Graffiti problem?

[Carlos]

Has anyone notice an increase in graffiti around town? We recently reported in the U.B. about graffiti in a part of town. I personally have noticed some graffiti (it looks like it's gang related) near our home. We reported it but it still has not been covered up which is a bit frustrating. Anyone else had similar experience?

[ame nielsen]

I agree with Sandra - there is a much bigger problem in town, the children and young adults don't feel included here. There are no places for them to go it seems, as they all say there is "nothing" to do. So they hang out together, they "create" something to do and then it's your stereotypical group of kids with bad family backgrounds, no where to go, no one to help and that leads to feelings of anger, sadness, frustration, and they don't feel they belong. Then there is that someone that makes them feel "included", not necessarily a good inclusion but to these kids that is all they want. It's hard to find that solution to help them . . if it was only as easy as covering it up . . we need to help the community and the kids then you will see change around town.

[Carlos]

I think those are great points. It is part of a larger issue than perhaps I made it sound. Gang-related graffiti is still an ugly sight. Over the weekend, the owner of the property that was hit spent countless hours cleaning up the wall. In the past, the back of our garage was tagged and luckily we had it painted over. I think cleaning and painting over graffiti is a good move though as you said it doesn't address the issue of disaffected youth in our community.

[ame nielsen]

yes, I can only imagine how frustrating it has to be having to constantly paint over the tags again and again.