SAN DIEGO
Dozens of people attended an emergency meeting in University Heights on Saturday to take action after a series of suspicious fires were set in their neighborhood.
"I was trying to think why someone would have targeted the school," said Amanda Hammond-Williams. She is the principal of Alice Birney Elementary School, which was one of the places damaged by arson.
San Diego police Lt. Mark Hanten said, "I don't think we're looking for just random vandals."
Hanten said he has seen a total of six cases in one month.
In addition to the fire at Alice Birney Elementary, the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall was hit three times: Dec. 20, Dec. 30 and Jan. 3. Then, on Jan. 10, two cars were set on fire.
"Common sense tells you? in close proximity, they're either the same people or they're copycats," said Hanten.
Police said the arsonist strikes at the same time and in the same manner by soaking an area with gasoline before striking the match.
The threat has grown so great that police are asking for the public's help.
"One of the main ways we're going to solve this problem is by their vigilance," said Hanten.
Hammond-Williams is one of many keeping a watchful eye while they rebuild parts of the school.
"I've heard anything from three to four months to, 'you won't have it back this school year,'" she said.
Though buildings are being burned, a stronger community is being built. Hammond-Williams said her students are reaching out to her.
"They said, 'Miss Amanda, we were so upset by what we saw on TV we did a yard sale and here is $30,'" she said. "I have been so strong and I just fell apart. That made me cry."
Police have amped up patrols and community members plan to join in and protect what is theirs.
Investigators said all fires occurred between 10:45 p.m. and midnight, which is when neighbors should be most alert.
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