We're not certain who had the audacity to splash paint on the "C" that watches over Carson City, but it seems likely it was the work of juvenile pranksters from a rival high school.
Compared to the number and severity of crimes the Sheriff's Office deals with each day - ranging from drugs to child abuse - the crime doesn't rank high in priority. But that doesn't mean the people responsible shouldn't be made to pay - preferably by repairing the damage.
The vandals apparently were intending to paint the "C" orange and black, but were unable to calculate how much paint that task would require. That doesn't speak well for their scholastic aptitude. If, as some assume, the "L" they created inside the C was intended to represent the word "loser," the vandals actually got something right. It's an apt description of someone who would set out on such a loathsome task, and then fall so far short. Their only redeeming quality is they had enough sense to leave the flag alone.
Carson City takes a lot of pride in the symbol on the hill. In fact, in August, Adam Houghton and about 10 of his friends spent a day pulling weeds and giving it a fresh coat of white paint, which was donated by local businesses. The "C" also stands for community, and several residents are already planning to trek up the hill to repair the damage.
If you'd like to help, call Supervisor Robin Williamson, president of the C Hill Flag Foundation, at 887-2101, ext. 1213.
If you'd like to make sure the vandals get to share in the hard work, call Secret Witness at 322-4900.