Monrovia : Graffiti Control Program

The City Council unanimously approved a graffiti control program this week, establishing a $1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of vandals.

The ordinance bans the sale of broad-tipped markers--believed to be responsible for 30% to 40% of graffiti--to minors; outlaws possession of spray paint or markers by minors in public; requires businesses that sell the paint or markers to keep them locked up or within 15 feet of the counter in direct view, and requires parents to pay up to $10,000 restitution to people whose property is defaced by graffiti.

A law banning the possession of spray paint by minors is already on the books in Monrovia.

The reward program, to be advertised by 100 signs costing $1,500, is administered through the We-Tip crime prevention program.

In other action, the council honored a 50-year employee of the Monrovia Parks Department by naming a building for him.

Norman Pfeifer, who died in January at age 77, worked in maintenance at Library Park during his lifelong career with the city. The council voted to name a card room on the grounds of the park the Norman Pfeifer Room.