Graffiti law targets parents of taggers
Seeking to hit graffiti vandals and their parents in the pocketbook, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved a measure that would allow authorities to hold taggers -- and their parents -- liable for civil damages.
It goes into effect in 30 days.
It goes into effect in 30 days.
The new county law is part of a broader strategy against blight that aims to step up enforcement by conducting more specialized prosecutions, as well having the violators pay fines up to $1,000 and having liens issued against their property. When warranted, the measure also would allow authorities to seek felony vandalism charges in court.
The thinking behind the approach, said Supervisor Gloria Molina, who introduced the ordinance, is to shake up parents and guardians who are in denial about their children's actions, unaware of them or simply don't care. It is another tool to hold the adults accountable, she said.
Los Angeles County spent nearly $30 million last year to clean up graffiti, records show.
The thinking behind the approach, said Supervisor Gloria Molina, who introduced the ordinance, is to shake up parents and guardians who are in denial about their children's actions, unaware of them or simply don't care. It is another tool to hold the adults accountable, she said.
Los Angeles County spent nearly $30 million last year to clean up graffiti, records show.
-Andrew Blankstein
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Times readers are commenting -- mostly approvingly -- of the new law. Check out their comments. Says reader Sue: "It's about time the parents are held responsible for what their kids do. ... And why should the city be held accountable??? What's wrong with teaching kids responsibility by going home, doing your homework, cleaning, cooking to help out the folks that put a roof over your head and buy the groceries. All kids need a curfew too."
