What needs to be done

Here is a list of action items that need to be accomplished in order to help stem the tide of reoccurring vandalism in our neighborhood:

1. the City should send out a letter to all businesses in Benicia that sell graffiti implements (spray paint, stick markers, etc) reminding them that it is illegal to sell to minors. How difficult would this be to accomplish?
   
2. a "sting" operation should be conducted to measure compliance with existing codes. We do it for alcohol sales; why not sales of graffiti implements?
   
3. the City Council should begin work on strengthening the Benicia Municipal Code section 8.38.100 (graffiti control) as other cities have done. Even some City officials, who shall remain nameless, report to me that existing code is outdated.
   
4. establish a zero-tolerance policy with regard to graffiti and vandalism offenses. This is costing the City, read the citizens, a lot of time, aggravation, and resources.
   
5. develop an informational program for students to educate them about the negative consequences of graffiti offenses.
   
6. neighbor-friendly lighting needs to be installed along the pathway to replace existing lights. The existing lighting is weak and sparse.
   
7. The City Council needs to establish a Graffiti Task Force to continuously address and "own" the issue; otherwise, where is the followup?
   

Is anyone listening?

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I want to commend the City for their very prompt response to the new graffiti that was discovered today at about 0830. By 1pm, the graffiti in the tunnel had been painted over. That is excellent response. Thank you!