The blight* of graffiti vandalism is spreading across Reno and shows no signs of slowing down. Almost all of Reno's graffiti removal workers are no longer on the job due to budget cuts and the vandals are taking advantage by tagging the town with their obnoxious markings. However, a growing group of Reno citizens is mad as hell and not going to take it anymore. Jack Hawkins, a Reno architect, has started a movement to enlist volunteers for graffiti removal and to report the vandalism.
Graffiti vandalism in downtown Reno, Nevada.Photo © Stan White
Hawkins and over 70 other residents attended a recent Reno City Council meeting seeking help for their graffiti abatement efforts. The group presented a number of requests they hope can be implemented to stem the tagging tide. Among them are returning the city's graffiti removal crews and trucks to full-time duty, devoting more police effort to apprehending offenders, using social media to report taggers, increasing penalties and fines, and reducing the amount of time absentee property owners have to remove graffiti. Council members agreed to put the issue on an upcoming agenda. Reno Mayor Bob Cashell voiced support - "We need to get those trucks back on the street."
Since news of Hawkins' efforts emerged a couple of weeks ago, more citizens have signed up to join the fight to quickly remove graffiti. Efforts are now underway to seek additional assistance in the form of materials, funds, and more volunteers. The Reno City Council and Reno Police Chief Steve Pitts have moved the issue up on their respective priorities lists. If you would like to learn more, visit the West of Wells Neighborhood Group website and follow the links to additional information. Those interested in volunteering can leave their name and email address at the website by clicking the Contact Us link.
Reno citizens should insist that we get this under control real soon. Besides the obvious property damage, graffiti vandalism is an additional drag on the city's already tenuous economic situation, intimidates and threatens citizens, and creates a blighted atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. If we don't put out the effort to make Reno a nice place for those of us who live here, we're just telling everyone else that this is a crappy place - your visit won't be fun and moving to Reno would be a mistake.
To report tagging in progress, call the Dispatch Center at (775) 334-2121. You can also report graffiti incidents through Secret Witness by calling (775) 322-4900. You can remain anonymous and still receive a reward if the information you provide leads to the arrest and conviction of graffiti vandals.
*Blight - Something that impairs growth, withers hopes and ambitions, or impedes progress and prosperity. (from The Free Dictionary)
Sources: Reno Gazette-Journal, West of Wells Neighborhood Group.
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Comments
Yeah, diversity and the Hispanic invasion has been a real boon for the community.
When some of the craphitti shows up in the more affluent nieghborhoods, and directly affects a council member, judge, or high ranking police officer, Thats when something well get done. But as long as it’s only hurting common citizens, Reno’s officials dont seem to care!