Racial slur painted on city-owned building in Novato sparks outrage

NOVATO, Calif. (KGO) -- A racial slur spray-painted on a city-owned building has sparked outrage in the North Bay.

A police officer spotted the graffiti while on patrol in Novato.

The graffiti was discovered at the old officer's club at Hamilton Field. It's since been painted over but police are still trying to find whoever's responsible.

A Novato police officer spotted the graffiti Monday morning. It includes the N-word. And while it's in an area of Hamilton Field with little foot traffic, many Marin residents have seen a photo of the graffiti on social media.

"Just fuel more of the same hatred that we're trying to get rid of," said Novato resident Mike Lapinskas.

"We're all one, we're all in this together, so let's write some positive messages if you're going to write anything at all," said San Rafael resident David Taylor.

Novato police don't have a motive or suspects. They say the area has been a go-to spot for juveniles in the past, but it's unclear if that's the case this time.

"Although it does have a racial component to it, we don't know the motivation of the suspect was," said Novato police Sgt. Trevor Hall. "So at this point in time it's not per se a hate crime but it's something we're actively looking into."

Novato police are counting on the public's help.