Graffiti

What You Can Do

Start by Educating Yourself About Graffiti

• Graffiti sends the signal that nobody cares, attracting other forms of crime and street delinquency to the neighborhood.
• Graffiti drains tax dollars. Funds that could be used for schools, roads, parks, and other community improvements, are used for graffiti clean up.
• Graffiti decreases a resident's feeling of safety. Neighborhoods with graffiti see a decrease in property values, loss of business growth and tourism, and reduced ridership on transit systems.
• Graffiti vandalism that creates $400 or more in damage is considered a felony.

How to Prevent Graffiti

The most effective way to prevent graffiti is to remove it promptly. While this may be difficult, studies show that removal within 24 to 48 hours results in a nearly zero rate of reoccurrence. Consistent enforcement of local ordinances with strict penalties for graffiti vandalism is also effective. In Riverside residents can report graffiti by dialing 311 from a local phone.

Get Involved

Participate in monthly community opportunities:

• City of Riverside Paint-Outs
  Twice a month the City of Riverside provides an opportunity for community members to eradicate graffiti and beautify their neighborhoods. These events include painting over graffiti, uniforming walls, removing graffiti from signs and poles.
  • 5/09/09 - Green Wall Project at 14th and Victoria in Ward 2
  • 5/11/09 - Sierra Middle School Presentation
  • 5/16/09 - KRCB Great American Clean-up
  • 5/27/09 - Amelia Earhart School Presentation
  
  
• KRCB Community Events
  Contact your local Keep America Beautiful (Keep Riverside Clean & Beautiful) affiliate and volunteer to help keep your community clean.
  
  
• Green Wall Opportunities
  Many areas of recurring graffiti vandalism can be eradicated by simply covering up the canvass. The City of Riverside provides community outreach and education on these proven Green Wall techniques six times per year. Volunteers are encouraged to assist with turning graffiti prone bare walls into graffiti free Green Walls.
  
  
• PEP Meetings
  KRCB and the City of Riverside co-Chair a monthly Public Education Program (PEP) meeting regarding graffiti related projects and issues. Individual community members are invited to join representatives from local government and private agencies to discuss solutions to graffiti problems in the community. Meetings are held at 10:00 a.m. on the second Wednesday of every month at the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce offices, 3985 University Avenue in Riverside.