Ads Painted on Street Are the Same as Graffiti

The article “Shock Ads: New Rage That Spawns Rage” (March 22) described how advertisers with limited budgets are spray-painting provocative messages on sidewalks.

The article warned that by summer such campaigns may be showing up in Los Angeles. “Street kids” would be hired to do the spray painting.

I am concerned about the mixed messages we are sending to young people. They are told that graffiti is an illegal form of vandalism that demonstrates a lack of respect for property. Then a company, masquerading as a legitimate business, provides them with spray paint to deface city sidewalks in the name of profit making.

The vexing images of the monikers of taggers, gangs and other forms of graffiti continue to mar city streets.

Graffiti contributes to crime and renders the urban landscape repugnant. It also takes a monetary toll, lowering property values and tourism income. The City of Los Angeles spends more than $3 million a year to remove graffiti, Cal Trans $4 million and the Southern California Rapid Transit District $12 million.

This substantial capital could be used for recreation, education and art programs. Businesses and individuals that violate anti-graffiti laws should be fined to pay for the escalating costs of cleanup.

This would allow a portion of the tax dollars spent on cleanup to be used for programs that provide productive activities for young people.

DELPHIA JONES

Los Angeles

The writer is director of Operation Clean Sweep, a city - sponsored anti-graffiti program.