To Fight Gangs, Get Rid of Graffiti

Graffiti on walls and businesses is more than just an eyesore.

Some of the markings are messages sent back and forth between gang members.

While some of the spray paint is merely vandalism, other marks are communication between gangs. It may also be part of "ranking in," an initiation process.

To get into a gang, members may have to be beaten or "jumped in" by several gang members for several minutes, steal a car or break into one, or put graffiti in a noticeable place.

Unlike Santa Ana City Council, I don't believe in imposing fines on business owners who have had their property vandalized.

Imposing fines effectively makes the business a victim twice.

It's time for Santa Ana City Council to step up and begin the process of effectivly dealing with graffiti in our city by updating our outdated and uneffective graffiti ordinance.