In August, the National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco suffered two acts of serious vandalism that require major repairs, SF Weekly reports. As a result, the group is raising funds to start restoring the grove.
According to John Cunningham, executive director of the National AIDS Memorial Grove, the two attacks occurred August 14 and August 25. The first attack damaged horticulture, including memorial trees.
The second attack damaged upwards of 65 carved names in the stone of the Circle of Friends by using round river rocks. Also damaged were memorial benches, including two engravings that were destroyed.
As of now, the attacks are not being linked to homophobia or AIDSphobia. The suspect has committed similar acts on other nearby public works. The individual is considered to have significant mental health issues.
According to Cunningham, repairs at the low end are up to $125,000 and up to a $1 million on the high end. The group is currently evaluating whether a full restoration of the grove is the right decision.
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