FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Graffiti Removal for Flood Channels OKd

Graffiti will be removed from flood-control channels and private block walls facing the waterways under an agreement reached this week between the city and the county.

The program will be carried out by the county at no cost to the city, said Donald L. Heinbuch, city administrative services manager. The city’s participation was approved unanimously by the City Council.

Councilman James D. Petrikin noted that under the agreement, the paint used to cover graffiti does not have to match the existing color of the channel or block wall.

Mayor Laurann Cook agreed. “I do believe in aesthetics. Jim has a good point,” she said.

Councilman George Scott, however, said he believes it doesn’t matter what the color is “as long as it’s done.”

City Manager Raymond H. Kromer eased the council’s concerns.

The paint color “is going to be close. (They’re) not going to put blue on a white wall.”

Heinbuch said the flood-control channels have low visibility. “The paint not matching existing colors won’t be readily noticeable,” he said.

Under the agreement, Heinbuch said, the county will remove graffiti from public and private property within the city next to or visible from flood control district land or county property.

Heinbuch said the city has minimal graffiti problems in flood-control channels.

“It’s just in case it ever gets bad,” he said. “It’s just one more benefit to fight the graffiti.”

To report graffiti on county property, call (714) 834-3400.