SIMI VALLEY : City Council to Hear Anti-Graffiti Plan

Simi Valley would spend another $102,000 during the new fiscal year to beef up its graffiti removal program under a proposal that will be discussed Monday by the City Council.

The money would be used to hire two additional full-time employees and purchase more equipment, including a radio-equipped vehicle and a camera.

The city now has one full-time worker overseeing graffiti removal. The additional employees and equipment would allow the city to work on graffiti removal seven days a week, city staff members said.

Graffiti problems in the city have increased over the past four years, Simi Valley officials said. Last year, 2,196 graffiti incidents occurred, and more than 1,500 incidents were reported between January and May of this year.

City officials say the prompt removal of graffiti will reduce the likelihood of violence between rival gangs and taggers.

In addition to the new workers, the council will consider other anti-graffiti measures, including tougher laws regarding the sale of spray paint and markers to minors, holding parents liable for their children’s vandalism and offering rewards for information on graffiti offenders.

The meeting at Simi Valley City Hall begins at 6:30 p.m.