Updated: Vandals Also Struck La Cañada Elementary

Updated Tuesday: It may be a kaleidoscope of colors, but to Assistant Superintendent Mike Leininger, the paint splashed on the walls atis not artistic in any way.

“It’s vandalism,’’ Leininger said Tuesday morning. “It was an act by individuals who didn’t have anything productive to do.’’

The same color paint that splattered walls at LCHS last week also appeared on the side of the cafeteria at . In addition, pastel paints splattered a couple of the elementary's wooden backboards, which students use for ball games, said Leininger, who's in charge of facilities and operations for the district.

So far, maintenance workers have power washed and painted over some of the damage, but the big question is what will become of LCHS’ national blue ribbon logo, which is now streaked with pink, blue and green. The district is gathering price quotes to determine whether the mural should be repainted, whether officials can paint around the damage or if the blue ribbon logo has to be abandoned entirely, he said.

Sgt. Ray Harley of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s said Tuesday he had heard about the vandalism, but is not aware of LCHS filing a police report. So far, Leininger said, school officials have handled the investigation in house. He does not believe La Cañada High School students are the culprits.

“Our kids are very good artists – they typically don’t use our walls as a landscape,’’ Leininger said, adding he does not see a parallel between the colorful vandalism and the month-long art show that opened last Thursday to celebrate fine arts month and students’ artistic achievement.

Earlier: In what appears to be an act of vandalism, pastel paints splash various exteriors at La Cañada High School.

Neither LCHS Principal Jackie Luzak nor Mike Leininger, assistant superintendent of facilities and operations for La Cañada Unified School District, could be reached for comment Monday afternoon. It is unclear whether a police report has been filed about the colorful splashes, which showed up last week.

The blue, green and pink strokes that stripe the school's National Blue Ribbon School mural, coincide with the timing of the school's art show, which opened Thursday and feature works from some 250 student ranging from ninth to 12th grade. The art showcase in the auditorium is a nod to National Fine Arts month.

Green paint also flecks the concrete wall at the front of the school, facing Oak Grove Drive.