[UPDATE] Vandal Defaces Mural With Swastika and Other Markings
![Antisemitic graffiti reported at Herrick Avenue Park & Ride, Eureka. [All Photos by Ryan Hutson]](https://kymkemp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image4.jpg)
Anti-Semitic graffiti at Herrick Avenue Park & Ride, Eureka. [All Photos by Ryan Hutson]
A mural in Eureka’s southern Park & Ride location, part of the city’s 2023 mural festival, was vandalized with a swastika, the letters DANC, and what appears to be the letter “J” in white paint nearby. This incident occurred at the Herrick Avenue Hwy 101 overpass on Pound Road.
A large swastika drawn in white paint scars the popular parking location. The hate symbol stands out against the gradient blues of the artwork covering the pavement, next to word appearing to read “DANC”.
The letter “J” or a similar shape, is also drawn nearby, in the same white paint.
The swastika has long been seen as a symbol of hate related to the Holocaust commonly associated with Hitler’s Nazi Germany, but has also been used with more current “neo-nazi” groups who, according to sources on anti-Semitism “self identify with a white-supremist” social or political ideology.
Another view of the vandalism.
The Anti-Defamation League explains, “Since 1945, the swastika has served as the most significant and notorious of hate symbols, anti-Semitism and white supremacy for most of the world outside of Asia. Its display is prohibited in Germany and some other countries…In the United States, the swastika is overwhelmingly viewed as a hate symbol.”
Zoë Gelfant, a Canadian artist who was part of Eureka’s 2023 Street Art Festival, is known for the colorful abstract flowing works of art she creates. Now, her ocean-themed work of art is in need of a touch-up.
UPDATE: Good News! A team assembled by the City of Eureka has already removed the swastika. We hope to have a story on the program soon!
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Darn kids!
Could have been a darn adult!!
“Kids” doesn’t explain this AND even if kids…they got it from family and community
This is serious, not something to brush off to “kids will be kids” or “darn kids.” This is hate speech and as a community, we should not tolerate it.
This is why we can’t have nice things.
Well, when all the humans are dead, everything will be perfect.
Like the soundless tree that falls in the forest, no one will be around to see the perfection, therefore, it won’t be perfect.
That’s the perfection.
Because no human heard it doesn’t make it soundless.
Right. But you still can’t prove it. It’s like trying to observe a quark in two places at once.
I do that all the time.
I quark a lot after I eat beans
I think you may have left a word off from the end of your statement. “Chaos”: it’s the natural state of the universe.
Chaos, or entropy, yet it finds balance.
This is a sacred symbol amongst Native Americans and Indigenous culture throughout the world. Hinduism also sees the swastika as a holy symbol of prosperity. For the natives the symbol represents good luck and is known to them as the “whirling log.” The Whirling Log name and design comes from a Navajo folktale about a hero’s journey to learn important skills that he brought back to his people. Whirling log represent the elements of the earth and the directions. It is one of the most powerful spiritual symbols known to man. History must be preserved – not misrepresented or buried. This symbol is the representation of human spirituality.
You can read a brief summary of the folktale below:
“A time long ago, a courageous hero embarked on an extraordinary journey. The gods recognized his unwavering resolve and assisted him in hollowing out a log to navigate down the river.
On his journey, the hero encountered numerous challenges, each contributing to his acquisition of vital ceremonial knowledge. During one such event, the Water People captured him and his vessel, dragging him beneath the waters to the dwelling of the Water Monster. As Black God threatened to set ablaze the Water Monster’s abode, the hero was set free. Before departing, Frog imparted wisdom on how to heal the ailments.
Upon reaching his destination—a vast lake—the gods intervened once more, seizing his log and guiding him safely ashore. As the hero explored the land, he encountered a spinning cross adorned with yeis at each end. From these mystical beings, he gained invaluable knowledge of farming. The hero journeyed back to his people to share the wisdom he had received during his remarkable odyssey.”
Not disagreeing with you, since that is what I had heard as well, although, I thought it was a mirror version. A quick googling gave me this:
. . . It was used by the Ancient Greeks, Celts, and Anglo-Saxons and some of the oldest examples have been found in Eastern Europe, from the Baltic to the Balkans. . . .
http://www.bbc.com › magazine-29644591
In the Zoroastrian religion of Persia, the swastika was a symbol of the revolving sun, infinity, or continuing creation. It is one of the most common symbols on Mesopotamian coins. The icon has been of spiritual significance to Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
en.m.wikipedia.org › wiki › Swastika
However, all of this is a moot point, since in this case, regardless of which meaning was intended, it is still just plain vandalism.
When was the last time (or first time) that any indigenous person(s), Native American, or any person who practices Hinduism, Buddism (this is not an exclusive list) claimed they vandalized a public mural with a swastika because they wanted to communicate prosperity and good luck, or for some positive communication? As I understand the symbol as you describe, that symbol is usually drawn non-angled, left-facing, softer or decorated with dots…
The symbol dug into this public mural painted by a wonderful woman over a number of days is nothing but a hate symbol – the swastika that the Nazi party took as its emblem; its singular symbol in the 1930s. It is a symbol of hatred of any person other then one of “pure” blood caucasian, who practices national christian and is straight. It is a vile symbol and used to spread hate speech.
