Shelter thankful for community support after vandalism attack

Jennifer Kho

COSTA MESA -- A swell of community support is helping Yellowstone

Women’s Recovery Homes wash away the fear, shock and pain that racist

vandalism brought Saturday, officials at the said.

“People in this community have been compassionate, supportive and

concerned,” said Honey Thanes, director of the two homes. “They have been

so much nicer and kinder than I expected. I think they realize this is

something we are all prey to. Many of these women have already been

battered one way or another, and this is another form of battering.”

Recovery homes officials and residents discovered the vandalism --

racist remarks and symbols spray-painted on the houses, a smashed pumpkin

and tires slashed on the recovery homes’ van -- at about 8 a.m. Saturday,

said Sgt. Bob Durham of the Costa Mesa Police Department.

Damage at Yellowstone Women’s First Step House, a free recovery home

in the 100 block of East Bay Street for women trying to overcome

addictions to alcohol or drugs, was estimated at $200.

The other house, a sober-living home, was also vandalized, with damage

estimated at less than $100. Thanes requested the location of that

facility not be released to protect the residents.

A number of community members have called to offer support or to

volunteer their time, Thanes said, and one community member donated four

new tires for the van.

“The neighbors are looking out for us,” said Thanes, adding that one

Bay Street neighbor with a dog has promised to look in on the home

whenever her dog barks, just to make sure the vandals aren’t back. “No

one is taking this lightly, and we’re more alert now. We are shocked by

this, but that doesn’t mean we’re giving up or running scared. We’re here

to stay. We’re just going to be more careful and more protective.”

Fear is one of the biggest problems the crime has caused, but Thanes

said the community has helped combat this by volunteering to help patrol

the houses at night.

Bonnie Cohen, board member of Yellowstone Women’s First Step House,

said the residents have stayed focused on their recovery despite the

vandalism.

“They are focused on their steps and on doing what they’re supposed to

be doing,” she said. “Part of their recovery is believing in a power

greater than themselves. That belief [allows us to] detach from these

hate crimes, and know we’re in God’s care and pray for these people.”

No suspects have been taken into custody and the investigation is

continuing, Sgt. Burton Santee said.