Antisemitic Flyers Left In Novato Driveways: Police

NOVATO, CA — Antisemitic flyers — encased in plastic sandwich bags — were reportedly found Monday in driveways of residences in Novato and nearby unincorporated areas, according to authorities.

Reports of the findings in the south end of the city near Ignacio Boulevard and in the Bel Marin Keys Boulevard region began around 9:30 a.m., Novato officials said.

"The Novato Police Department takes matters of hate incidents and hate crimes very seriously, and we are committed to investigating these incidents fully,” said Novato Chief of Police Beth Johnson.

But while the flyers with antisemetic speech are under investigation as "hate-motivated," they may not necessarily be a "violation of the law," as they could be protected under the First Amendment, the department said.

"A hate-motivated incident is an action, or a behavior motivated by hate, but legally protected by the First Amendment right to freedom of expression," police said. "This can include distribution of materials with hate messages."

The city of Novato has partnered with Not In Out Town, a nonprofit aimed at stopping prejudicial hate talk and hate crimes, to encourage victims to promptly report such incidents.

“The safety and well-being of our community members is our priority," Chief Johnson added.

Hate incidents can be reported to the dispatch center at 415-897-4361 or via the online system here.

Anyone with information on the flyers can contact Novato police at 415-897-4361 and reference case number NP22-3449.

Similar incidents were reported in July in San Rafael and Petaluma, in Tiburon and in April in Danville, along with other such cases in Pasadena and Newport Beach.

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