Santa Monica
LOOKOUT

By Jorge Casuso

June 4, 2025 -- Some 40 to 50 Malibu High School seniors and former students went on a wild overnight vandalism spree -- gluing shut classroom doors, tearing down clocks, scattering garbage and scrawling explicit graffitti across the campus, District officials said Tuesday.

The rampage, which took place between 11 P.M. and 2 A.M., caused "tens of thousands of dollars in damage" and made many classrooms inaccessible, said District Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton.

The high school was forced to relocate teachers and students to alternative spaces across campus, including "the gym, library, unused middle school classrooms, the parent center, and even outdoor areas," Shelton said.

"This behavior is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated," Shelton wrote in a message to parents, students, staff and community members. "We expect our students to act as responsible members of our community, especially in the week leading up to graduation," Shelton said.

District officials are working with the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station in an ongoing investigation to identify those responsible, according to the letter.

"All individuals found to be involved will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and education code," Shelton wrote. "This may include, but is not limited to, restitution for damages and the loss of senior privileges.

"We also believe it's vital to address the underlying issues that may contribute to such behavior and reinforce the importance of respect for property and community."

Shelton urged parents to "talk to your students about their whereabouts over last night."

During the three-hour rampage, the perpetrators also pushed a golf cart down the stairs, tossed raw eggs at windows and exterior walls, overturned or moved multiple pieces of furniture to rooftops and broke several concrete tables and seating, Shelton reported

For more than 15 years, seniors have vandalized the Malibu High School campus, Shelton said.

"This is not a rite of passage," he wrote. "This is a crime that has consequences to all involved. It will not be tolerated."

Malibu High School will have graduation as planned on June 11, Shelton said.