This was not vandalism done by someone who wanted to communicate prosperity or good luck to the community
There are exactly zero Native Americans *or* Hindus going around tagging swastikas on *anything*
Danco?
Urban Dictionary defines Danc as public humping but I’m guessing the Danco Apartments. https://www.danco-group.com/affordable-housing
Really cause that seems like a public “Humping”.
What would Danco have to do with it?
I don’t think it’s right to link the Danco name with this?
I don’t think that anyone believes that Danco or their supporters painted a Nazi symbol. Someone painted a swastika and someone painted DANC. They could have intended Dank like cannabis, they could have intended the Urban Dictionary meaning, or any number of things. My personal speculation is they were unhappy with Danco and spewed out a Nazi symbol and didn’t get to finish Danco before they were interrupted but that doesn’t mean Danco is somehow responsible.
Last time i checked freedom of speech includes both spoken and written. Just because you do not like what are said it can still be said. Dude is a idiot but is alowed too show every body how big a idiot he is. Merica
Not by damaging public property.
The mural damaged public property. State approved vandalism vs private person(s) vandalism.
You’ll get over it.
Already have.
ABA, while I agree with you 100% here,
Commenting Rule #6
https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules
Believe me, my tongue is swollen to the size of an elephant’s from biting it so often. I also try to refrain from correcting since I know I have FAR from perfect grammar and spelling, though I continue to learn.
Plus, you know, there is so many more creative ways too criticize an person’s writing faults than should be alowed.
Free speech doesn’t include the right to deface property. Nor does free speech include the right to advocate death to an entire culture which is a fairly normal interpretation of the Nazi’s behavior to the Jewish community. Free speech does not include the right to incite harm against others.
Jews have been responsible for more peoples deaths than any other group.
Kym you have no understanding of history, just american pro jewish propaganda. Something tells me your are also probably jewish and therefore apart of there lies.
Well Joe (short for Joesph, Hebrew origin) at least we’ve now possible source for the ziplock bag messages tossed around.
“Jews have been responsible for more peoples deaths than any other group.”
Where did you get that figure?
“your are also probably jewish and therefore apart of there lies.”
Clear example of hate speech. I hope you seek the necessary support to prevent yourself from further spiraling down the wicked hole of animosity
“apart of there lies” suggests that we shouldn’t pay this commenter too much mind.
It seems as though somebody got ahold of Mommy’s phone and is going to be in serious trouble when Mommy finds out.
Anger and hatred corrode any vessel that tries to contain them. I feel sorry for you.
Not Jewish, but am the owner of the site that recognized you. You’ve been banned.
Puke
Have you any proof of your dubious post about Jews?
KYM is WRONG AGAIN
Free Speech means you can say anything you want. You can advocate for any position you want. Say anything you want about anyone else. Sorry kym your fake version of free speech is not free. Its very evident on your blog you do not support free speech. You enjoy a censorship bubble that promotes your own ideology.
Well nothing you said is true. So your handle fits.
And the fact your post is still here just disproved your last two sentences.
The Bill of Rights in the National Archives
Categories of speech that are given lesser or no protection by the First Amendment (and therefore may be restricted) include obscenity, fraud, child pornography, speech integral to illegal conduct, speech that incites imminent lawless action, speech that violates intellectual property law, true threats, false statements of fact, and commercial speech such as advertising
Wiki-
Welp, once I recognized a banned commenter, I removed the commenter again. IP addresses are very helpful.
Lol do you even know what time of day it is?
No, you can’t say anything you want regardless of consequences. For example you can’t shout “Fire” in a crowded theater.
Actually, you can.
https://www.whalenlawoffice.com/blog/legal-mythbusting-series-yelling-fire-in-a-crowded-theater/
Not saying you should. But you can.
That’s not what that link is saying. It’s simply saying that the phrase is not a legal finding and never has been. But yes, you can get charged and convicted of a crime if the motive is simply to cause a panic a theater when there is no reason to believe there is a fire.
“The utterance of “fire!” in and of itself is not generally illegal within the United States: “sometimes you could yell ‘fire’ in a crowded theater without facing punishment. The theater may actually be on fire. Or you may reasonably believe that the theater is on fire”. Furthermore, within the doctrine of first amendment protected free speech within the United States, yelling “fire!” as speech is not itself the legally problematic event, but rather, “there are scenarios in which intentionally lying about a fire in a crowded theater and causing a stampede might lead to a disorderly conduct citation or similar charge.”
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shouting_fire_in_a_crowded_theater
You are wrong on the law.
Double puke
Free speech does include advocating for the death of a group of people,. To be incitement it must be specific and actionable.
Advocating for a meteor to hit Belize is free speech.
You are right, free speech is generally understood to mean the government can’t stop you from articulating any position that doesn’t cause imminent lawless action. Thus a swastika is free speech and you can tattoo it on your body and in a limited sense post it in public places.
I got carried away by my sense of what that symbol means in today’s climate.
Uh huh, sorta like the enviros advocating depopulation to support their climate scam which is all about the money.
