La Mirada : Anti-Graffiti Ordinance Also Applies to Adults

Hoping to stem the spread of graffiti, La Mirada has passed an ordinance that makes it illegal for minors and adults to carry paint cans, markers and other graffiti implements in public places such as parks and recreation facilities.

The city is spending $100,000 this fiscal year on graffiti removal, compared to an estimated $30,000 in 1988. While minors are responsible for most of the problem, young adults also contribute, officials said.

“I think we will catch a number of juveniles and some young adults in their mid- to late-20s,” said Tom Robinson, director of the city Community Resources Department. “There are lots of ordinances that have holes in them because they don’t apply to adults.”

The 15-page law also restricts anyone 18 or younger from carrying graffiti tools on private property. To legally carry such items anywhere in the city, minors must prove they are involved in a school activity.

In addition, the measure requires store owners to lock up graffiti implements and prohibits the sale of such items to minors.

Violations are considered misdemeanors, punishable by a maximum six months in jail and $1,000 fine. Graffiti vandals also will face a maximum 100 hours of graffiti removal work. Parents will be held responsible for costs to remove their children’s graffiti, Robinson said.

The ordinance, which the City Council adopted April 27, takes effect later this month. The council also has established a maximum $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of graffiti vandals.