New Tools Needed in Graffiti Fight
Ted Krempa, in his letter published on March 21, is apparently unaware of some of the real-world problems local communities face in coping with graffiti and other forms of vandalism. Contrary to Mr. Krempa’s assumption, local officials are well aware of Civil Code Section 1714.1--and of its limitations.
Local governments have no right under Civil Code Section 1714.1 to sue for the damage vandals do to private property within their jurisdictions. The direct victims of vandalism are often unwilling to sue, or to transfer their right to sue to their local government, for fear of retaliation from the gangs and tagger crews.
Consequently, new legislation is needed to fill the gap. The plague of graffiti visited on our communities is a new phenomenon, and new tools are needed to fight it.
ELEANOR M. EGAN
Senior assistant city attorney
Anaheim
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