National Basque Monument in Rancho San Rafael Park hit by vandals

A monument in Rancho San Rafael Park has been vandalized, and now detectives are calling it a grand larceny case. In 1989, more than 2,000 people gathered in the park to see the unveiling of the National Basque Monument. It's a tribute to the Basque sheep-herders and ranchers who helped settle the area. Now, more than 20 years later, vandals have broken off, and stolen, the five bronze plaques which are part of the monument. It is believed the thieves may be looking to sell the heavy bronze pieces. Washoe County Parks volunteer Mark Mansmith says he is disgusted with the destruction. "This is an important artwork for Nevada's history as well as the Basque sheep-herders history, in addition, this is supposed to be a pristine park for families to come here and they don't want to witness this kind of destruction," said Mansmith...more