Bob Redell

San Ramon Police, FBI Patrol California High School Following Threats

Police officers and officials with the FBI are patrolling California High School Thursday following the discoveries of multiple threats made within a roughly one-week time period.

Christopher George, principal of the San Ramon high school, indicated that there would be a "considerable" police presence on and around the campus Thursday and additional administrators who would be available to support students and staff. He also noted that there are 47 surveillance cameras at the school.

"Obviously in these types of situations, the safety of the school, the staff and the kids that go here is paramount and that's the most important thing for us today," Cpl. Mike Pistello with the San Ramon Police Department said. "So we have an increased presence here."

In addition to police officers, Pistello said multiple FBI officials would be "circulating" about the campus. He declined to state exactly how many FBI officials would be in the area, but he said they would not be in uniform.

"We take these kind of things very seriously," Pistello said.

There have been at least four threats at Cal High in recent years, including three since last Tuesday.

The most recent threat happened Wednesday morning. Students reported seeing graffiti in a bathroom in the fine arts building that read, "Tomorrow, library will be shot up first, then courtyard and then myself" in addition to a racist comment directed at African Americans.

Last week, students found graffiti in another restroom that read, "Cal will be shot up 5/9. Final warning." Details regarding the third threat were not immediately known.

The principal released a letter to parents Wednesday outlining the most recent threat and the police response.

"Despite this presence, some families will choose to keep their children home from school tomorrow and we fully support the decision that you make as a family," part of the statement read. "We understand and will work with teachers to ensure an absence tomorrow does not impact students. We will also have additional counselors available for students and staff."

Last year, police arrested a freshman student for allegedly plotting to shoot six students they had on a hit list.

The district attorney's office reviewed the evidence and decided not to press charges.

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