San Francisco, April 30, 2007...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for hate graffiti and the planting of a potential explosive device at a Santa Cruz County high school. 

According to police reports, on April 30, a custodian at Scotts Valley High School found racist and anti-Semitic graffiti plastered in the gym.  Police are also investigating an object chained to a tree outside the principal's office that appeared to be a pipe bomb. The school was evacuated and closed for the day.

ADL is now enlisting the help of the community in locating anyone who might have information about these incidents.  The Police Department will evaluate the information it receives and determine who will collect the $1,000 or a portion thereof.
 
"A hate crime is not a crime against one person, but against a community," said Jonathan Bernstein, ADL San Francisco Regional Director.  "All must stand up to let the perpetrators know that we will stand together as a community against hate and violence."

In March, fliers were posted all over the campus announcing the formation of a "Scotts Valley Aryan Club." The flier included a swastika and other language associated with hate groups. The Scotts Valley police are investigating a link between these two incidents.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.