Latest news with #PetalumaCitySchools
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Petaluma man arrested after threatening to execute school official over Pride flags
PETALUMA, Calif. - A man was arrested Thursday after allegedly threatening to execute a Petaluma City Schools employee unless all Pride flags were removed from school grounds. Police arrested Josh Garzoli, 54, that same day and charged him with making a felony criminal threat. He is being held on $750,000 bail. "It was shocking, because that's not the kind of community we live in," said Sandra Larsen, president of the Petaluma Federation of Teachers. The threat came as schools in the district displayed Pride flags in recognition of Pride Month. "June being Pride Month, it made sense that the flags would fly, and kids know they belong," said Larsen. According to police, Garzoli initially contacted the district on May 30, leaving what officials described as a "concerning voicemail" demanding the removal of Pride flags and warning of "harsh consequences" if his demands weren't met. On Monday, police say Garzoli appeared outside the district's headquarters in an agitated state, again demanding the flags be taken down. Days later, he allegedly followed up with the threatening email that led to his arrest. In a message to the school community Friday, Petaluma City Schools said there was no direct threat made towards any specific school campus, but access to the district office was temporarily restricted Thursday as a precaution. In a separate statement to KTVU, the district stressed its commitment to inclusion. "One of our board goals is that all students have a trusted adult and a strong sense of belonging within their learning community. In addition, we fully believe in supporting the diversity of our students and within our community. To that end, we have proudly flown the Progress Pride Flag annually at the beginning of late May through the end of June," said the district. "It's vital, I would say one of the top jobs of any teacher, is to make their class feel welcome and safe and ready to learn," said Larsen.
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Bay Area man threatened execution of school official over Pride flags, police say
A Petaluma man has been arrested on suspicion of threatening to execute a school district official if Pride flags weren't removed from city campuses, police said. Josh Garzoli, 54, was arrested shortly after noon Thursday after leaving a voicemail and email demanding removal of the LGBTQ flags, as well as a visit to the Petaluma City Schools administration office, police said. Garzoli first left an email with the district official on May 30 threatening 'harsh consequences' if the flags weren't removed from city campuses, according to the Petaluma Police Department. He also visited the district's office last Monday demanding removal of the flags, but left without further incident, police said. Officers responded at 9:18 a.m. Thursday after Garzoli sent an email saying he would have the district official, who has not been identified, 'executed' if the flags were not removed by the end of the school day, police said. The threat was time sensitive and caused safety concerns for school officials, police said. Detectives located and arrested Garzoli without incident and booked him on suspicion of making criminal threats, a felony, police said. The agency was granted a bail enhancement of $750,000, police said. Petaluma City Schools, which have flown the Pride flags on campuses from late May through the end of June since 2022 after a unanimous resolution by the board, issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to diversity, according to the Press Democrat. District officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. 'The Petaluma Police Department takes all criminal threats seriously,' police said in a statement. 'We are working closely with Petaluma City Schools to ensure additional security measures are in place and that district personnel feel supported and protected. The safety of our school staff, students, and broader community is our highest priority.'
CBS News
13-05-2025
- CBS News
Bay Area schools warn parents of viral TikTok trend damaging school-issued Chromebooks
At least two school districts in the San Francisco Bay Area have issuing warnings to parents about a viral social media trend in which students are damaging their school-issued Chromebook computers. The trend, known as the "Chromebook Challenge" on TikTok, involves teens jamming small objects, such as paper clips and pencils, into the USB ports of the laptops. In some cases, the laptops short-circuit, causing sparks and even fires. Officials with the Petaluma City Schools in the North Bay issued a statement Friday saying they have seen an increased number of incidents of intentional damage to the Chromebooks. "This is extremely unsafe and poses a serious risk to student safety, school property, and classroom learning," district officials said. "This behavior must stop immediately. Students aware of others engaging in this behavior should report it to a trusted adult or administrator immediately." In the East Bay, officials at the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District issued a similar warning, saying that at least one school reported damage to an electrical outlet in a classroom. "We take this issue very seriously as it can not only result in the destruction of valuable school property, but more importantly, poses significant personal safety risks including the potential for electric shock, burns, or other injuries," said a statement sent to parents on Thursday. Districts across the country have issued similar warnings about the challenge, including districts in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania. Both districts warned parents and guardians of students who intentionally damage their devices would be held financially responsible for repair or replacement costs. Parents and guardians are also being urged to talk to their children about the potential negative effects of social media. "While platforms like TikTok can be creative and fun, they can also promote harmful or misleading trends that encourage risky or damaging behavior. Your involvement, asking questions, staying engaged, and setting boundaries play a crucial role in helping students navigate these spaces safely and responsibly," said Petaluma school officials.
San Francisco Chronicle
10-05-2025
- San Francisco Chronicle
Bay Area students are setting school laptops on fire in new TikTok trend, officials say
A dangerous TikTok trend is prompting warnings from school officials across the Bay Area and beyond, after a rise in incidents involving students intentionally damaging school-issued Chromebooks — some resulting in smoke, fire and costly destruction. Known as the ' Chromebook Challenge,' the viral prank encourages students to insert metal objects such as paper clips, foil, or LED wires into the USB ports of their laptops. The goal, apparently for social media attention, is to short-circuit the devices, causing sparks, heat or flames. Petaluma City Schools issued an alert Friday after reporting multiple cases of deliberate damage. 'This is extremely unsafe and poses a serious risk to student safety, school property, and classroom learning,' wrote Esmeralda Sanchez Moseley, assistant superintendent of student services. She warned that any student found deliberately tampering with a Chromebook would be held financially responsible for repairs or replacements, which can cost up to $350, and would face disciplinary consequences under the California Education Code. On Thursday, the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District in the East Bay issued a similar warning. 'We take this issue very seriously as it can not only result in the destruction of valuable school property, but more importantly, poses significant personal safety risks including the potential for electric shock, burns or other injuries,' the district said in a letter. In Connecticut, Newington High School was evacuated after a student's Chromebook caught fire. In Arizona, a middle school classroom was briefly closed due to smoke and burning plastic, and in New Jersey, a 15-year-old student faces arson charges for allegedly setting a device on fire. Officials say that beyond the financial impact, the trend carries serious health and safety risks. Damaged lithium-ion batteries — standard in Chromebooks — can overheat rapidly, potentially reaching temperatures above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Fire officials in Maryland and Texas have warned that the consequences could include burns, toxic fumes, or widespread property damage. 'We urge all families to speak with their students about the dangers and seriousness of this issue,' Moseley added. 'While platforms like TikTok can be creative and fun, they can also promote harmful or misleading trends.'
