Artesia : Anti-Graffiti Law Forbids Youths to Carry Markers
The City Council has passed an ordinance making it illegal for anyone 18 or younger to carry felt tip markers and other graffiti paraphernalia in public places such as Artesia playgrounds, parks and streets.
Those who are caught with tagging materials will be fined $50 the first time, $100 for a second offense and $250 for subsequent violations. The law, which was approved Tuesday, is modeled in part on a measure the Norwalk City Council adopted last month.
Under the Artesia law, merchants are required to lock up spray paint and other materials that could be used in tagging. The city will remove graffiti at no cost to property owners, but if they refuse to allow city work crews on their premises, the owners will have five days to do the work.
The council plans to offer a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of taggers. It will set the amount at its May 10 meeting.
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