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Vandals Repeatedly Deface Kids' Peace Mural In Oakland

OAKLAND (KPIX 5) – People living in an Oakland neighborhood said they have had enough after vandals have repeatedly defaced a community mural of peace.

"It's just outright stupidity," Oakland City Councilmember Noel Gallo said.

Surveillance video has captured two vandals in action.

The tiny hands that make up this mural in the Fruitvale District belong to Oakland elementary school kids and symbolize peace.

"And they're continuing to disrespect not just the children but those of us that live here," Gallo said.

Vandals have targeted the mural three times. Each time it's repainted, the vandals come back.

Jose Luis Martinez said his two children helped with the nearly dozen murals all over Oakland.

"For him to find out his hand was covered by graffiti or vandalism he was pretty heartbroken about that 15," Martinez said. "They feel really proud to be part of anything that's positive in the community."

The kids not only paint murals of peace, but walk around the neighborhoods to spread the same message.

Martinez said he's told his kids not to allow the vandals who've marred their canvas stop them from their mission. "We cannot let that defeat us," he said.

"We're going to find out who's doing it and we're going to prosecute you," Gallo said.

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