LOS ALAMITOS, CA — Beginning on April 17, Los Alamitos High School officials started to receive reports from the local business Volcano Burger that students have been vandalizing their property and the property of customers.

The reports have included students throwing rocks at cars in the drive-through, creating graffiti in the bathroom, and disrupting customers on the patio.

Los Al has been working closely with Volcano Burger by using their cameras and sending images of disruption to the police. The Los Alamitos Police Department has been monitoring, interviewing, and trying to figure out people who are part of conducting disruptive acts around Volcano Burger.

“It’s really disappointing that there is a small segment that unfortunately represents our school in such an egregious fashion that all these policies and rules have to take place,” said Principal Kraus.

Depending on the severity of the issue, the consequences may vary. Los Al, Volcano Burger itself, and even the police department could be involved in the students’ punishments. Financial consequences as well as criminal charges are among the possible consequences. At the bare minimum, Principal Kraus said there will have to be a conversation, and the school will inform the parents. Depending on the range of vandalism, punishments could be anywhere from detention to suspension or expulsion.

However, according to the education code, whether the school is able to punish  students depends on when the transgressions occur. It would be difficult for the school to punish the students if the vandalism occurred during the weekends or during some other time when the school is not responsible for student’s behavior.

“We urge parents/guardians to discuss this matter with their children and emphasize the importance of behaving appropriately at all times, particularly while at school, off campus during lunch, or traveling to and from school. We believe our students are amazing and we always want them to represent Los Alamitos High School in a positive light,” Principal Kraus shared.

Volcano Burger has informed the school that if the vandalism and disruption continues, they could eventually stop allowing Los Al students to eat at their restaurant during school hours, for the protection and comfort of their business.
Volcano Burger was not available for comment at this time.

“I haven’t personally observed any of it happening, but I think it sucks that it might affect students’ ability to eat lunch there,” said Aleina Tuufuli, Los Al senior.

Students should consider whether they are ready to truly face the consequences of their behavior when it can harm their lives and affect their peers.