| Zero Graffiti Newsletter Volume 9 | December 2011 |
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Happy Holidays. As the new year approaches, let us highlight some of the initiatives that are keeping the city beautiful and livable, and that are helping to strengthen partnerships to end graffiti vandalism in San Francisco.
Each of the succsessful empowering programs that combat graffiti will continue. New StreetSmARTs murals will be created, more than two dozen by June. Graffiti Watch is still recruiting volunteers and offering graffiti removal supplies at no charge. The successful Spruce Up by Sun Up education campaign will continue early morning walks. The Graffiti Advisory Board is working to continue its work of reviewing San Francisco's graffiti programs and endorsing the most effective, cost-saving ideas.
Report graffiti to 311 when you see it. That is always the bottom line. DPW and the city use all graffiti data graffiti to strategically deploy resources. This fiscal year is on track to produce over 30,000 reports for public and private property. That's more than one every twenty minutes, every day of the year.
Encourage others to Take the Zero Graffiti Pledge. And get involved in any way you can. As always, pass along your thoughts to [email protected].
Once again, Happy Holidays! See you next year! |
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Best Graffiti Watch Volunteer of the Year Named | |
The dedication and persistence of two Graffiti Watch Volunteers were honored last month. Congratulations and thank you to Steve Heide and Bernard Medeiros, who tirelessly clean and green the Merced Extension Triangle neighborhood, and set the bar for future superstar volunteers.
Steve and Bernard were recognized at the Neighborhood Empowerment Network 2011 NEN Awards for their "dedication to keeping their neighborhood clean of graffiti. Steve and Bernard wake up every morning to walk the streets in an attempt to locate and remove graffiti on public and private property. They have been at it for over six years and we congratulate them for their hard work."
Thanks Marc Christensen (METNA) for the nomination. Thanks NEN for recognizing this volunteer program and its passionate members. And thanks especially to this year's honorees Steve and Bernard. Way to go!
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Graffiti Reports by neighborhood, a snapshot | |
The word is getting out, which means more and more San Francisco residents are doing their part to report grafiti when they see it. Reports for graffiti on public and private property over last four years hover between 26,000 and 30,000. This is for all graffiti in the public right-of-way. (Note: it does not include MUNI, Rec and Park property, Schools, etc.)
Thank you for everyone who is using 311 to report graffiti. If you have a smartphone, consider looking into the many apps that make it even easier to report.
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Protect public space with proper graffiti removal techniques |
 There are over 300 Graffiti Watch volunteers throughout the city who have been trained to abate graffiti. DPW offers free supplies to people who go through the training and want to take care of graffiti vandalism in their community.
DPW crews have noticed some pieces of street furniture and signage that are being painted with colors that are incorrect. Most recently, along upper Haight Street, some metal poles were painted. While the intent is good in trying to remove the graffiti quickly, sometimes the wrong color can lead to more expensive work for city graffiti crews later.
Graffiti Watch Volunteers: if you have any questions about the colors of street furniture, please refer to the training materials, or email [email protected] with inquiries. DPW looks forward to continued top-level volunteering in all neighborhoods, and partnerships that keep the city beautiful. Thanks all!
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Graffiti on trees looked at |
The New York Times recently focused on a local issue that is getting some notice: vandalism on trees. This graffiti is not only unsightly, but is harmful to the trees and damaging to the environment. Depending on the species, DPW arborists recommend a wire brush along with soap and water to remove the graffiti. Read more in the article from November 18, 2011 "Graffiti taggers turn to trees, with some possibly harmful effects". |
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Report Graffiti When You See It |
Call 911, when you see graffiti vandalism in action.
If you witness someone tagging on MUNI, notify the MUNI bus driver immediately and call 911.
You may also 'tweet' your images of graffiti to @sfdpw and @sf311. |
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