Racial graffiti mar fountains
Words are visible at DeMuth Park
Willian Avila
The Desert Sun
February 4, 2007
Several Coachella Valley residents attending an AYSO area tournament on Saturday were met with what appeared to be racially charged messages written in bold black letters on drinking fountains throughout a Palm Springs park.
The words “Illegals must go!” and “No illegals” were visible at four locations at DeMuth Park, where hundreds of young players and their families spent the day.
AYSO officials said they were not aware of the offensive messages that stirred many Latinos in attendance but notified the city once a complaint was made.
“We do not condone these types of messages,” said Cindy Langley, [Send her mail.]an AYSO area referee administrator. “We encourage all people, whether legal or illegal, to participate in our league.”
Some speculate that the messages were written for Sunday night’s predominantly Latino adult soccer league, while others believe it was done before the start of the youth tournament.
“When people think of soccer, they associate it with Mexicans,” said Jorge Meza, [Send him mail]a coach from La Quinta, who added that a large proportion of soccer players in AYSO are Latino.
Palm Springs police said there were no reports made on Saturday but that action may be taken to patrol the recreation area more often.
“This is a park where people come to support their kids, to have a good time,” Roberto Mendoza, 30, who came from Cathedral City to see his two daughters play, said in Spanish. “Somebody racist offended people who came here peacefully. Not just Mexicans, but everyone.”
AYSO officials said they hope the graffiti will be removed before next weekend, when the four-week tournament is scheduled to continue. Efforts to reach city officials for comment were unsuccessful.
“We are offended. This is the example that is being made?” Obdulia Gonzalez, 40, of La Quinta said in Spanish. “This, at a kids game. What a shame.”