Following the Sept. 3rd shooting of a 20-year-old former Santa Monica High School student, security at the school and at this evening’s p.m. homecoming football game against Inglewood High School.
On the day following the shooting of Richard Juarez, school officials sent out an e-mail assuring students and their families that added police were being place to secure campus safety.
This morning, another message was sent out, this time not only from Principal Hugo Pedroza, but also from Superintendent Tim Cuneo and Police Chief Tim Jackman.
“Because this occurrence appears to be gang-related, there is a great deal of concern regarding the safety of students and adults before, during and after Samohi’s Homecoming football game tonight,” it read.
The message explained plans on keeping the peace through increased traffic police, closed streets, controlled parking, increased stadium security presence and asked for parents to consider accompanying their children –to reportedly help alleviate after-game traffic congestion. It also asked that everyone to coordinate with the request of police and other officials.
“We are aware that this game may be a bit more challenging than usual because of the issues going on in our community,” the message read. “It is precisely at times like these that we need to bring our energy and talents together and prevent an unfortunate incident from defining how we celebrate our youth.”
Despite all the precautions, the game has not been called off and the message even implored its recipients to help spread the word that the game is safe to come.
“We feel quite confident we will have a wonderful time tonight,” the message ended.
Christopher Rosacker can be reached at chris@smmirror.com
