City of San Gabriel

Graffiti consists of inscriptions, slogans and drawings scratched, scribbled or painted on a wall or other public or private surface. The word "graffiti" is derived from the Latin word "graphium," which means "to write." The term "graffiti" was originally used by archaeologists to describe drawings and writings found on ancient buildings and monuments in Pompeii, Egypt and in the Roman catacombs

Today, graffiti is a sign of urban decay. It has become everyone's eyesore. Graffiti generates fear of neighborhood crime and instability. It is costly, destructive, lowers property values and sends a message that people of the community are not concerned about the appearance of their neighborhoods. It is also against the law!

Graffiti is not art; it is vandalism. It is prohibited when done without permission of the property owner. Furthermore, San Gabriel Municipal Code Section 98.02 (N) requires that property owners keep all walls, buildings, fences, other structures and surfaces free of graffiti.

In 2003, the City recognized the need for a proactive graffiti abatement program. To address the graffiti problem, the city contracted with a professional graffiti contractor to abate graffiti on private property. The contractor surveys the city and removes graffiti when it is observed. The contractor has color matching capabilities and a guaranteed 24-48 hour response time. An effort is made to remove vulgar and profane graffiti from private property within two hours of it being reported.

Graffiti in the public right of way is removed by the City’s Public Works Division. Public property consists of City of San Gabriel street lights, traffic signs, street signs, directional signs, park facilities and equipment, city buildings, and sidewalks. Graffiti is a crime that can lead to a misdemeanor conviction or in some cases a felony conviction.

To report graffiti on private property call the City’s graffiti hotline at 1-800-794-7384. To report graffiti on public property such as utility poles and streets signs contact Public Works at 626-308-2825.

For more information, please contact Clayton Anderson, Neighborhood Improvement Services Manager, at (626) 308-2806 ext. 4636.