Berkeley, Calif.,
LGBT community center attacked

An LGBT community center in Berkeley, Calif., was attacked February 3 after several death threats were phoned in. A counseling intern at the Pacific Center for Human Growth witnessed a man kicking the glass front door of the facility, causing glass to splinter and spread across the first floor lobby and reception area. According a press release, the suspect was a white male in his late 20s, between 5 foot 10 and 6 foot 2, about 220 pounds, with blond hair. The alleged attacker is believed to be a former participant at the center's youth program in Walnut Creek in the 1990s.

In the two weeks leading up to the incident, the center had received three death threats. The police were notified after each instance but are not investigating the matter, according to the release.

The Pacific Center's executive director, Juan Barajas, said his concerns about the attacks have prompted action.

"My first priority is ensuring the safety of everybody visiting the center," he said in a statement. "We've hired security guards to monitor our center, and we are working closely with the police to apprehend the person as quickly as possible."

Anyone with information regarding this case can contact Berkeley Police's nonemergency line at (510) 981-5900. (The Advocate)