We’ve Learned to Think outside the Box?  No.  

The article “The Writing on the Wall” in the August - September, 2007, issue of Montebello Star News, written by one of our city councilors, was good news, in that he stated that, with new technology, it had become less difficult to identify and convict taggers in Montebello, this without putting residents at risk, as happened to Maria Hicks of Pico Rivera in August, who was killed while trying to stop a tagger.  

But the good news for Montebello is only part of the solution.  For the rest of the solution, we in Montebello have to learn to think outside the box, something we have yet to do—regardless on which side of the political fence we are.  

Example.  There has been no known report by Montebello realtors about the loss in property value because of tagging.  That report could be submitted as evidence as to the real loss caused by a tagger, thereby opening the possibility that his punishment increase.  

Example.  There has been no known attempt to create an effective alternative to the juvenile courts.  Montebello officials have to hope that a juvenile judge not be lenient with a tagger.  On top of that, officials have to work within a framework of state laws which are only somewhat effective.  As a result, we have a continuing graffiti problem.  What alternative?  Imagine the city offering the parents a well-delineated option to help in monitoring and raising the juvenile, this in lieu of adjudication in a juvenile court.  In other words, “We won’t take your son to court if you and we agree to a program to keep your son out of trouble.”  

Example.  There has been no known attempt to involve residents in addressing graffiti.  Could this be done without endangering residents?  Yes, using outdoor surveillance cameras, with residents playing a meaningful role in the operation.  What would be the benefits?  We could have an effective system cost-effectively, as residents would not have to be paid to monitor their neighborhoods.  Also, residents, not “big brother,” would be in charge.  

If you answer the multiple-choice questions below and e-mail to lessonanswers@mymontebello.com with “Lesson answers” in the subject field, you will be credited toward a “certificate of recognition in community affairs” to be awarded in 2007 by a local nonprofit organization. 

1.  Why is it important that residents not be involved in stopping taggers?

(a)  Residents do not have the right to stop crime.

(b)  Taggers can be dangerous.  

2.   What means is Montebello implementing to reduce tagging?

(a)  New technology, that is, cameras and software.

(b)  Curfews and many more neighborhood patrols.  

3. Why is this means not optimally effective?

(a) Because Montebello is not willing to go outside the strictures of state law, in order to fashion a solution which works well for Montebello.

(b) Because city government views residents as spectators instead of partners in reducing the problem.  

October 11, 2007