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September
17, 2002 |
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L.A. Galaxy, MTA
Team Up to Kick Graffiti
MTA and Operation Clean Sweep, a program of the Los Angeles City Department of Public Works, teamed up today with L.A. Galaxy soccer team star Cobi Jones to help deliver the message “Kick Graffiti.” The purpose of the campaign is to raise community awareness about the blight caused by graffiti on buses and rail cars and in the city’s neighborhoods. "I am thrilled to
be able to contribute my image to this campaign and my time to a cause
that means a great deal to me and the Galaxy", said Jones, "I
encourage creativity but hope that kids find another outlet to express
themselves." The campaign promotes
the city’s anti-graffiti hotline (800) 611-CITY and focuses on a major
advertising campaign which includes 10 transit agencies in L.A. County:
Metro Bus and Metro Rail, Torrance Transit, Culver City Bus, Norwalk
Transit, Montebello Bus Lines, Foothill Transit, Santa Monica Big Blue
Bus, Santa Clarita Transit, Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Long
Beach Transit. Other partners include Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
and Los Angeles Sheriff Department (LASD). In addition to the
advertisements on buses and trains, the anti-graffiti hotline will provide
information on graffiti removal, community cleanup, community grants
($10,000), closures of alleys, and an education program. “Graffiti is much
more than just an eyesore for the MTA. It costs us about $5 million a year
to replace windows and seats and repair other damages on Metro buses and
trains,” said Deputy CEO John Catoe during the presentation. “I want to send a
message loud and clear to the vandals who get their kicks destroying our
equipment,” said Catoe. “You’re
hurting your family, friends and neighbors who depend on public
transportation. You will get caught and you will pay.” Last year the LAPD and
LASD arrested nearly 700 people for vandalism on Metro buses and trains.
So far this year, arrests have totaled nearly 600. Depending on the
severity of each case, penalties for a first offense range from 12 months
summary probation to detention in a youth facility or up to 1,000 hours
community service. Multiple offenders face
a fine of $450, 5 days in jail or community service (double the time given
to a first offender, to be completed with a Caltrans crew). Probation can result in
multiple restrictions including curfew, mandatory school attendance and
possible loss or delay of issuance of one’s drivers license. In 2001 MTA spent more
than $5 million for graffiti and vandalism abatement efforts including
repair of etched bus and train car windows, torn seats and other interior
and exterior damage to Metro buses and trains, as well as to Metro
facilities. MTA-085 |
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