upstanding" adult? "

" I'm sorry, shareathought, I didn't mean to come down so hard - I guess even after all these years, I'm still over sensitive and so upset that my son did what he did.....I guess it was your use of the word "upstanding" in quotes, that made me still feel so convicted and responsible still, even though he got out there and made his own stupid choice - gosh, how many of us did stuff and didn't get caught? I know I did - I was president of the Honor Society, drum major of my band, working, taking care of my younger siblings after school - and did stupid, crazy things anyway - not knowing why - still don't except for youthful foolishness. One time we cut open a box of Tide and put in a fountain downtown (my hometown is 2,000 miles from here). We took the statue of Robert E. Lee from our cross town rival and put a great big bra on it and put in front of Cramton Bowl just in time for the big game - crimes, of course, but done nonetheless. Did you know that a cherry bomb will still explode even after you put it in a toilet?? "

" Alixzander, what issue do you have with the city’s Zero Decibel Ordinance? I applaud that ordinance, because as a homeowner, I despise having my possessions constantly shaken by the heavy base of passing cars, driven by (mostly) youth who obviously don’t care about my right to a peaceful existence in my own home. How is this ordinance hurting the “youth” of AmCan?

I didn’t understand your use of the phrase “disproportionate economic system.” Huh? Ours is a Capitalist system in which the individual sets their own sites and succeeds (or fails) by their own decisions; it’s life. Are you or your parents and/or guardians currently collecting any unearned welfare or other unearned benefits from the State of California or the Federal Government? It sure sounds like it, and that you may have picked up their bitterness at their failure to provide better for themselves, and by transfer, for you. I hope you are not in training to become a member of the victim class.

Your phrase, “…a dominate upper class culture” smacks of the type of speech one would expect to hear in Berkeley. Would you explain what you meant on that line? Would you define that culture, and what is wrong with it>

Although I thank you for taking this time to discuss things here, and by the way, very articulately, I cannot but come away with the impression that the adults (?) you have followed, listened to and now have as possible role models all consist of people who depend on the government for their existence. It sounds as though you hang around "Acorn" associates. "

" Interesting...
"someone" did some vandalizing in our south county & most of us are ready to blame our youth. Is it because we remember/understand, therefore it is more socially acceptable?

[Grits, my thought is/was that many of us go through "stupid". I think it is just before we realize we don't have to do something just because someone says "dare you" and probably right after we think "opps, I shouldn't have done that."

Most pass through a period of time that we are out from under our parents immediate control, feel a bit too brave, and then, realize someone pays the consequences. Most of us don't "get caught" but most often the less financially solvent pay a greater price.

I believe it has everything and nothing to do with genetics, home environment or parenting skills; it is as often the make-up of the individual and chance.]

alixzander gave a lot to this discussion (thank you); I appreciate the comments & agree that there is not a lot for youth in this community_ particularly, those neither scholastically inclined nor sports-minded-persons, yet, it is not a valid excuse for destruction of another's possessions.

There are restrictions on the young being employed (many of us worked and yet had energy left-over to still get in trouble).


Meanwhile, we might consider that the vandalism may be being carried out by bitter adults. "

" amcanblogger,
if you can't understand how a zero decidable noise ordinance can hamper the development of art and music, then i don't know what to tell you. what has often happened in this town, is since there haven't been many music venues musically inclined kids will host shows at their homes. and these always get shut down by cops due to the zero decidable ordinance and neighbors that don't understand the importance of youth having these outlets. i'd also like to point out that house shows is an example of kids doing something, instead of just complaining, about their bad situation and they are often criminalized for it.

in regards to your incorrect evaluation of capitalism: firstly, it was extremely offensive and unnecessary to presume anything about my personal background (which was wrong by the way). capitalism is inherently unequal. under capitalism, wealth tends to rest in the hands of a few. and this wealth rests there while people starve, lose homes, and get sick. another example, if i am accused of a crime and don't have money i won't be able to afford a great lawyer. if a rich person commits a crime they can afford a great lawyer. and that ties into my comment about the dominate culture.