It’s vandalism.
Got spooked before they could put the ‘O’ on the ‘DANC’?
It’s sad that you guys can’t tell a swastika apart from the windmill of Peace
There was a camera in that lot. Lets see it.
x
I wouldn’t read too much into this one.
Sure, it was distasteful and wrong.
But this seems more the work of a mentally handicapped (drug addled?) person,
rather than an serious act of antisemitism.
Agreed. If we’re really about stoping the spread of hate, the news sites shouldn’t be amplifying this.
I’d agree it could be a person in some altered state. I’d offer to help fix it. I just might have the right colors.
Hmm… doesn’t tolerance that apply to accusations of racism or homophobia too?
Can anyone please explain what the watermelon emoji represents through all of this conflict between Israel and Palestine? I have been seeing watermelons all over social media. What do watermelons have to do with anything?
??
took .3 seconds to google it, I guess watermelons are a symbol for Palestine, google is your friend.
Google is actually not my friend. The best example I have is from when my name was Antisemantic. If you Google the word antisemantic all Google will show you are antisemitism and antisemitic results.
I always liked that play on words, despite the negative connotations it may have brought up in some folks.
I googled: antisemantic
– 10 answers on the first page and only page I looked at.
– 2 of the 10 (20%) referenced “antisemitic”, including the very first which asked if I meant “antisemitic”.
– 7 of the 10 (70%) referenced “antisemantic”, most of which referred to Trump being antisemantic.
– 1 of the 10 (10%), and the last entry on the page, had nothing to do with either.
Interesting. Thank you.
There you go. Google has a bais. My results were 10/10 antisemitism and not 1 reference to trump.?
It has a bias about human incompetence. Well earned bias.
That’s because you don’t know how to tell a search engine that you mean the spelling you gave and that it wasn’t a typo. Usually a little box right under the input can be checked.
Like most things, to get the answers you want, you need to be specific in the questions you ask.
That’s because Google was trained to think logically. Being antisemantic is not logical.
Try Googling antianti.
Although it’s likely this was a disingenuous question at best, a search came up with this – “Separately, the Watermelon emoji ? is also used as a symbol of Palestine or as a way of showing support for Palestinians. Historically, watermelons have been used as a symbol of Palestine because they have all of the same colors used in the Palestinian flag (green, red, white, and black).”
People who “support” Palestinians are supporting a culture that is misogynistic, intolerant, anti democratic and terroristic. If they really want to support ending that brutal war, they should support neither side but demand both cease their spirals of intolerance and violence. Not support one ugly side against the other ugly side.
https://www.dictionary.com/e/emoji/watermelon-emoji/
Yes, let’s continue to slaughter those animals. they are just roaches anyways, according to your genocidal kin…..
Really? You advocate slaughtering Jews instead because that is what Hamas advocated, then did as much of that as they could then repeated the intent to repeat it as often as they can?
You just can’t conceive of anyone being offended at what most Palestinians approved- the murder, rape and kidnapping- without being a Jew? That’s pretty much the definition of a Nazi-like antisemitic. Not very clever not to have noticed that.
I think they were being sarcastic, just forgot the /s.
The watermelon is a symbol for Palestinian resistance. Instead of the Palestinian flag they use watermelon to avoid censorship
Ban watermelons…………….
Oh great!! Are we going to be judged at our picnics this summer based on what we do or do not eat? Kinda like Freedom Fries and Freedom Toast?
This Park and Ride also has a very cool historical information monument there describing the south spit of the bay. It describes the history, and what you’re looking out at, with reference to indigenous life (known as bay of the Indians) and also settlers egregious destructive behavior, including a whaling station.
I also really like the wetlands restoration project in the area just west and south of the Park & Ride.
And the cool trail.
The Special Military Operation for the de-nazification of America will commence shortly
I like swastikas, this up in coming artist just made the mural way cooler. If anyone out there knows who did it thank them We need more artists like this in our community! Time to bring back the swastika, its a love symbol! Been apart of humanity forever, don’t let one guy in Germany ruin it for everyone else. SWASTIKA PRIDE WEEK IN FULL EFFECT!
Do you really love the symbol as the Buddhist inteneded, or are you using it to express your anti-jewish beliefs?
Your comments above lead me to believe its the latter
You must just be a troll, right? So much crazy gets seriously said its really pushed the bar!
Curious, sincerely:
Where are all the thumbs-up points, and all the replies of support, for JoeBlow’s posts?
Hmmm why would there be thumbs up for such nonsense?
Is JoeBlow your Alt?
What is it that you like about swastikas? The fact that Americans fought against what it represented in World War II? How many lives were lost? Or maybe that Charles Manson wore one on his forehead? Are you just ignorant?
The kids who did this live in the bottom of Humboldt Hill. Our mailman and neighbor caught them vandalizing a local business sign with swastika’s. They could care less and will continue to vandalize until they get caught.
That’s just sad.
Probably one of trump’s diehard fans who also worships Putin. Because a totalitarian fascist dictatorship will solve all our problems.
Teach people history. Maybe if they knew what WWII was about and how Americans fought for freedom it could change. Teach them history!
You may want to read up on some history then.