Graffiti fighters eye etching control
BY JIM SKEEN, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 06/18/2007 06:58:01 PM PDT


PALMDALE - Palmdale is looking to tighten its graffiti ordinance to include blocking minors from buying or carrying etching materials.

In a proposed update of the graffiti ordinance, city officials are looking to add a section stating that etching solutions may not be sold to anyone under 18 and that such substances are to be placed in a secure area of retail stores, in the same manner as spray paint. The ordinance would also prohibit minors from carrying etching tools or solutions.

"It will have an impact," Mayor Jim Ledford said Monday. "This puts teeth into an ordinance to deter this kind of behavior."

The proposed update also states the city will ask judges to either delay a minor from getting a driver's license or suspend a license in graffiti cases. Other actions could include asking for community service to be part of the minor's sentence and using property liens on the parents' property to ensure restitution payments for damages.

"These remedies are already available under state law," said Deputy City Attorney Noel Doran. "This is a policy statement on behalf of the city that these are the kinds of things we could do."

The proposed updates go before the City Council at its 7 p.m. Wednesday meeting in council chambers, 38300 Sierra Highway, Suite B.
City officials said they aggressively pursue restitution ordered by the court for damages from the parents of juveniles convicted of graffiti vandalism as well as from adult vandals. City officials hope to intensify collection efforts by refining the process and working with other agencies, such as the county District Attorney's Office and the courts.

City officials said they spent $591,000 last year for maintenance staff, vehicles, equipment and supplies to remove more than 1 million square feet of graffiti.

"There is no doubt about it: Graffiti vandalism costs our taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars," Ledford said. "We have zero tolerance for graffiti vandals in our city, and we have a number of programs in place to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions."

The city has a goal of trying to clean up graffiti within 24 hours of its being reported. Graffiti can be reported on the city's 94-PRIDE hotline.

Ledford said the city also welcomes volunteer efforts to clean up graffiti and has an adopt-a-wall program. Residents can learn about that effort by calling 267-5181.

james.skeen@dailynews

(661) 267-5743