actually, they hire a knob (or a few knobs) around with the sole purpose of spotting graffiti so the city can pad its’ coffers. yes the original idea of keeping the city devoid of graffiti is a noble one but these hyperactive, keen-eyed knobs are overzealous.

additionally, they often send the notice to the wrong building owner: i just spent hours on the phone and writing letters to prove i am not the owner of my neighbor’s building which was recently tagged.

these snarky city employees rank right up there with parking enforcement officers, i mean meter maids.

The apartment owner Nicolas is saying that he is not really trying to do the job.

Paint out those tags the MOMENT they arrive. Photograph the vandals and call the cops. Fight this infection every way you can.

Respect your City = Respect Yourself.

This is a letter sent to the tenants of the property:

December 9, 2009

ALL TENANTS
3241-3247 23rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

RE: Mural Project

Dear Tenants,

As you are well aware, for many years we have been dealing with a graffiti problem at the property. In the past we have always covered up the graffiti, but in some instances the paint is not dry, before it is ‘tagged’ again.

In an effort to stop this nuisance and contribute to the neighborhood, we have begun working with the San Francisco Arts Commission in hopes of having a mural on the property rather than ugly graffiti. We have taken all the preliminary steps in this process, but would now like your input as well. Being that it is your home we have included a package of three artists who are the current candidates for a mural project. Please review the package and give us any feedback as to your preference of artist, we are also open to suggestions as to the theme of the mural.

We appreciate any feedback and patience as we work on this project. We are the first such property and owner/management group working with the San Francisco Arts Commission, so there is not a step by step guide for us to follow!

Should there be any questions, please feel free to contact our office at the below-mentioned information.
Sincerely,

Nicholas Scarabosio
Jackson Group Property Management

BEsts

The city doesn’t come out and paint the property until they get dozens of complaints and even then they wait for at least 30 days after giving a notice. I know you think it’s art but it looks like shit when you walk by it day after day.

It’s about time the city stepped in and did something.

It’s time to get a mural on that wall and the one at 23rd and Folsom (Drake Court).

murals get tagged less – look at the murals on 19th @ mission…it’s tag central there, and while they’ve both needed touch-ups, it’s only over years

consistent painting over of tags, over time, makes the place a less attractive canvas – commercial wall on my block was ALWAYS tagged up when i moved in 3 years ago. owner was not doing anything about it, not willing to do anything. i got them to give me the paint (matching color), and i painted over the tags immediately. often i painted over tags 4 times in one week. now, after months at it, the wall doesn’t get tagged at all (of course, it’ll be tagged today cause i wrote this). but it’s worth a try…

though i like murals better.

and it’s true. it gets painted over about 5 minutes after it gets painted. I am not sure how much of bill is being footed by the owner vs. the city but i often wonder if a mural project might help.

does anyone have experience with this? could partering with precita eyes or another like minded institution help us? do buildings that have invested time into community mural projects get tagged LESS?

any advice would be welcome!!

Thanks!
-someone who actually lives here