Neighborhood meeting planned for Monday 7/21 6pm

Apparently, the City is planning to hold a neighborhood meeting to discuss our vandalism and malicious mischief issues. The last word we received from the City is that the meeting will be held on Monday 7/21 at 6pm. The location is yet to be determined, but St. Francise Court or the pathway entrance to the Third Street Tunnel (south end) are two possible locations. Please plan to attend. I will post more info as it becomes available.

Here are some issues that I would like to see discussed:

1. what is the PD's and the City's specific strategy to alleviate the problems?
2. California State Law prohibits sale of spray paint to minors. Has the City recently reminded Benicia retailers of existing statutes?
3. When was the last graffiti implement "sting" operation, as is done for alcohol sales, conducted in Benicia?
4. What progress has been made regarding the development of an informational campaign for local students reminding them about the consequences of graffiti offenses?
5. Has the Benicia Police Department ever pursued the option of requesting delayed driver's license issuance for graffiti offenders?
6. Is there any work in progress to strengthen the Benicia Municipal Code with regard to graffiti offenses and possession of graffiti implements, as other cities and counties have done (e.g. Santa Cruz County)?
7. What consideration is being given to improving neighbor-friendly lighting along the pathway?
8. What progress is being made to repair the fencing around the tunnel entrances?
9. What priority will the City and the Benicia Police Department be placing on vandalism and malicious mischief offenses?
10. What is the disposition of the tree removal and/or trimming and sidewalk repair?

The graffiti removal in the tunnel and the pathway cleanup were great and very appreciated, but in and of themselves do not constitute an adequate strategy for preventing future incidents. I hope that you are as eager as I am to hear the City's strategy. Please mark your calendars.