A fire at Calaveras School damaged the playground Jan. 9, while Hollister police investigators believe it was arson.
The site has two separate structures and the one for the older children “was completely destroyed” after the fire became hot enough to cause even the equipment’s metal frames to buckle, said Superintendent Gary McIntire.
Police officials are investigating and concluded it was intentionally lit.
“Well it’s arson—no doubt about it,” said Hollister Police Chief David Westrick. “We got out there. I think we were first on scene. Fire put it out pretty quickly. It looks like witnesses on scene saw some people over there.”
The Hollister Police Department is working with witnesses to get a description of the suspects. They will be issuing a We-Tip flyer with a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the capture of the suspects, Westrick said.
McIntire said the district recently inspected the structure and added new parts to it within the past week.
“It’s just too bad,” McIntire said.
The campus is completely surrounded by fences. A crew fenced off the playground site over the weekend. On Monday, the rubber mulch was being removed and brought to the landfill, McIntire said.
“I can only surmise it’s vandals at this point,” said McIntire on Monday morning.
Anyone wishing to make a donation should reach out to Christine White, the principal of Calaveras School, or Joe Rivas, the principal of the Accelerated Achievement Academy located at the same campus. Both principals will be able to suggest what materials are needed since donated playground equipment does not always meet the requirements of the insurance inspector, McIntire said. Call the main office for both schools at (831) 636-4460. To call the anonymous WeTip line, dial 1(800) 78-CRIME.