generally speaking, the dominate culture (in Napa) would be the wealthy business owners, rich, and city officials. and whats wrong with this: vacant buildings sitting down town because wealthy property owners can afford it, since they have the money and power the decisions in this town seem to reflect their wants before our needs, and of course poeple from the Downtown Napa Specific Plan meetings saying “we want an affordable downtown, but by affordable we don’t mean lower income”. " "

" You are mistaken that I cannot understand how a Zero Decibel Noise (ZDN) Ordinance affects the community; there is nothing like the peace and tranquility which goes along with a civil society, and the dwelling that people like me, the overtaxed and underappreciated working class professional, pay tens of thousands of dollars every year in mortgage payments to enjoy. I can empathize with you on the lack of a music venue within our town. I can sympathize, as there are no firearm ranges either, where I can go to enjoy MY kind of “outlet.” I can get onboard with the local garage band, but only if the players took the time and courtesy (not to mention the decency to value MY opinion) to come to MY door and negotiate their desire to play within my sphere of peace and quiet. I’d have no problem working out a schedule to where I’d have no problem with them playing, However, I am SURE you are complaining about the ‘cops’ (don’t forget how much they disrespect you the next time you ever need to call them to help YOU) busting up late night parties that are nothing more than middle fingers in the face of their neighbors. Da yewt also need to understand that their idea of music may very well fit into a neighbor’s definition of noise. The “cops” as you refer to our law enforcement officers, respond to noise complaints as they are called in by We The People; we, the neighbors who have HAD IT with the noise and usually, disrespect. We, the ones who have to put up with that ‘noise.” No, I laud the ZDN, with all my heart. "

" You are also mistaken that I incorrectly evaluated Capitalism, a system in which I have over three decades more experience than you do, if you are a teenager. I am sad for you that you were actually so thin skinned as to take not only offence, but “extreme” offence at my evaluation. Capitalism rewards those who put themselves to the task of bettering themselves. People starve because of their own bad decisions. People lose their houses again, due to putting themselves into bad positions, such as living beyond the means to pay the mortgage. Many people have recently found this out, and merely losing one’s job means you get off of your arse and find another one! What you are doing in denigrating Capitalism is sounding like the talking points that appear on the web pages of the American Communist Party. Go check them out if you don’t believe me. Stay out of trouble, stay within the law, and most likely you will never be accused of a crime; I understand that everyone in an American prison cell is as innocent as the wind driven snow. The dominant culture is what you SHOULD aspire to. Otherwise you are in for a very long life as an American who failed to grasp the volume of freedom you have at your disposal to make yourself a success. I really DO think that you have surrounded yourself with people who are not so much optimistic as they are pessimistic, and already in the sadly well worn grove of government hand outs to subsist. "

" How many employees to you think those wealthy business owners employ? Have you considered that perhaps those people created their businesses from the ground with the sweat of their own hands and brains, building it to the point where they can live comfortably? Have you any credit for them, or are you jealous in your apparent laziness, or inability to comprehend or grasp what it takes to become a success? City officials? If you want, you could get elected and become one of those officials; heck, it worked for Barry Soetoro! The other officials who are hired, well, find out what their job requirements are, and put your own nose to the grindstone and build up a resume which will get you hired; then, YOU can have a say about those abandoned buildings. Those properties are owned, and owned legally; that is one of the cornerstones of our citizenship – the ability to own property. It wasn’t that way in the former Soviet Union, where many of your comments would have received the official politburo stamp of approval. May I suggest that you form a youth group, find a building over near Green island Road, or the airport, negotiate with the owner for rent, secure the capital, and establish a music venue? (Hopefully near the airport, so that law enforcement need not travel far in responding to the inevitable calls for help which will follow). "