$5K Reward Offered For Information On Act Of Vandalism Against Laguna Beach City Manager

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The Laguna Beach community has been rallying around City Manager Shohreh Dupuis after her home was vandalized on Feb. 9, and a local nonprofit is offering a reward for information that leads officers to whoever committed the act.

The Laguna Beach Police and Community Foundation is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of any person or people responsible for the act of vandalism.

“We have received significant interest from throughout our community with offers to contribute to a reward. Foundation leadership determined that this offense was sufficiently serious to secure additional funds and offer a reward of at least $5,000 for information that will assist the Police Department in arresting those responsible,” Foundation Treasurer Matt Lawson said in a news release.

The vandalism was reported at 7:27 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 and is believed to have occurred early that morning or late Wednesday night.

When officers arrived, they found "feces or sewage" smeared around the property including on the house, mailbox, planters, stairs and in the front yard.

According to the news release, the home is technically city property — with the city owning half of the home and Dupuis owning the other half.

"I was so saddened and disgusted by this vile act of vandalism," Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen said in a news release. "I'm very pleased that the members of our community have stepped forward to offer a reward, as we need help to find out who perpetrated this terrible act.

"Our residents deserve to feel that despite differences in our work lives, our homes are our sanctuary. This vandalism act felt very personal and directed."

As a result of the act, the city reported that it has received over 60 letters of support from community members condemning the vandalism.

"I appreciate the support of the City Council, City Staff, the community, and my city manager peers and local and regional organizations who have expressed shock and concern with this crime." Dupuis said. "I want to say thank you to everyone who took time to reach out and offer support and make it clear we stand together in our community and will not tolerate these kinds of acts against anyone."

Residents who wish to contribute to the reward fund can make checks payable to the Laguna Beach Police and Community Foundation, with the word "REWARD" written on the memo line. Checks can be mailed to the Laguna Beach Police and Community Foundation, P.O. Box 888, Laguna Beach, CA 92652.