Group Links Vandalism to National Racist Group

Vandalism at two San Fernando Valley synagogues and the discovery of hate literature in supermarket food products reflect the growing local strength of the National Alliance, a nationwide racist group, the Anti-Defamation League said Thursday.

The local incidents are being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, said Deputy Chief Michael Bostic, who appeared at a news conference with David A. Lehrer, the league's regional director. Bostic said no arrests have been made but detectives have identified possible suspects.

As in other hate crimes across the country, the group's Web site address was found on the walls of the vandalized synagogues and on fliers found at the supermarkets, Lehrer said.

The news conference, held outside the Van Nuys courthouse, was called to publicize the league's report on the alliance, a West Virginia-based group.