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Sierra Madre Gay Couple’s Car Vandalized
News Nov 22, 2016
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The Czubenats’ signs have garnerd some unwanted attention lately. – Photo by Terry Miller
By Terry Miller
Candice and Crystal Czubernat purchased a home on west Highland in Sierra Madre two years ago with the hope of bringing up their 2-year old twins in a peaceful city where everyone gets respect no matter what their sexual preference may be.
The tiny city of Sierra Madre has been known for years as progressive and tolerant. However now, the Czubernats feel they have been targeted and have experienced a post-election hate crime.
“We are one of the very few gay families in our town. We purchased a property two years ago in hopes of raising our young family in a safe community. Until recently, we have lived in that safe space. After the election, we led our 2- year-old twins in creating signs that signified our love and acceptance of all people. We did this in order to teach our kids about advocacy, standing up for the oppressed and how each person’s voice deserves to be heard,” Crystal Czubernat said.
Candice (l) and Crystal Czubernat outside their Sierra Madre home Tuesday morning. – Photo by Terry Miller
“After hanging the signs on our porch, this weekend, my car was egged and a tire of our car was slashed. We are afraid and horrified.”
Czubernat immediately called the Sierra Madre Police Dept., who Czubernat said were “very kind, understanding and helpful … ”
The Czubernat’s were advised [by SMPD] while there is no immediate evidence of a hate crime – it may have been an adolescent prank. However, the couple believes they were targeted as a result of putting the signs on their porch which incited a negative reaction.
While no one was hurt in the incident, Candice and Crystal Czubernat’s family and friends want them to take the signs down. However, with mixed feelings the couple believes it’s imperative to not be beaten by hatred and therefore the signs will remain.
The police have put on extra patrols in the area since the incident and the city cleaned up the street outside their home. The couple hopes that other neighbors in Sierra Madre stand strong and not give in to what they judge as a hate crime. They ask that other couples who believe as they do also take a stand against oppression.
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