At least three schools in La Cañada Flintridge went into lockdown on Monday this week after La Cañada High School received a call from an individual threatening to come to campus with an AR-15 style rifle, which was later traced to another state and being investigated as a swatting incident.
Campus security initiated a lockdown at about 1:30 p.m. at LCHS, where the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station was summoned and arrived on campus within minutes to take command of the scene.
Meanwhile, St. Francis High School and Crestview Preparatory School also was put on a full lockdown, with the guidance of the Sheriff’s Station, while Flintridge Preparatory School was placed on a modified lockdown. There, the campus continued instruction, but students and staff were kept inside until they were released at 3 p.m.
On Monday, deputies and California Highway Patrol officers closed off roads around LCHS, St. Francis and Crestview, including part of Foothill Boulevard and Oak Grove Drive.
Students and staff at LCHS were secured in classrooms as law enforcement conducted a full sweep of the campus. Authorities did not find any weapons on campus at any time.
“The Sheriff’s Department will continue to investigate in order to address any remaining questions as events like this have been reported today at other schools around the state,” said La Cañada Unified School District Superintendent Wendy Sinnette in a press release regarding the call.
All LCHS activities, including all area sports, were canceled for the day and the campus was closed. School resumed the next day with zero period at 7:28 a.m.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the entire LCUSD community for their support and cooperation regarding the emergency lockdown at the LCHS campus today,” said Sinnette. “To begin, thank you to our students, teachers, staff, administration, and the Crescent Valley Sheriff’s Department for their exceptional implementation of safety and security protocols during a very stressful event. Teachers and staff entered into the lockdown efficiently and calmly and students followed directions and remained safe in their classrooms.”
Sinnette also recognized school leaders, including Principals James Cartnal and Jarrett Gold, Assistant Principals Adam Almeida and Jennifer Nebor, as well as the Sheriff’s Station for its immediate response and thoughtful decision-making.
“I am grateful to parents for cooperating with my email and text directions, despite the anxiety the events of the afternoon must have produced,” said Sinnette, who added that she understands that the event might be traumatic for some and reminded students and staff that counseling and services will be available in the Wellness Centers to assist those who may need extra support.
Sinnette also addressed the situation at the La Cañada Unified School District Board meeting on Tuesday and said that the district learned some ways it can improve should a future situation occur. LCUSD will practice enacting real-time communication with students and staff on the site, evacuation scenarios and create possible places for the school to evacuate off-site safely and swiftly.
“I think what we learned is that we do what we’re trained on,” said Associate Superintendent of Tech Services Jamie Lewsadder. “And there was clear evidence of the training that we’ve practiced with our communication systems, and places that we definitely need to do a little bit more practice as Wendy mentioned.”
Board member Dan Jeffries commended the district for its speed of communication to the community.
“You and your staff did such a good job of getting out, not only information in a timely way, but very accurate and verified information,” said Jeffries. “And I think one of the lessons learned is that when you do have a crisis situation, there’s a lot of false information that floats out there, and if people repeat false information, it makes the situation worse. So, it was very appreciated.”
Sinnette also wanted to remind the community of the district’s anonymous tip line.
“I would also like to remind everyone of our anonymous tip line where you can report any concerning incidents or behaviors,” said Sinnette. “Events like the one today remind us of the importance of speaking up if you see something that causes you concern.”
To visit the anonymous tip line, visit go.lcusd.net/tipline.
First published in the April 25 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
