Graffiti fighting measure before council Tuesday
By ARI COHN - Staff Writer

Anti-graffiti measures aimed at cracking down on the possession of materials like indelible markers and paint sticks by minors will be up for Chico City Council consideration Tuesday night.
The proposed city law would make it illegal for anyone to sell or give such items to people under the age of 18 without parental permission, and it would prohibit minors from possessing graffiti materials on any public property.

Also, parents could be held liable for the cost of cleaning up graffiti perpetrated by their children, in addition to any attorneys' fees and court costs that might come into play.

Last month, the council's Internal Affairs subcommittee, consisting of City Councilors Dan Herbert, Andy Holcombe and Ann Schwab, voted 3-0 to recommend that the full City Council approve the new law.

Chico police officials have said it's hard to pin graffiti vandalism on a suspect unless officers observe the crime, but the new law would allow police to charge suspects for possession of restricted graffiti materials.

The proposal grew out of the recommendations of a task force formed in the wake of a graffiti tagging spree a couple of years ago.
A state law already restricts the sale of spray paint to minors, but the proposed city law is more comprehensive. Among the items that could be regulated are indelible markers with half-inch felt tips.

Additionally, the ordinance aims to prod private property owners into cleaning up graffiti on their property. If city officials observe graffiti on a private building, they could issue a notice to the owner to remove the graffiti within 10 days. Otherwise, the city could step in and do it for them, then stick the property owners with the bill.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

Staff writer Ari Cohn can be reached at 896-7767 or acohn@chicoer.com.