Hate Targets Two Simi Valley Places in Quick Succession

Date: April 16, 2024
Location: E. Cochran Street, Simi Valley

• A church’s welcome sign was defaced with slurs targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
• The original message, “Jesus accepts everyone,” was altered with hateful language.
• Repairs are estimated at $100; no arrests have been made.

Police Response

• The Simi Valley Police Department treats the incident as both vandalism and a hate crime.
• Investigators are tracing who left the messages and how they were delivered.

Related Incident

• On April 7, officers responded to the Islamic Society of Simi Valley before 10 p.m. after a person shoved handwritten notes on business‑card sized paper through the front door.
• The notes mirrored those found at the church and were equally offensive.

Community Impact

• These events reveal a troubling pattern of hate in the community.
• Local leaders urge greater protection and open dialogue to prevent further attacks.

Call to Action

• Police encourage anyone with information to come forward.
• City officials pledge support for all faith groups and urge residents to report suspicious activity.

“The goal is to keep neighborhoods safe for everyone, regardless of faith or identity.”