Series Of Thefts, Vandalism Hit South Sacramento High School

Teachers at a South Sacramento high school are reaching out to the community for help after a series of recent thefts and vandalism at the campus' urban farm.

Citrus trees planted by students at Luther Burbank's Urban Garden - known as the BUG - were dug up from the ground. Potted peach and plum trees were stolen. Vandals damaged the greenhouse wall and a roll-top barn door. The estimated loss stands at $2,300.

Teacher Aaron McClatchy helps run the BUG. Among those who've worked hard to plant and tend the garden are students with developmental disabilities and behavioral issues.

"They've found some happiness in the garden. Doing work. Learning how to take care of plants. And when they found out, they were angry! They were very angry," says McClatchy. "They weren't resigned, they ended up free-styling some rap songs about how messed up it was for this theft and vandalism to happen in what they claim as their space."

Garden coordinators say a crowd-sourcing campaign will help them repair and replace what's lost and build up supplies for summer and fall farming at the BUG.