Tagging graffiti for elimination
Proposed bill would help pay for enforcement
Print this Article Email this Article Text Size: A | A | A

March 17, 2007 6:00 AM
Graffiti has been a growing problem in our communities for far too long.

For years, residents and business owners have wasted their time, energy and hard-earned money removing so-called "street art" spray-painted on their private property. The problem is only getting worse.

I'm sick and tired of seeing red and orange paint sprayed across doors, windows and fences as I drive down our highways, past our schools and through our neighborhoods and shopping centers.

It's time to end the destructive and expensive graffiti epidemic once and for all.

Removing graffiti is much more than just painting over vandalism.

Neighborhoods with significant graffiti problems are typically areas where there are also problems with gangs and street violence.

Combating the spread of graffiti is really about ensuring Central Valley families never have to live in fear in their own homes and communities.

It's time we sent a message to those who are thinking about vandalizing our homes and businesses with their spray- paint cans.

If you tag, you're it - and we're coming after you.

I'm working hard to ensure law enforcement has the tools and resources needed to successfully fight the spread of graffiti.

That's why I have introduced Assembly Bill 528, which will establish a new initiative to combat graffiti vandalism.

Under this legislation, $5 million in state funds would be used to help local officials eradicate graffiti problems.

Right now, cities and county officials constantly are challenged to stretch limited budget dollars to their fullest in funding important services that residents expect.

Providing extra state resources to help aggressively battle vandalism would make a real difference as they work to clean up their communities.

We'll also require those who caused the problem - vandals and gang members - to clean up their mess, pay property owners for damage and perform community service to pay their debt to society.

Our focus is on punishment, restitution and rehabilitation.

When we catch graffiti "artists" at a young age, it might be our only opportunity to turn their lives around before they become more serious or dangerous criminals.

Through after-school programs, we hopefully can turn troubled young people on to positive activities that will restore their hope.

I'm confident we can eliminate the graffiti problem and restore safe communities with clean buildings and public spaces, free from gang violence and the threat it represents.