This time it hits close to home for me. The Newbury Park Planned Parenthood is just a few miles away from my home, in an area which certainly has its share of wingnuts but is more of a bedroom community for commuters to the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles. Much more of a higher-end middle class community with plenty of Democrats and Republicans who don't swing toward insanity.
However. At least one person in that area is a zealot.
According to arson investigators, a suspect smashed a window on the ground floor of the facility using a blunt object, likely a rock, to make entry.
Officials also said the culprit used some sort of accelerant and ignited the substance. The type of chemical used has not been determined.Sheriff's officials said the facility did not receive any threats prior to the fire, and the location has not experienced problems in the past.
"There has been an uptick in security incidents on women's health centers, and particularly Planned Parenthood across the country, and our top priority today and every day is to the health and safety of our patients and our staff," said Jenna Tosh, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo.
Fortunately, no one was injured, and there was minimal fire damage because the overhead sprinklers were activated quickly. However, the property did incur some water damage. The total damage estimate was not immediately available.
This happened the day after the five-hour hearing where Planned Parenthood director Cecile Richards was raked over the coals by Republican zealots campaigning for 2016.
Raise your hand if you're in the least surprised.
