CARMICHAEL, Calif. — A local pasta shop owner said she was a victim of a hate crime after a rock destroyed her window.
The Chubby Cupboard, owned by Mari Vilardo, is a business in Carmichael specializing in handmade pasta, sauces and other Italian foods.
Vilardo said her business was vandalized Sunday after she heard glass break at the front window. She believes her business was specifically targeted due to the Pride flag displayed in the window, which had been up since Pride Month.
The rock was thrown near the flag's hanging, shattering the glass and leaving a large hole. The window has since been boarded up.
"I was sitting in the work area waiting for a class to start and I just hear the glass shatter," Vilardo said. "When I looked over, I saw that the front window had a big hole in it."
Witnesses reported seeing two teenage boys running down the street after the incident. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office said a report has been filed and forwarded to its gang unit, which handles hate crime investigations.
Despite concerns from family and friends, especially following the election, Vilardo refused to remove the Pride flag, saying its a part of the shop's identity.
"We're a queer-owned business, and we have been since we opened in 2021," Vilardo said. "It's a very important part of who we are."
The Chubby Cupboard not only sells pasta but also offers cooking classes in the community and has been actively involved in queer outreach, particularly during Pride Month. Vilardo said her business is involved in drives where they donate portions of their proceeds to local LGBTQ+ charities.
In the wake of the incident, customers have shown support for Vilardo's business on social media. While insurance will cover a large portion of the repairs, Vilardo will need to pay some expenses out of pocket.
"It can happen anywhere and that's really scary, where you feel safe where you live," Vilardo said. "California is a relatively safe state for marginalized communities, but these can happen to anyone and that's sad."
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