Extra Cameras To Be Installed At Cal High In Wake Of Threats

SAN RAMON, CA — Additional cameras will be installed at California High School in the wake of four written threats found on the campus earlier this month, school officials said. In a letter sent to Cal High families last week, Principal Christopher George said school officials identified and punished the four students suspected of writing some of the threats.

Another “copycat” threat was found on the campus on May 16. Police will continue their increased presence on and around the campus through the end of the year, according to school officials. Police have been on the school campus since May 1 when a handwritten threat was found in one of the boys' bathrooms.

Principal Christopher George sent the following update to parents on May 16.

Dear CHS Staff and Parents,

As we wind down the school year, I want to update you regarding safety measures that we have put in place through the end of the school year after last week’s disruptive threats. For the remainder of the year, we will continue to have increased police presence on and around campus, and will increase our on-site supervision. For the longer term, we will be adding additional security cameras in the near future, and our staff and students will receive additional safety training in August of 2019. The San Ramon Police will also be using our campus for an safety training over the summer, which will help us further prepare for any such event. Lastly, moving forward, California High School will be working with the Sandy Hook Promise organization in order to create a safer overall school climate.

Through the many great tips we received from students last week, and the enormous help from San Ramon Police, we were able to identify several students allegedly responsible for the graffiti found on a shack near the football field on May 3. All the students involved faced appropriate disciplinary action.

I also want to let you know that unfortunately, we found additional copycat graffiti today, May 16. This graffiti stated “School shooting, Thursday 5/27” as well as again included racist remarks. Note that 5/27 is a Monday, not a Thursday. May 27th is Memorial Day, so school will not be in session that day. San Ramon Police take all threats seriously and are actively investigating this threat. Police shared that there has been no evidence to corroborate that this threat is credible, but they will continue to investigate. Cal High also continues to implement the safety measures listed above and investigate each incident. Students responsible will face disciplinary action up to expulsion and possibly criminal charges.

I have been so impressed by the amount of information that students shared with staff in the past few weeks. It is clear that they want a distraction free environment where they feel safe. I again ask that anyone with any information that may help our investigation contact me at (925) 803-3210. Also, information can be reported anonymously through our online Anonymous Tipline.

Thank you,

Christopher George
Principal